Ethan Hawke reveals his favorite action film: "Commando," watched 49 times, blending nostalgia with cinematic influences.
Though widely recognized for his dramatic roles, Ethan Hawke has a surprising passion when it comes to action cinema, particularly evident through his obsession with one film. In discussing Ethan Hawke favorite action movies and influences, the actor revealed the unlikely movie he has viewed dozens of times and explained what keeps him returning to it after so many years.
Early Career and Unexpected Genre Interests
Ethan Hawke’s name is most often linked with deeply emotional performances in films like Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy and the celebrated Dead Poets Society. Despite this reputation, Hawke does not shy away from action; he appeared in the 2005 remake of John Carpenter’s Assault on Precinct 13 and the mind-bending Predestination, directed by the Spierig brothers. While fans might associate him more with heartfelt stories, the actor’s cinematic tastes extend well beyond character-driven dramas.
Hawke’s history with action films nearly took an iconic turn, as he was once considered for Batman by Joel Schumacher. Although the part ultimately went to Val Kilmer, Hawke later voiced the legendary superhero in the children’s animated series Batwheels. Yet, when asked about his go-to action film, Hawke’s choice surprised many.
The Enduring Appeal of Commando
Reflecting on his favorites, Ethan Hawke openly shared his unconventional devotion to the 1985 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, Commando. Hawke stated,
Image of: Ethan Hawke
“I think I watched Commando 49 times,”
—Ethan Hawke, Actor, during a feature with Rotten Tomatoes. He added more about his experience with the film:
“I don’t know why. We rented Commando when I was young, and nobody returned it, and I just watched it a million times.”
—Ethan Hawke, Actor.
Interestingly, while Commando may not have made it onto Hawke’s official list of favorite movies, it left a lasting impression on him and shaped his view of action films. The story revolves around Arnold Schwarzenegger’s John Matrix, an ex-Special Forces operative drawn back into violence when his daughter is abducted. Directed by Mark L Lester, the film epitomizes the big, bold spirit of mid-1980s action movies, complete with dramatic rescue missions, inventive action sequences, and memorable one-liners. The film is often debated among fans as one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best works from his prime, delivering both adrenaline and iconic moments.
Commando’s Box Office Legacy and Missed Sequel
Commando not only captivated a young Hawke but also drew large audiences, earning back multiple times its original budget at the box office. Schwarzenegger enjoyed a strong period in his career, releasing Commando just a year after starring in The Terminator—another film that shaped the action genre and drew fans eager to see his next move. While there were plans for a sequel, the project never progressed. Screenwriter Steven E de Souza even addressed a widespread rumor that the abandoned sequel’s script inspired Die Hard, clarifying the story’s real origins.
The Year of Living Dangerously: Another Unconventional Favorite
As Hawke reflected on influential movies from his youth, he also brought up The Year of Living Dangerously, a film he admits to watching repeatedly. He recalled:
“It had Mel Gibson in it, so I thought it was gonna be an action movie,”
—Ethan Hawke, Actor, before revealing his surprise when the film took a different direction. Despite his initial disappointment, Hawke was captivated by the film’s lasting images and the intensity brought by Linda Hunt’s performance. He said,
“I was really disappointed. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it. And I got the VHS and I started watching it. There’s something about Linda Hunt’s performance, you know? ‘What then must we do?’ Travel and mysticism and romance is at the heart of that movie. And there are images in that movie that will stay with you your whole life.”
—Ethan Hawke, Actor. Though The Year of Living Dangerously was not a typical action film, its depth and atmosphere had a significant influence on Hawke’s appreciation for cinema.
Names and Characters That Inspired
Hawke’s own name may sound tailor-made for Hollywood action, and it is fitting that he found a connection with characters like John Matrix, the tough persona created by Schwarzenegger. Despite being more familiar in dramatic or romantic settings, Hawke’s admiration for bold and memorable films like Commando and his openness to unexpected influences demonstrate a layered and evolving approach to both acting and movie-watching. The story of his favorite action films underscores the complexity of taste—even for actors whose careers may suggest different preferences.
The Lasting Influence of Action Cinema on Hawke
Ethan Hawke’s repeated viewings of Commando and his reflections on The Year of Living Dangerously reveal how action films and their heroes leave a mark that goes beyond stereotypes. These movies, directed by names like Mark L Lester and filled with iconic performances from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hunt, helped shape not only an era of cinema but also Hawke’s personal relationship with storytelling, genre, and his own influences. As Hollywood evolves, Hawke’s candid remarks offer a layered look at why films from the past continue to resonate, even for those best known for inhabiting other genres.
