J. K. Simmons Shares His Five Favorite Movies of All Time

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Oscar winner J.K. Simmons, famous for his strong acting, recently revealed his favorite movies of all time.

I’ve been looking at his favorite films, and it’s amazing how diverse they are! It includes everything from old Hollywood classics to really impactful remakes, and even some movies he was actually in. It really shows how much he appreciates a good story, no matter where it comes from.

Simmons considers Robert Mulligan’s 1962 film version of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird to be his favorite.

Gregory Peck stars as lawyer Atticus Finch in the film, which tells the story of him defending a Black man wrongly accused of a crime. Mary Badham plays his daughter, Scout. Film critic Simmons highly recommended the movie, calling it a beautiful adaptation of a 20th-century literary classic. He praised its strong characters and broad appeal, noting it’s ‘just a really well-made film’ that many people can connect with.

The movie was a hit with both critics and audiences, winning three Oscars – including a Best Actor award for Gregory Peck. It’s still cherished today for its thoughtful exploration of themes like race, what’s right and wrong, and fairness.

Next up is the 1967 romantic drama Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, directed by Stanley Kramer and featuring Sidney Poitier and Katharine Hepburn.

The film was groundbreaking for its depiction of a loving relationship between people of different races. Actor Keith Simmons remembers watching it as a child with his parents at a drive-in theater. Critics loved the movie when it came out, praising its important message and the actors’ performances. It received ten Academy Award nominations and won two, establishing it as a classic in Hollywood.

I always think about Milos Forman’s take on One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest from 1975 when people talk about great film adaptations of novels. It’s just such a powerful movie based on Ken Kesey’s book.

Featuring Jack Nicholson, this highly praised film offers a look into the lives of people in a mental institution and is considered a standout adaptation of its source novel. Having seen a stage production previously, Simmons was deeply impressed by the movie, stating it was “wonderfully done” thanks to director Milos Forman and the entire cast. The film received five Academy Awards, including honors for Best Picture, Director, and Actor, and is still recognized today for its powerful acting and insightful social themes.

The final two films on Simmons’ list are ones he actually appeared in. In the 2007 film Juno, directed by Jason Reitman, Simmons plays the father of a teenage girl who is pregnant, a role opposite Elliot Page.

Simmons admitted he got the part, in part, because he was a cost-effective choice for the filmmakers. Despite being made on a relatively small budget, the movie was a success with both critics and audiences. It received praise for its clever writing and genuine performances, ultimately earning four Academy Award nominations and winning the award for Best Original Screenplay.

Simmons also talked about the 2014 film Whiplash, directed by Damien Chazelle, where he played a demanding music teacher alongside Miles Teller.

J.K. Simmons was amazed by Miles Teller’s drumming skills and how committed he was to the role. Apparently, the film’s director, Damien Chazelle, had originally written the part with Teller in mind, unaware that Teller had been playing drums since he was a teenager. The movie was a critical and commercial success, winning five Oscars and receiving high praise for its direction, editing, and the powerful performances from both Simmons and Teller.

As a critic, I’ve always admired filmmakers who can seamlessly blend a compelling story with strong performances and lasting cultural relevance, and Simmons’ selections really reflect that. Every film he’s highlighted isn’t just critically praised—they’ve genuinely influenced how movies are made and continue to connect with viewers even now. It’s a fantastic list, showcasing films that truly matter.

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2025-10-25 15:45