Tim Burton Revealed His Two Favorite Films He Could Watch Over and Over Again
Tim Burton revealed two films he can watch over and over again, even if he had seen them the day before. The director shared his picks during a Q&A at the Cannes Film Festival, surprising many fans with his choices.
The first film on his list is the classic action-war movie Where Eagles Dare from 1968. Burton said, “It’s strange, there’s a weird one like Where Eagles Dare; it’s a movie that every time it’s on TV, I watch it.” Many were surprised to hear a Clint Eastwood film ranked so highly on Burton’s favorites.
Where Eagles Dare was directed by Brian G. Hutton and stars Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood, and Mary Ure. The story follows a Special Operations team trying to rescue a captured American general from the fictional Schloß Adler fortress during World War II, though the mission is far more complicated than it seems.
The film was shot in Panavision using the Metrocolor process and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Alistair MacLean wrote both the novel and screenplay, which became commercial successes.
The movie involved top talent from the era. Stuntman Yakima Canutt directed the action sequences, and Alf Joint doubled for Richard Burton during key stunts, including the famous cable car fight.
Ron Goodwin composed the score, and Arthur Ibbetson handled cinematography. The film received mostly positive reviews for its action, music, and performances, and has since become a classic.
For Burton, the appeal of the movie goes beyond its action: “It’s got a mood to it, in the snow, and you’ve got the soundtrack and the quietness.”
The second film on Burton’s list is The Omega Man from 1971, starring Charlton Heston. Burton explained, “There are certain films I would watch anytime, even if I had seen them the day before.” This choice aligns more clearly with his fascination with mood and atmosphere, even if the story is very different from his usual gothic style.
The Omega Man is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi film directed by Boris Sagal. It follows Heston’s character, Robert Neville, the last man alive after a plague caused by biological warfare wipes out humanity.
The movie is based on Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel I Am Legend, which was also adapted into The Last Man on Earth (1964) and later the 2007 Will Smith film I Am Legend.
Burton’s picks show that even a filmmaker known for his quirky, gothic style has a deep appreciation for classic storytelling, thrilling action, and strong atmosphere. Both films may not match Burton’s typical visual style, but their mood, suspense, and iconic performances make them timeless favorites in his eyes.
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