Sam Elliott Picks This Overlooked 2017 Drama as His All-Time Favorite Movie

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In contrast to his extensive filmography, it might surprise you that one of Sam Elliott’s most cherished movies from his career is an under-the-radar gem, garnering a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Known for his baritone voice, rough-hewn features, and powerful screen presence, Sam Elliott has made a name for himself in Western films. Beginning with minor roles in productions like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Elliott’s career took off.

Sam Elliott is particularly well-known for his portrayal of lawman Virgil Earp in the 1993 film “Tombstone,” a movie that has achieved cult status since its premiere, significantly contributing to his Western acting career. Yet, it’s important to note that Elliott has a diverse acting background, appearing in various genres such as dramas like “Mask,” comedies like “The Big Lebowski,” and fantasy films like “The Golden Compass.

As a movie enthusiast, it’s undeniable that Sam Elliott has showcased his versatile acting skills in numerous movies, but his extensive work in Westerns is a significant part of his legacy. Consequently, when asked about his favorite film among his many roles, one might anticipate he’d select a well-known Western. However, surprisingly, the actor pointed towards a lesser-known movie instead.

The Hero Is Sam Elliott’s Favorite Movie From His Own Career

The Western Legend Chose A Little-Known Film From 2017

During an interview with BUILD, Sam Elliott was queried about the film and character he cherished most from his acting journey. Elliott expressed that this question has been posed numerous times, making it difficult to answer because “there are many aspects in all of them that truly shine.” Nonetheless, he fondly recalled his role in the 2017 movie The Hero as his favorite.

In simpler terms, “The Hero” is a comedy-drama film directed by Brett Haley. It centers around Lee Hayden, an aging Western movie star played by Elliott, who grapples with a cancer diagnosis. The story delves into his struggles with the approaching end of his career, his contemplation of his own mortality, and his strained relationships with his distant daughter, as well as a blossoming romance with a younger woman.

In essence, “The Hero” marks the second joint effort by Elliott and Haley, succeeding their critically acclaimed 2015 production, “I’ll See You In My Dreams.” Interestingly, this partnership motivated Haley to compose “The Hero” as a heartfelt tribute to Sam Elliott, whom she admired deeply and referred to as an “icon.” On the global box office, “The Hero” earned $4.1 million against a production budget of just $1.2 million.

Regardless of its relatively low earnings at the box office, The Hero was highly praised by critics and received a Fresh rating of 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. Interestingly, even though it’s not Sam Elliott’s highest-rated movie according to Rotten Tomatoes, The Hero surprisingly outranks Tombstone among critics. In fact, the 1993 film was given a 76% score by critics, making The Hero, this lesser-known gem, their preferred choice.

Why Sam Elliott Chose The Hero Over His More Famous Movies

“I Don’t Think It’ll Ever Get Any Better Than It Was On This Film”

In an unexpected preference, Sam Elliott chose The Hero as his favorite movie, a film not widely recognized, but he explained his decision by saying, “I find myself recalling more the people I’ve worked with in films rather than the movies themselves – if you understand what I mean.

In my view, what truly solidified “The Hero” as one of Elliott’s finest works was its collaborative and intimate production environment, which was quite small-scale. I can’t help but feel that the experience on this film might never be surpassed. This sentiment is shared by many, as it seemed to be a deeply personal project for everyone involved, a true labor of love.

As a movie enthusiast, I find “The Hero” to be a breath of fresh air amidst the sea of big-budget films. Unlike many others, it presents a heartwarming tale in a more intimate scale that seems to resonate deeply with Sam Elliott and the entire cast and crew. It’s clear that this project was a labor of love, not driven by financial gains or recognition, but born out of a genuine passion for storytelling.

Elliott explains this by saying, “We’re just vehicles for other people’s troubles, but we aim to provide them with a moment of amusement or laughter, perhaps even a tear and the satisfaction of getting their money’s worth.” Subsequently, the genuine style of storytelling employed by Sam Elliott has left an indelible impression on him, as it represents the most meaningful cinema that he holds dear.

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2025-07-06 22:41