Anna Kendrick Reveals Her All-Time Favorite Movie—And It’s a Classic You Didn’t Expect!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Known for her versatile acting and musical talents, Anna Kendrick has long been a favorite among audiences. From her breakout role in Camp to iconic performances in Up in the Air and the Twilight series, Kendrick has showcased a broad range of skills that have earned her critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a Satellite Award, MTV Movie Awards, and an Academy Award nomination. However, despite her busy career, Kendrick has a deep love for cinema that goes beyond her own roles.
When asked about her favorite film, Kendrick revealed a surprising pick that reflects her appreciation for classic cinema. “My favourite movie is The Women from 1939. It’s been my favourite movie since I was like 12 years old,” Kendrick said, speaking fondly of the film’s impact on her. The Women, directed by George Cukor and based on Clare Boothe Luce’s play, is a sharp, witty, and biting social commentary on the lives of a group of women navigating love, betrayal, and friendships in high society.
The film, which stars a powerhouse cast including Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell, and Joan Fontaine, centers around a group of friends who encourage one of their own to divorce her unfaithful husband. With its snappy dialogue and biting humor, the film remains an iconic example of pre-World War II Hollywood glamour and storytelling.
For Kendrick, what makes The Women particularly special is the film’s sharp dialogue and strong female performances. “I love the dialogue, really. It’s just a lot of really strong female performances. Rosalind Russell kills it, you know,” Kendrick added, highlighting Russell’s standout role in the movie.
Beyond the performances, Kendrick also admires the film’s rapid pace and the humor embedded in every scene. She compared it to Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, a film in which she herself starred, saying, “It’s one of those movies, like Scott Pilgrim, actually, where you have to see it like five times to get all the jokes. It just moves so fast.”
Kendrick’s admiration for The Women reflects her keen understanding of the power of strong, multidimensional female characters in cinema—an element that has become a hallmark of her own acting choices. With a love for classic films like The Women, Kendrick has certainly found inspiration in the strong female leads of the past, and it’s easy to see how those performances have influenced her own career and artistry.
As Kendrick continues to entertain and inspire with her work, her fondness for this 1939 classic serves as a reminder of the timeless appeal of strong women on the silver screen. With The Women still standing out as her favorite, it’s clear that Kendrick’s deep appreciation for cinema’s rich history continues to shape her approach to both her craft and her legacy.