The One Movie Harrison Ford ‘Very Nearly’ Named His Favourite—And It’s Not ‘Star Wars’

Harrison Ford, known for iconic roles like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, has always been a bit elusive when it comes to choosing a definitive favorite movie. In true Han Solo fashion, Ford doesn’t deal in absolutes—particularly when it comes to naming the one film that reigns supreme in his cinematic heart. However, in a rare and reflective moment, Ford revealed that there is one film that nearly claims the title of his all-time favorite: To Kill a Mockingbird (1962).

Ford, who skyrocketed to fame in the late 1970s with his role in Star Wars—despite George Lucas initially not wanting to cast him—has built an illustrious career. From Raiders of the Lost Ark to Blade Runner, Witness, The Fugitive, and Air Force One, Ford has cemented his place as a Hollywood legend. Yet, despite his illustrious filmography and his status as a top-tier A-list actor, he has never felt entirely comfortable declaring one movie to be the greatest. That is, until he reflected on the profound impact To Kill a Mockingbird had on him.

In an interview with the American Film Institute, Ford shared that Robert Mulligan’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s beloved novel had left an indelible mark on him. He recalled, “I think if I had to pick just one film to which I had a very strong reaction and can remember vividly how I felt, it would be To Kill a Mockingbird.” Ford went on to praise the film for its moral depth and powerful storytelling, which still resonates with him to this day.

Ford’s admiration for Gregory Peck’s portrayal of Atticus Finch in the 1962 classic speaks volumes. As he noted, the film’s “strong moral register” had a lasting effect on him. Peck’s nuanced performance, which earned him an Academy Award nomination, is widely regarded as one of the finest in film history. It’s clear that the combination of the film’s profound narrative and Peck’s performance deeply influenced Ford, an actor who himself has played characters often defined by their moral compass.

While Ford stopped short of calling To Kill a Mockingbird his “favorite film,” he did admit that it was “very nearly” at the top of the list. Given Ford’s famously candid and sometimes grumpy nature, this acknowledgment is as close as fans will likely get to an official “favorite” movie from the legendary actor. If pushed to name a film that has left the strongest impression on him, it’s safe to assume that To Kill a Mockingbird would be his pick.

Ford’s reluctance to officially crown a favorite movie may stem from his tendency to resist conventional labels, a trait that has served him well in his career. Instead of being pigeonholed, he has continually evolved, taking on complex roles and remaining a beloved figure in Hollywood. And while To Kill a Mockingbird may not officially be his favorite, it stands as a significant cinematic touchstone in Ford’s life—a film that he believes embodies everything great about storytelling.

In a career filled with action-packed blockbusters and iconic roles, it’s refreshing to hear Ford pay tribute to a quieter, more contemplative film that shaped him both personally and professionally. Whether or not he ever declares To Kill a Mockingbird his true favorite, it will always hold a special place in his cinematic memory.