Heath Ledger Once Opened up About the Movie That Meant the Most to Him

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Heath Ledger was an incredibly versatile actor, moving seamlessly between fun, adventurous roles and deeply dramatic, artistic films. He first gained widespread recognition at just 26 with a nomination for an Academy Award for his moving performance in Brokeback Mountain.

He later became a legend, winning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2009 for his unforgettable and chilling performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight. Sadly, this achievement was marked by tragedy, as the award was given to him after his death.

Originally from Perth, Australia, Heath Ledger started his acting career in independent films down under before moving to the United States in the late 1990s. He quickly gained recognition, starring in the popular 1999 teen movie 10 Things I Hate About You, which made him a well-known face and set the stage for a very successful career. Interestingly, despite becoming so involved in film, Ledger often mentioned that his parents were initially quite restrictive about the movies and shows he was allowed to watch growing up.

One movie, however, really stood out to the family and had a lasting impact on the young actor. Heath Ledger shared in a 2007 interview that his all-time favorite film was the 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz. He said he’d watched it at least ten times as a child and always loved how magical it was.

Ledger shared that a particular film was the only one his parents allowed him to watch as a child, and it sparked his lifelong passion for stories. He was fascinated by how completely movies could take you to another world, saying he simply loved the feeling of wonder they created. This early fascination with fantasy ultimately influenced his own work, especially his last role in Terry Gilliam’s 2009 film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

Although Heath Ledger sadly didn’t live to see it, the world of Oz continues to thrive and expand. Following the 2013 film Oz the Great and Powerful, Oz is experiencing a huge comeback in popularity. This is largely thanks to the recent success of the Wicked movie adaptation, with the second part, Wicked: For Good, becoming a global box office hit in late 2025.

It’s hard to believe it’s been years since we lost Heath Ledger, but his impact on acting is still incredibly strong. The documentary I Am Heath Ledger really offered a special, personal look at the man behind the roles, using footage he shot himself – it was truly moving. And now, watching his daughter, Matilda Ledger, grow up is wonderful. Ledger set such a high bar for truly becoming a character, and learning about the film that sparked his imagination as a kid just adds another layer to his legacy. He was a phenomenal talent, and his work continues to inspire.

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2026-02-02 15:15