Brad Pitt Names His All-Time Favorite Films

Brad Pitt once opened up about the films that shaped his love for cinema in an interview with NPR.

The actor revealed that his favorites are a mix of musical comedies and intense psychological dramas, showing his appreciation for both entertaining and thought-provoking storytelling.

“I loved Saturday Night Fever when I was a kid. I couldn’t believe people talked that way,” Pitt said. “It was just a whole new culture I didn’t understand. I snuck into it. It was an R-rated film. So it holds a special place.” The 1977 musical drama, starring John Travolta, captured the disco craze and youth culture of the time.

Critics praised Travolta’s performance and the film’s soundtrack, which went on to become one of the best-selling albums in history. Its depiction of teen rebellion and nightlife remains iconic, and it helped launch Travolta into stardom.

Another favorite of Pitt’s is the 1975 Sidney Lumet classic Dog Day Afternoon. “The films on my playlist today would be Dog Day Afternoon,” he shared. The crime drama stars Al Pacino as Sonny Wortzik, a man who stages a bank robbery that turns into a hostage crisis.

The film is praised for its intense realism, strong performances, and commentary on social issues of the 1970s. It received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for Pacino and Best Original Screenplay, and remains a landmark in American cinema.

Pitt also highlighted the 1975 psychological drama One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, adapted by Miloš Forman from Ken Kesey’s novel. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was a huge one with me,” he said.

The film, starring Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher, won all five major Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Critics have consistently praised the movie for its powerful performances and its unflinching look at life inside a mental institution. It remains one of the most acclaimed films in Hollywood history.

Even though Brad Pitt is known for blockbuster roles and mainstream hits, his choice of favorite films reveals a deep appreciation for cinema that is complex, emotional, and intellectually engaging.

His picks span musical energy, intense crime drama, and thought-provoking psychological stories, showing that the actor values more than just entertainment in his film experience.

What do you think of Brad Pitt’s movie picks? Do you share any of the same favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments.