Guillermo del Toro Reveals the Six Films He Can’t Live Without

Few directors are as deeply immersed in their craft as Guillermo del Toro. His home, famously called Bleak House, is a living museum packed with art, movie memorabilia, and tributes to the monsters and stories that have shaped his career. From Frankenstein’s monster heads to a life-sized Ray Harryhausen figure, every corner reflects his lifelong passion for the fantastic and the macabre. But behind the gothic décor is a filmmaker whose devotion to cinema runs as deep as his love for the creatures that inhabit his films.

Del Toro’s work consistently explores the intersection of fantasy and reality. Nowhere is this more evident than in Pan’s Labyrinth, a haunting tale of a young girl seeking refuge from the horrors of war in a magical world filled with strange beings. The director ’s own home mirrors this sense of wonder—a labyrinthine escape from the ordinary, brimming with inspiration and imagination.

Del Toro’s Essential Six

In a candid interview, del Toro described his fascination with monsters as “my religion.” It ’s no wonder that Pan’s Labyrinth stands out as one of his most beloved creations. Alongside it, he named five other films that he considers essential to his body of work, each offering a unique entry point into his cinematic universe.

The Devil’s Backbone, his 2001 gothic horror set during the Spanish Civil War, is another favorite. Like Pan’s Labyrinth, it follows a child navigating a world torn apart by conflict, blending emotional depth with unsettling suspense. Del Toro’s ability to balance these elements is on full display, making the film both moving and chilling.

Crimson Peak, his lush Victorian-era romance, also makes the list. While it leans more into romance than horror, the film’s dramatic costumes and rich color palette create a visually stunning experience. Del Toro’s flair for the gothic is unmistakable, even as he explores new emotional territory.

Monsters, Romance, and Sci-Fi

Del Toro’s fascination with the gothic extends into science fiction with his latest project, Frankenstein, starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi. He’s long dreamed of adapting Mary Shelley’s classic, and he shared,

“the experience of making this film was as good or better than I ever imagined.”

This personal connection to the material shines through in every frame.

The Shape of Water, which earned him Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director, is another standout. The film tells the story of a lonely janitor, played by Sally Hawkins, who forms a bond with an enigmatic amphibious creature. While the premise might seem unusual, del Toro infuses the story with genuine emotion, crafting a poignant meditation on the need for connection in a lonely world.

Unexpected Favorites

Rounding out his list is Pacific Rim, a film that might surprise some fans. While it’s packed with giant monsters and explosive action, del Toro brings a level of artistry and depth rarely seen in the genre. He elevates the material beyond typical blockbuster fare, proving that even the most unlikely projects can become personal triumphs in the right hands.