Sean Astin’s All-Time Favorite Movie and Why He Can’t Stop Watching

Sean Astin has been a familiar face in Hollywood for decades, thanks to starring roles in two of the most iconic films of their respective eras: 1985’s adventure hit The Goonies and the early 2000s fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Even though those Peter Jackson films are now over twenty years old, Astin’s presence in pop culture remains strong. In recent years, he’s taken on a leadership role with SAG-AFTRA, the major actors ’ union, but fans were thrilled when he appeared as Bob Newby in the second season of Stranger Things. Unfortunately, his character met a grisly end at the hands of a demogorgon, leaving viewers to imagine what could have been if he’d returned for more episodes.

Astin’s career soared after The Goonies, especially throughout the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. He appeared in a string of memorable films that truly captured the spirit of their time, including The War of the Roses, Toy Soldiers, Encino Man, and Memphis Belle. After a quieter period, he landed the role of Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings saga, cementing his place in movie history. But when it comes to his personal favorites, Astin has a clear pick from the late ‘90s: Curtis Hanson’s crime drama LA Confidential.

Why LA Confidential Stands Out

Astin has never been shy about his admiration for LA Confidential, a film that left a lasting impression on him. In his own words,

“I love LA Confidential. If it’s on for even a second, I just watch it to the end. I almost want to call my cable service provider and ask them not to show it any more, because it has overwhelmed my life.”

He went on to praise the cast, saying,

“And the performances! I mean, David Strathairn and Russell Crowe and Kim Basinger and Kevin Spacey and James Cromwell… Police corruption, and justice, vigilante justice, and it’s just got everything. It’s just a perfect movie.”

Based on James Ellroy’s 1990 novel, LA Confidential dives into the dark world of corrupt police officers in 1950s Los Angeles. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning nine Academy Award nominations and taking home two Oscars. It also helped launch Russell Crowe’s career, setting him up for future accolades, including an Oscar win for Gladiator. The film’s only real competition that year was the blockbuster Titanic, which dominated the awards season.

Astin’s Recent Projects and Lasting Influence

While Astin’s love for LA Confidential is clear, he hasn’t slowed down in his own career. He recently wrapped filming on two new projects: A Social Contract, a low-budget thriller, and Chili Finger, where he stars alongside Bryan Cranston. The latter tells the bizarre story of a woman who discovers a human finger in her meal at a restaurant and tries to use it for blackmail.

Astin’s enduring passion for film, both as an actor and a fan, continues to shape his journey in Hollywood. His appreciation for standout performances and compelling storytelling is evident in the way he talks about his favorite movies —and in the roles he chooses for himself.