Bruce Willis’ Weekly Movie Ritual: The Film He Couldn’t Stop Watching

Everyone has that one movie they can watch over and over again without ever tiring of it. For some, it’s a feel-good comedy, for others, it’s an action-packed thriller or a spine-chilling horror flick. But for Bruce Willis, his go-to film wasn’t just about nostalgia or entertainment—it was a vital lesson in filmmaking and a reminder of the glory days of cinema.

Before Bruce Willis became a household name in the world of action films and comedy-tinged thrillers, he cut his teeth in crime dramas and thrillers. He had notable roles in TV series like Miami Vice and appeared in anthology shows like The Twilight Zone in the 1980s. His film debut came in The First Deadly Sin (1980), a crime thriller starring Frank Sinatra. Given his background in gritty, character-driven stories, it’s no surprise that his favorite film reflects this cinematic lean.

Willis has shared that he watches Goodfellas—Martin Scorsese’s 1990 crime epic—once a week, every week. The film, regarded by many as a masterpiece, follows the rise and fall of mobster Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta) and his associations with the Italian-American mafia. The film’s iconic cast includes Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, with De Niro’s performance being considered a masterclass in dramatic acting that many aspiring actors continue to study.

For Willis, Goodfellas is more than just a celebration of film history; it’s a reminder of what he admires in cinema and a form of nostalgic escapism. As much as the film showcases technical prowess and deep storytelling, it also symbolizes a part of Willis’ career aspirations and the kind of work he respected long before becoming a star himself.

In an interview, Willis spoke candidly about his love for old movies, noting, “I watch old movies and new movies, and that’s how people are seeing them now.” He revealed that he not only appreciated Goodfellas but also often rewatched Dr. Strangelove, Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 1964 black comedy. While Kubrick’s films are widely regarded as masterpieces, Willis lamented the fact that he could no longer experience these films the way they were intended—on the big screen in a theater filled with cinephiles.

In a nostalgic tone, Willis recalled the days when New York had vibrant revival houses like Bleeker Street Cinema and the 8th Street Playhouse, where classic films would be shown on the big screen, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the cinematic magic once again. “They don’t have that now, so you’ve got to do it. You’ve got to watch them on DVDs,” he said, mourning the loss of these historic movie venues that once brought audiences together for a shared experience.

The closing of these revival theaters was a major blow to cinephiles, who relied on them to experience the magic of classic films as they were meant to be seen: on large screens with the buzz of an audience in the background. With the decline of these venues, fans, including Willis, have had to turn to DVDs or streaming platforms to continue enjoying their favorite films.

Willis’ consistent weekly viewing of Goodfellas serves as a tribute to the lasting impact that these films had on his career and his love for the art of filmmaking. His ability to draw inspiration from the performances and storytelling of films like Goodfellas shows that, even as a seasoned actor, he continues to be a student of cinema. In many ways, his weekly ritual represents the unbreakable bond between an actor and the films that influenced their journey.

As Willis enjoys his legendary career in Hollywood, his fondness for these classic films and his reflections on cinema’s golden era remain a testament to the magic of the movies that have stood the test of time—no matter how many times they’re watched.