Anya Taylor-Joy is indubitably one of the most dynamic actors of our times. From haunting horror roles in films like The Witch to charming period dramas like Emma, Taylor-Joy is a delight on-screen, and her star is only rising.
It is only natural to be curious about what films and shows, The Menu actor enjoys unwinding to. Taylor-Joy may have a knack for intense roles, but she does indulge in stories like Gilmore Girls, a show with vibes that can only be described as autumn in a teacup.
In a candid interview with Rotten Tomatoes, the star shared her top five favourite films and series that brought her comfort during quarantine years. While these might not necessarily be her absolute favourites, they are the ones that resonated with her the most when the world was going through forced isolation.
Taylor-Joy’s taste is as eclectic as her carefully curated public persona seems to be. The journey into her quarantine watchlist began with a classic: Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (1980). Taylor-Joy’s selection of this psychological horror masterpiece as her first movie during lockdown reflects her belief in maintaining a sense of humour, even in the face of unsettling events. Here is what she had to say about her first choice, “The first movie watched during shelter-in-place. Above all else, one must never lose their sense of humour.”
Moving on to a more whimsical note, Taylor-Joy expressed her love for Tim Burton’s storytelling with Big Fish (2003). Incidentally, Taylor-Joy would be perfect for a Burton outing. Big Fish’s metaphor-rich narrative drew her in, “A film I hadn’t seen in forever! I’m a huge fan of Tim Burton and this story had always intrigued me as a kid… I’ve always loved a metaphor, and this one has them in spades.”
Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) holds a special place in Taylor-Joy’s heart. Reflecting on her affinity for gothic fairy tales, she said, “Gothic fairy tales are potentially my favourite genre of film, and Guillermo del Toro is a master. A classic.”
Taking a turn into television territory, Taylor-Joy mentioned Gilmore Girls as a calming watch reminiscent of simpler times. Despite being her first time watching, she found comfort in the show, “My first time watching the series, though I remember my elder sister being obsessed with it. Honestly, it feels very calming and self-loving to listen to a mother and daughter-duo discuss coffee and the intricacies of Billy Idol’s pout on his album cover. Simpler times.”
Rounding out her top five picks, Taylor-Joy’s appreciation for classic cinema became evident with Funny Face (1957). She cited a range of timeless movies from the ’40s and ’50s that epitomise sheer escapism. She also mentioned other classics by saying, “Movies from the ’40s/’50s. Funny Face. Top Hat. High Society. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Bringing Up Baby. Singin’ in the Rain. Sheer escapism.”
Anya Taylor-Joy’s quarantine watchlist is rather relatable, and some of them are available on the Netflix library for you to enjoy!
Anya Taylor-Joy five favourite movies:
- The Shining
- Big Fish
- Pan’s Labyrinth
- Gilmore Girls
- Funny Face
