Jeff Bridges Reveals His Top 5 Favorite Films From His Own Career
Jeff Bridges recently shared his personal picks for his favorite films from his long and celebrated career in a chat with Rotten Tomatoes.
Known for his versatile roles over decades, Bridges gave fans a glimpse into the movies that hold a special place in his heart beyond his iconic role as The Dude in The Big Lebowski.
Bridges highlighted the 2005 comedy The Amateurs (originally titled The Moguls), which tells the story of six friends in a small town who decide to make a full-length amateur adult film.
Bridges praised the project for its humor and charm, saying, “It was a wonderful film, got great laughs, and then it got picked up by a distributor who went bankrupt and took about five or six movies down with him. It’s a film that I’m very proud of, makes me laugh, I think people will like it.” Despite limited distribution, the film earned praise for its comedic timing and Bridges’ natural charm on screen.
Another favorite is Terry Gilliam’s 2005 surreal drama Tideland. Based on Mitch Cullin’s novel, the film follows a young girl coping with isolation in rural Texas after her parents’ death. Bridges described it as “very low-tech and not a giant budget movie… very, very surreal. I’d even stretch it and say it’s the weirdest movie that Terry has ever made, for my tastes.”
Critics were divided on the film, with some admiring its audacious visuals and performances, while others found the story dark and unconventional.
Looking further back, Bridges chose the 1971 coming-of-age drama The Last Picture Show, directed by Peter Bogdanovich. Set in a small Texas town, it explores the lives of two high school friends facing change and adulthood.
Bridges reflected, “For me, that’s a movie that is kind of like no other movie, and no other movie is like it. It just kind of sits there by itself.” The film was widely acclaimed, earning multiple Academy Award nominations and praised for its authentic portrayal of adolescence and small-town life.
Bridges also highlighted the 2009 musical drama Crazy Heart, directed by Scott Cooper. Based on Thomas Cobb’s 1987 novel, it tells the story of a struggling country singer who finds romance and a second chance at life.
Bridges appreciated the personal connections he had with the project, saying he was “thankful to be able to play with my two dear friends, Stephen Bruden and T-Bone Burnett.” The movie received critical acclaim, with Bridges winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role, and the film was praised for its music and emotional depth.
Rounding out his list is the 1972 crime drama Bad Company, directed by Robert Benton. While less widely discussed than some of his other favorites, the film remains meaningful to Bridges as part of his early career exploration of complex characters.
- The Amateurs (Michael Traeger, 2005)
- Tideland (Terry Gilliam, 2005)
- The Last Picture Show (Peter Bogdanovich, 1971)
- Crazy Heart (Scott Cooper, 2009)
- Bad Company (Robert Benton, 1972)
Bridges’ list of favorites demonstrates his range as an actor, from comedy to surreal drama to emotional music-driven roles. It also reminds fans that sometimes, lesser-known films can carry a personal significance that surpasses box office success.
It’s always fascinating to see which films actors value most from their own careers. Bridges’ choices highlight the stories and performances that mattered to him personally, beyond the fame of hits like The Big Lebowski. What do you think of Bridges’ list? Are there any of his films you would add to your own favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments.
