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10 best movie review podcasts.
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There is no denying that it was a pretty rough year for movies, as many of the most highly anticipated releases shuffled off to future dates in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. But what the past year proved is that when a high-quality movie review podcast exists, it will be relevant through all the hoops and hurdles presented by the industry.
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The following podcasts have some of the most genial and thought-provoking hosts around, who make the kinds of shows that listeners want to take with them wherever they are. These creators are unmatched in the podcasting medium and their shows are made even more special when they review movies on a weekly basis.
Filmspotting
Filmspotting is a podcast that is perhaps best-known in Chicago, but it has risen to greater prominence in recent years. Hosted by Josh Larsen and Adam Kempenaar, it's the perfect pod for people who want to be part of a film community and stay up to date on must-see new movies that reach for something a bit more.
Filmspotting is not averse to popular films, but they always give attention (sometimes through their "Golden Brick" award) to more under-the-radar films. Plus, they are always levying Criterion-esque reappraisals to classic films through their top five lists, Sacred Cow treatments, specific analyses of a year in film, and the annual Filmspotting Madness tournament.
The Rewatchables
As the name suggests, The Rewatchables also dabbles in movies that came out in the past. As things tend to go on The Ringer, though, The Rewatchables takes a fun look at classic movies by evaluating them through categories like the "Dion Waiters Heat Check Award" and "Apex Mountain," with its evergreen confusion.
With hosts like Bill Simmons, Van Lathan, Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Amanda Dobbins usually in the mix, the panel allows for celebrity guests ( Quentin Tarantino swung by for three films) and Ringer staffers (Liz Kelly's take on Country Strong is an all-timer) who can deviate from the occasional Rewatchables rut. Stick through the Total Recall slog for great moments like The Martian , Toy Story , and Home Alone all being covered in the same season.
The Weekly Planet
These Australian podcast hosts, Mr. Sunday Movies and Nick Mason, make for inherently lively listening, and The Weekly Planet is the perfect podcast for movie fans who love a quality blockbuster.
The Weekly Planet is largely about comic book movies , but they dabble in all sorts of big-budget affairs, including Star Wars and Army of the Dead . They never take themselves too seriously, though, and they're among the funniest movie critics working today.
Ratchet & Respectable
The beauty of Ratchet & Respectable is that it does not adhere only to reviews of movies. That's part of it, though, and writer, critic, and all-around savant Demetria L. Lucas has reviewed films like Soul and Coming 2 America .
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However, she also explores many other facets of culture. This includes reviews of music and television, but her show's identity also extends to the hot button topics of today and occasional interviews with some of the industry's most interesting figures. Ratchet & Respectable is like a waystation for culture.
The Empire Film Podcast
Across the pond, The Empire Film Podcast is one of the best movie review shows for newcomers to the medium because it has a little bit of everything, including movie reviews, movie news discussions, and interviews with some of the top talents around.
After all, Empire has access to some of Hollywood's best and brightest, solely based on its reputation for loving movies, rather than just loving to critique movies. Hosts Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer are also funny and intelligent, which means there are never moments of cringe, which goes a long way during the interview segments.
Whether it's the string-laden, easy-listening tunes that introduce the Spoilers! podcast or the booming voice of Spoiler Man that ends it, there is always the feeling that listening to this movie review podcast is like coming home. Granted, that's also demonstrated by the camaraderie of the hosts, who all have long tenures of friendship and fun with one another.
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But it's also just emblematic of how lovely and engaging a free-flowing, loosely structured movie podcast can be. Spoilers! dabbles in round-table, extracurricular pods and episode-by-episode reviews for television just as much as it does movie reviews. But it's the niche finds, like The Castle ( a classic Australian film ) and The Snowman , that keep fans coming back just as much as the multi-part Lord of the Rings series. Spoilers! is enchanting and it has something for everyone.
Black Men Can't Jump [In Hollywood]
From Forever Dog, Black Men Can't Jump [in Hollywood] recently eclipsed the 300 episode mark and it's only gotten better over the years. The podcast is a movie review series that dips into the archives for older films, in tandem with up-to-date movie reviews and industry/award analysis.
What helps set Black Men Can't Jump apart is that the pod reviews movies through a highly contextual lens with Hollywood's history of diversity problems at the forefront. Not to mention, hosts Jerah Milligan, James III, and Jonathan Braylock are just great fun to listen to.
The /Filmcast
It should come as no surprise that Slashfilm has one of the best movie review podcasts out there. Hosted by David Chen, Devindra Hardawar, and Jeff Cannata, The /Filmcast embraces the traditional model of movie reviews: weekly coverage with check-ins at the top, a "What Are You Watching?" segment, and a critic guest.
These three have been friends for a long time (including some college time in Amherst) and that chemistry comes across so strongly as to be appreciated by listeners. Nothing is more fun than when the trio finds a movie they love and are highly passionate about. Nothing, that is, except for Jeff's limericks.
The Big Picture
Returning to the movie coverage side of The Ringer, The Big Picture is easily the best movie podcast on the network and one of the best movie podcasts ever made. Hosted by Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, The Big Picture began as an Oscar race analysis/filmmaker interview podcast and has evolved into something giddily unruly.
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When Sean and Amanda aren't stressing about the future of the Academy Awards or movie theaters, they're ranking their favorite movie twists, drafting movies from 2015, and building the Nancy Meyers Hall of Fame. It's every movie nerd's dream.
Blank Check With Griffin & David
Coming in at the premiere position is Blank Check with Griffin & David . What began as a podcast to break down The Phantom Menace has evolved into an ever-gestating miniseries about directors' filmographies. Usually, Griffin Newman, David Sims, and producer Ben Hosley are fascinated by filmmakers who received a blank check they either cashed or bounced on the big stage.
Some of their best miniseries include Brad Bird, Nora Ephron, and Ron Musker and John Clements. Currently, they're covering John Singleton with John Carpenter (and, hopefully, Gore Verbinski ) to come. But while #TheTwoFriends have become a podcasting staple and internet favorite, it's their ever-expanding cast of guests, who become honorary connoisseurs of context, that make the pod so special. It's a beautiful combination of silly bits and insightful analysis (Griffin's assessment of why Barry Jenkins' direction on Moonlight is still so memorable) and it's the peak of movie review podcasts.
NEXT: 10 Best Television Review Podcasts
Podcast Review
The 9 Best Film Podcasts
D id you hear about the showdown between hyper-intelligent robots and a group of fearless artists determined to defend their craft? No, this isn’t the plot of Terminator Seven. Writers, actors, and directors across Hollywood have been striking against inadequate pay and in defense of their rights in the age of AI. If the ensuing content drought didn’t send you straight to TikTok, our list of top film podcasts will keep you entertained until Dune 2 hits the screens. And always remember, we must protect Sarah Connor.
Film is an art form where discussion can be as integral as watching. After all, what do you do after sitting in silence in the theatre for two hours? You go for a drink and talk about the movie. Everyone loves to discuss movies, so it’s no surprise that the film podcast scene is flourishing. And just like the movies they discuss, film podcasts are full of tropes. There’s the “laugh about how terrible this movie is” trope. The “alienating niche film references” trope. Oh, and the “no-laughing-allowed, let’s talk about how politically insensitive this film is” trope. Any of these approaches can make for blockbuster podcasting, just as any of them can make for a box office dud. It’s like the difference between Goodfellas and John Travolta’s Gotti . They’re both mafia movies, telling epic tales of masculinity and hubris. But find me a critic that mentions Robert de Niro and John Travolta’s performances in the same breath, and I’ll show you someone paid off by the mob. Great movie podcasts add to the conversation around film and avoid mere self-indulgence — here’s a breakdown of the best.
Kermode and Mayo’s Take
If you’ve been mourning the end of the hugely popular Kermode on Film show, worry not. Britain’s “most loved film critic” has returned after a short hiatus to launch this new podcast with his long-time co-host, Simon Mayo. It all seems suspiciously similar: on-the-fly reviews, interviews with every A-List actor you can think of, and a slew of industry anecdotes. But it’s not all the same. They’re now talking about film-adjacent TV, too.
The jury’s still out on whether these two actually like each other. They bicker, interrupt and snipe, often hilariously. This argumentative format is all part of the experience, though. Don’t let the playful cynicism fool you; Kermode speaks eloquently about his love of cinema, and his honesty convinces.
How Did This Get Made?
What do the films Sharknado , Piranhaconda , and Zombeavers have in common? Besides starring water-based baddies, they’re all films we know are bad, but that we watch anyway because — eh, *shrugs* — sometimes you need reminding that you’re smarter than something. Cue How Did This Get Made? , the passion project of actors Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas. The trio sit around a table twice a week to giggle at the plot holes, ludicrous dialogue, and dire acting in audience-picked “bad” movies. You’re probably best off watching the films first so you can gloat along. Chemistry and comic timing make this show a lot of fun.
You Must Remember This
Many movie podcasts re-live both the good and awful bits of the film you watched last night. Judging by the name, You Must Remember This might fool you into thinking it’s just that. But au contraire. Presented by Karina Longworth, this long-running podcast is a meticulously researched investigation into twentieth-century Hollywood, uncovering its “secret and/or forgotten histories.” Invariably, those shiny Hollywood images are not how you remembered them. Longworth is an author as well as a film critic, and these “podcast-essays” unfold like stories. She is currently embarking on a deep dive into Hollywood’s “Erotic Eighties,, an investigation into how the pornographic made its way into movie theatres. You Must Remember This is my pick for the most entertaining and informative film podcast.
The Director’s Cut
What goes into directing a film? You need an artistic vision, the nous to coax incredible performances from actors, and the ability to deal with the onslaught of inevitable delays and disasters that are part and parcel of making a film. Want to find out more? Look no further than this podcast produced by the lofty Director’s Guild of America, wherein the industry’s most lauded auteurs give their insights into how today’s best films are being made. Expect mostly male perspectives and plenty of nepotism. Nevertheless, this is essential listening for aspiring directors and the generally film-obsessed.
Sponsor Seddy Bimco Part 2 The Revenge
What is revenge good for? Absolutely nothing, except maybe a humorous podcast called Seddy Bimco Part 2 The Revenge . New Yorker cartoonist and children’s book author Tim Hamilton and New York Times Best-selling author of the Olympians series watch bad films and tell heartwarming tales of getting even, by asking the question: What if a B-movie from 1975 had a revenge sequel? On Seddy Bimco Part 2 The Revenge , Tim and George also talk movie facts, movie history and Jack Elam!
The Bechdel Cast
Just because Hollywood abounds with morally questionable big-wigs and nefarious practices doesn’t mean film podcasts have just to accept that. Take The Bechdel Cast for instance. It casts a critical eye on popular movies, inquiring whether they hold up to feminist and intersectional scrutiny. Taking the Bechdel Test as its jumping-off point (Are there at least two women talking in this movie? Great! Now, do they talk about anything besides a man ?), the show counters male-dominated Hollywood with astute, against-the-grain commentary, exploring the misogyny, homophobia, and racism that creep into a major director’s work.
You may know host Jamie Loftus from her brilliant Lolita Podcast , and this show delivers a similar cultural critique. It should be noted that the hosts can sometimes oversimplify a film or a director’s intentions (see the episode on Mulholland Drive). Nonetheless, this podcast will appeal to film enthusiasts sick of the patriarchy’s stranglehold over the film industry.
Classic Movie Musts
Have you ever looked at the comments section of an avant-garde film on MUBI? You’ll find, without fail, a glut of semi-coherent blathering. Think film-grads typing out grandiloquent monologues on the meaning of life, and how they glimpsed it in the film. Ultimately these comments demonstrate little more than the viewers’ ability to watch and enjoy a movie — a self-satisfied testament to their urbanity. Bravo, chap. Good for you. If you’re after seminal work, you might as well open an incognito browser and watch a completely different type of film.
Perhaps these film buffs are better off checking out Classic Movie Musts instead. Host Max Baril and his guests produce essayistic commentaries on classic films with appreciation very much in mind. The podcast offers a literary perspective, exploring the aesthetic and directorial decisions that make the classics brilliant. Expect interesting takes on the formal elements of camera work, set design, and narrative meaning.
Black on Black Cinema
Tired of film commentary whitewashing Black cinema? Bored of the slew of “Black” films engineered for white audiences? Black on Black Cinema began as a conversation by and for a Black audience. Films aren’t just a form of escapism, as hosts Terrence, Jay, Micah, and T’ara are well aware. For over seven years, this excellent podcast has been interspersing episodes focused on the issues of contemporary America with discussions of Black cinema. The show vibrates with the tensions that make cultural and political life in the United States seep into each other. But there’s no film jargon here and no doom and gloom despite it all. Each week, these hosts sit down for a casual but informed chat, throwing out opinions and laugh-out-loud jokes like they’re talking over a few beers.
Groovy Movies
After rubbing their eyes blearily from work, hosts Lily Austin and James Brailsford slam down their laptops at the end of the day to spend an hour talking about cinema on their podcast Groovy Movies . The show began last year as an analysis of individual films. Since then, the formula has changed slightly; each episode explores a broader subject, from auteur cinema to French film to plot twists. Put simply, every conversation will entertain and provoke. Slightly less simply, this show takes a dialectical approach to watching movies.
The tepid name possesses, under its British politeness, a steely-eyed focus. Taken from the name of a Kinks song, Groovy Movies demonstrates strong opinions and an unerring, though friendly, impulse to battle out their inter-generational perspectives. James wields the industry experience, whilst Lily has her finger on the pulse of the political talking points surrounding the industry. Neither theory nor practice wins out. Both push each other to enhance their perspective, making it a great one for film buffs.
The Microbudget Indie Filmmakers Podcast
No doubt, reader, you are now up to your ears in conversations about films. You can now happily zone out during your daily commute. But if one day soon, as you stare vacantly down the carriage, the itch takes you to make a film yourself, why not switch on this brilliant show and take the plunge?
Host Zanah Thirus returned this year by popular demand, releasing new episodes more-or-less monthly. If Zanah needs further encouragement to keep posting her episodes on how to make a movie with almost no budget, we encourage her to let the podcast run and run. Partnering with Minorities in Film, The Microbudget is for those without the wallet or the family background to waltz into the next blockbuster. If you’ve got the passion, the dedication, and the eye to be a filmmaker, this show is for you.
Matthew Seaton is a writer based in Glasgow. His work has appeared in Erato Magazine and The Dillydoun Review and he is a founding editor of the event-zine chewgulpspit. He is currently completing a Master’s degree in Creative Writing. You can contact him at [email protected]
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