Liev Schreiber Reveals the Five Films That Shaped His Career

Liev Schreiber has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, moving seamlessly from quirky comedies to intense dramas and even Broadway. With a career that spans everything from Wes Anderson’s offbeat worlds to the hard-hitting TV series Ray Donovan, it’s no surprise that his personal list of favorite films is just as varied. Schreiber’s choices reflect not only his wide-ranging roles but also his deep appreciation for both humor and thought-provoking storytelling.

Comedy, Satire, and the Power of Performance

Schreiber’s love for smart comedy and satire became clear early in his career, especially with his standout roles in cult favorites like Party Girl and The Daytrippers. He credits much of his comedic sensibility to Peter Sellers’ unforgettable work in Being There. In his own words,

I think Peter Sellers’ performance in that just really knocked me out, what you can do with character. I think Hal Ashby just embraced that naturalistic and really deep performance and took it to the next level, so it became this almost remarkable piece of surrealist social commentary.

This blend of realism and sharp social observation left a lasting impression on Schreiber, shaping his approach to both comedy and drama.

Minimalism and Emotional Impact

Another film that stands out for Schreiber is the French drama The Promise by the Dardenne brothers. While not as widely known as some of their other works, Schreiber describes it as

a lesson in minimalism

and admires how it demonstrates

just how simply you could tell a powerful and substantive story

. This appreciation for understated storytelling is a thread that runs through many of his own performances, where subtlety often speaks louder than spectacle.

Science Fiction and Cinematic Innovation

Schreiber’s taste isn’t limited to art-house films. He recalls how seeing Star Wars for the first time was a life-changing experience, especially since he wasn’t allowed to watch mainstream movies as a kid.

It just blew my mind. It was the first color film I saw, and it just knocked me out. I don’t think I ever forgave my mother after I saw that film. But also just the kind of iconoclastic myth retelling that combined with science fiction, which has always been huge to me.

The impact of Star Wars opened the door to a lifelong love of science fiction and bold storytelling.

For Schreiber, no one has ever topped Blade Runner when it comes to sci-fi. He calls it

the ultimate, deep, immersive fantasy picture

and also holds Terry Gilliam’s Brazil in high regard, praising its boundary-pushing creativity.

Terry Gilliam’s imagination is just unrivaled

, he says, noting how Brazil continues to inspire new interpretations and push the limits of what film can achieve.

Influence on His Own Work

Schreiber’s thoughtful approach to his favorite movies is mirrored in the roles he chooses. In recent years, he’s appeared in acclaimed projects like Asteroid City, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and Caught Stealing. His film choices and performances reveal a deep understanding of what makes a story resonate, whether it’s through humor, realism, or visionary science fiction.

Here are Liev Schreiber’s five favorite movies:

• Being There (Hal Ashby, 1979)
• The Promise (Dardenne brothers, 1996)
• Star Wars (George Lucas, 1977–present)
• Blade Runner (Ridley Scott, 1982)
• Brazil (Terry Gilliam, 1985)