In the vast and shimmering world of pop music, few names stand out with the warmth, authenticity, and unpretentious brilliance of Ed Sheeran. His music feels like a sincere conversation over a cup of coffee—a steady, unhurried exchange that flows effortlessly from heart to heart. The British singer-songwriter, known for hits like “Shape of You” and “Thinking Out Loud,” doesn’t just pull the strings of a guitar—he tugs at the threads of our shared human experience. But where do his stories come from? What inspires his poignant lyrics and soulful melodies? The answer, surprisingly enough, might lie not just in his life experiences, but in the movies and TV shows he holds dear.

Ed Sheeran is, at his core, a storyteller. And like any good storyteller, he feeds on narratives—those that challenge the soul, ignite joy, or even just offer a moment of comfort. Recently, in various interviews and casual discussions, Sheeran shared his favorite films and television shows, opening a window into the on-screen world that helps shape the music he so effortlessly creates. From deeply introspective dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, Ed’s picks reveal a lot about the man behind the music. Let’s dive into his cinematic landscape.

The Inspirational Depth of Good Will Hunting

At the heart of Ed Sheeran’s cinematic influences is Good Will Hunting—a film that has left a lasting impression on countless creatives, from poets to filmmakers. Released in 1997, the movie stars Matt Damon and Robin Williams in a deeply human story about a working-class genius with an untapped potential as vast as his emotional scars. For Sheeran, the film’s narrative about confronting inner demons, self-discovery, and the transformative power of relationships speaks directly to his own artistic journey. It’s a story about a man who, against all odds, finds healing through connection—a theme that Sheeran often revisits in his songwriting.

What makes Good Will Hunting such a resonant piece for Sheeran? It’s not just the sharp writing or powerful performances; it’s the raw authenticity of it. Ed’s songs, much like the film, are driven by emotional honesty. Both are unafraid to lay bare vulnerability, to expose the wounds beneath the surface. In interviews, Sheeran has mentioned how the film has inspired him, not just in content but in approach. Much like Will Hunting, Sheeran’s music embraces the beauty of imperfection and the courage it takes to confront one’s own potential.

Finding Comfort in Friends

For millions of people around the world, Friends is not just a television show—it’s a refuge, a comforting slice of familiarity in an often unpredictable world. Ed Sheeran is no different in this regard. The pop star has frequently expressed his love for the iconic sitcom, binge-watching episodes between tours and during moments of downtime. While his own whirlwind life takes him across the globe, performing to sold-out arenas, there’s something grounding in the easy banter between Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey.

Sheeran’s affinity for Friends perhaps reflects his own craving for normalcy. Despite his fame, Ed has always presented himself as a down-to-earth individual, often talking about his desire to remain connected to his roots. The humor, simplicity, and relatability of Friends offer him a slice of that everyday life he craves. It’s easy to imagine him winding down after a show, feet up, laughing along with Ross’s awkwardness or Chandler’s sarcasm.

The Spectacle of Marvel and Action Films

But it’s not all introspection and cozy sitcoms. Ed Sheeran, like many of us, has a deep appreciation for the epic grandeur of superhero films and action-packed adventures. He has spoken fondly of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly films like The Avengers and Spider-Man. In many ways, these films provide the perfect counterbalance to the quiet, reflective nature of Sheeran’s music. While his songs often explore the nuances of love, loss, and identity, Marvel movies offer a much-needed escape into a world where good and evil are clearly defined, and heroes rise above all odds.

The action-packed intensity of these films might also speak to Ed’s own high-energy performances. On stage, Sheeran is a one-man powerhouse, using loop pedals to build soundscapes that seem larger than life—much like the superheroes he admires. These films remind him, perhaps, of the immense power of storytelling, of how narratives—whether in a song or on screen—can transport audiences into new realms of possibility.

Comedy and the Lighter Side of Life

There’s a playfulness to Sheeran’s personality that comes through not just in his music, but in his entertainment choices. Alongside his love for emotional dramas and epic battles, Sheeran has a soft spot for laugh-out-loud comedies like Superbad and Anchorman. These films, filled with absurd humor and unforgettable one-liners, reflect Ed’s own light-hearted side—the part of him that doesn’t take life too seriously.

In many interviews, Ed has been candid about how comedy helps him unwind, offering a necessary break from the intensity of touring and songwriting. Comedy, after all, is a vital antidote to the emotional highs and lows of an artist’s life. Watching characters like Ron Burgundy in Anchorman stumble through life with unwavering confidence must offer a delightful contrast to the perfectionism that Sheeran likely holds himself to when crafting his music.

Staying True to His Roots with British Classics

As a British artist, it’s no surprise that Sheeran holds a special place in his heart for British television classics like The Office (UK) and Gavin & Stacey. These shows, steeped in British humor and culture, not only entertain Sheeran but also keep him connected to home. Even as his music takes him across the world, Ed remains proud of his British identity, often weaving it subtly into his lyrics and performances.

Watching these shows, with their dry wit and sharp social commentary, no doubt reminds Sheeran of the people and places that shaped him. It’s in these moments of humor and nostalgia that he stays grounded, no matter how far he might be from the Suffolk countryside where he grew up.

Romantic Films for the Romantic Soul

It should come as no surprise that Ed Sheeran, who has penned some of the most beloved love songs of the last decade, is a fan of romantic films. Movies like Notting Hill and Love Actually resonate deeply with the singer-songwriter, aligning with the same themes of love, vulnerability, and connection that pervade his music.

These films, which often explore the complexities of love and relationships, reflect the same tenderness found in songs like “Perfect” or “Thinking Out Loud.” Ed’s affinity for romantic films further solidifies his status as a hopeless romantic—a man who believes in love’s ability to transcend obstacles, heal wounds, and bring joy.

The Truth in Documentaries

While Ed Sheeran certainly enjoys his fair share of escapism through superhero flicks and comedies, he also has a thirst for knowledge and understanding, which he quenches through documentaries. Sheeran has mentioned his love for documentaries, particularly those that offer deep insights into human stories, art, and music. For an artist whose own songs often delve into personal and emotional territories, documentaries provide a window into the real-world stories that inspire his work.

Whether it’s a documentary about a fellow musician or one that examines the intricacies of a social issue, these films help Sheeran stay informed and inspired. They remind him that there’s always more to learn, always more to understand about the world and the people in it.

A Reflection of Ed’s Soul

Ultimately, Ed Sheeran’s favorite films and TV shows offer a revealing glimpse into the artist’s soul. His picks are as eclectic and wide-ranging as his music—encompassing everything from heartfelt dramas to lighthearted comedies, action-packed adventures to thoughtful documentaries. Just as Sheeran’s songs explore a range of emotions and experiences, so too do his entertainment choices reflect the many facets of his personality.

Whether he’s drawing inspiration from the emotional depth of Good Will Hunting, laughing along with Friends, or escaping into the world of Marvel superheroes, Ed Sheeran’s on-screen favorites mirror the complexity of his own life. His choices speak to a man who values authenticity, creativity, and, above all, connection. And just as his music has connected with millions of fans around the world, so too does his love for film and television reflect the universal themes that bind us all together.