Vin Diesel Reveals His Favorite Movie of All Time and Why It Still Stands Out

Vin Diesel has built a career on defying expectations, returning to the box office with blockbuster after blockbuster despite never quite winning over every critic. While many see him as the quintessential action hero, the proof of his success is found in his massive global reach. His journey began in 1990, but he initially struggled to find his footing in Hollywood until he took matters into his own hands.

In 1995, he wrote, directed, and starred in a short film titled Multi-Facial, which showcased his frustrations as a multiracial actor. This creative gamble paid off when it caught the eye of legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who was so impressed that he cast Diesel in the 1998 masterpiece Saving Private Ryan. This pivotal moment shifted his career trajectory, leading to iconic roles in franchises like Fast and Furious, XXX, and The Chronicles of Riddick.

Beyond his tough-guy persona, Diesel once shared a surprising revelation about his favorite film of all time in a 2007 book titled You Gotta See This. He named the 1939 historical epic Gone With the Wind as his top choice, expressing a deep admiration for the romance and scale of the production. He argued that the film is actually the first true action movie, noting how Rhett Butler has to navigate a tumultuous time of war to protect the people he loves.

Diesel spoke with great passion about the technical achievements of the film, especially considering it was made long before the era of digital effects. He noted that viewers can still watch the burning of Atlanta and marvel at the technical brilliance involved in such a massive sequence. To him, the danger felt real, and the stakes were incredibly high, bridging the gap between a classic love story and a high-stakes adventure.

The actor also admitted to being completely enamored with the leading lady, Vivien Leigh, describing her as the perfect personification of guts and beauty. He marveled at how her character, Scarlett O’Hara, had to defend her home against soldiers while wearing a hoop skirt, calling the performance so beautiful and so perfect. For a man known for his own displays of strength on screen, it was this delicate little face and fierce spirit that truly captured his heart.

As of this year, Vin Diesel is busy steering his most famous franchise toward its grand finale. He has been actively scouting locations and sharing updates on Fast Forever, which is expected to serve as the eleventh and final installment of the main Fast and Furious saga. Additionally, he has recently returned to his roots as a screenwriter, having officially signed on to write the upcoming Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots live-action movie for Mattel.

Does knowing that Vin Diesel is a fan of classic Hollywood romances like Gone With the Wind change the way you see his own action-packed epics? Share your thoughts in the comments.