Lena Headey Shares Her Top 5 All-Time Favorite Films
Lena Headey recently opened up about her favorite films of all time in an interview with Rotten Tomatoes. She shared a mix of classic and contemporary movies that left a lasting impact on her, both as a viewer and as an actress.
First on Headey’s list is Danny Boyle’s 1996 cult classic Trainspotting, adapted from Irvine Welsh’s novel. Headey said she watched the film early in her acting career and was struck by its energy.
“I just think it was the peak of what we did really well here, with low budgets and sort of dynamic, ferocious films. Kind of ballsy and just sort of out there. It didn’t adhere to any rules of cinema. I just love the energy of that film, the music,” she explained.
Trainspotting was praised by critics for its bold direction, dark humor, and energetic soundtrack, and it remains a defining work of 1990s British cinema.
Headey also highlighted God’s Own Country, the 2017 romantic drama directed by Francis Lee about the bond between a Yorkshire sheep farmer and a Romanian migrant worker. She described the film as deeply moving.
“It just moves me so much, the relationship between the boys and sort of beautiful bleak countryside and that nugget of joy that they found. I loved it, I loved it,” Headey said. Critics lauded the film for its raw performances and authentic portrayal of love, with particular praise for its cinematography capturing the Yorkshire landscape.
Another standout for Headey is the 2019 drama Honey Boy, written by Shia LaBeouf based on his own childhood experiences as a child actor. Headey praised a specific tender moment in the film. “Everything about that film was gorgeous. That scene between Noah Jupe and FKA Twigs – you know, that sort of moment when they’re in the room? In someone else’s hands, it would have been a very difficult thing, I think, but that tenderness made me weep from a place that I don’t think I felt before watching a film,” she said.
Critics appreciated the movie’s emotional honesty and LaBeouf’s raw screenplay, calling it a deeply personal and powerful drama.
Going further back, Headey named John Cassavetes’ 1974 classic A Woman Under the Influence as one of her eternal favorites. The film stars Gena Rowlands as a woman struggling with mental health and Peter Falk as her sometimes difficult husband.
“That’s kind of the centre of everything for me. It’s such beautiful, simple filmmaking. I first saw it about ten years ago, maybe. It just really struck something in me that I thought, ‘My god, that just looks like such a great acting piece’. It allows the actors to do what they do. They were obviously given room by Cassavetes just to be brilliant,” she said. Critics have long praised the film for its groundbreaking naturalistic performances and emotional depth, cementing it as a milestone in independent cinema.
Finally, Headey selected Clio Barnard’s 2013 drama The Selfish Giant, a modern reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s story about two boys navigating life in a tough Northern England town. The film received strong critical acclaim for its emotional storytelling and powerful performances, highlighting Barnard’s skill at blending social realism with cinematic poetry.
- Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996)
- God’s Own Country (Francis Lee, 2017)
- Honey Boy (Alma Har’el, 2019)
- A Woman Under the Influence (John Cassavetes, 1974)
- The Selfish Giant (Clio Barnard, 2013)
Headey’s choices show her appreciation for films that combine strong performances with unique storytelling and emotional honesty. Each film on her list, from cult classics to contemporary dramas, has been celebrated by critics for its artistry and impact on audiences.
Headey’s picks reveal a real love for films that challenge viewers and showcase incredible acting. It’s fascinating to see which movies shaped her as both a person and an actress. What do you think about her choices? Share your thoughts in the comments.
