When a legendary filmmaker like Francis Ford Coppola shares his personal film favorites, the cinephile community takes note. Joining the ranks of Michael Mann and Martin Scorsese, Coppola recently created a Letterboxd account, revealing a curated list of 20 films that have profoundly influenced him. For both aspiring filmmakers and devoted movie enthusiasts, this list is a treasure trove of cinematic excellence.
Coppola's selection spans a wide range of eras and styles, reflecting his deep appreciation for the craft of filmmaking. Among the classics, you'll find F.W. Murnau's “Sunrise” (1927) and Yasujiro Ozu's “Tokyo Story” (1953)—both of which are often lauded for their groundbreaking narrative techniques and emotional depth. These films offer timeless lessons in visual storytelling, making them essential viewing for any serious student of cinema.
Interestingly, Coppola also highlights films from the 1980s, including Martin Scorsese's “After Hours” (1985) and “The King of Comedy” (1982), as well as Steven Spielberg's “Empire of the Sun” (1987). These selections reflect his appreciation for the era's unique blend of innovation and narrative experimentation. Paul Thomas Anderson's “Punch-Drunk Love” (2002), the most recent film on his list, showcases Anderson's distinctive style, which marries dark comedy with deeply humanistic themes—a choice that reveals Coppola's admiration for contemporary filmmakers who push the boundaries of the medium.
Coppola introduced his list with a heartfelt note, saying, “Here is a list of films that I enjoy and recommend to any fan of cinema or aspiring filmmaker. This list is NOT complete as there are so many—the list is exhausting and goes on and on. I am thankful to Letterboxd for providing such a platform for me to share these meaningful films, show appreciation to the pictures that inspired me.”
While Coppola's Letterboxd account may not see frequent updates, his participation likely serves as a promotion for his upcoming film, “Megalopolis”, slated for a September 26 release. This much-anticipated project has already generated buzz, making his list even more intriguing as it could offer a glimpse into the inspirations behind his latest work.
Whether you're revisiting these classics or discovering them for the first time, Coppola's selections offer invaluable insight into the films that have shaped one of cinema's most influential directors.
- French Cancan (Renoir)
- The Bad Sleep Well (Kurosawa)
- The Bitter Tea of General Yen (Capra)
- Shanghai Express (von Sternberg)
- The Awful Truth (McCarey)
- The Ladies Man (Lewis)
- The Burmese Harp (Ichikawa)
- Tokyo Story (Ozu)
- The Last Laugh (Murnau)
- The Blue Angel (von Sternberg)
- Splendor in the Grass (Kazan)
- Punch Drunk Love (Anderson)
- Empire of the Sun (Spielberg)
- Sunrise (Murnau)
- Joyless Street (Pabst)
- A Place in the Sun (Stevens)
- The King of Comedy (Scorsese)
- After Hours (Scorsese)
- Ashes and Diamonds (Wajda)
- Invitation to the Dance (Kelly/Barbera/Hanna)
