Angelina Jolie Finally Shares Her Favorite Movies of All Time: “Nothing Else Compares”

Despite Angelina Jolie’s status as one of the world’s most recognizable celebrities, her personal cinematic tastes are rooted in a deep respect for classic storytelling and gritty character studies. In a candid reflection on the films that shaped her, Jolie revealed a list that spans from mid-century epics to modern children’s animation.

Growing up as the daughter of actor Jon Voight, Jolie was immersed in the world of movies from a very young age. She recalls being particularly struck by the 1959 Disney classic Sleeping Beauty, specifically the elegant villainy of its main antagonist. You just think, ‘Who is this big powerful force that seems so elegant as a woman?’ Jolie remarked when discussing the fairy Maleficent, whom she would later portray in a live-action blockbuster.

She noted that the character felt like a throwback to the sophisticated style of 1930s and 40s cinema. And even though she’s wicked, she seems to be having a very good time. I just found her kind of mesmerizing, she added. This fascination with powerful, complex women would become a recurring theme in Jolie’s own acting choices throughout the decades.

Jolie’s mother also played a significant role in her film education, instilling in her a love for the intense performances of Al Pacino. The household was filled with screenings of classics like Dog Day Afternoon, and Jolie admitted that Brian De Palma’s Scarface became a frequent source of inspiration. I’m sure Scarface when I was younger, she said with a laugh, noting that she often finds herself quoting the film. And that will creep up again, I’m sure, whenever I’m angry, she admitted.

Beyond crime dramas, it was the sweeping scale of adventure epics that truly inspired her to pursue a life in front of the camera.

She cited Lawrence of Arabia as a film that spoke to her desire for exploration and cultural understanding. I liked the journey you could take, the emotional journey, but then there’s also just the real journey of going to places where you can learn about other cultures and be other people, she explained.

Her list of favorites also includes masculine, gritty dramas like Sidney Lumet’s The Hill and the survival story Papillon starring Steve McQueen. However, life as a mother has introduced her to the charms of more lighthearted fare. She frequently watches Frozen and Despicable Me with her children, proving that even a director of harrowing war dramas can enjoy the whimsical side of the industry.

As of early 2026, Angelina Jolie is experiencing a major professional peak following the global success of the biopic Maria. In the film, she portrays the legendary opera singer Maria Callas during her final days in Paris, a role that has already placed her at the center of the 2026 awards season conversation.

She is also currently in post-production for her latest directorial effort, Without Blood, which stars Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir and is based on the celebrated novel by Alessandro Baricco.

Outside of her film projects, Jolie remains a dedicated humanitarian, recently launching a new global initiative focused on environmental conservation and the protection of indigenous land rights.

She has also been busy expanding her fashion collective, Atelier Jolie, which emphasizes sustainable tailoring and collaborative design with local artisans. Rumors continue to circulate regarding her potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Thena, though her primary focus appears to be on smaller, character-driven independent films.

In her personal life, Jolie has been increasingly focused on her children’s burgeoning careers as they begin to enter the creative arts themselves. Between her commitments to international advocacy and her rigorous filming schedule, she continues to be a singular force in Hollywood who maintains a quiet, focused dignity.

Whether she is behind the camera or on the red carpet, her choices continue to reflect the “extreme” and “emotional” journeys she first fell in love with as a child.What do you think of Angelina’s favourite movies? share your thoughts in the comments.