Liev Schreiber Reveals His Top Five Films Ever

Few actors have navigated such a diverse array of roles as Liev Schreiber, whose career has spanned everything from Wes Anderson’s offbeat comedies to cult classics and acclaimed stage performances. His choices in favourite films are as varied as his own work, reflecting a deep appreciation for both sharp wit and thoughtful storytelling. While he may be best known for his hard-edged portrayal in the long-running drama series Ray Donovan, Schreiber’s comedic timing and intellectual humour have often been overlooked.

During his early years in the spotlight, Schreiber’s turns in cult favourites like Party Girl and The Daytrippers showcased a clever, cerebral sense of comedy. This taste, he has explained, is rooted in his admiration for Peter Sellers, particularly in the film Being There.

“I think Peter Sellers’ performance in that just really knocked me out, what you can do with character,”

Schreiber remarked, adding,

“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.”

Minimalism and Myth: Schreiber’s Influences

Naturalism, as Schreiber describes it, is a quality he values highly, which is evident in his selection of the French drama The Promise by the Dardenne brothers. Though not their most widely recognised work, he regards it as

“a lesson in minimalism”

that demonstrates

“just how simply you could tell a powerful and substantive story”.

While some might see the inclusion of a lesser-known arthouse film as a touch pretentious, Schreiber’s list is anything but predictable.

His cinematic education was somewhat unconventional, as his mother restricted access to mainstream films until he was nearly a teenager. The first major blockbuster he saw was Star Wars, an experience that left a lasting impression.

“It just blew my mind,”

he recalled.

“It was the first colour 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.”

Science Fiction and Surreal Worlds

For Schreiber, Star Wars was more than a spectacle; it marked the beginning of a new era in science fiction, inspiring a generation of filmmakers to take creative risks. Yet, despite his affection for the genre, he believes no one has surpassed the achievement of Blade Runner. He describes it as

“the ultimate, deep, immersive fantasy picture,”

a film that set the standard for all that followed.

His admiration for visionary directors extends to Terry Gilliam, whose film Brazil remains a favourite. Schreiber is particularly taken with Gilliam’s boundless creativity, stating,

“Terry Gilliam’s imagination is just unrivalled,”

and praising Brazil for

“pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on film”.

These selections reveal a fondness for films that challenge conventions and invite audiences to see the world differently.

From Screen to Stage: A Career Shaped by Cinema

Schreiber’s thoughtful approach to his craft is mirrored in his film choices. His recent roles in celebrated productions such as Asteroid City, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and Caught Stealing demonstrate a keen eye for quality and innovation. It is clear that his appreciation for bold storytelling and inventive filmmaking continues to inform his own work, ensuring his career remains as compelling as the films he most admires.

Liev Schreiber’s five favourite films:

• Being There (Hal Ashby, 1979)
• The Promise (Dardenne brothers, 1996)
• Star Wars (George Lucas, 1987–present)
• Blade Runner (Ridley Scott, 1982)
• Brazil (Terry Gilliam, 1985)