Director Ron Howard Doesn't 'Go Back and Watch' His Own Movies — and Hasn't Seen “Splash” in a 'Long Time' (Exclusive)

Howard, who has helmed films like 'Splash' and 'Cinderella Man,' tells PEOPLE he doesn't often look back at his filmography

Ron Howard doesn't often reflect on his own portfolio — and hasn't seen one of his most beloved films in some time.

The director opened up about whether or not he watches his work while chatting with PEOPLE about his beloved 1984 comedy Splash.

"Frankly, I don't go back and watch my movies, so it's been a long time since I've seen [Splash]," Howard, 70, said when asked about scenes from the 40-year-old film he feels are underrated.

Moments from creating the film starring Daryl Hannah, Tom Hanks and John Candy, though, come to mind quickly: "Making the movie was so much fun."

Related: Bryce Dallas Howard Celebrates Dad Ron Howard's 70th Birthday with Adorable Throwback Polaroid: 'I Love You'

"We just laughed every day," Howard recalled. "It was such a buoyant, romantic, funny combination of story values and situations."

Howard's career started in acting, with him first portraying Opie on The Andy Griffith Show before taking the role of Richie Cunningham in the ABC series Happy Days in the '70s.

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Following Splash, his second feature film as a director, Howard focused more in that space, eventually helming award-winning movies like A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13.

Related: Ron Howard Proposed 3 Times to Wife Cheryl: Bryce Dallas Howard Explains Why Mom Said No Twice

Howard has not acted in some time, save for serving as Arrested Development's narrator — but would be open to it under specific circumstances.

During a 2022 appearance on Variety's Awards Circuit podcast, Howard said his daughter Bryce Dallas Howard "probably" could convince him to take on an on-screen role.

"It would probably be Bryce directing something and saying, 'Dad, I really need you to come in and do this,' or 'You have to.' Either of those would probably get me in the makeup chair and in front of the camera," he said at the time.

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