Rosamund Pike Reveals Her Top 10 Films Ever
Discover the ten films that have shaped Rosamund Pike’s cinematic sensibilities, from 1960s classics to unexpected favourites, and see how her choices mirror her on-screen complexity.
Rosamund Pike’s screen presence is often described as refined, driven, and just a touch scheming. It’s no surprise, then, that her personal film preferences echo this same sense of sophistication and depth. After making her mark as Miranda Frost in Die Another Day, Pike truly came into her own with a leading role in David Fincher’s Gone Girl. Her career since has been a showcase of versatility, from the gentle Jane Bennet in Pride & Prejudice to the morally ambiguous Marla Grayson in I Care a Lot, and the self-absorbed Elspeth Catton in Saltburn.
There’s a clear affinity for the cinema of the 1960s in Pike’s selections. Among her favourites is the Swedish two-parter I Am Curious, a semi-documentary that delves into the pressing issues of its era. She also singles out A Taste of Honey, a poignant tale of a young expectant mother who finds support in an unlikely friendship. The Czech-language Loves of a Blonde also features, following a young woman’s pursuit of love in Prague, much to the dismay of her suitor’s family. These choices seem to reflect Pike’s own penchant for characters who navigate the shadows, balancing vulnerability with a certain enigmatic allure.
Complex Characters and 1960s Influences
Each film on Pike’s list appears to follow a thread: Darling tells the story of a model climbing the social ladder in swinging London, while Daisies centres on two women named Marie, both determined to embrace the material world. Mean Streets offers a glimpse into the life of a small-time gangster, torn between affection and ambition. The connection to Pike’s own roles is unmistakable—she is drawn to stories that probe the darker aspects of human nature, where ambition and desire collide in a world that rarely forgives weakness.
One can’t help but recall Marla’s words in I Care a Lot:
“Every fortune ever accumulated started with a leap of faith. But before you take that leap, first take a long, hard look at yourself. Know who you are.”
Marla’s philosophy is clear: success demands self-awareness and a willingness to bend the rules.
“What am I willing to sacrifice to achieve my dreams? What lines will I not cross? Don’t try to be anyone else. Just know who you are and use that to your advantage.”
Unexpected Choices and Enduring Themes
Not every title on Pike’s list hails from the 1960s. Brief Encounter distils many of the themes that run through her career into a simple yet powerful narrative—a woman meets a man who tempts her to stray from her marriage. Pike has also named Saltburn among her top picks, remarking in a recent interview,
“Our film, number one.”
It’s a fitting inclusion, as Saltburn explores obsession and privilege through the eyes of a troubled protagonist, echoing the moral ambiguity that so often defines Pike’s characters.
Perhaps the most surprising entry is ET the Extra-Terrestrial. This uplifting tale of friendship stands apart from the rest, hinting at another side to Pike’s artistic sensibility. Despite her talent for portraying the darker corners of humanity, she clearly recognises the importance of hope and innocence in storytelling.
Rosamund Pike’s Essential Film List
Through various interviews, Pike has shared her definitive list of favourites:
- Brief Encounter (David Lean, 1945)
- A Taste of Honey (Tony Richardson, 1961)
- L’Eclisse (Michelangelo Antonioni, 1962)
- Darling (John Schlesinger, 1965)
- Loves of a Blonde (Miloš Forman, 1966)
- Daisies (Věra Chytilová, 1966)
- I Am Curious (Vilgot Sjöman, 1967-68)
- Mean Streets (Martin Scorsese, 1973)
- ET the Extra-Terrestrial (Steven Spielberg, 1982)
- Saltburn (Emerald Fennell, 2023)