International pop star Charli XCX is leading a surge of film enthusiasm this season, championing a slate of acclaimed movies in what she’s calling a cinephile summer. Citing her admiration for director Danny Boyle and his collaborators, Charli XCX has actively shared her Danny Boyle cinephile summer recommendations with fans via TikTok and Letterboxd, shining a spotlight on both classic and current titles that have left a strong impact on her.
Charli XCX remains in the spotlight following the major success of her Grammy Award-winning album, BRAT. While balancing a busy career schedule, she has found time between tour stops and performances—such as at Dua Lipa’s show—to log an impressive 114 films so far this year on Letterboxd, nearing her previous record of 212 logged in 2024. Her recent movie recaps, published directly to TikTok, not only reveal her latest favorites but also invite her followers to send their own suggestions for future watches.
Charli XCX’s Latest Five-Star Film Highlights
Charli XCX’s most recent recommendations display her wide-ranging film tastes, including documentaries, drama, and innovative horror. She praised four particular films and documentaries, each receiving a coveted five-star rating from the singer on Letterboxd. Among these selections, she gave high praise to Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s horror sequel, 28 Years Later, enthusiastically declaring, “Danny Boyle is back!” This ongoing engagement with film has encouraged fans to join Charli in discovering both hidden gems and widely celebrated works.

Unzipped: A Fashion Documentary Classic
The 1995 documentary Unzipped stood out as Charli XCX’s personal favorite of the month. The film offers an up-close exploration of designer Isaac Mizrahi’s creative process as he prepares his 1994 fall collection, showcasing a host of supermodels, including era icons such as Carla Bruni and Naomi Campbell. Charli explained the source of her admiration for the documentary in a recent TikTok post:
“The thing that this documentary does really well is it really showcases the way an artist goes through their creative process,”
—Charli XCX, Artist
She added,
“It showcases the surges of inspiration, it showcases the self-doubt, the vulnerability and then the triumph at the end when you really felt that you’ve achieved something truly amazing. It’s full of passion, this documentary, and kind of one of the quintessential fashion documentaries of the mid ’90s.”
—Charli XCX, Artist
In her Letterboxd review, she took a candid tone, writing,
“It’s giving PERSONALITY and it just emphasizes that unfortunately most people these days are so fucking boring,”
—Charli XCX, Artist. The film’s vivid depiction of artistic struggle and resolution stood out for its energy and authenticity.
Catwalk: Honest Glimpses into Model Life
Charli XCX also recommended the 1995 documentary Catwalk, which follows the fast-paced life of supermodel Christy Turlington as she travels between fashion capitals like Milan, Paris, and New York. In her commentary, Charli praised the documentary’s realism and its focus on Turlington’s relationships with iconic figures of the modeling world, such as Naomi Campbell and Carla Bruni. She described Catwalk as “really, really honest,” appreciating how it depicted the complex friendships and professional rivalries within the industry. These authentic snapshots captured the heart of the supermodel era, appealing to fashion lovers and cinephiles alike.
The Bling Ring: Cultural Relevance Through Repeat Viewings
Charli XCX’s relationship with Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring has deepened with multiple rewatches, making it one of her standout recommendations for the summer. She remarked in her TikTok recap:
“I feel like it feels more culturally relevant every single time that I rewatch it,”
—Charli XCX, Artist
She continued,
“When I watch this film, it feels like I’m reading a salacious gossip magazine which I kind of think is the entire point. Also, I think the fashion is obviously back… it’s giving high fashion.”
—Charli XCX, Artist
In her Letterboxd review, she expressed further appreciation, writing,
“this movie is aging like a fine wine! better with every watch. ps i miss my blackberry xx”
—Charli XCX, Artist. Her analysis indicated that the film’s commentary on celebrity culture feels increasingly resonant, making it a worthy addition to anyone’s summer watchlist.
Au Hasard Balthazar: Emotional Resonance and Tragedy
Following her recent viewing of Robert Bresson’s Mouchette, Charli XCX moved on to the acclaimed 1966 French tragedy Au Hasard Balthazar. The film left a strong emotional impression on her, as she recounted to fans:
“Watch this if you want to cry. Because I did,”
—Charli XCX, Artist
Despite its somber tone, she awarded both films five stars. The inclusion of Au Hasard Balthazar emphasized her appreciation for emotionally charged narratives and classic world cinema, which continues to shape her cinephile outlook this summer.
Danny Boyle’s Triumphant Return with 28 Years Later
Charli XCX highlighted the recent release of 28 Years Later as a must-see event. While she didn’t go into much detail in her recap, her endorsement and excitement were unmistakable:
“Oh, and I watched 28 Years Later. I actually watched this between soundcheck and performing at Dua Lipa’s show, I just needed to run across the road and see this,”
—Charli XCX, Artist
She punctuated her approval with her now-famous statement: Danny Boyle is back. The film, directed by Danny Boyle and written in collaboration with Alex Garland, continues the legacy of the iconic 28 Days Later franchise—a reference point for horror and thriller fans. The original film, starring Cillian Murphy, remains available for those seeking to revisit the series’ roots while awaiting wider streaming access for the latest installment.
Additional Recommendations and How to Follow Along
Charli XCX’s TikTok updates and Letterboxd logs frequently include shout-outs to additional films such as Signs, Carnal Knowledge, Charlotte Forever, Magic Farm, and Lux Aerna. Her habit of sharing not only her own reviews but also responding to fan suggestions positions her as a dynamic voice in the online movie community. Fans and fellow artists—like Benito Skinner and Dua Lipa—are often referenced in her recaps, reflecting her broad pop culture reach and influence.
Charli’s commentary and engagement with her followers keep her recommendations accessible and community-driven. With over a hundred movies watched this year alone, she encourages film lovers everywhere to join her in experiencing the full breadth of cinema—making this summer an immersive season for anyone searching for Danny Boyle cinephile summer recommendations or simply those ready to discover new favorites through her unique lens.
As Charli XCX continues to log films and share insights, fans can look forward to more in-depth discussions on works by related directors, actors, and artists, including Robert Bresson, Cillian Murphy, and Alex Garland. Her approach not only celebrates the artistry of filmmaking but also invites a generation of pop fans to embrace a wider world of cinema together.