Spike Lee Unveils His Top Three All-Time Favorite Movies

Spike Lee’s Favorite Movies: Some people do not just follow their passion professionally, but they live for it. Talking about one such legend from the film industry, filmmaker Spike Lee, has not just established himself in the industry but has even inspired millions to follow his lead. In a 2004 interview with BBC, Lee discussed his passion for cinema as an essential part of his being, more than a mere profession. He said, “I didn’t choose film. Film chose me. I’m 47 years old, and as I look back on my career, too many things happened together, and that can’t be a coincidence. Too many things happened to me that led me to be a filmmaker. I was just meant to be a filmmaker.”

Throughout his filmmaking career, spanning over four decades, Lee has proven himself to be a master of contemporary filmmaking. Be it the comedy-drama Do the Right Thing, the essential historical epic Malcolm X, or the gripping crime drama BlacKkKlansman, there is hardly any genre left untouched by Lee.  Lee was introduced to the art of filmmaking during his time at Morehouse College in Atlanta. His early endeavors laid the foundation for film and television education at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Today, Lee is an influential figure in his field. Now, he not only makes films but also imparts his wisdom to aspiring filmmakers as a teacher at the university with a vision to let excellence and creativity thrive in future generations. A person who has devoted himself so much to his profession certainly has the upper hand when it comes to having an opinion from him. During the same interview, the filmmaker shared his insight on his three all-time favorite films. When a legend like Lee himself claims to like these films, it’s undoubted that the films would have been great. Let’s dive into what Lee has to say about his top three favorite films. 

Spike Lee’s three favorite movies of all time

During an interview with BBC, Spike Lee was asked to pick out just three of his all-time favorite movies. Well, for a filmmaker whose entire life revolves around movies, it’s hard to pick just three. However, Lee managed to offer his top three selections. 

Lee shared, “I’ve got more than three, but I’ll tell you… On The Waterfront, directed by Elia Kazan and written by Budd Schulberg. That one because of the acting, the story, the dialogue, the score by Leonard Bernstein. Pixote, directed by Hector Babenco. You know, it just shows you this whole other world of kids trying to survive in the ghettos of Brazil.”

The 1954 film, On The Waterfront, stars Marlon Brandon in the lead role. The second film from Lee’s top three is “A Face In The Crowd, again directed by Elia Kazan and written by Budd Schulberg. Great movie. Have you seen it? I won’t tell you why; you’ve got to see it.” Since two of his favorites are from the same director, it is obvious that Kazan is someone Lee really admires. 

Moving on to his third favorite, last but not the least, “Ace In The Hole, directed by Billy Wilder and starring Kirk Douglas.” Lee also shared that, “I’m a fan of Kirk Douglas.” 

The 1951 noir thriller, Ace In The Hole, follows the story of a corrupt journalist who faces karma and regret after using nefarious means to boost his career prospects.