Millie Bobby Brown Reveals the Four Films That Shaped Her

Millie Bobby Brown has often been labeled as a 'Netflix star,' with critics quick to dismiss her film choices as uninspired or lacking depth. Despite starting her acting journey at a young age, some have argued that her body of work doesn’t reflect a deep appreciation for cinema ’s rich history. With roles in projects like The Electric State—a film so poorly received that even legendary actors might have struggled to salvage it —alongside appearances in Damsel, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and Enola Holmes, it’s easy to see why some question her selection of roles.

Now that her time on Stranger Things has wrapped, Brown faces a new chapter. The demanding schedule of a major TV series may have limited her opportunities to pursue more diverse or challenging parts. With that commitment behind her, she finally has the chance to steer her career in any direction she chooses. Whether she’ll use this newfound freedom to reshape public perception remains to be seen, but the door is wide open for her to redefine her place in the industry.

Her Personal Movie Picks

When it comes to her own taste in film, Brown’s choices might surprise those who doubt her cinematic knowledge. While she may not have the encyclopedic film background of peers like Jenna Ortega or Finn Wolfhard, the four movies she recently shared on Letterboxd show a thoughtful mix of genres and eras.

Her first pick is Up, the 2009 Pixar masterpiece. Widely regarded as one of the studio’s most emotionally mature works, Up broke barriers for animated films, becoming only the second in history to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. Despite the industry’s occasional bias against animation, Brown’s appreciation for this film highlights her willingness to look beyond traditional boundaries.

Streaming and Serious Drama

Brown’s long-standing relationship with Netflix has drawn criticism from some who see the platform as a threat to traditional movie theaters. Yet, she lists Marriage Story—a Netflix original that had a limited theatrical run to qualify for awards—among her favorites. The film, directed by Noah Baumbach, stands out as a rare adult character drama in today’s landscape, offering the kind of emotional storytelling that’s become increasingly scarce.

Her selection of Marriage Story suggests a genuine appreciation for nuanced, character-driven narratives, even if most viewers experienced the film from their living rooms rather than a theater seat.

Blockbusters and Hidden Gems

Perhaps the most unexpected entry on Brown’s list is Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. The final installment of George Lucas’s prequel trilogy was met with harsh criticism upon release, but has since found a devoted following among those who grew up with it—including Brown herself. The film is now often praised for its emotional depth, particularly the transformation of Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader and Ewan McGregor’s powerful turn as Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Rounding out her top four is Gia, the 1998 HBO film starring Angelina Jolie. While TV movies sometimes struggle for respect, Gia showcased Jolie’s dramatic range and helped redefine her public image. Brown’s admiration for this film hints at her own hopes of taking on roles that challenge perceptions and allow her to demonstrate her full potential as an actress.

Millie Bobby Brown’s four favorite films are:

• Up (Pete Docter, 2009)
• Marriage Story (Noah Baumbach, 2019)
• Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (George Lucas, 2005)
• Gia (Michael Cristofer, 1998)