Hunter Schafer’s Top Six Films That Shaped Her Craft

Hunter Schafer is set to be everywhere over the next few years, and that’s something plenty of locals are keen for. If you caught her in last year’s horror flick Cuckoo or as Jules in the much-talked-about series Euphoria, you’ll know she’s got serious talent. Starting out as a model and quickly becoming a role model for trans folks, Schafer landed her breakout part in Euphoria without any previous acting gigs, and punters were quick to take notice. Her performance as Jules Vaughn across three seasons earned her heaps of praise, opening the door to the big screen. She’s since popped up in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes in 2023, and made a cameo in Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone’s Kinds of Kindness the following year. With eight projects on the go—including more Euphoria, a Blade Runner mini-series, and another horror from A24—she’s not slowing down any time soon.

When it comes to the films that have left a mark on her, Schafer’s got a mix that covers everything from animation to gritty drama, with a bit of superhero action thrown in. She once told Letterbox:

“One for sure is Paris is Burning by Jennie Livingston, a favourite, always. Mind Game by Masaaki Yuasa, a really great anime movie. (And) This is like so many people’s favourite, but The Dark Knight by Christopher Nolan, it’s incredible. And then Ponyo by Studio Ghibli. If any character feels like who I am, it’s Ponyo. I wrote a TV episode about sea blobs, it’s just very in line with who I am.”

Animation and Escapism

Schafer’s love for animation runs deep, especially when it comes to the work of Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki. She’s spoken about how rewatching Spirited Away while unwell was a real escape, saying:

“I rewatched Spirited Away when I was sick, and that always takes me far away from earth. It’s a treasure. I think it was the first Studio Ghibli film I watched, and my mind was blown. I was then very hungry to watch all the Studio Ghibli films all at once. It started a rampage.”

It’s clear that these animated films aren’t just comfort watches for her—they’ve shaped her creative outlook and even inspired her own work. She reckons the character Ponyo is the closest to her own personality, and she’s even written a telly episode about sea creatures, which lines up with that vibe.

Drama, Identity, and Cult Favourites

Among her picks is Safe, a 1995 drama directed by Todd Haynes and starring Julianne Moore. The story follows a housewife whose life is upended by illness, leading her to suspect her environment is to blame. While it didn’t pull big numbers at the box office, it’s now seen as a cult classic, well ahead of its time in terms of theme and execution.

Another standout is Paris is Burning, a documentary that’s long been a favourite for Schafer. The film dives into New York’s drag ball culture, exploring themes of identity and community—topics that clearly resonate with her own journey and the roles she’s chosen.

Blockbusters and What’s Next

Not all of Schafer’s favourites are indie or underground. She’s a big fan of The Dark Knight, Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster take on Batman, calling it “incredible.” It’s a pick that shows her appreciation for both the artistry and the spectacle of cinema.

Looking ahead, Schafer’s got a much-hyped project on the horizon: Tom Ford’s Cry to Heaven, due out in 2026. The film, set in 18th-century Italy, features a star-studded cast and tells the story of a nobleman who rises to fame as an opera singer after being castrated as a boy to preserve his voice. With names like Nicholas Hoult, Colin Firth, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson on board, it’s shaping up to be one to watch.

Hunter Schafer’s Six Must-See Films

Here’s the full list of Schafer’s top picks:

• Spirited Away (2001, Dir. Hayao Miyazaki)
• Paris is Burning (1990, Dir. Jennie Livingston)
• Mind Game (2004, Dir. Masaaki Yuasa)
• Safe (1995, Dir. Todd Haynes)
• Ponyo (2008, Dir. Hayao Miyazaki)
• The Dark Knight (2008, Dir. Christopher Nolan)