From the docks of East London to a galaxy far, far away—and soon opposite John Cena in the Amazon Prime Video comedy Heads Of State—Idris Elba’s cinephile journey has been nothing short of inspirational. In a recent Letterboxd discussion, Elba shared the four films that ignited his lifelong passion for cinema.
Babylon
Long before blockbusters became his staple, Elba’s first all-time favourite was the underrated British drama Babylon. “It follows a group of young people in East London,” he explains, “and it inspired my first outing as a director, Yardie.” This gritty portrait of 1970s youth culture left such an impression that he still recalls its raw energy today—proof that compelling stories can spring from the most familiar neighbourhoods.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Growing up in the ’80s, Elba was utterly entranced by The Empire Strikes Back. “I wanted the toys, I wanted to be in that film,” he admits with a grin. It was during his first viewing—complete with John Williams’s iconic score—that he realised, “That’s when I knew I really wanted to do cinema.” The darker tone and emotional depth of this saga’s second instalment set a new benchmark for storytelling, inspiring generations of aspiring actors and filmmakers.
Goodfellas
Switching gears to the gangster genre, Elba cites Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas as a revelation. “It’s a time capsule of an era I barely understood until I saw it,” he reflects. Robert De Niro’s powerhouse performance and the film’s unflinching portrayal of organised crime taught him the value of authenticity on screen. The British Film Institute ranks Goodfellas among the most influential crime films ever made, and its kinetic editing style remains a masterclass in cinematic rhythm.
Parasite
Rounding off his quartet is Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite, a film that left Elba both entertained and unsettled. “Its blend of dark humour and social satire hit me hard,” he says. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, Parasite weaves a tense narrative about class divides, packed with twists that keep viewers guessing. Its innovative approach to genre and theme continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Each of these films—from the gritty streets of London to the far reaches of the galaxy—has shaped Idris Elba’s creative vision. Are these your favourites too, or would your list look different? Share your top picks and keep the conversation rolling.
