From Cinephile to Winning 4 Oscars: Sean Baker’s Must-See Film Influences He Wants Every Cinephile to See

Sean Baker, the filmmaker behind The Florida Project, Tangerine, and Red Rocket, has won 4 Academy Awards in a single night for his latest film, Anora, renowned for his raw, intimate storytelling and focus on a sex worker. His work is deeply influenced by independent cinema, neorealism, and unconventional narratives.

Baker’s selection of films showcases his admiration for raw realism, natural performances, and stories about outsiders. His affinity for Italian neorealism, French New Wave, and independent cinema is evident in his work.

Here’s a list of some films that have shaped one of today’s most exciting indie directors.

Classic Hollywood & Cult Cinema

• I Married a Witch (1942) – A charming romantic fantasy starring Veronica Lake.

• Naked (1993) – Mike Leigh’s gripping portrait of a cynical drifter.

• Takeshis’ (2005) – A surreal and self-reflective work from Takeshi Kitano.

• Jellyfish Eyes (2013) – Takashi Murakami’s unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi.

• Jaws (1975) – Spielberg’s iconic thriller that redefined summer blockbusters.

• Dawn of the Dead (1978) – George A. Romero’s groundbreaking zombie film.

• Scarface (1983) – Brian De Palma’s crime epic about greed and ambition.

International Cinema

• El Norte (1983) – A harrowing immigrant drama.

• Yi Yi (2000) – Edward Yang’s multi-layered family saga.

• Eating Raoul (1982) – A dark comedy about murder and money.

• Mysterious Skin (2004) – A haunting drama about trauma and identity.

• Import/Export (2007) – A brutal look at social inequality in Europe.

• Under the Skin (2013) – Jonathan Glazer’s hypnotic sci-fi thriller.

Italian & French Classics

• Nights of Cabiria (1957) – Fellini’s poignant story of a struggling woman.

• La Vie de Jésus (1997) – A stark and unsettling French drama.

• Love, Faith, Hope (1933) – A Weimar-era tragic romance.

Indie & Experimental Cinema

• Paradise: Love (2012) – The first in Ulrich Seidl’s Paradise trilogy.

• Paradise: Faith (2012) – A striking look at religious obsession.

• Paradise: Hope (2013) – A study of adolescence and desire.

• Play (2011) – A bold social experiment in cinematic form.

• The Idiots (1998) - Second film in Dogme 98 by Lars Von Trier.

• Force Majeure (2014) – A tragicomedy about masculinity and survival.

• Involuntary (2008) – Ruben Östlund’s satirical look at human behavior.

• Breaking the Waves (1996) – Lars von Trier’s heartbreaking drama.

• Bad Lieutenant (1992) – Harvey Keitel in a tour-de-force performance.

Horror & Thriller

• Robocop (1987) – A sci-fi film packed with social commentary.

• Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981) – One of the greatest action films ever made.

• River’s Edge (1986) – A bleak crime drama about disaffected youth.

• Fright Night (1985) – A fun and stylish vampire film.

Silent & Early Cinema

• A Woman Under the Influence (1974) – Cassavetes’ powerful drama on mental health.

• Shadows (1959) – A groundbreaking indie film by John Cassavetes.

• Faces (1968) – Another Cassavetes classic about troubled relationships.

• The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) – A silent masterpiece with raw emotion.

• Opening Night (1977) – A deep exploration of identity and performance.

Comedies & Feel-Good Films

• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) – The ultimate teen comedy.

• Laurel and Hardy: Babes in Toyland (1934) – A classic comedy adventure.

• Used Cars (1980) – A hilarious satire of American capitalism.

• My Night at Maud’s (1969) – A philosophical and romantic French New Wave film.

Documentaries & Realism

• A Constant Forge (2000) – A documentary about John Cassavetes.

• Christianne F. (1981) – A harrowing true story about drug addiction.

• A Hero’s Journey (1987) – A look at mythology and storytelling.

Obscure & Cult Favorites

• A Boy and His Dog (1975) – A weird post-apocalyptic satire.

• The Green Ray (1986) – Éric Rohmer’s subtle meditation on loneliness.

• The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum (1939) – A classic of Japanese cinema.

• Sweetie (1989) – Jane Campion’s oddball family drama.

• The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972) – A Fassbinder psychodrama.

• The House is Black (1963) – A poetic and powerful Iranian short film.

Like Cassavetes, Fellini, Eric Rohmer and Fassbinder, Baker often focuses on the struggles of working-class people, immigrants, and sex workers, portraying their lives with dignity and authenticity. His love for DIY filmmaking and naturalistic storytelling aligns with the styles of many directors on his list, including Cassavetes, Östlund, and von Trier.

How many of these have you watched? Let us know your favorites!