Actors Favorite Movies to Watch

Although it might seem that actors would love to watch themselves onscreen, they’re often their own worst critics, making self-viewing more cringe than captivating. Here’s insight from industry experts on the benefits and drawbacks of actors watching their own work, plus a rundown of who watches their own movies and who refuses.
It varies, depending on the actor and where they are in their career. Aspiring actors usually watch themselves performing different takes when submitting self-taped auditions to ensure they choose the best one. They may be asked by coaches to watch their own performances to develop, improve, and expand their skills. And when an actor completes their first film, they’ll usually watch it due to the novelty and excitement of playing a role for the first time.
Some actors who have been in the industry for longer may prefer not to watch their movies. They might enjoy performing, but are not interested in watching the film itself; or they might avoid watching their movies to prevent being self-critical and negatively affecting their future performances.
Watching your work can help you add nuance and depth to your performance. By observing your filmed performance, you can identify the elements of your craft that need refinement.
“Watching my own movies ignites a whirlwind of emotions,” explains actor Monique Candelaria (“Lovecraft Country,” “Snatchers,” “Breaking Bad”). “These emotions range from anxiousness, fear, excitement, and finally, relief. It’s not always easy to watch my own work knowing it’s probably been two to four years since we shot the film, so I would hope that I’ve honed my skills more since then-but I feel that it’s the only way to grow. So, I use each project as a stepping stone to acknowledge my overall development and make a note of where I would like to go in the future.”
Here are some benefits of watching your work:
Learn and grow your craft. If you can watch your own work using a lens of constructive criticism rather than critique, it can help you build on each performance and grow as an actor.
“I think there are pros and cons to watching your own work,” explains actor Jennifer A. Goodman (“The Unseen,” “Conrad”). “I think if we can remember we were selected for that role for a reason, be proud and accept where we are, enjoy the work versus critique it, we can truly allow ourselves to celebrate the work versus harbor in it. I know a lot of actors that won’t watch themselves. I feel watching myself allows me to see where I am and where I can grow. But that’s just me.”

[@dot__life]

Clooney's pick "Network" is a must watch.

[@moviola101]

I like the music. Notice how actors favorite movies are not some top 10 titles. I like that.

[@TangoSix-y4o]

i don't know many of those movies

[@SR-fz6ot]

city lights is the one i've not watched

[@MrNotexy]

Where is Bobby's favorite one?

[@film_insider]

we'll hit you