Hollywood Celebrities Unveil Their Favorite Video Games in 2026
In a fascinating glimpse into the personal tastes of Hollywood's elite, stars like Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, and Chris Pratt have recently shared their favorite video games. This revelation comes as video games and Hollywood continue to grow closer than ever, driven by a surge in gaming adaptations such as Super Mario Galaxy and Elden Ring. A new compilation video from Josh Horowitz, host of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, showcases the diverse responses from guests when asked about their top gaming picks.
Surprising Choices and Nostalgic Picks
As expected, some celebrities leaned towards nostalgic classics, with panicked mentions of Super Mario Bros. and Pac-Man, suggesting they might not have played games in decades. However, others offered more unexpected and informed selections, demonstrating a genuine passion for gaming. Ryan Gosling, currently starring in Project Hail Mary, kicked off the list with Pitfall for the Atari 2600 from 1982, humorously noting, 'I like to jump on the alligators.' His La La Land co-star, Emma Stone, highlighted Donkey Kong Country, while Chris Pratt, the voice of Mario in recent films, chose Street Fighter 2 alongside nods to Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda on the NES.
Celebrities with Impressive Gaming Knowledge
The true standout in the video was Madelyn Cline, known for Outer Banks and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, who selected Returnal as her favorite, a critically acclaimed PlayStation 5 exclusive. Stranger Things star Joe Keery expressed admiration for Civilization 6, mixed with Pokémon Red and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, while his co-star David Harbour revealed a preference for World of Warcraft. Taron Egerton, star of Rocketman, opted for EA's recent Star Wars Jedi games, though he seemed to be referencing a recent enjoyment rather than a lifelong favorite.
Elle Fanning, who appears in Death Stranding 2, naturally named that title but also included Wii Sports and Guitar Hero, showcasing her casual gaming interests. Jacob Elordi, from Euphoria and 2025's Frankenstein, boldly chose Kingdom Hearts, proving that even Hollywood heartthrobs have their gaming flaws. Other interesting picks included Bryce Dallas Howard's obscure choice of Time Gal from 1985, Matthew Goode's selection of Chuckie Egg on the ZX Spectrum, and Wagner Moura's mention of River Raid for the Atari 2600.
Director Guillermo del Toro's Extensive Gaming List
Director Guillermo del Toro, a well-known gaming enthusiast, couldn't stop at just one favorite, listing titles like Bioshock, Metal Gear Solid, Red Dead Redemption, Left 4 Dead, 2018's God of War, and Shadow of the Colossus. While these choices might seem vanilla to hardcore gamers, they reflect a deep appreciation for quality games, unlike some celebrities who simply named the first games they ever played. This video follows a previous compilation by Horowitz featuring stars like Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon, highlighting the ongoing trend of celebrities sharing their gaming preferences.
As video games and Hollywood continue to intertwine, these insights offer a unique look at how celebrities engage with gaming culture, from nostalgic throwbacks to modern masterpieces.
