Jack Black’s film tastes are surprisingly broad, and he has publicly named The Shining as his all-time favorite. In recent discussions, he explains why fear can feel deeply energizing and ties that sense of alive-ness to how he views stories for his kids and his own work.
A diverse taste beyond comedy and stardom
Beyond the stage and screen persona, Black has enjoyed a wide range of cinema. He is fond of Spinal Tap as a standout comedy, while also protecting a soft spot for classic performers such as Richard Pryor, Gene Wilder, and Peter Sellers. The pairing of Sellers’ chameleon talent with Black’s own preference for characters that aren’t always like his usual screen self adds an ironic twist to his list of influences.
Science fiction, dystopia, and the pull of the visuals
Black’s interests extend into sci‑fi and dystopian worlds, with Blade Runner, The Road Warrior, and A Clockwork Orange among his preferred titles. He’s less impressed by some of his own sci‑fi forays, such as Demolition Man and Waterworld, where expectations or execution didn’t fully meet his tastes.
Horror reverence and how The Shining stands out
Although Black hasn’t dabbled deeply in horror, he has expressed a strong appreciation for one of the genre’s peak films. The Shining is held up as a pinnacle of terrifying storytelling, a distinction that sits alongside the broader discussion of his favorite works. The Shining isn’t universally embraced—Stephen King has been a vocal critic—but Kubrick’s approach to dread and dread’s endurance remains influential for many viewers, including Black.
Direct reflections from Jack Black about The Shining
My favourite movie of all time is The Shining,
Jack Black, Actor and Musician
There’s just something great about being scared. I don’t know the scientific reasons for it, but there’s an exhilaration, an exploration of what it is to be alive. It’s very heavy, it’s very deep, being scared, and I see it in my kids.
Jack Black, Actor and Musician
I’m going to go with The Shining,
Jack Black, Actor and Musician
Because I really love The Shining.
Jack Black, Actor and Musician
Linking tastes to tone, collaborations, and performances
Black’s admiration for performers who radiate intensity—such as John Malkovich and Christopher Walken in his early years—helps explain why he values the kind of raw energy Nicholson brings to The Shining. The pairing of Kubrick’s methodical craft with actors who can pivot between calm and explosive moments informs how Black approaches roles that differ from his Tenacious D persona and the often self‑referential humor of his projects.
Why this matters for his career and what could come next
Knowing that The Shining anchors his all‑time favorites offers fans insight into why Black gravitates toward films that explore fear, atmosphere, and psychological depth. It also hints at the kinds of performances he respects and might seek out in the future—collaborations that mix seriousness with generous bursts of character, and roles that stretch his comfort zone while staying true to his love of strong, memorable performances.
