‘Heroes” Hayden Panettiere has a film taste as diverse as her acting skills. Spanning genres, eras, and styles, here is a look at her top five favorite movies:
5. Life is Beautiful (1997)
Directed by and starring Roberto Benigni, this Italian comedy-drama film tells a story set against the backdrop of a Nazi concentration camp. It’s a blend of humor and tragedy, drawing inspiration from Rubino Romeo Salmonì’s book ‘In the End, I Beat Hitler’ and Benigni’s father’s real-life experiences. The film resonated globally, grossing over $230 million, and won three Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film. It holds an 8.6 rating on IMDb and an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
4. The Power of One (1992)
Directed and edited by John G. Avildsen, this drama set in South Africa during World War II stars Stephen Dorff, Morgan Freeman, and a debuting Daniel Craig. Based on Bryce Courtenay’s novel, the film explores the racial dynamics of apartheid-era South Africa. The film received a mix of responses, currently holding a 7.1 rating on IMDb and a 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics divided over its portrayal of South Africa’s history.
3. Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, ‘Moulin Rouge!‘ is Baz Luhrmann’s jukebox musical romantic drama. Part of Luhrmann’s ‘Red Curtain Trilogy,’ the film was acclaimed for its direction, performances, and production values, earning $179.2 million at the box office. It garnered eight Academy Award nominations, winning two. Critics praised its bold style and originality, as reflected in its 74% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.6 rating on IMDb.
2. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, this animated action fantasy film is based on Cressida Cowell’s book. It features the voices of Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, and others. The story of a Viking teen who befriends a dragon, the film was a commercial hit, earning nearly $500 million globally. ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ received high praise for its animation and storytelling, holding an 8.1 IMDb rating and a 99% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
1. Legends of the Fall (1994)
An epic Western drama directed by Edward Zwick, ‘Legends of the Fall‘ features Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, and others. Based on Jim Harrison’s novella, it spans 50 years of a family’s life in Montana. The film won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography and has a 7.5 IMDb rating and a 59% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics had mixed opinions, with some highlighting Pitt’s performance as notable.
