J. K. Simmons Shares His Five Favorite Movies of All Time

J. K. Simmons, the Oscar-winning actor known for his powerful performances, recently shared his all-time favorite films.

His list spans classic Hollywood, influential adaptations, and films he appeared in himself, reflecting his wide-ranging taste and admiration for strong storytelling.

At the top of Simmons’ list is Robert Mulligan’s 1962 adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.

The film stars Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, a lawyer defending a Black man falsely accused of a crime, with Mary Badham playing his daughter Scout. Simmons praised the movie, saying, “To Kill a Mockingbird is, you know, one of the great novels of the 20th century, and a beautiful film adaptation of that that I think did a great job. Yeah, just a really well-made film with characters that I think are relatable to a really wide range of people.”

The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning three Academy Awards including Best Actor for Peck, and it remains a beloved classic for its sensitive handling of race, morality, and justice.

Next on the list is Stanley Kramer’s 1967 romantic drama Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, which starred Sidney Poitier and Katharine Hepburn.

The film broke ground with its positive portrayal of an interracial relationship, and Simmons recalls seeing it as a child at a drive-in with his parents. The movie was highly praised at the time for its social relevance and performances, receiving ten Academy Award nominations and winning two, cementing its place in Hollywood history.

Simmons also highlighted Milos Forman’s 1975 adaptation of Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Starring Jack Nicholson, the film explores life inside a mental institution and remains one of the most acclaimed adaptations of a novel. Simmons was already familiar with the story through the stage version and said, “Then I saw the movie, and obviously, Forman and the entire cast… that movie was just so wonderfully done.” The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, and it continues to be celebrated for its bold performances and social commentary.

The last two films on Simmons’ list are projects he took part in. Juno (2007), directed by Jason Reitman, features Simmons as the father of a pregnant teenager played by Elliot Page.

Simmons revealed that he was cast partly because of budget considerations, with producers needing an affordable choice for the role. Despite its modest budget, the film was a critical and commercial hit, praised for its witty script and heartfelt performances, earning four Academy Award nominations and winning Best Original Screenplay.

Finally, Simmons mentioned Whiplash (2014), directed by Damien Chazelle, in which he played a strict music instructor opposite Miles Teller.

Simmons was impressed by Teller’s drumming and the intensity of the role, stating, “[Damien] wrote it with Miles Teller in mind from the beginning and didn’t know that Miles had been playing the drums since he was 15 years old.” The film received widespread acclaim, earning five Academy Awards and strong praise for its direction, editing, and the electric performances of both Simmons and Teller.

Simmons’ choices show his appreciation for films that balance storytelling, performance, and cultural impact. Each movie on his list has received critical acclaim, shaped Hollywood, and continues to resonate with audiences today.

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