Sofia Coppolamade her debut on-screen inThe Godfatherthanks to her father, the legendary director, Francis Ford Coppola. While Coppola initially attempted to break out into acting from there, her poor performance inThe Godfather Part IIIearned hertwo Razzie awardsfor Worst Supporting Actress and Worst New Star. That said, she had much better luck with directing, making waves with her award-winning films,The Virgin SuicideandLost in Translation.
While Coppola has an extremely high standard to live up to thanks to her father, she has become an auteur in her own right. Each of her films is quite stylized, demonstrating her own unique style of filmmaking. Of course, she didn’t become a filmmaker overnight. It took years of research and watching a variety of cinema in order for her to gain her own style. These are Sofia Coppola’s 10 favorite movies of all time.
10Rumble Fish
Directed by Coppola’s father,Rumble Fishtells the story of drifter Rusty James who lives life without direction. As he searches for guidance, his brother, the Motorcycle Boy, is back in town to give him a sense of direction that may not be what is expected. This classic 80s flick has flown under the radar for too long and definitely deserves more attention. The film was subject to a great deal of praise, with many considering it one ofFrancis Ford Coppola’s best filmssinceApocalypse Now.
Related:Here’s Every Sofia Coppola Film, Ranked
9Breathless / À Bout de Souffle
BreathlessorÀ bout de souffle, is one of the defining films ofFrench New Wavecinema, a genre that Coppola seems to be particularly fond of. Now considered one of the best films ever made,Breathlesstells the story of Michel, a criminal who likes to think of himself as a criminal Humphrey Bogart until he ends up killing a policeman and goes on the lam. Turning to his girlfriend Patricia, when she learns the truth of why he is hiding out, she struggles with herself to decide where her allegiances lie.
8Sixteen Candles
One of John Hughes' must-see films is the classicSixteen Candles. On Sam’s 16th birthday, she awakes to discover that her entire family has forgotten about her special day, thanks to her sister’s upcoming wedding. Sam pines after high school senior Jake while fighting off the advances of Ted. The iconic scene of Ted asking for Sam’s underwear is only one reason to watch this Hughes classic. This feel-good comedy with a happy ending is a joy to watch, so it’s understandable that it’s one of Coppola’s favorites.
Despite its controversies,Lolitais still considered a classic film by many film buffs. Based on the novel of the same name anddirected by Stanley Kubrick,Lolitatells the story of Humbert Humbert, who marries lonely widow Charlotte only to get close to her teen daughter Lolita. After Charlotte’s untimely death, Humbert is free to spend all his time admiring Lolita and getting closer to her. The film was nominated for a number of awards including the Academy Award for Best Screenplay – Based on Material From Another Medium.
6La Notte / The Night
Another French film to make the list is Michelangelo Antonioni’sLa Notte. Set in Milan, the film follows Lidia who leaves her husband Giovanni’s social event. Lidia wanders the streets, contemplating her friend’s newly diagnosed terminal illness and questioning her relationship with Giovanni. Meanwhile, Giovanni attempts to seduce a woman at the party held in his honor. The film won every award it was nominated for including the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1961.
5The Last Picture Show
The Last Picture Showis a coming-of-age drama that follows a group of highschoolers as graduation approaches in a dying town. While Duane looks towards the Army for his future, Sonny takes over a local business giving them the space to figure out where they belong in this dead-end town. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress, and it won two for the performances of Ben Johnson and Cloris Leachman.
Related:Sofia Coppola’s Indulgent Cinematic Looks into Girlhood
As one of Dustin Hoffman’s most iconic films,Tootsiehas been admired to the level of being parodied by several comedians including Seth MacFarlane. The film revolves around struggling actor Michael Dorsey who can’t find work and creates his persona Dorothy Michaels, which immediately lands him the part on a soap opera. While this was meant to be temporary, Dorothy soon becomes a big part of Michael’s life. Things get even more complicated when Michael falls in love with his castmate Julie.
Darlingfollows model and actress Diana Scott whose popularity leads her to play with the emotions of married anchorman Robert and PR rep Miles, both of which she has wrapped around her finger. While Diana lives the high life, the mod scene soon takes its toll on her, and she is in for much more than she bargained for.Darlingwas nominated for a total of five Academy Awards and took home the awards for Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay and Best Costume Design. It’s no wonder why Copolla considers this one of her favorites.
2The Heartbreak Kid
While the remake ofThe Heartbreak Kidshould be acknowledged, it does not do the original justice. This black comedy tells the story of newly wedded Lenny and Lila, and Lenny soon sees the unrefined side of her as she gets more comfortable, leading him to question their marriage. On their honeymoon, Lenny meets the classy Kelly and begins to fall in love with her, complicating his marriage further when Lila learns about her. The film was nominated for several accolades, including two Academy Awards.
1Let the Right One In
Let the Right One Inis a unique romance-horror that tells the story of 12-year-old Oskar meets his new neighbor Eli. As the two bond, Oskar discovers that Eli is not all she appears to be, and soon, she reveals to Oskar that she is connected to a string of gruesome murders. The film was subject to critical acclaim and was nominated for countless awards. The film’s popularity prompted an American remake calledLet Me In, which was well-received by critics but underperformed at the box office.
