Steven Yeun, widely known for his role as Glen Rhee on AMC’s The Walking Dead, has shared an unexpected pick among his favorite films. The South Korean–American actor, who rose to fame from a modest start as a delivery boy character on the show, has named The Sandlot as one of his most cherished movies. This surprising choice sheds light on a personal connection to a film that influenced him deeply during his youth.
Yeun, who also made history as the first East Asian-American actor nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his role in Minari, has long expressed admiration for distinct and varied movies. In a 2017 interview with Rotten Tomatoes, he listed five standout titles that shaped his appreciation for cinema, moving away from traditional classics to more unique selections. These included cult comedy Office Space, the 1980s animated Transformers film, and Memories of Murder, a collaboration with acclaimed director Bong Joon Ho.
Yet, his most unconventional favorite remains The Sandlot, a 1993 sports comedy about childhood and baseball. Reflecting on this choice, Yeun stated,
“I’m gonna be so judged for this, but The Sandlot is a pick for me,”
and added,
“You can watch that movie again, and that movie is perfect. I mean, it gets trashed on, maybe, by adults because people think it’s for kids, but that movie’s amazing. Every single one of those child actors were incredible in it, the narration was awesome, Denis Leary’s in that movie… There’s so many amazing people that were part of it, and it was just a rinky-dink kids’ baseball movie, but it meant so much.”
This reveals how the film’s nostalgic and emotional impact has stayed with him through the years.
The Sandlot centers on a young boy, played by Tom Guiry, who moves to a new town and becomes part of a loosely structured group of kids playing baseball for fun. Unlike typical sports movies that focus on winning championships, this film highlights adventures and the camaraderie among the children. A notable subplot involves a giant dog, portrayed by the late James Earl Jones, who keeps stealing the team’s baseballs, adding charm and humor to the story.
Although not a blockbuster or critical darling upon its release, The Sandlot has earned a loyal following. Its notable behind-the-scenes controversy included a defamation lawsuit by a childhood friend of director David Mickey Evans, who claimed an unflattering character was based on him; however, the court ruled in favor of the filmmakers. Despite this, the film’s legacy endures as a memorable coming-of-age tale that resonates with audiences like Yeun.
For Steven Yeun, discovering The Sandlot early in life created a lasting impression that transcends its modest reputation. As an accomplished actor with a unique list of favorite movies, his selection demonstrates how personal experiences shape our connection to films that might otherwise seem simple or overlooked. This insight into Yeun’s cinematic preferences enriches our understanding of the actor beyond his public successes and highlights the sentimental power of childhood favorites.
