Heather Graham Reveals Her Top Five Favorite Movies of all Time
Heather Graham once opened up about her favorite movies, giving fans a peek into the films that have inspired and entertained her over the years.
First on her list is the 1982 satirical comedy Tootsie, directed by Sydney Pollack. The film stars Dustin Hoffman as a talented but difficult actor who disguises himself as a woman to land a role. Graham explained why the film resonates with her.
“It’s just so funny and fun, and I love it. It’s cool. I like that it’s sort of about women, you know? It’s sort of about how he finds the woman inside himself, so there’s sort of like this feminine aspect to it, and I just love Dustin Hoffman.” Tootsie was widely praised when it came out, with critics highlighting Hoffman’s performance as both humorous and deeply human.
The film received ten Academy Award nominations and won for Best Supporting Actress for Jessica Lange. Its mix of comedy and commentary on gender roles has kept it relevant even decades later.
Next, Graham highlighted Harold and Maude (1971), directed by Hal Ashby, as “another equal favourite.” The film follows a young man who rejects the conventional life his mother wants for him and forms a unique friendship and romance with a 79-year-old woman.
Graham added, “I also kind of like a movie to kind of inspire me and make me feel hopeful in a way, and I feel like that movie does that.” Critics have called the film both darkly funny and deeply touching. Its offbeat story and exploration of life, love, and individuality helped it become a cult classic, and it continues to influence filmmakers and audiences today.
Graham also included The Shawshank Redemption (1994), directed by Frank Darabont, a film many consider one of the greatest of all time. Starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, it tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a man sentenced to life in prison for crimes he did not commit, and his enduring friendship with fellow inmate Red.
“That movie was just so amazing. It’s a wild ride because it’s very emotional. But that story between Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, it’s just this friendship plot that runs through the movie. I just thought that was really powerful,” Graham said.
Though it was only moderately successful at the box office initially, critics and audiences have since hailed it as a masterpiece. It holds a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is praised for its storytelling, emotional depth, and the performances of Robbins and Freeman.
On a lighter note, Graham also named Julie & Julia (2009), directed by Nora Ephron, as one of her favorites, even though she admitted it’s “not really like a classic movie.” The film follows the parallel stories of chef Julia Child’s early career and a modern woman, Julie Powell, attempting to cook all 524 recipes from one of Child’s cookbooks in a year.
Critics enjoyed the film for its charm and the performances of Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. While some considered it a lighter fare, it received praise for its warmth, humor, and inspiring message about pursuing passions.
Finally, Graham included Wes Anderson’s 1998 comedy Rushmore. The film follows the eccentric student Max Fischer and his unusual friendship with a middle-aged businessman.
Rushmore was met with critical acclaim for its quirky humor, inventive storytelling, and memorable performances, including Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray. Critics applauded Anderson’s unique visual style and the film’s offbeat charm, and it remains a favorite among fans of indie and comedy cinema.
- Tootsie (Sydney Pollock, 1982)
- Harold and Maude (Hal Ashby, 1971)
- The Shawshank Redemption (Frank Darabont, 1994)
- Julie & Julia (Nora Efron, 2009)
- Rushmore (Wes Anderson, 1998)
Heather Graham’s list shows a mix of humor, emotional depth, and inspiring stories, reflecting the movies that have made an impact on her both personally and professionally.
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