Legendary actor Morgan Freeman reveals King Kong as his lifelong favorite film, explaining that seeing the iconic 1933 movie at age six left an unforgettable impact on him, helping ignite his passion for cinema. Freeman credits the groundbreaking monster epic not only with shaping his movie-going experience but also inspiring his journey into the world of film over his six-decade-long career.
Morgan Freeman’s Early Encounter with the Magic of King Kong
Morgan Freeman’s stature in the film industry is unparalleled, known for a remarkable range that spans everything from dramatic masterworks like Unforgiven, The Shawshank Redemption, and Million Dollar Baby—where he earned an Academy Award—to memorable genre roles, including Lucius Fox in The Dark Knight trilogy and the President in the Has Fallen films. His presence brings a unique depth and authenticity that resonates with audiences across generations.
For Freeman, the path to becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected actors started much earlier, rooted in his very first cinematic experience. As a child, he was profoundly affected by the awe and wonder of seeing King Kong, a movie that has continued to dominate his personal list of favorites throughout his life. Like many filmmakers and movie lovers, Freeman’s initial exposure to cinema was a transformative event that opened his eyes to the vast potential of storytelling on screen.
In a 2011 conversation with Rotten Tomatoes, Freeman provided rare insight into his formative years as a moviegoer.
“My number one favorite film was the first film I ever saw—I was six years old before I ever went to the movies—and that film is the original King Kong,”
—Morgan Freeman, actor. During the same discussion, Freeman affirmed that the original King Kong, directed by Merian C. Cooper, remains the definitive version in his eyes and still stands as the best adaptation of the story. The timeless film features the talented Fay Wray portraying Ann Darrow, with a narrative following a daring film crew that brings a colossal ape, deeply drawn to Ann, from a mysterious island into modern civilization.
The Enduring Power of 1933’s King Kong and Its Legacy
Classics like King Kong, The Wizard of Oz, and Star Wars hold a special resonance for those who encounter them at a young age, leaving lasting impressions thanks to their pioneering creativity and lasting sense of adventure. For countless children—and future filmmakers—these films are not simply spectacles, but portals into new worlds, brimming with ingenuity and technical brilliance. The groundbreaking visual effects used to realize Kong’s character, relying on then-state-of-the-art stop-motion animation and meticulously crafted miniatures, continue to impress viewers even in the modern age, including 2025 and beyond. The tangible artistry evident in every frame captivates audiences by revealing the painstaking craftsmanship behind the magic.
Hollywood has long aspired to recapture the excitement generated by movies like King Kong. Modern audiences and cinephiles often express nostalgia for the unique sense of wonder and daring present in these formative blockbusters.
“they don’t make ’em like they used to,”
—Attributed sentiment within the industry, is frequently invoked in reference to stories with grand ambition, rich imagination, and heartfelt narratives, all of which King Kong exemplifies. As a hallmark of pre-Code Hollywood, the film’s blend of thrilling adventure and meaningful storytelling helped set a high bar for future cinematic achievements.
The 1933 King Kong’s impact on culture is inescapable, not only birthing numerous remakes and spin-offs but also influencing giants like Godzilla and fueling the imaginations of generations of filmmakers and fans. Fay Wray’s role as Ann Darrow and Robert Armstrong’s performance as a key member of the film crew brought memorable characters to life, each playing a part in grounding the fantastical story in recognizable emotion and courage.
The Influence of King Kong on Moviegoers and Industry Icons
This classic monster movie’s appeal lies in its ability to balance pulse-pounding adventure with deeply human moments. King Kong is admired for non-stop entertainment, nuanced character interactions, and its subtle but relevant social commentary—the attributes that both critics and moviegoers most often cherish. While the narrative formula of a misunderstood creature and a courageous damsel has been echoed throughout Hollywood history, King Kong’s original incarnation continues to stand apart for its sincerity and inventiveness.
Recent cinematic successes, such as Oppenheimer and Sinners, evoke the same lasting devotion from audiences, reminding us that the blend of spectacle, inventive storytelling, and emotional depth remains a coveted ideal. For Morgan Freeman, no movie-going moment has surpassed the magic of his first big-screen encounter, but the fact that King Kong set the standard is no surprise to anyone familiar with its legendary reputation.
Morgan Freeman’s lifelong admiration for King Kong highlights how a single film can spark lifelong inspiration and creativity, bridging generations and helping define what makes movies truly unforgettable. For both icons of the industry and passionate fans alike, the enduring influence of 1933’s King Kong is sure to inspire future dreams and remarkable cinematic journeys.
