Known for his performances in ‘Youth In Revolt,’ ‘Going the Distance,’ and ‘Barbarian,’ Justin Long shared his top five favorite films with Rotten Tomatoes. From classics to modern masterpieces, here are Long’s film choices.
1. Annie Hall (1977)
Long placed Woody Allen’s ‘Annie Hall‘ at the top of his list. Praised for its blend of romantic and comedic elements, the film resonates with Long on a personal level. He relates to Allen’s neurotic character and finds the film’s exploration of relationships and life transitions relatable and humorous. Long also admitted that many of Allen’s films would feature in his top 100.
2. Way Out West (1937)
Laurel and Hardy’s ‘Way Out West‘ takes the second spot. The film’s influence on him dates back to his childhood, when it shaped his sense of humor. He said he admires the balance of comedic styles between Laurel and Hardy and credits them for influencing his appreciation of similar dynamics in contemporary comedies.
3. Boogie Nights (1997)
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, ‘Boogie Nights‘ stands third on his list. Long appreciated the film for its expansive storytelling and stylistic elements, and especially the use of music. His admiration for the film extends to the performances of its cast and the influence of Martin Scorsese on Anderson’s direction.
4. Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
The fourth favorite is Gus Van Sant’s ‘Drugstore Cowboy.‘ Long admired the film as a teenager and was drawn to its portrayal of a culture different from his own. He praised the film for its style and narrative pacing, crediting ‘Drugstore Cowboy’ for developing his interest in independent cinema of the 1990s.
5. Back to the Future (1985)
Rounding off his top five is ‘Back to the Future.‘ Long lauded the film for its perfect harmony of elements, its storytelling, and its appeal. He viewed it as a film that combines sentimental value with cinematic brilliance, and a movie he can watch repeatedly without losing interest.
