Hunter Schafer’s Essential Film List: Six Unmissable Picks

Hunter Schafer’s star continues to rise, with audiences set to see much more of her in the coming years. Her performances in last year’s psychological thriller Cuckoo and the widely discussed television series Euphoria have already established her as a formidable presence. Once a model and now a significant figure for trans representation, Schafer’s journey into acting began with no prior experience, yet her portrayal of Jules Vaughn across three series of Euphoria earned her widespread recognition. This success opened the door to the world of film, including a role in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes in 2023, followed by a brief appearance in Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone’s Kinds of Kindness the following year. With eight projects currently in the pipeline—ranging from more Euphoria to a Blade Runner mini-series and a new horror feature from A24—her schedule is nothing short of packed.

Alongside her acting work, Schafer has spoken candidly about the films that have left a lasting mark on her, both personally and professionally. Her selection is eclectic, blending animation with deeply personal stories, and even includes a certain caped vigilante.

Animation and Identity

Among Schafer’s most cherished films is Paris is Burning, directed by Jennie Livingston, which she describes as a perennial favourite. She also singles out Masaaki Yuasa’s Mind Game, calling it a “really great anime film.” Her appreciation for animation is further evident in her fondness for Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo. She remarks,

If any character feels like who I am, it’s Ponyo. I wrote a TV episode about sea blobs, it’s just very in line with who I am.

Her admiration for Hayao Miyazaki’s work is clear, particularly with Spirited Away. Schafer reflects,

I rewatched Spirited Away when I was sick, and that always takes me far away from earth. It’s a treasure. I think it was the first Studio Ghibli film I watched, and my mind was blown. I was then very hungry to watch all the Studio Ghibli films all at once. It started a rampage.

Drama, Cult Classics, and Blockbusters

Schafer’s list is not limited to animation. She includes Safe, a 1995 drama by Todd Haynes starring Julianne Moore. The film follows a housewife whose life is upended by illness, leading her to suspect her environment is to blame. Though it struggled at the box office, it has since gained a reputation as a cult classic, praised for its prescient themes.

She also names Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight as a standout, stating simply,

This is like so many people’s favourite, but The Dark Knight by Christopher Nolan, it’s incredible.

Looking Ahead

Beyond her current projects, Schafer is set to appear in Tom Ford’s forthcoming film, Cry to Heaven, scheduled for release in 2026. This marks Ford’s return to directing after nearly a decade, and the film boasts a cast including Nicholas Hoult, Colin Firth, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Set in 18th-century Italy, it tells the story of a nobleman, castrated as a child to preserve his singing voice, who rises to fame as an opera sensation.

For those curious about the films that have shaped Schafer’s artistic sensibilities, her top six are: Spirited Away (2001, Dir. Hayao Miyazaki), Paris is Burning (1990, Dir. Jennie Livingston), Mind Game (2004, Dir. Masaaki Yuasa), Safe (1995, Dir. Todd Haynes), Ponyo (2008, Dir. Hayao Miyazaki), and The Dark Knight (2008, Dir. Christopher Nolan).