Tom Hiddleston’s Childhood Obsession: Watching Raiders of the Lost Ark 50 Times Before Age 10

Tom Hiddleston, best known today as Marvel’s charismatic god of mischief Loki, has long been celebrated for his versatility and dedication to the craft of acting. But long before he commanded the attention of blockbuster audiences, Hiddleston was already a passionate cinephile, deeply influenced by the magic of classic films.

In a revealing interview with Indie London, the actor shared a nostalgic glimpse into his formative years as a film lover. “I was a cinephile as a child and I’m a cinephile now,” he explained, reflecting on how his tastes evolved but his love for cinema remained constant. Crucially, he revealed the movie that left an indelible mark on him growing up: Raiders of the Lost Ark. “Before the age of 10 I must have seen Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark about 50 times,” he confessed.

For the uninitiated, Raiders of the Lost Ark (the original title famously did not include “Indiana Jones” until the franchise expanded) is Steven Spielberg’s thrilling introduction to the whip-cracking archaeologist played by Harrison Ford. Hiddleston’s affection for the film was so profound that it foreshadowed a full-circle moment in his career—years later, he would star in another Spielberg project, War Horse.

Hiddleston described the experience as living out a childhood dream: “I always wanted to be on a horse, wearing a hat, with John Williams writing the theme tune. Lo and behold, I’m on a horse, in a hat, with John Williams writing the theme tune!” The War Horse role saw Hiddleston portray Captain James Nicholls, a British officer in World War I whose connection with the titular horse Joey adds emotional depth to the story.

Beyond his Marvel fame and acclaimed roles in films by Guillermo del Toro (Crimson Peak), Jim Jarmusch (Only Lovers Left Alive), and Woody Allen (Midnight in Paris), Hiddleston’s early cinematic inspirations remain a key part of his artistic identity. His journey from a boy obsessed with Raiders of the Lost Ark to a respected actor working alongside some of the industry’s best is a testament to his lifelong passion for film.

When Spielberg came calling for War Horse, Hiddleston didn’t hesitate—this was not just another role, but a chance to live out a dream seeded by the movies he loved as a child. It’s a rare and poignant reminder that behind every great actor is a genuine love for the art of storytelling that first sparked their imagination.