Tina Turner, the unstoppable force behind hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Proud Mary,” has captivated the world with her raspy voice, electrifying stage presence, and a life story that reads like a Hollywood script. But beyond the public persona lies a woman with a rich inner world, shaped not only by her extraordinary experiences but also by the films and TV shows that have captured her imagination. In this article, we explore Tina Turner’s favorite movies and TV shows, and how her choices reflect her life journey, struggles, and ultimate triumphs.

Tina Turner: The Icon Who Redefined Rock ‘n’ Roll

Before we delve into her entertainment choices, it’s essential to take a moment to appreciate why Tina Turner is such a monumental figure. Born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, Tina’s rise to fame was anything but easy. Her career spans over five decades, beginning as one-half of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue in the 1960s, where she showcased her vocal power and stage dynamism. After escaping an abusive relationship with Ike Turner, she reinvented herself in the 1980s with a solo career that catapulted her to superstardom.

Her resilience, unmatched work ethic, and ability to transcend genres—mixing rock, pop, and soul—cemented her status as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Having sold over 100 million records worldwide, Turner’s life is a testament to overcoming adversity, something that resonates in the movies and TV shows she holds dear.

Favorite Movies: Tina’s Cinematic Picks

Tina Turner’s taste in movies offers a window into her personal philosophy and the lessons she’s drawn from her life. Known for her ability to convey raw emotion on stage, it’s no surprise that her favorite films often reflect themes of personal growth, resilience, and overcoming challenges.

1. Action and Adventure: Unleashing Power Tina has often spoken about her love for action-packed films. Movies that feature strong characters facing seemingly insurmountable odds have always resonated with her. She once mentioned that she was drawn to films like The Terminator and Mad Max—the latter of which she famously appeared in as the formidable Aunty Entity in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985). Her role in Mad Max was a perfect fit, blending her larger-than-life stage persona with a character who commands respect and navigates a post-apocalyptic world with strength and tenacity.

   These action-heavy films mirror Turner’s own life struggles—fighting through adversity and rising as a dominant figure in a world that often doubted her. The fight, both literal and metaphorical, resonates with her journey from a tumultuous partnership with Ike Turner to becoming an icon of empowerment.

2. Drama and Real-Life Stories: Finding the Human Connection When Turner isn’t immersed in high-octane thrillers, she gravitates toward films with deep emotional currents. Biographical dramas and stories based on real-life events particularly pique her interest. It’s easy to see why—her own life story, which was adapted into the biographical film What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993), starring Angela Bassett, is a study in perseverance, self-discovery, and triumph against the odds.

   Films like The Pursuit of Happyness and Erin Brockovich have reportedly resonated with Turner, both featuring protagonists who battle through personal and societal struggles to achieve their goals. These stories parallel Turner’s own rise from hardship to global success, offering her both inspiration and a sense of kinship with the characters’ journeys.

3. Documentaries: Reflecting on the Human Condition Documentaries also hold a special place in Turner’s heart, especially those that explore social issues or historical events. As someone who has lived through significant societal changes and broken barriers in the music industry, she often watches films that deepen her understanding of the world.

   Documentaries such as 13th by Ava DuVernay, which explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, have captured her attention. As someone who broke through racial and gender barriers in the music industry, Turner understands the importance of social justice and historical context, which is reflected in her choice of films.

Favorite TV Shows: Beyond the Stage

Tina Turner’s TV viewing habits are equally revealing, showing a softer, more introspective side of the rock goddess. While her music career is characterized by intensity and dynamism, her favorite television shows tend to reflect her personal journey toward peace, balance, and self-understanding.

1. Personal Growth and Transformation Turner has long been an advocate of spirituality and personal growth. After years of tumultuous relationships and intense fame, she found solace in Buddhism, which helped her cope with personal tragedies and find inner peace. This interest in self-betterment extends to her TV preferences.

   Shows like Oprah’s SuperSoul Sunday, which feature spiritual leaders and authors discussing life’s bigger questions, often find their way onto her screen. The show aligns with Turner’s own philosophy of resilience and personal empowerment, focusing on introspection, healing, and spiritual awakening. Tina has said that shows like this help her maintain balance, grounding her even in the face of life’s chaos.

2. Dramas with Complex Characters Much like her love for dramatic films, Turner enjoys TV shows with rich character development and emotional depth. The Crown, for instance, has been cited as one of her favorites. This historical drama about the British royal family explores the complexities of power, duty, and personal sacrifice—concepts Turner can relate to, given her own struggles with the pressures of fame and her public persona.

   Similarly, she has been known to appreciate This Is Us, a family drama that delves into the emotional lives of its characters. The show’s themes of family, identity, and overcoming personal demons strike a chord with Turner, who has always emphasized the importance of knowing and loving oneself despite external challenges.

3. Comedy as a Light Escape While Tina Turner is often associated with high-stakes drama, she also enjoys comedy as a way to unwind. Shows like Friends and The Office provide her with much-needed light-hearted entertainment. Turner appreciates the clever writing and relatable humor, offering her an escape from the intensity of her day-to-day life.

   Her love for comedy is a reminder that, despite her larger-than-life career, Tina Turner also enjoys the simple pleasures of laughter and light-heartedness—something all of us can relate to.

How Her Entertainment Choices Reflect Her Life

There’s a deep connection between the films and TV shows Tina Turner enjoys and the life she has led. The themes of empowerment, overcoming adversity, and personal transformation are woven through her favorite entertainment just as they are through her life story.

• Resilience: Whether it’s through action-packed films or character-driven dramas, Turner’s choices reflect her own journey of survival. Movies like The Terminator or The Pursuit of Happyness echo her narrative of pushing through immense obstacles to reach success.
• Personal Growth: Turner’s affinity for shows about spirituality and personal transformation, such as SuperSoul Sunday, mirrors her own quest for inner peace. Her dedication to Buddhism and self-improvement has been a cornerstone of her later life, and this is reflected in the media she consumes.
• Legacy: In both her favorite films and TV shows, there’s a recurring theme of legacy—what we leave behind and how we are remembered. Whether watching a historical drama like The Crown or a biographical film, Turner seems drawn to stories about how individuals navigate public life and personal identity, much like she has throughout her career.

Tina Turner’s Legacy: A Cultural Icon On and Off the Screen

Even in her entertainment preferences, Tina Turner continues to inspire. Her taste in movies and TV shows provides fans with a deeper understanding of what moves and motivates the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. As someone who has lived a life filled with both great triumphs and heart-wrenching struggles, her favorite films and series reflect themes of resilience, personal growth, and the search for balance.

Ultimately, Tina Turner’s legacy extends beyond her music. She has become a symbol of empowerment, and through her entertainment choices, we see a woman who never stops learning, evolving, and inspiring others to do the same. Whether on stage or off, Tina Turner remains a force of nature, and her choices in movies and TV shows offer a fascinating glimpse into her personal world.