Jennifer Aniston Finally Reveals Her Favorite Movie of All Time
Jennifer Aniston has built a career as one of the most beloved figures in the world of romantic comedies, but when it comes to her own cinematic taste, she finds her greatest joy in a classic tearjerker. In the book You Gotta See This, which dives into the personal film libraries of Hollywood’s elite, Aniston revealed that her heart belongs to the 1983 comedy-drama Terms of Endearment.
The actress admitted to having watched the film hundreds of times, noting that it has a unique, almost magnetic pull on her emotions. She explained that she can catch the movie at any random point on television and find herself immediately overcome with emotion. For her, the experience of watching the film has become entirely Pavlovian, as it touches something deep and resonant within her psyche.
Directed and written by James L. Brooks, the film is an adaptation of Larry McMurtry’s novel and features a powerhouse cast including Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson. The story follows the complex, evolving bond between a mother and daughter over three decades, a narrative that Aniston finds perpetually moving.
She pointed to specific moments that never fail to trigger the waterworks, such as the famous scene where Shirley MacLaine’s character frantically demands medicine for her daughter in the hospital. Aniston noted that seeing that desperation inevitably leaves her with tears streaming down her face. If she happens to tune in during the heart-wrenching goodbye between Winger and her children, she describes herself as becoming little more than a puddle on the floor.
Despite the heavy emotional beats, Aniston also cherishes the film’s lighter, more nuanced moments of romantic tension. She expressed a particular fondness for the scene where Shirley MacLaine goes on her first date with Jack Nicholson, admiring the mix of desire and fear that is so clearly etched on Aurora’s face. For Aniston, the film represents the perfect cinematic balance of humor, superb acting, and a heart-wrenching narrative, calling it a truly sublime piece of writing.
As of this year, Aniston herself is keeping quite busy with several high-profile projects that reflect that same blend of humor and depth. She wrapped a successful run of The Morning Show Season 4 on Apple TV+, where her character, Alex Levy, navigated the fallout of a massive media merger alongside new cast members Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons.
The actress is also stepping into a gritty new role as she prepares to star in and executive produce a television adaptation of Jennette McCurdy’s best-selling memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. In a departure from her more “America’s Sweetheart” roles, Aniston will portray McCurdy’s complicated and abusive mother, working alongside creator Sharon Horgan.
On the big screen, rumors continue to swirl about a potential 9 to 5 remake that Aniston is developing through her production company, Echo Films. She has reportedly expressed interest in assembling a “dream team” of young stars like Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney to modernize the workplace classic.
Are you more of a fan of Jennifer Aniston’s lighthearted comedies or do you prefer her more recent, intense dramatic work? Share your thoughts in the comments!