Andrew Garfield is one of today’s best actors and most likable Hollywood stars. His newest role in We Live In Time already ranks as one of Garfield’s best films and the recent promotional tour has endeared him to even more fans. From his charming Chicken Shop Date with Amelia Dimoldenburg to his emotional appearance on Sesame Street, fans have become more excited to see what’s next from the star.
His performances over the years have seen him sing in Tick, Tick…Boom!, sling webs as Spider-Man, and give Oscar-worthy performances in films like The Social Network and Hacksaw Ridge. The film star is also a film buff and recently appeared in the Criterion Closet Picks series on YouTube. Here is a list of all the films he picked in order of their Rotten Tomatoes score.
10 The Game
77% on Rotten Tomatoes
- Release Date
- September 12, 1997
- Runtime
- 2hr 9min
The Game is a masterclass thriller from the always impressive director, David Fincher. The feature film followed up the success of Se7en and was well-reviewed by critics. It follows the story of an investment banker, Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas), who agrees to take part in a mysterious game that begins to unravel his life.
A Larger Conspiracy
As the game begins to integrate itself into more of Van Orton’s life, his life spirals out of control. The film is a perfect blend of Fincher’s talent for storytelling and dark filmmaking and is even being adapted into a TV series. The tense thriller is a standout to anyone who has watched and was an easy pick for the talented cinephile, Garfield.
9 Happiness
85% on Rotten Tomatoes
Happiness features an impressive ensemble cast of characters and the idea of connection for damaged souls. Helmed by late Philip Seymour Hoffman, it captures a group of outcasts as they look for love in their middle-age suburban lives. The film was controversial for some of the troubling elements it depicted, but the unflinching and delicate eye utilized by director Todd Solondz is what makes it a must-watch.
Finding Joy
With a cast of despicable characters, Garfield confirms it to be a “heavy, heavy film,” but is the type of film that shows what film can do. This feature, while challenging, captures film in its purest and greatest form. It can be harsh and beautiful while at the same time making you think and question your own belief systems. And this film does just that.
8 Original Cast Album: “Company”
89% on Rotten Tomatoes
This incredible documentary follows the making of the cast album of the acclaimed Stephen Sondheim musical, Company. It captures the exacting nature of the legendary composer and its remarkable cast all seen through the watchful eye of director D.A. Pennebaker.
Filled With Talent
From the actors to the composer to the director, the energy fills the air in this remarkable behind-the-scenes film. For film buffs and theater buffs alike, this is one to watch immediately. So for an actor who has shined on stage and on screen, it makes perfect sense why Garfield would include this in his list.
7 Naked
89% on Rotten Tomatoes
Garfield continues his love for British cinema with another controversial film. From director, Mike Leigh, it captures a raw examination of England’s underbelly through the eyes of its main character Johnny (David Thewlis). It is one of Leigh’s best films and showcases his immense talent.
Drifting Through
Thewlis’ character, Johnny, a troubled drifter is illuminated through a magnificent performance and the dark humor present in Leigh’s script. It is perhaps the best movie ever made about self-destruction and is impossible to look away from. The film represents a masterclass of storytelling and makes it clear why it took home the awards for acting and directing at Cannes.
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6 Brazil
98% on Rotten Tomatoes
Brazil (1985)
- Release Date
- December 18, 1985
- Runtime
- 142 Minutes
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
Brazil was Garfield’s first selection in his collection of ten films from the Criterion Collection. Jonathan Pryce stars in the Terry Gilliam dystopian classic. The film offers a poignant look at society as it satirizes technology, hyper-surveillance, and capitalism. The 1985 film is just as relevant as ever and serves as one of the best sci-fi films of all time.
Prescient Sci-Fi
Garfield worked with director Gilliam on the 2009 film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, which served as the late Heath Ledger’s final film. Brazil is easily one of Gilliam’s best films and nabbed him an Oscar nomination for best writing after its release.
5 Hoop Dreams
98% on Rotten Tomatoes
Hoop Dreams
The 1994 sports documentary focuses on the lives of two Chicago inner-city students and their dreams of becoming professional basketball players. The extensive documentary follows their journeys for five years and glimpses into the work and faith each player must have to pursue this exceptional goal.
Sports Journey
The film, directed by Steve James took home the Audience Award for Best Documentary at Sundance and is considered one of the best documentaries of all time. It captures the often painful journey of following near-impossible dreams and serves as a great watch for any sports and film enthusiasts.
4 The Red Shoes
99% on Rotten Tomatoes
- Release Date
- October 22, 1948
- Director
- Michael Powell , Emeric Pressburger
- Cast
- Anton Walbrook , Marius Goring , Moira Shearer , Robert Helpmann
- Runtime
- 2hr 15min
The Red Shoes stars Moira Shearer as Victoria Page, a ballerina torn between her artistic and romantic pursuits. The stunning visual film from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger masterfully captures the artist’s journey through a technicolor lens. Backed by outstanding performances, spectacular sets, and dizzying dance sequences, the film is impossible to look away from.
Pure Cinema
The 1948 film is the follow-up to the filmmaking duo’s Black Narcissus and features mainly professional dancers, including Shearer. The film went on to be nominated for five Oscars, winning two, and remains one of the most beautiful films seen on screen.
3 Salesman
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
Garfield’s third documentary choice and one of three films on this list to secure a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Salesman presents a poignant look at American consumerism and capitalism as it follows door-to-door Bible salesman traveling from Florida to Boston.
Anti-Capitalist
While it doesn’t hit you over the head with its anti-capitalist ideals, it doesn’t need to. Filmmakers Albert Maysles, David Maysles, and Charlotte Zwerin utilize an observational lens to view the struggles of each man on his futile journey. The Maysles brothers self-funded the film and came at it through their own experience as salesmen. The Brothers went on to direct additional acclaimed documentaries, Grey Gardens, and later linked up once again with Zwerin on Gimme Shelter.
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2 Kes
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
Based on the 1968 novel A Kestrel For A Knave, the feature film follows Billy (David Bradley) a teenager struggling in school who finds fulfillment in training a kestrel in the art of falconry. The Ken Loach film is regarded for the acting of newcomer David Bradley and the indictment of the British educational system.
An Honest Connection
The exploration of working-class British society in such a soft manner is why it rates as one of the top ten British films by the British Film Institute. Garfield certainly recognizes great British filmmaking and Kes should be included on nearly every list when discussing great works of film.
1 Tampopo
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
Tampopo (translates to dandelion) is a Japanese “Ramen Western” that becomes a delectable experience in finding the perfect noodle recipe. Director Juzo Itami provides a mouthwatering experience for audiences in this eccentric comedy of delicious delights.
A New Genre
Tampopo is a play on the Spaghetti Western genre but instead makes food the entire focus of the film. The film ranks as Garfield’s father’s “favorite film of all time,” his father who Garfield credits for instilling in him a love for cinema. The film won two Japanese Academy Awards and captures the art of eating in a way that will have you rushing to recreate the experience of finding the best noodles on your own.