M. Night Shyamalan Reveals His All-Time Favorite Film

M. Night Shyamalan once shared his thoughts on his favorite films in an interview with the American Film Institute (AFI), explaining the difference between a movie that is personally enjoyable and one he considers a true cinematic masterpiece.

The Indian-American director took a moment to clarify the distinction between “favorite” and “best” before revealing his picks.

“Well, the wording of ‘what’s your favourite movie’ is tricky, you know, because, if you said to me, ‘what’s the best movie ever made?’, I’d say, ‘The Godfather’. You know, definitely, hands down, for me, it’s a perfect movie,” Shyamalan said, referring to Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 classic.

He praised the film for its flawless tone and direction. “Just a perfect movie, tonally perfect. From beginning to end, which almost cannot be said about any movie, you know, because there are always some bumps, some crookedness on the nose, somewhere that makes a face interesting and wonderful.”

Shyamalan highlighted Coppola’s mastery of tone, adding, “You know, for me, The Godfather is just so in control of its tone and what it is. I judge the director’s accomplishment by the control of tone. And the control of the tone in that movie was just on another level. So that would be the best movie.”

The Godfather, widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, was celebrated upon its release for its storytelling, direction, and performances.

Critics praised Coppola’s ability to balance a sprawling narrative with deep character development. Marlon Brando’s iconic performance as Vito Corleone won him the Academy Award for Best Actor, while the film also received Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture. Its influence on cinema has remained strong, often cited as a benchmark for both storytelling and filmmaking excellence.

Shyamalan then addressed his “favorite movie,” a more personal choice driven by enjoyment rather than critical achievement. “My favourite movie, when you say the word ‘favourite’, there’s a little bit of guilty pleasure in that and a little bit of who you are and what makes you smile, that kind of thing. That would be Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

The 1981 Steven Spielberg adventure, which introduced the world to Indiana Jones and Harrison Ford’s iconic performance, continues to be a beloved film for audiences worldwide. Shyamalan explained that the film represents pure fun and excitement, making it his personal go-to movie for enjoyment.

Raiders of the Lost Ark was both a critical and commercial success. Upon release, critics praised its thrilling action, engaging story, and Ford’s charismatic performance.

It earned multiple Academy Awards, including Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound, and solidified Harrison Ford as a major Hollywood star. Fans continue to celebrate its inventive stunts, suspenseful set pieces, and Spielberg’s masterful direction.

Shyamalan’s choices highlight his love for both technically perfect cinema and films that simply bring joy. The Godfather represents the pinnacle of craft and control, while Raiders of the Lost Ark captures the thrill and fun of storytelling.

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