Movies and TV can make us laugh, cry and even shape who we are. Our watchlists can be surprisingly revealing. We’re teaming up with entertainers, artists and cultural icons on ourWatch With Me series on Google TV to share their top picks and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the TV and movies that inspired them.

Musician and Tony Award-winning actor Leslie Odom Jr. believes the best storytelling makes you truly feel something — both as the performer and as the viewer. Leslie explains, “If you’re lucky as an artist, you work on something that you’re inspired to work on.” And he’s inspired most by film and TV that incorporate music in new ways.

Leslie also loves the challenge of a spooky story. “It’s great fun to look in the face of something that scares you and survive it,” he says.

We sat down with Leslie to dig in more on his favorite film and TV show picks.

What did you learn from making your watchlist?

Leslie Odom Jr.:Making this watchlist reaffirmed for me that I like well-made things. I like miracles. I like when something special is made that took tremendous planning, preparation and craftsmanship.

Which genre do you go back to over and over again?

Odom: Horror is my favorite genre and contains so much. There’s funny horror movies, thrillers and suspense. Those were some of the biggest movies of the ‘80s and of my childhood that set me on this horror fan path.

How did you persuade your parents to let you watch horror as a kid?

Odom: My parents knew that those movies brought me such joy, and they didn’t want to keep me from that joy.

Who do you nerd out with when it comes to film and TV?

Odom: My father-in-law is in the [entertainment] business and is probably the person that I connect with most about movies. We talk about everything from performances and directors to hopes and dreams. He loves movies, too.

Do you experience movies differently when you’re by yourself?

Odom: I was in my twenties the first time I went to the movies by myself. I didn’t know you could do that. I would stay all day and see back-to-back movies.

What are your must-haves for the best viewing experience at home?

Odom: The best sound system you can afford, frozen yogurt and a comfy couch.

Check out Leslie’s watchlist to see the incredible movies and shows that inspired this powerhouse actor, musician, and horror fan on Google TV, rolling out over the next few days. Share your favorites as well using #WatchWithMe.

Movies and TV can make us laugh, cry and even shape who we are. Our watchlists can be surprisingly revealing. We’re teaming up with entertainers, artists and cultural icons on our Watch With Meseries on Google TV to share their top picks and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the TV and movies that inspired them.

Actress, producer and director Kerry Washington believes movies and TV have the power to influence us as individuals, and ultimately change the world. “When you step into a story and see yourself immersed in a part of the world that you’ve never been exposed to,” Kerry says, “that’s a magical experience.”

Kerry’s love for movies started when she was a young “latchkey kid” in the Bronx. Movies and TV helped connect her with others and feel a sense of belonging. “When you can connect to a story, you can connect more deeply to your humanity,” Kerry says. “ That’s why we watch, to be human and to connect to ourselves and each other.”

We sat down with Kerry to dig in more on her favorite movie and TV picks.

What do you think your watchlist says about you?

Kerry Washington: A lot of the films I love are about compassion, belonging and finding your way.

Are there specific moments where you used movies or TV to escape?

Washington: I am an only child and spent a lot of time alone. The people in shows? They were my friends.

What inspired you to create your YouTube series Street You Grew Up On?

Washington: I was so excited when we started our series, Street You Grew Up On. It was really fun because the whole point is that we are each the center of our own story. It’s really fun to talk to people we admire about the “once upon a time” in their life.

What new frontiers and environments interest you in movies and TV?

Washington: There’s all this attention on sci-fi and space travel, but [I think] there’s more real estate in the ocean that’s unexplored than in space. I think there’s magic to discover down below.

Your watchlist features many movies with mermaids. Do you believe in mermaids?

Washington: As a child, I really did think that maybe I was part mermaid. To this day, I keep trying to convince my kids that my DNA breakdown includes a percentage of mermaid.

Can movies or TV shows make any change in the world?

Washington: One of the things that I love about being a storyteller is that you really do see that hearts and minds are transformed by the best narratives.

Is it a crime to text during a movie?

Washington: I try to silence notifications so that when I’m watching, I can have as sacred an experience as possible.

Do you watch credits all the way through?

Washington: In my house, we watch the credits all the way through out of respect for the people I work with. The credits that matter the most are not just ones at the beginning of the show. It’s the folks at the end of the show that also make it happen.

Check out Kerry’s watchlist to see the incredible movies and shows that inspired this aspiring mermaid turned storyteller onGoogle TV, rolling out over the next few days. Share your favorites as well using #WatchWithMe.

Movies and TV can make us laugh, cry and even shape who we are. Our watchlists can be surprisingly revealing. We’re teaming up with entertainers, artists and cultural icons on a newWatch With Meseries on Google TV to share their top picks and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the TV and movies that inspired them.

Singer, songwriter and actress Andra Day sheds light on untold stories through both movies and music. “I think music, movies and TV are entertainment, but they can also heal society and individuals, and allow yourself to be in other worlds,” she says.

Though she more recently made the jump into acting, Andra always has been inspired by how movies can mobilize people and help everyone feel represented. “Watching challenging movies, particularly when it's not a perspective that is your own, helps you to grow in love and in empathy, you know?” she says. “I think challenging movies just make us better people and make us a better society.”

We caught up with Andra to find out what she’s learned from her favorite picks — and to find out a little more about her, too.

What does your watchlist say about you?

Andra Day: What I hope my watchlist says about me is that I love all different kinds of people. I love being able to immerse myself in other places, periods and lives.

Do you like to watch movies alone or with other people?

Andra Day:I like watching movies with other people. But I’m also someone who likes to rewind if I missed something. And other people don’t always love that…

What’s the most episodes you watched in one sitting?

Andra Day: It depends on the show and also if I can’t fall asleep. But I have watched 10 episodes in one sitting before!

What’s the first movie you ever watched?

Andra Day:Oooh, my first memorable movie I ever watched was “E.T.” I love everything about it, from baby Drew Barrymore to aliens.

What’s your favorite genre?

Andra Day:If I had to pick one, I want to say a documentary to make myself look good, but it's probably an action movie.

What is your go-to movie snack?

Andra Day:To be honest, it’s hot Cheetos, but I’m trying to make it hummus and celery!

Check out Andra’s watchlist and see the iconic movies that inspired her jump from music to acting on Google TV, rolling out over the next few days. Share your favorites as well using #WatchWithMe!

Movies and TV can make us laugh, cry and even shape who we are. Our watchlists can be surprisingly revealing. We’re teaming up with entertainers, artists and cultural icons on a newWatch With Meseries on Google TV to share their top picks and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the TV and movies that inspired them.

Awards season is here, making it the perfect time to chat with director Chloé Zhao, who took home the golden trophy in 2021. Her film “Nomadland” won best picture and best director, and is a perfect example of Chloe’s unique ability to deliver incredibly human, universal experiences. “As a storyteller, it’s important to have empathy,” she says. “You don’t necessarily have to have gone through what your character went through, but it is important to be vulnerable and open enough to let those characters guide you through it.”

We sat down with her to learn more about her filmmaking and the directors who inspire her. “I would say I'm not your typical cinephile. You know, I haven't seen everything, but there are a handful of directors who I worship and I’ll watch their films over and over again.”

Before we brushed up on her list of influential films and TV, we asked Chloé a few questions to learn more about her — and get a peek at her watchlist.

What does your watchlist say about you?

Chloé Zhao:My watchlist says that I’m someone who is very inconsistent, has a wide range of interests and can be a bit strange. I’m attracted to interesting stories and characters who can be perceived as a bit messed up.

What did you grow up watching?

Chloé Zhao: Mangas, Anime and Wuxia dramas — especially the ones starring Tony Leung! — were a huge part of my childhood. I constantly draw influence from these mythical and magical stories in how I approach filmmaking.

Who do you typically watch TV and movies with?

Chloé Zhao:I always watch TV with my dogs — I don’t have a choice! They have to sit next to me, one on each side.

Is it acceptable to talk during a movie?

Chloé Zhao: It’s not easy to make a movie, so as a filmmaker, I prefer people to not talk or check their phones during them. There’s incredible content on phones these days, so we have to force people to turn them off!

What’s one show you love to watch?

Chloé Zhao:I love “The Office.” Greatest show ever. I especially like watching the love-hate relationship between Dwight and Jim!

Dive into Chloé’s watchlist and learn more about the directors that inspire her on Google TV, rolling out over the next few days. Tell us your favorites using #WatchWithMe!