Matt Damon Reveals the Comedy He and His College Friends Still Quote

Actors frequently share their favorite films, but their responses often consist of the usual list of acclaimed dramas and award-winning titles. Occasionally, however, a star opens up about a more personal favorite, a film that reflects who they were before fame took hold.

In a recent conversation, Matt Damon shared his all-time favorite comedy, revealing that ‘Midnight Run’ holds a special significance in his life. Instead of focusing solely on highbrow selections, Damon highlighted this film, which he and his college friends have quoted for decades.

Damon expressed that he and his friends could likely recite every line from ‘Midnight Run’ during their college and high school years. Even now, in their fifties, they still exchange obscure quotes from the film, bringing laughter to their text conversations.

This enduring connection to a comedy is noteworthy, especially considering the rest of Damon’s selections leaned towards more prestigious films. His list also featured ‘The Godfather Part II,’ which he described as nearly perfect, commending its direction, writing, and acting. He shared a story about discussing the film with Martin Scorsese during the making of ‘The Departed,’ where Scorsese humorously noted his preference for the sequel due to the character’s increased wealth.

Robert De Niro emerged as a common thread throughout several of Damon’s choices, with Damon acknowledging that he had unintentionally included three different De Niro films on his list. This connection directly relates to ‘Midnight Run,’ which stars De Niro alongside Charles Grodin in one of his most cherished comedic roles.

Damon’s list also included ‘Jaws,’ which he called a terrifying yet flawless film, praising Steven Spielberg’s choice to keep the shark largely unseen as a brilliant act of restraint. Additionally, he mentioned ‘Dr. Strangelove,’ specifically highlighting Peter Sellers’ performance as the reason for its inclusion, admitting he debated between various Sellers films before ultimately choosing the Kubrick classic.

Damon’s willingness to include comedies alongside more serious films reflects a broader trend in his career, which has consistently embraced lighter, more playful projects even as he built his reputation through serious dramas and action films. His comedic credits range from ‘Chasing Amy’ and ‘Dogma’ to memorable guest spots on shows like ’30 Rock,’ as well as more recent roles in films like ‘Drive Away Dolls.’

This comedic sensibility is evident in some of his notable franchise cameos, including playful appearances in ‘Deadpool 2’ and multiple ‘Thor’ films directed by Taika Waititi. Given his admiration for De Niro’s ability to transition into comedy despite a strong dramatic background, it seems likely that this versatility has influenced Damon’s own project selections throughout his career.

For an actor whose career spans Oscar-winning dramas and blockbuster franchises, hearing him highlight a decades-old buddy comedy as the film he and his oldest friends still connect over adds a relatable dimension to his public persona. This detail resonates with fans because it feels less like a rehearsed response and more like an authentic glimpse into who he truly is beyond his on-screen roles.

What movie do you and your friends still quote after all these years? Share your thoughts in the comments.