Ethan Hawke, known for his thoughtful career choices straddling both indie films and Hollywood blockbusters, credits a classic film as the defining moment that shaped his passion for acting. The story of Ethan Hawke’s favorite movie traces back to his formative years, illuminating how a beloved film left a lifelong mark on the acclaimed actor.
A Youthful Encounter with Cinema That Sparked Hawke’s Ambitions
Though Hawke could have easily enjoyed a conventional leading-man career thanks to his good looks and early roles, he embarked on a diverse artistic journey instead. From working alongside Greta Gerwig in intimate dramas such as Rebecca Miller’s “Maggie’s Plan” to tackling outrageous roles like Jolly the Pimp in
“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,”
Hawke’s choices reflect his broad appreciation for storytelling and character.
The foundation for these decisions was set in his adolescence. Like many future stars, Hawke was deeply moved by his earliest experiences with cinema. At age 13, he watched Frances Ford Coppola’s “The Outsiders,” an adaptation of S. E. Hinton’s novel that centers on a 1960s rivalry between two youth gangs in Oklahoma. The melodrama and heightened emotions of the film resonated intensely with Hawke, who recalled how powerfully the movie affected him during this impressionable stage of life.
“The Outsiders”: The Film That Reshaped Hawke’s Perspective
Hawke described his reaction to watching “The Outsiders” as 13-year-old with the words,
“one of the high points of my life”
— Ethan Hawke, Actor, during an interview with Letterboxd. He further reflected on how much the film “meant the world” to him.
The film’s impact persists, not only thanks to Coppola’s direction but also because of its extraordinary ensemble cast, which included Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez, Matt Dillon, and Ralph Macchio, all before their rise to stardom. Despite some criticisms toward the script’s melodrama, the energy and charisma of these young actors made it unforgettable and compelling for viewers, especially those in their teens like Hawke was at the time.
Passing the Torch: Sharing “The Outsiders” with the Next Generation
The influence of “The Outsiders” continued as Hawke sought to share this formative experience with his own family. When the director’s cut was released, he took his daughter, Maya Hawke, to see the film. She was roughly the same age Hawke was during his initial viewing, but her immediate response was humorously grounded:
“Now I understand the way you dress”
— Maya Hawke, Daughter.
Years later, reflecting on the film and its connection with her father, Maya added,
“Since then, it’s become the way I dress”
— Maya Hawke, Daughter. This candid revelation highlighted how the personal significance of the movie transcended generations within the Hawke family.
The Ongoing Legacy of an Influential Film
While it may never be clear if “The Outsiders” directly prompted Hawke to pursue a career in acting, its lasting impression is undoubted. In a 2024 Q&A with AnOther Magazine, Hawke was asked about the most beautiful things he had ever witnessed. Among heartfelt mentions of his children’s births and the Grand Canyon, he included Diane Lane’s character from “The Outsiders.” This choice stands out, especially considering Hawke’s earlier marriage to Uma Thurman, underlining just how significant the film and its cast remain in his personal narrative.
The story of Ethan Hawke’s favorite movie not only reveals the power of cinema to ignite imagination but also demonstrates how certain cultural works can resonate across time and generations. The film’s impact on Hawke’s life illustrates the enduring ability of great storytelling to inspire, influence, and connect people far beyond the closing credits.
