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The 20 Best Movie Podcasts (for every film buff)

Last updated on January 26th, 2021

Unless you were a film fanatic, historically, movie chat has ranked up there with talking about weekend plans or the weather: exactly the type of fodder you need to survive the office/first date/dinner with the in-laws. But now there is new hope! Wax eloquent like Roger Ebert or A. O. Scott with these movie podcasts. More importantly, and more seriously, film podcasts are changing representation by giving a voice to the communities and issues that have, for too long, been marginalized or purposefully ignored. From deconstructing filmic tropes and challenging assumed histories to just laughing along at some really terrible movies, there are shows for everyone, from the Hollywood hopeful and the cinephile to those just trying to make it through a family dinner unscathed. Here are our favorite movie podcasts for film fans.

1. Scriptnotes

For aspiring screenwriters, listen to John August and Craig Mazin’s Scriptnotes , a weekly movie podcast that dives into all things “interesting to screenwriters.” While not claiming to be much, this film podcast is a treasure-trove of information, with hundreds of episodes a year and an enormous archive. On air since 2011, the early episodes cast a close look at the nitty-gritty of script writing: not just the common pitfalls of screenplays or if an idea is movie-worthy, but also the Bechdel test and inequality in Hollywood. The guestlist is star-studded, with everyone from David Koepp to Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Melissa McCarthy stopping by to discuss the craft and creation of movies. Recurring segments like the Three-page Challenge let hopeful screenwriters send in the first pages of their scripts for on-air critiques. 

Listen : Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

If your approach is more expansive than obsessive, then film critic Amy Nicholson has you covered. Each episode begins with a single film, say Downtown Abbey or A Star is Born , and then Nicholson steers you on a rollercoaster ride from there. ZOOM is teeming with history, science and politics, and Nicholson is a nimble driver: in her recent look at portrayals of the British monarchy, she began with a dramatic description of the decapitation of Mary Queen of Scots in Thomas Edison’s short film The Execution of Mary Stuart from 1895. I didn’t even know that Edison made films, and for what it is worth, that beheading with the first recorded use of special effects in the movies. 

Listen : Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

3. The Rewatchables

From the team behind The Ringer (so you know it will be hilarious) comes The Rewatchables , which is exactly like it sounds: Bill Simmons and a rotating series of hosts “discussing movies they can’t seem to stop watching.” The co-hosts humorously break down each movie into its ‘most rewatchable scenes’ as they remember their initial viewings and evolving interpretations. Context, it seems, is everything and often, these guests are shocked by how far they’ve come as viewers. The movie podcast is witty and quick, the pop culture conversation you wish you were having at a bar. 

4. You Must Remember This

Accolades pour in for You Must Remember This , the best podcast for all things old Hollywood, the secrets, scandals and forgotten histories. The episodes clock in under an hour and are all written, produced and narrated by Karina Longworth, an all-out wunderkind who somehow does everything and more in just 24-hours. Each episode’s narrative is a captivating, mind-blowing and meticulously researched feat of film journalism. The upcoming season of You Must Remember This focuses entirely on Song of the South , the 1946 hybrid animated and live-action film from Disney which was set on a post-Civil War plantation. Since it was released over seventy years ago, the film has been criticised for promoting racial stereotypes and was never released on video. So, Longworth wants to know: “what is Song of the South, and why did Disney make it?”

5. Denzel Washington Is the Greatest Actor of All Time PERIOD

Hollywood heavy Denzel Washington has acted in over thirty films, not to mention countless television programs and Broadway plays, and Denzel Washington Is the Greatest Actor of All Time PERIOD is a fan account co-hosted by two unabashed Denzealots. Although it is no longer on the air, comedian W. Kamau Bell and writer Kevin Avery made Denzel Washington Is the Greatest Actor of All Time PERIOD comic gold. Joined by guests like Chris Chalk and Vincent D’Onofrio, the hosts wax poetic about their favourite actor of all time as they attempt to prove their titular premise. Tackling each movie in alphabetical order, they rank  the star’s performance by its Denzelishness, a scientific system consisting of five elemental truths: the Denzel walk; humor; his badass self; the Denzel lip; and his “his trademark move that consists of a sort of George Clooney head wobble coupled with narrowed eyes.” Come for the mancrush, stay for the laughs. 

6. How Did This Get Made? & Unspooled

Ever wonder why that fourth movie in the horror franchise was made? Or what actually happened in the latest Tom Cruz action adventure? Well, How did this get made? might not have an answer, but certainly you will find yourself laughing along with hosts, the actors and comedians Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas, as they attempt to untangle the thorny plots of terrible films. They aren’t particularly discriminating in what they examine, and have looked at such cinematic delights as Anaconda , From Justin to Kelly , and My Stepmother Is an Alien . If you love the comedy but are hoping for something slightly more highbrow, in 2018, Scheer launched a new podcast, Unspooled , this time aimed at Hollywood’s all-time greats. Despite being a self-proclaimed movie buff, Scheer realised he shockingly hadn’t seen many of the anointed classic films. Co-hosted with Amy Nicholson of ZOOM , Scheer has been making his way through the American Film Institute’s Top 100 movies, hoping to uncover “what makes classics like Citizen Kane and Taxi Driver so special.” 

How Did This Get Made? Listen : Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

Unspooled Listen : Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

7. Still Processing

While not explicitly a podcast about film, Still Processing from the New York Times is definitely worth a listen, or many listens. The podcast is hosted by the paper’s culture writers Jenna Wortham and Wesley Morris, who together reckon with culture in all its diverse incarnations as they try to come to grips with with contemporary America. Each episode is chatty and compelling, focussing on a different subject from Get Out and alternative histories perpetuated by the media to J. Lo’s triumphant performance in Hustlers . Richly confessional, Morris and Wortham chat like true friends, and in revealing their insecurities, biases and crushes, they outline the messiness of processing the world. See their recent conversation about Oscar winner Green Book which skillfully connected the trial of Jason Van Dyke to racial reconciliation fantasies and the documentary Surviving R. Kelly.  Culture, it seems, is never an isolated industry.

8. Black on Black Cinema

Black on Black Cinema is a nuanced look at the Black film industry. Zigzagging in time from the 2019 release of The Watchmen back to the 1974 blaxploitation action classic, Three the Hard Way , our three hosts, Jay, Micah and Terrence, thoughtfully consider the role of Black film today. Given that Hollywood has long discriminated against Black actors and filmmakers, theirs is a trenchant and supremely relevant conversation. But despite the weight of the topic, don’t think that Black on Black Cinema is devoid of humor, and these hosts know how to mock and goad one another. On air since 2012, the podcast is produced weekly, so the back catalogue  is worth perusing. 

9. The Qwipster Film Review Podcast

For straight up film reviews that are always more than just recaps, check out Vince Leo’s The Qwipster Film Review Podcast. Leo covers everything from Marvel blockbusters to indie films in smart, fun-sized episodes that are each about ten minutes long. Jampacked with information, The Qwipster Film Review is nevertheless filled with thoughtful, quippy commentary just as its title suggests. These are perfect for your commute to work, or when you need something smart to say in the office kitchen. 

10. Cinema Clash

Maryland-based film-critic Charlie Juhl and part-time reviewer and full-on fanatic Hannah Buchdal debate new releases in Cinema Clash. Often covering multiple films an episode, the podcast is an unedited, riotous conversation about the plusses and hazards of contemporary cinema. That both have vastly differing opinions – Juhl favors everything obscure and overlooked, while Buchdahl LOVES mainstream movies – makes for an exciting listen and rowdy debate. 

Listen : Apple Podcasts

Movie Podcasts Honorable Mentions

• The Cine-file
• Double Toasted
• Podcast Like It’s 1999
• Hollywood Babble On
• Filmspotting
• Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review
• I Was There Too
• This Had Oscar Buzz

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The 15 best movie podcasts for film critics and buffs

What type of content do you primarily create?

Movie podcasts can be a dime a dozen—shows reviewing the film industry are aplenty. But which podcasts are the best movie podcasts? 

We’ve rounded up the best film podcasts, some that center on deep dives, commentary, and film history, hosted by film critics and pop culture writers, and made for screenwriters, film critics, film buffs, and everyone in between.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the shows. And when you’re done, don’t miss our list of the 12 best podcasts of 2023...so far .

You Must Remember This

Hosted by Karina Longworth, You Must Remember This delves into the hidden and forgotten stories of Hollywood's golden age. Launched in 2014, You Must Remember This combines meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and Longworth's distinctive narrative style to explore the lives and careers of iconic celebrities, scandals, and significant moments in the history of American cinema. 

Each episode offers listeners a juicy journey through the past, uncovering secrets and lesser-known anecdotes about Hollywood legends from classic movies like Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, and Judy Garland. Longworth’s background in film criticism and writing makes her the perfect person to unearth the complex dynamics of the entertainment industry and expose the truth behind all the glitz and glamor. (It doesn’t hurt that her voice is completely authoritative and articulate, yet still melodic.) 

Listeners of You Must Remember This feel like they’ve been transported back in time. It’s a must-listen for cinephiles and history enthusiasts alike.

Listen here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other

Read more: Karina Longworth on how You Must Remember This found early success

The Big Picture

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins co-host The Ringer’s The Big Picture , which covers a range of pop culture and entertainment topics, with a focus on the cinematic world of movies, film industry news, and discussions about the latest releases, as well as interviews with notable figures in the film industry. 

Sean and Amanda provide insightful commentary, reviews, and analysis of both mainstream and independent films and explore broader topics related to the film industry—trends, controversies, and the impact of movies on culture and society. Segments like Top 5s (such as the Top 5 Haunted House movies) and Movie Drafts (such as the Denzel Washington Movie Draft) make The Big Picture feel like a fun place to hang. Their Ringer colleagues Brian Raftery, Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons often jump in to add different perspectives.

Blank Check

David Sims and Griffin Newman believe that after certain directors make a critically acclaimed or commercially successful film, they end up with full creative freedom and large budgets by studios to pursue their passion projects. Essentially, they have a "blank check" to make the film of their dreams. Those are the films David and Griffin cover on Blank Check . 

For each episode, they pick a specific director and explore their filmography, dissecting their career, choices, and the impact of their movies on the industry. They’re as knowledgeable as they are appreciative of film, and their depth of knowledge allows them to offer insightful analysis about both the director's work and the broader world of cinema. 

The core friendship between David and Griffin makes Blank Check special. They’ll point out things about films you’ve seen a million times that you’ve never noticed before. 

How Did This Get Made?

You know those films that are epically bad, bizarre, or poorly produced? Even the ones that are painful to watch are fun to talk about. (In some cases, even more so.) On How Did This Get Made? , Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas, and June Diane Raphael discuss and mock movies like Junior , Jaws 3-D , Milk Money , F9: The Fast Saga , and more, in a comedic way. 

This is a comedy podcast as much as it is a movie one. It’s clear they have genuine appreciation for the creativity and quirks of the movies they dissect. With notable guests (like Seth Rogen, Adam Scott, Jenny Slate, and Brie Larson) they shine a light on cult classics, box office flops, obscure titles, or films that have gained notoriety for how bad they are, answering the big question: How did this get made? They mix things up with call-ins from listeners, “Matinee Mondays,” and live shows. People have been laughing out loud to How Did This Get Made since 2010. Join the party. If you’re looking for a straight-up comedy podcast, read about the 10 best comedy podcasts to laugh it out .

Black Men Can’t Jump [In Hollywood]

Actors Jonathan Braylock, Jerah Milligan, and James III are the voices behind Black Men Can't Jump [In Hollywood] , a show dedicated to the portrayal and representation of Black actors and characters in film. 

For each episode, they pick a specific movie—from classics like In the Heat of the Night to newer films like The Blackening , and, yes, White Men Can’t Jump (multiple times)—and probe into its themes, plot, characters, and overall portrayal of Black culture, then analyze how the film contributes to or challenges stereotypes and tropes. It’s a serious and near academic look at the importance of representation in cinema and how the industry has evolved in terms of diversity and inclusion, but it’s not without a dash of comedy and lightheartedness. 

Actors, filmmakers, and industry professionals alike (think Keegan-Michael Key and Phoebe Robinson) pop on to provide additional insights and perspectives. Jonathan, Jerah, and James are always ready with a recommendation of something they think is worth watching for its positive impact on Black culture in Hollywood. 

The Rewatchables

Sports writer, commentator, and founder of The Ringer Bill Simmons is the host of The Rewatchables , a podcast that focuses on the classics and movies that we want to watch again and again and taps into our love of both film and nostalgia. 

Episodes review movies that have gained a cult following, achieved critical acclaim, or have had a lasting impact on pop culture. Bill, along with a rotating panel of guests, have animated discussions on each film’s plot, characters, memorable scenes, and even offer behind-the-scenes trivia. They also talk about the impact of the movie on the industry and its rewatchability factor. 

Listeners can look forward to favorite segments like "What's Age the Best," "Half-Assed Internet Research," and "Who Won the Movie,” and can suggest movies they’d love to hear covered. Bill and co. really know and love the movies. Every episode is relistenable. 

Scriptnotes

For conversations about the craft of screenwriting, filmmaking, and the entertainment industry as a whole, tune into Scriptnotes , co-hosted by screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin. 

Scriptnotes is anti-gatekeeping—John and Craig draw upon their experience as successful screenwriters to offer advice on everything from the art to the business of screenwriting, and give insight into current trends, developments, and issues in Hollywood. In some episodes, John and Craig analyze specific scripts or scenes from popular movies, breaking down what works and what doesn't, offering constructive criticism. 

From digging into basic concepts like a film’s presence and how to write a movie to more niche thought experiments like the nature of words and what gives them their meaning, John and Craig are able to help both aspiring and professional screenwriters alike with the mega guests who join them. (Like Greta Gerwig!) 

The Bechdel Cast

The Bechdel Test is a meme-turned-academic test used to measure gender representation in media. And on The Bechdel Cast , comedians Jamie Loftus and Caitlin Durante use it as criteria to analyze the representation of women in film. To pass the test, a film must have at least two named female characters who have a conversation with each other that does not revolve around a man. Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how often your favorite movies fail. (And how surprising movies like Mean Girls pass.) 

The Bechdel Test is decades old, and much about the way we talk about gender in media has changed, and Jamie and Caitlin have adapted the show to acknowledge that by challenging binary thinking and weaving intersectionality into their discussions and movie reviews. 

So it’s a movie podcast, sure. But it’s also a show about feminism, gender equality, and the importance of diverse and well-rounded female characters in storytelling. The best part? It’s hilarious. Episodes can feel like comedy sets, and recurring inside jokes make loyal listeners feel part of The Bechdel Cast family. 

Black on Black Cinema

There’s certainly a need for greater diversity and representation in the film industry, and on Black on Black Cinema , Micah, Terrence, and Rob provide in-depth Black film reviews and frank conversations that matter to the Black community, one movie at a time. 

Their conversations go deep into commentary about how Black actors and directors have impacted and challenged traditional Hollywood narratives. A few things make this show stand out, besides the fact it’s focusing on Black film: Micah, Terrance, and Rob, lean into disagreements, which makes for interesting, complex discussions. And there isn’t a lot of fluff. They get into things fast and stay on track. While addressing important social issues, the team keeps the jokes rolling. 

One Apple Podcasts review says: “This podcast is like listening in on a conversation in a black barbershop. The guys are funny and insightful.”

Paul Scheer mocks bad movies on How Did This Get Made , and on Unspooled , which he co-hosts with film critic Amy Nicholson, he’s doing something a little different. 

For season one, Amy and Paul went through the American Film Institute's list of the top 100 American movies of all time and gave in-depth analysis, historical and cultural context, and a review for each, explaining how the classic film fit into the history of cinema. Now that they’re done with that, their seasons skip around to other movies, based on themes like horror flicks, documentaries and romantic comedies, with help from their vibrant listener community, who write in with their own picks and vote in Unspooled’s Listener's Choice Bracket. Guests come in sometimes, but this is a really host- and community-driven show. 

MUBI is a streaming service that just so happens to have one the most interesting, well-produced movie podcasts out there. It was twice named "Best Arts or Entertainment Podcast" at the L.A. Press Club’s 2022 and 2023 National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, was nominated for a 2022 Webby Award for "Best Individual Podcast Episode” and for "Best New Podcast" at the 2022 British Podcast Awards, and was nominated for "Best Entertainment Show" and "Best Scriptwriting" at the 2023 Ambie Awards. So while I tend to think it’s underrated, it is getting noticed. 

It’s a storytelling film podcast that works its way through themes. Season one focused on films that have great importance in their home country, but are less celebrated by international audiences. Season two told stories about individual movie theaters. In season three, new episodes focused on film “needle-drops”—moments where filmmakers deployed pre-existing music instead of an original score.

Little Gold Men

Little Gold Men is Vanity Fair’s movie podcast that covers a wide range of topics about the film industry, with a strong focus on awards shows, red-carpet premieres, and the road it takes for films to get there. 

Their awards season coverage is the place to learn about predictions, nominees, winners, and history. They’re busy during the film festivals, too, covering noteworthy films and emerging talent at Cannes, Sundance and more. Off-season is fleshed out with movie analysis and interviews with filmmakers, actors, directors, and other industry pros. 

Hosts Katey Rich, Richard Lawson, Becca Ford, and David Canfield might be your Oscar oracles, but they’ll keep you up to date all year round. 

Films to Be Buried With

Roy Kent truly is “here, he's there, he's every-f*cking-where!" ( Ted Lasso fans will recognize the fan chant for the show’s AFC Richmond captain.) The man behind the legend is Brett Goldstein, who also hosts the podcast Films to be Buried With . 

The premise: Brett asks his guests to name the films that are so good you’d want to be buried with them. Of course, the conversation is never that simple, and the guests end up describing their own lives through the great movies they’d like to take with them to the grave. It’s an interesting way to get to know people like Heléne York, Barry Jenkins, Taylor Tomlinson, and yes…Jason Sudekis. 

Brett is a great conversationalist who doesn’t pretend to be a film expert (though he has seen a lot of movies)—he really wants to know more about his fantastic guests. But along the way, we hear about favorites and classics like When Harry Met Sally , The Sound of Music , and more. 

You Are Good

You Are Good bills itself as a “feelings podcast about movies.” It’s not film criticism (although it does go there) as much as it is an opportunity for hosts Sarah Marshall (of You’re Wrong About ) and Alex Steed to gush about favorite movies with guests and get to the bottom of why these films hit us so hard. 

Sarah and Alex go back into the archives—most of the movies are at least a decade old—to wade through all the emotions of nostalgia, joy, and occasionally discomfort that titles like Top Gun , High Fidelity , Steel Magnolias , and Amadeus bring. 

This is a kind and empathetic show, more about human nature than film history or facts. It feels like a warm hug and a happy place you can run to when you just want to bask in the glow of beloved movies, and the things that make them resonate with us all. 

Hollywood Gold

Hollywood Gold isn’t just another film review podcast. Daniela Taplin Lundberg of Stay Gold Features ( The Kids Are All Right, Harriet, Honey Boy ) covers films like Thelma & Louise , Memento , and Mean Streets— but on Hollywood Gold, instead of hearing from an actor or a film critic, you hear from producers and screenwriters: the people behind the scenes who saw everything and really know the whole story. 

It feels a little gossip-y, kind of like You Must Remember This . But the films are more modern blockbusters—think The Outsiders (with the film’s producer Fred Roos), Austin Powers (with the film’s producer Jennifer Todd), or Scream (with the film’s producer Cathy Konrad). A podcast like this could easily get "inside baseball" really quickly, but Daniela makes sure to explain terms that may not make sense to people outside of the industry, and adds plenty of context to catch us all up.

If film podcasts aren’t for you, read about 8 types of podcasts: Discover the right podcast format for your show . (Or maybe try The best video game podcasts you can’t miss out on .)

Are you a podcast host yourself? Learn about choosing podcast topics to build and engage an audience and learn 15 brilliant podcast segment ideas, with examples from actual shows .

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13 Great Film Podcasts, According to a Film Critic

It’s that glorious time of year: fall movie season! More specifically, it’s that slot in the calendar, just slightly after the scrum of film festivals and as the first waves of awards-buzz flicks begin to trickle out, when my brain suddenly shifts toward fixating on Oscar trivia, awards betting odds, and new movie release schedules at my local independent cinema here in Middle America, with its extensive lag in distributing new releases.

To commemorate the occasion, I thought it would be fun to wrap a whole newsletter around the vibrant genre of film podcasts. (Fun fact: Film podcasts were the very first podcasts I got into when I initially became a fan of the medium. Shoutout to the OG Filmspotting .) To that end, I reached out to New York film critic Bilge Ebiri, who happens to be a patron of, and an exceptionally prolific guest on, such programs.

Nick Quah: I get the sense, just from following your Twitter feed over the years, that you listen to film podcasts a fair bit. What’s in your rotation?

Bilge Ebiri: It’s weird, because I don’t think of myself as a big film-podcast listener. I mostly listen to sports and basketball podcasts — mainly because I can’t stand to read sports coverage — and I often prefer to read about films than to hear about films. I have been a guest on a lot of podcasts. I like doing them, and they’re all very interesting people. When I’m invited on a podcast, I listen to as many of them as I can before I jump on to get a sense of what they’re like. Very often, I’ll stick around and dip in when it’s an actor or a director or a guest I’m interested in.

The ones I do listen to are ones I feel guilty about not listening to all the time. One of them is Cows in the Field . It’s by Justin Khoo and his wife, Laura, both of whom are blindingly smart. Justin actually teaches philosophy at MIT. It’s one of the few podcasts that I will listen to even if it’s a movie I’m not necessarily interested in or a movie I’ve never heard about, which is rare. They bring a level of … “elevated discourse” is maybe not the right word, but they’re able to tackle deep philosophical themes with these movies in a way many movie podcasts tend not to. They’ll engage you on the ideas in a movie, so you wind up doing some work when you’re speaking with them.

Another one I like is Light the Fuse . It’s mostly about Mission: Impossible , but they’ll occasionally go off and do another movie that’s somehow related. Recently, they did a few episodes around Top Gun , and they call that series Light the Fuselage . It’s probably the best podcast to listen to if you’re at all interested in the craft of making films. Most of their guests are people who’ve worked on Mission: Impossible movies or adjacent films — for example, they had Joseph Kosinski on, who directed Top Gun: Maverick , or Eddie Hamilton, who edited Top Gun . They’ll talk to editors, sound designers, assistant cameramen. The nice thing about bringing on these people is that they actually get into the nitty-gritty. Especially when they’re talking about movies from the past, the bullshit just goes away. People aren’t in promo mode. And because these are often below-the-line people who aren’t media trained, you can get a lot of great stories.

They also keep the podcast short, which I appreciate. I don’t mind long podcasts, like, you know, the Blank Check guys. I’ve been on that show a couple of times, too. They do a good job with the epic two- or three-hour podcasts, but my problem is that I’ll start listening to one for about an hour, and I’ll love it, but I’ll never finish it because my walk is over or the dishes are done, you know?

There are all these other little podcasts I’ve really enjoyed doing and listening to. Exiting Through the 2010s , which is kind of focused on movies from the 2010s. The B-Side . Oeuvre Busters , which I can’t tell if it’s around any more. [ Nick’s note : They are, but have since rebranded as Rohmercast .] They would do deep dives on specific filmmakers. It’s another podcast like Cows in the Field , where the hosts were really well prepared, everyone knew their stuff, and we talked about heady concepts. Cannes I Kick It , which looks at films from a particular festival slate and uses it as an excuse to talk about different directors. I went on there to talk about Claire Denis , who famously has not been to many Cannes festivals. The Film Stage Show is one I was just on to talk about Three Thousand Years of Longing . One of the hosts and I got into a brief shouting match, which was fun. It can be fun if you’re all agreeing about a movie, but I really enjoy it when there’s a real give and take. I don’t get to do that much in my daily life. I mean, I’ll see fellow critics at screenings and stuff, but we don’t really talk that much. I’m home with my wife and son, and sometimes my son sees the movies I see, but not that often. I think whenever I show him a movie, he just feels obligated to say he likes it.

I really like Watch With Jen™ . It’s Jen Johans’s podcast, who I think is based out of Arizona, and she’ll have guests on to talk about a specific subject and then multiple films around that subject. I guested on an episode where we talked about Colin Farrell movies , and in a couple of weeks I’ll get back on to talk about Ralph Fiennes movies. They’re pegged to movies that are coming out, but it’s a chance to talk about these older films, and for me to revisit these older films, which is something I really enjoy doing.

Of course, I love the podcasts by my friend Blake Howard, who made One Heat Minute , which was such a great project. [ Nick’s note : It was — the premise involves dedicating each episode to talking about a different minute in Michael Mann’s iconic film Heat .] Blake has since become a podcast impresario . He’s done all of these other different projects, and I’m astounded by how enthusiastic he still manages to be for a guy who appears to be doing multiple podcasts a day. After One Heat Minute , he did All the President’s Minutes , which was phenomenal. He also made a Zodiac series , which was wonderful, and much more scripted. He does Miami Nice with Katie Walsh, and you know, I love Miami Vice . It started off with them just talking about Miami Vice and how much they loved it and it sort of grew and grew and grew. Now they’ll get a guy who was Colin Farrell’s assistant on that movie. It’s become more granular, and more gossipy, which is great.

Nick Quah: It strikes me that film podcasts are uniquely good at plugging into two modes of engagement that’s prominent with movie culture: deep, almost-exegetical analysis, and nostalgic ephemera. It’s kind of a space for extreme processing of history, basically.

Bilge Ebiri: That’s the thing. I like to write about older films, and it’s fascinating to me how little of the past has managed to be preserved in the online era. We thought the internet was going to be this thing that preserved everything; we didn’t have to remember things because the internet was gonna remember it all for us. But the opposite happened, and we realized, “Oh right, the internet remembering everything doesn’t mean anything if we don’t remember it ourselves.” So you have all this stuff that basically only exists in the minds of people who … well, are old. I like a lot of these podcasts because they actually talk about older films. It’s a way to talk about them without having to come up with a take or pegging it to an anniversary.

Though there are some I like that are more news updates, like the [horror-centric] New Flesh podcast. I like Disaster Girls , by Jordan Crucchiola (who used to work at Vulture) and Amanda Smith, where they’re just talking about disaster movies. There are so many of them that they just have infinite opportunities to talk about these movies. I love that; podcasts that are built around a specific subject like that. In a way, blogs used to do that. There’d be a blog dedicated to this or that type of movie. I see less and less of those today, and yeah, I guess they’ve kind of migrated to podcasts.

Nick Quah: Do you get the sense if film criticism, and perhaps criticism more generally, is shifting to these other digital spaces? Or, perhaps, if you were trying to find your way into criticism, making a podcast or making YouTube essays could be a way to wedge open the door?

Bilge Ebiri: This is the thing: I don’t watch anything on YouTube. Not because I think they’re bad or anything like that. It’s just a habit from being in the office where I feel like if I’m watching a YouTube video, I’m not doing my job. Whereas a podcast you listen to while you’re multitasking. I can’t really write when I’m listening to a podcast, but I can do a million other things.

As for the criticism thing, I don’t know if that’s a way in so much as that’s a way to go further in that space. I remember, one of the first podcasts I ever did was The Cinephiliacs , which was started by Peter Labuza. At the time, he was working at a legal office. Young guy. Grad school, if I remember correctly. We came in after hours at the legal office and we’d sit in the conference room — he had permission to do it — and he’d set up the microphone and everything. Then he would grill the guest, usually critics, for about an hour about their career and stuff, and then talk about a movie. That was a really fun podcast to do, and Peter was really, really smart. He continued on, and I think he’s now … an academic, I wanna say. [ Nick’s note : Labuza is now a researcher with the International Cinematographers Guild. Also, Ebiri’s very first film podcast experience was on Filmwax Radio , an interview show hosted by Adam Schartoff, which started way back in 2011.]

A podcast, I think, can be a way to move forward, but I don’t know if there are many cases of someone who just did a podcast who then left to another medium, because they require quite different skills. A lot of writers, they’ll have their regular gig or whatever, but then they’ll also have a podcast, which gets them in front of a different audience. I find that when I do a podcast, you know, I’ll get a lot of new followers who are younger. I don’t know if that correlates, but that’s been my impression.

Nick Quah: Last question. As we get closer to the NBA season: favorite basketball podcast?

Bilge Ebiri: Oh, so I have three, and I listen to every episode of these. There’s the Glue Guys podcast, which is basically two Nets fans. They’re under The Athletic , so they love to talk about how they’re now a subsidiary of the New York Times . They don’t do a lot of in-game analysis. They mostly talk a little bit about a game, but they talk a lot about just like the vibe around the Nets.

I really like the Brooklyn Buzz podcast, um, which is again, two Nets fans. One of them is actually in Australia, Jack Manuel, which is funny because he’s been a Nets fan for years before they got all these Australian players. They’re a fun podcast because Jack gets very emotional about the Nets. He’ll get very emotional about the game and start yelling and screaming and stuff, which is great.

And the last one is Locked On Nets . They actually feel like they’ve been following the Nets for longer than anybody because they have a real sense of perspective and just have a reflective quality about them. I really appreciate that, because one thing I’ve found with a lot of sports podcasts is that no one … I mean, we talked about film and people not having any memory, but compared to sports-podcast people, film-podcast people are like elephants!

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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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15 of the Best Movie Podcasts to Help You Find Your Next Favorite Film

If, while scrolling through Netflix’s latest offerings during another in a countless series of evenings in, you felt like you’d already watched every worthwhile film in existence, well, you’d be wrong, but you’d also kinda be right. I can safely say that you will never truly run out of good movies to watch—but only if you know how to find good movies to watch. Like sourcing new music , figuring out what’s worth adding to your watch queue beyond the latest blockbusters and award-winners takes time, effort and attention. And increasingly, one of my favorite ways to do that is via podcasts. Ever since two guys with annoying voices hooked up mics to a computer, there have been film podcasts, but today—some 15 years into the podcast boom—there are plenty of them that go well beyond the familiar can-we-still-really-call-them-niches (laughing at crappy movies; obsessively analyzing the Oscars ). While I still enjoy plenty of those shows (probably because they are made by and for guys exactly like me), there are also movie podcasts from a diverse array of voices: Black men, Black women, gay dudes, etc. Turns out by listening to people who don’t look, think or live lives a lot like mine talk about movies, I can find a bunch of new movies I want to watch—even if I’m rewatching movies I’ve seen before through new eyes. Here are 15 of my favorite podcasts, for deepening my love of movies and for finding new movies to watch.

The Flop House

It might be more advisable to think of The Flop House as a podcast to listen to if you want to know what movies not to watch, but there’s also something to be said for learning to appreciate how watching a bad movie can be just as entertaining (if less rewarding) than watching a good one. Across more than 400 episodes, hosts Dan McCoy (a former writer for The Daily Show With Jon Stewart ), Elliot Kalan (ex- Daily Show head writer and contributor to the reboot of Mystery Science Theater 3000 ) and Stuart Wellington (er, co-owner of several bars in Brooklyn, but hey, they are pretty great bars ) have made doing so into something of an art. The trio (and sometimes a guest) bring a goofy, good-natured exasperation to their analyses of films that failed either at the box office or with critics (usually both) as they recount their ludicrous plot turns and poorly developed characters and find fun even amid the most torturous of cinematic experiences. Few of the movies they’ve covered are “worth” watching ( Cats excepted), but I often end an episode wanting to watch them anyway. And if bad movies don’t float your boat, they end each show with recommendations of others that are actually worth your time.

This Had Oscar Buzz

The Academy Awards have been referred to as the Gay Super Bowl, and on This Had Oscar Buzz , co-hosts and film critics Joe Reid and Chris Feil certainly dive into analyses of historical Oscar races with all the zeal and expertise of your office’s most dedicated fantasy football enthusiast. Each week they choose a film that the Oscars forgot—movies that featured big stars or accomplished directors, cred that got people talking about their awards potential... but then, “the Oscar hopes died and [they’re] here to perform the autopsy.” What I love about this show is that it covers a lot of movies I’ve “heard were good” (hence the buzz) but haven’t gotten around to watching. It isn’t a bad-movie podcast, per se—some of the films they cover are truly great and were unjustly ignored ( I heart I Heart Huckabees )—so it’s a great way to find worthy, watchable films, and as an Oscar geek myself, I love their chatter about why a particular film didn’t quite make it onto the ballot.

The Big Picture

The Big Picture , an offshoot of the online sports network The Ringer, is essential listening if you're the type of person who loves being in the know on everything currently playing in theaters, getting buzz at festivals, and likely in contention for major awards. Regular hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins give their off-the-cuff reactions to new releases—from blockbusters to art house fare—and comment on (or commiserate over) the state of modern cinema along the way. Themed episodes abound, including regular and highly contentious drafts, and with two episodes dropping most weeks, you'll never be hurting for more content.

Eye of the Duck

Inspired by a quote from director David Lynch, this show leans into in-depth analysis of films and their context, by way of "eye of the duck" scenes—those moments or sequences in a film that define the whole. Hosts Dom Nero and Adam Volerich take on older releases (usually grouping them in themed series, from '80s fantasy to films set in space), and dive into their production history, analyze what's actually on the screen, and consider their place in cultural memory. And of course, at the end of evey episode each host identifies thir own personal "eye of the duck" for a given film. (It's surprising how often they disagree.)

Fighting in the War Room

Fighting in the War Room is a sort of all-star movie podcast for the extremely online, hosted as it is by four of Film Twitter's (I can't call it Film X, sorry) loudest voices: Vanity Fair's Katey Rich, Polygon's Matt Patches, Geek.com's Dave Gonzales and IndieWire's David Ehrlich. They get together every episode to argue over recent releases and talk about recent developments in the world of pop culture. It's a bit more wide-ranging than most others on this list, dipping into TV a bit as well, but the discussions are always entertaining and (despite the name) sometimes a bit contentious (in a friendly way).

Linoleum Knife

Linoleum Knife was recommended by a reader in the comments of an earlier version of this post, and I'm so glad it was, because it has become a favorite comfort-listen for me. Hosted by married film critics Dave White and Alonso Duralde (who are both regular presences on a whole bunch of podcasts, including others on this roundup), it's a laid-back, intimate chat show looking at the movies from a queer perspective. If it feels like listening to your old married friends bicker over the dinner table, well, that's exactly what it is. (True fans can sign up for the Patreon to listen to a whole range of spinoffs that take you deeper into the duo's lives and relationship).

The Next Picture Show

If you've been in the online film fantatic space for a long time, you might remember the late, lamented site The Dissolve, founded by former core staffers of the once indispensable pop culture site The AV Club and intended to offer a sort of "Pitchfork for movies." (Which made sense, as it started as an offshoot of Pitchfork itself.) The Dissolve had a podcast that I loved, but it, er, dissolved (along with the rest of the site) when Pitchfork shut it down in 2015, shortly before being acquired by Condé Nast. Out of the ashes of that podcast arose The Next Picture Show , featuring one-time Dissolvers Genevieve Koski, Keith Phipps, Tasha Robinson and Scott Tobias. It retains the earlier show's irreverent but seriously knowledgable vibes, with a new and catchy conceit: Each episode is part of a duology examining two films that are linked in some way, whether because they represent two eras of a filmmaker's body of work, or because they operate on similar themes (they are currently halfway through a two-pronged discussion of Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron ). I'm so glad to have these folks still in my ears after all these years.

Screen Drafts

It's one of the great ironies of my life that I rarely have time to watch the many two-and-a-half to three-hour movies I want to see, but I will regularly listen to podcasts about movies that stretch to three hours or more. (Granted, I often listen on double speed, which I know many of you feel is a crime.) Screen Drafts is regularly one of the longest shows I listen to (one episode was over six hours long ), but I love it. The conceit is that a rotating group of movie lovers get together to "draft" the ultimate best-of movie list on a given topic, whether that's the best Disney animated films ever or the essential debut films from a screenwriter. "Draft commissioners" Clay Keller and Ryan Marker make a real game out of it, introducing wrinkles like limited vetoes that can boot a movie off the list, and players bring their own biases and tastes to the recording booth, so you'll never quite be sure where your own favorites will land.

You Are Good

A favorite of Lifehacker's resident podcast expert Lauren Passell, You Are Good is "a feelings podcast about movies" from You're Wrong About host Sarah Marshall and Alex Steed. Each episode, they invite on a guest who chooses a movie that they love for sentimental reasons. This is a show less about analyzing movies for what they are or the awards they won, but for how they make us feel—which is ultimately what matters, isn't it? It's a pleasure to hear folks talk unapologetically about why they connect with a movie (even one generally regarded as "bad"), and it's rare I don't end an episode wanting to watch (or rewatch) whatever has just been discussed.

Blank Check With Griffin and David

What began as a jokey attempt to dissect the Star Wars prequels has become one of my favorite podcasts ever, as hosts Griffin Newman (an actor you may recognize from Prime Video’s The Tick ) and David Sims (a critic for The Atlantic) delve into lengthy mini-series focused on the entire filmographies of a particular director. The idea behind Blank Check is that these filmmakers made one movie that was such a hit, it gave them the clout to do whatever projects they wanted after that, so seeing what movies they chose to make—and hearing the hosts’ and their guests’ considerations of why they made them—is addictive. It’s a great way to explore deep cuts from a director you may not be overly familiar with—if The Silence of the Lambs is the only Jonathan Demme film you’ve ever seen, their Jonathan Demme “Stop Making Podcasts” mini will definitely make you want to check out a few more. The show can meander as the hosts spend a lot of time talking about anything but the week’s movie at the beginning of an episode, but you get used to it. They definitely come at things from a white-dude perspective, but in recent years they have made strides to be more inclusive in who they invite on as guests and what filmmakers they cover; take, for example, recent series on the films of South Korean director Park Chan-wook and African-American filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood. If you throw them $5 a month on Patreon, you can also enjoy a huge back catalogue of feature length commentaries for mega-franchises the likes of the Marvel films, Toy Story , and... Crocodile Dundee ?

Black on Black Cinema

Across more than 250 episodes to date, Black on Black Cinema hosts Terrence Carpenter, Jay Jacksonrao and Micah Payne—who, you will not be shocked to learn, are all Black men—discuss and dissect, with equal parts humor and insightful criticism, works from Black filmmakers in Hollywood, but also movies from white writers and directors that center Black actors and characters. I found the show through a friend’s recommendation of their episode about The Help , released amid the police protests in early June 2020 when that 2011 film was inexplicably trending on Netflix. I already knew the movie was heavily problematic, of course— Green Book before Green Book, in the same “white people learning about/solving racism” category as Driving Miss Daisy —but their cutting and hilarious analysis of it was enlightening. It's a great entry point into a fascinating and entertaining pod.

Maximum Film

The show formerly known as Who Shot Ya? , Maximum Film is explicitly “a podcast that isn’t just a bunch of straight white dudes.” Maximum Film is hosted by comedian Ify Nwadiwe, filmmaker Drea Clark and film critic Alonso Duralde. The focus is more general than some of the other shows on this list—in that it isn’t explicitly aimed at exploring issues of race and representation (though they certainly come up). Episodes tend focus on a single new film, though occasionally they tackle an older movie or analyze an entire franchise.

The Bechdel Cast

The Bechdel Test has become a meme of sorts—a way to analyze how women are depicted in film by counting up their scenes that don’t involve or revolve around men. The Bechdel Cast was inspired by but goes deeper than the original parameters of the test, as hosts Caitlin Durante and Jamie Loftus (both L.A.-based comedians) take a look at films from a feminist perspective, considering how female and female-identifying characters are treated in them. The discussions are a good mix of humorous and insightful, and typically feature a guest from within the worlds of filmmaking or comedy. The films they focus on tend to be catalogue titles versus new releases—recent shows run the gamut from Y Tu Mamá Tambien to Videodrome —so there's a healthy dose of historical perspective in the mix.

You Must Remember This

If you’re of the opinion that old black and white movies are dumb, slow and boring, this acclaimed podcast will change your mind, and fast. It’s a bit of an outlier on this list, in that rather than reviewing or discussing a single film in each episode, host Karina Longworth—who also researches, writes and produces the show—takes a deep dive into Hollywood history to place classic flicks, legendary stars and forgotten examples of both in their proper context. Though you don't need to watch the movies she discusses to be entertained, you'll want to—her recently wrapped series Erotic '90s had everyone I follow on Letterboxd dipping back into the likes of Basic Instinct and Showgirls. Listening to Longworth discuss the rise and fall of MGM or the sad stories of Tinsel Town’s many doomed dead blondes has helped me grow my knowledge of film history well beyond any classes I took in college, and given that she name-drops tons of old movies in every episode, I’m never left without a new title to add to my to-watch list. Even better: She’s given me a great method to choose which one of them to watch next .

Black Girl Film Club

The idea for Black Girl Film Club sprang from hosts Ashley and Britney’s desire to talk about movies from their “often underrepresented point-of-view”—that of two Black girls—and it’s a super fun, super smart show that covers all sorts of movies; episodes have focused on everything from the costume design of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette to the directorial excess of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet (one of this ’90s kid’s personal faves). Even just a peek through their back catalogue reminded me of a dozen or so movies I’ve really been meaning to watch, and their discussions of them are a great teaser (or chaser) for your viewing experience.

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The Best Movie Podcasts

We're ranking the best movie podcasts. Featuring movie critics, film buffs, and celebrities, the most popular cinema podcasts is perfect for movie lovers. What is the best movies podcast? If you're looking for movie podcasts currently airing new episodes, How Did This Get Made?  is a must-listen. Hosted by actors Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, the funny podcast features the three comedians and celebrity guests, like Adam Scott and Hannibal Buress, discussing the most inexplicable movies ever made.

Another great movie podcast is  The /Filmcast , where hosts David Chen, Devindra Hardawar, and Jeff Cannata review new movies, talk about  current TV series , and discuss Hollywood news. Other good film podcasts include Doug Loves Movies , Kermode and Mayo's Film Review , The Flop House , Movie Mania , and Filmspotting .

Vote up the best movie podcasts and feel free to add any of your favorite film podcasts missing from the list. 

Lights Camera Barstool

A movie podcast from Barstool Sports hosted by Jeff Lowe and KenJac where movies, food, and pop culture are discussed in a freeform, casual manner.

The Weekly Planet

Hosted by James Clement and Nick Mason, this is a podcast covering movies, TV shows, comics, reviews, and news, and is the first on the Planet Broadcasting Network. 

How Did This Get Made?

Friends Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas take suggestions for "so-bad-it's-good" movies to watch with their friends, and then report their thoughts. 

The Big Picture

Sean Fennessey of The Ringer sits down with Hollywood's biggest filmmakers and other Ringer colleagues to review new films and discuss the industry as a whole. 

The Rewatchables

This podcast from the Ringer Podcast Network features Bill Simmons and a group of people from The Ringer universe discussing movies they like to watch over and over. 

The Qwipster Film Review Podcast

Film critic Vince Leo reviews the latest film releases in the theaters, covering blockbusters, independent films, foreign titles, and VOD.

Get Reel: These Are the Best Film Podcasts to Listen to in 2022

We've compiled a list of the best movie podcasts for film buffs of all stripes.

Have you ever gotten into an hours-long conversation with a friend about a personally beloved—or loathed—movie? Sometimes, that experience can be more satisfying than watching the film itself. Happily for all of us who love thinking and talking about movies, there are a ton of brilliant movie podcasts out there that do just that—hosting fascinating, informative, and funny conversations about all things cinema.

We've compiled a list of the best movie podcasts for film buffs of all stripes. Some of these are in-depth review podcasts, where you can get insightful analysis of new releases and forgotten gems. Some are weekly news roundups, bringing you the latest headlines from the film and entertainment worlds. There are podcasts here for sci-fi and horror fans, queer film lovers, '90s movie aficionados, anyone looking for a deep-dive into film history, and everyone in between.

How Did This Get Made?

There's no denying it—there's something alluring about really bad movies. If you have a soft spot for truly terrible films, you're not alone. Actors Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas share a fondness for bad movies, and they get together each week to watch one and discuss it. Their conversations are hilarious, and while they probably won't convince you that the movies they discuss are actually good, they might make you want to watch them anyway. A few of the gems they've covered include Diana: The Musical , The Smurfs , and Kate & Leopold .

The Big Picture

For fans who'd rather hear all about the really good stuff, The Big Picture will keep you up to date on all the latest movies you should definitely check out. Hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins review primarily recent releases, and their hour-plus conversations, often including assorted colleagues and guests, are always entertaining and illuminating. Episodes sometimes offer special fun features like their "Top 5" lists of vampire movies, revenge movies, film scores, movie robots, the best scenes in action movies—and just about anything and everything relating to film.

Space Brains

A can't-miss podcast for sci-fi fans, Space Brains is dedicated to discussing what's good and what's great about science fiction movies. Hosts Surrey Hughes and Mark Regan review plenty of new releases, sometimes inviting the film's director or writer to join them. They also dive into the vault for lively conversations about sci-fi classics like Blade Runner and Invasion of the Body Snatchers , as well as lesser known gems and international films. There's simply no better podcast for thoughtful reviews of sci-fi films across a wide variety of sub-genres.

A Piece of Pie: The Queer Film Podcast

While LGBTQIA+ films are finally starting to gain mainstream popularity, long before hits such as Moonlight and Love, Simon , writers and directors were (sometimes covertly) making queer films. In this engaging podcast, host Brian Rowe explores queer film history and its lasting impact. He's joined by a rotating cast of writers, critics, and film buffs to discuss LGBTQIA+ filmmaking. They review queer classics and new releases, delving into queer subtext, harmful queer film tropes, the evolution of queer cinema, and more.

Black on Black Cinema - Black Film Reviews

Black on Black Cinema should be your first stop for all things related to the Black film world. Hosted by Jay, Micah, Terrence, and T'ara, aka "the crew," this podcast is a blend of movie reviews, focusing on films by, about, and starring Black people, and conversations exploring the intersections of film, media, and Black culture, or other topics of interest and relevance to the Black community. Episodes cover everything from '70's blaxploitation films to the commercialization of Juneteenth.

To the '90s and Beyond! Film Podcast

Movie lovers who grew up with ‘90s classics such as Jurassic Park and Forrest Gump —or anyone who's come to love them since—will appreciate this podcast. Host Vince Leo revisits the most memorable films from the decade, while also covering newer movies that are either set in the '90s or have been influenced by '90s films, drawing interesting and sometimes surprising connections between past and present. The episodes are short, all under 30 minutes, making them perfect for listening on the fly.

Final Girls Horrorcast

Have you ever been in the mood for a scary movie night in, only to find yourself stuck in endless scrolling hell? Final Girls Horrorcast will ease your frustrations and satisfy your fears. This podcast is dedicated to reviewing horror, thriller, and sci-fi films currently available on major streaming sites. Hosts Aimee and Carly have eclectic tastes, thoughtfully dissecting everything from slasher flicks to sci-fi dramas, from chilling classics to hidden horror gems.

We Hate Movies

When a bunch of comedians get together to talk about bad movies, hilarity is bound to ensue. Every episode of We Hate Movies is like a mini comedy routine focused on one particular film. The quartet of comedians—Andrew Jupin, Eric Szyszka, Stephen Sajdak, and Chris Cabin—use movies as their jumping off point, launching them into spot-on impressions, meandering tangents, and lots of hilarious banter. All movie fans will find a lot to love in this silly podcast, but anyone looking for a good laugh will enjoy it too.

Reel Asian Podcast

Hosted by four first-generation Asian Americans—Raymond Luu, Renee Ya, Alan Duong, and Baldwin Diep—who all love movies, Reel Asian Podcast is devoted to analyzing Asian and Asian American representation in film as well as uplifting Asian and Asian American cinema. Every week, the hosts discuss a different film, exploring its importance from a variety of angles, from its impact on pop culture to what it has to teach us about American history, sometimes joined by guests like Emma Galbraith, the star of Inbetween Girl . You'll hear about iconic films like The Joy Luck Club , along with lesser-known gems like the queer cult classic, Saving Face .

Adjust Your Tracking

A lot of film podcasts focus on new releases, but Adjust Your Tracking takes a different approach. Friends and co-hosts Lena Delaney and Oliver Jones are determined to make their way through a century of film, one year at a time. Each episode features a review of whatever movie they've watched recently—from 1930’s All Quiet on the Western Front to the 1985 French New Wave film, Vagabond . Movie history buffs looking for reviews of both famous and largely forgotten 20th-century films are sure to be delighted by this show.

You Must Remember This

A beautifully produced and thoroughly researched podcast, You Must Remember This is a must-listen for film history buffs and anyone drawn to the glamour and grit of Hollywood's first century. Host Karina Longworth, a former film critic for LA Weekly , takes listeners deep into the heart of 20th-century Hollywood, exploring the untold stories behind the stars, directors, scandals, blockbusters, and controversies, from Humphrey Bogart to The Godfather , from Marilyn Monroe to Bull Durham .

The Empire Film Podcast

As the official podcast of Empire , the world's biggest and most respected movie magazine, this is your one-stop listen for news, reviews, analysis, hot takes, and lively discussions of all things film. Releasing every Friday, episodes include reviews of the week's new films and interviews with actors, directors, and writers, plus an assortment of fun film-related banter.

Movies, Films and Flix

Fans of pop culture podcasts will also enjoy this fun, lighthearted movie podcast, which releases an episode just about every other day. An eclectic band of movie fans and critics gets together to discuss what they've been watching and what they think of it, alongside whatever wild story is dominating movie news that week. Oh, and Movies, Films and Flix tackles real issues, like "What is Kurt Russell's best sleeveless shirt?" Come and listen for the laughs, and you'll be sure to stay for the surprisingly insightful reviews of classic cult films and underrated gems.

The Marvel Guys

The ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe is so big and popular that there are dozens of podcasts dedicated solely to exploring it—and The Marvel Guys is one of the best out there. As fans with different relationships to the world of Marvel movies and comics, hosts Spencer and Jordan bring their unique perspectives to the show, providing fresh commentary and analysis. They discuss and review Marvel movies and TV shows, talk about what's going on in the fandom, offer in-depth studies of Marvel characters, and have spirited debates about their favorite series.

The Business

This weekly news and interview podcast is hosted by award-winning journalist Kim Masters of The Hollywood Reporter . The Business blends discussions of entertainment industry news with interviews of actors, producers, writers, and directors. Past guests include Peter Jackson, director, writer, and producer of the Lord of the Rings trilogy; actor, producer, comedian, musician, and author Steve Martin; Pakistani-Canadian journalist, filmmaker, and activist Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy; and Hwang Dong-hyuk, South Korean film director and creator of the hit series, Squid Game .

Mad About Movies

The best thing about this podcast is the trio of hosts—a producer, Kent Garrison; a film critic, Brian Gill; and a humorist, Richard Bardon—who each occupy a unique place in the film world. Every week, the three get together to review a new movie, discuss old favorites, talk about entertainment news, and generally have a good time doing it. The Mad About Movies vibe is laidback—the hosts are passionate about movies, but they don't take themselves too seriously.

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The 9 best movie podcasts for cinephiles and movie buffs.

05-September-23

Discover the best movie podcasts for cinephiles, from in-depth reviews to industry insights. Plus, learn how to stream movies for free. Dive into cinematic wonder!

Movies captivate us. They offer escape, enlightenment, and everything in between. But if you’re a true cinephile, merely watching a film won't suffice. You want to delve deeper—understand its nuances, dissect its plot, and explore its themes. One of the best ways to do that? Podcasts. Movie podcasts can act as the post-film discussion you always wished you had, and they're just a click away.

Top Movie Podcasts You Can't Miss

The /filmcast.

A powerhouse in the movie podcast realm, The /Filmcast offers insightful reviews, director interviews, and industry insights. Hosted by David Chen and a bevy of guest co-hosts, this podcast will give you a nuanced understanding of the cinema world. Whether it's breaking down the latest blockbuster or offering in-depth analysis of a cult classic, The /Filmcast has something for everyone.

How Did This Get Made?

For those who love delving into cinema's eccentricities, this podcast is a comedic treasure trove. Hosted by Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, How Did This Get Made? tackles films that make you wonder, well, how did this get made? From bad movies to bizarre plots, this podcast gives you a laugh-out-loud breakdown that is as entertaining as it is bewildering.

Scriptnotes

For anyone interested in the craft of movie-making, Scriptnotes is an indispensable resource. Screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin pull back the curtain on what it takes to put a script on the silver screen. From storytelling techniques to industry politics, Scriptnotes provides an in-depth look into the nuts and bolts of the film industry.

Filmspotting

One of the oldest and most respected movie podcasts out there, Filmspotting dives deep into the cinematic experience. Hosts Adam Kempenaar and Josh Larsen offer thoughtful and intellectual critiques, discuss movie history, and often feature interviews with industry professionals. With special episodes focused on Top 5 lists and film festivals, Filmspotting offers a well-rounded viewpoint for seasoned film aficionados.

You Must Remember This

This is not just a podcast; it's a time machine. Created and hosted by Karina Longworth, You Must Remember This takes you back to the first century of Hollywood. With expert storytelling, the podcast dives into forgotten scandals, landmark films, and the stars who made the industry what it is today.

Blank Check with Griffin and David

If you've ever wondered what happens when a director gets carte blanche to make any film they want, this is the podcast for you. Hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims examine the filmographies of directors who have earned this "blank check" status. Each episode delves into a different film, making it a perfect blend of entertainment and education.

The Big Picture

The Ringer’s The Big Picture is helmed by film critic Sean Fennessey, who dives into movies old and new. With interviews from directors, writers, and other key players in the film industry, this podcast offers not just reviews but a holistic look at movie-making.

The Projection Booth

The Projection Booth podcast, hosted by Mike White, goes way beyond the mainstream in its film choices. Offering up a mix of new releases, cult classics, and forgotten gems, this podcast is ideal for those looking for a deeper cut in their movie consumption.

Kermode and Mayo's Film Review

BBC Radio 5's Kermode and Mayo's Film Review is one of the longest-running and most respected film podcasts available. It features reviews of the week's new releases, interviews with filmmakers, and a ton of humor and wit. Hosted by Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo, it's a must-listen for anyone serious about cinema.

How to Stream Movies for Free

While podcasts offer a deep dive into the world of movies, the first step is actually watching these films. Many of the movies discussed in these podcasts are available for streaming, and guess what? You can even stream some for free. Check our recommended list of best free movie streaming sites here.

Roll Credits: Wrapping It Up

Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a hardcore cinephile, podcasts offer a window into the world of cinema that is both enriching and entertaining. These podcasts provide varying perspectives, from breaking down bad films to exploring Hollywood’s golden history. And now, with insights on how to stream movies for free, you've got no excuse to miss out on the films these podcasts are talking about. So, grab your headphones and get ready to dive into a universe of cinematic wonder.

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All 3 john wayne & jimmy stewart westerns, ranked worst to best, civil war streaming release date revealed.

With so much great film content out there, many have turned to movie podcasts to help them cut through the noise and keep them up to date. Now the vast community of experts on Ranker are at it again, and this time thousands have chimed in to vote on what are the “Best Movie Podcasts”.

Related:  15 Best Podcasts Of All Time

What makes a truly great movie podcast is one that has figured out its niche, has good host chemistry, and gives critical perspective to cinema both new and old. From comedy to horror, indie drama to superhero blockbusters, there’s a movie podcast out there for every taste.

Screen Fix has a unique approach to their podcasts in which they try to “fix” both the latest blockbusters and classic movies.

Although they post new episodes sporadically, host JC makes a valiant effort breaking down what films did wrong and how they could have corrected their mistakes. One recent episode about the Mortal Kombat reboot was particularly entertaining although quite a challenge for the host.

Movies, Films, and Flix

Helping moviegoers stay up to date with the latest in the cinematic world, host Mark Hofmeyer keeps it real by discussing and demystifying films that others are quick to criticize.

Movies, Films, and Flix currently holds an impressive 5 out of 5 on Apple Podcasts. Each episode runs about an hour long and covers multiple topics within a single episode, from Tron: Legacy’s soundtrack to Kurt Russell's best sleeveless shirt and everything in between.

The Secret History Of Hollywood

This podcast takes a look behind the scenes of  films from the Golden Age of Hollywood , diving deep into the murky and sometimes dark history of Tinseltown.

Related:  10 Best Horror Movies From The Golden Age Of Hollywood, According To IMDb

Listeners of this podcast particularly praise the host’s penchant for storytelling and his ability to bring to life the Hollywood icons fans know and love today. The Secret History Of Hollywood website also includes an extensive collection of reviews for classic films, from the 1930s-1950s.

The Big Picture

From popular sports and pop culture website The Ringer comes The Big Picture podcast, which follows hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins on their never-ending quest to review all the latest must-see films.

The Big Picture podcast features a rotating panel of experts from Chris Ryan, Shea Serrano, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons, who speak on various topics like Oscar analysis, top 5 picks, and movie drafts.

To the '90s and Beyond!

With a special interest in 1990s films and pop culture plus newer films and media that were influenced by them, host Vince Leo provides literary insight and cinematic criticism in a very down-to-earth and humble style that listeners find relatable and appealing.

Relive the nostalgia of the 90s or perhaps learn something new about much-loved classics that still influence film and TV today, through Vince Leo’s easily binge-able 30-minute episodes.

The Rewatchables

Another hit podcast from popular sports and pop culture website, The Ringer, The Rewatchables follows host Bill Simmons as he leads a roundtable conversation on their favorite films that they can’t stop re-watching .

From its surprising film choices to shocking host opinions and provocative celebrity guests, this podcast can’t help but invite controversy and heated debate from both its hosts and the audience, which inevitably provides for both an informative and entertaining experience.

How Did This Get Made?

This podcast strives to answer a seemingly simple but often highly complex question “How Did This Get Made?”. This podcast is hosted by Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, who complement each other’s wit, knowledge, and charm.

Related:  10 Great Movies With One Bad Scene That Almost Ruined It

Each episode usually descends into comic tomfoolery as the trio methodically critiques and questions hilariously bad films . Since the inception of How Did This Get Made? , there have been a number of spin-off podcasts including How Did This Get Played? about comically bad video games.

Sweet Film Talk

This podcast provides a safe space where a diverse community of film buffs can discuss the movies they are passionate about. The two hosts, Keeks and TC, are particularly noted for their delightful chemistry. Listeners feel like they are part of a group of good friends just talking about their favorite films.

Sweet Film Talk has since branched out of just movies and now discusses topics like the latest video games , TV episodes, and comics.

The Weekly Planet

Covering a wide range of topics from all things “superhero”, The Weekly Planet podcast is in-depth yet accessible to even the casual Marvel fan. The podcast’s two Australian hosts have mastered the art of rambling and banter to humorous effect.

The Weekly Planet has since expanded its operation from their humble original podcast and into a podcasting empire called Planet Broadcasting, with multiple podcasts covering pop culture from every angle. Planet Broadcasting also gives back to the community through outreach and other philanthropy.

Lights, Camera, Barstool

Under the motto of “A movie podcast for the common man” the Lights, Camera, Barstool podcast takes listeners on a fantastical journey through movies, food, sports, and pop culture. Hosts, Jeff, Kenjac, and Trill, have a unique chemistry and are very conversational but refrain from getting too deep into the weeds for the casual listener.

Lights, Camera, Barstool also has a fairly active YouTube page that regularly posts videos about their reviews, debates, and The Bracket episodes that attempt to answer the big questions in entertainment and pop culture.

Next:  10 Best Television Rewatch Podcasts

15+ Best Movie Podcasts for Cinematic and TV Series Fans

Ever watch a really great movie and then want to instantly know what other people are thinking and saying about it? Movie podcasts have blossomed in popularity, with ones dedicated to discussing the latest film releases and others more interested in delving into old movies. 

Here we’ll look at some of the best movie podcasts, as well as good movies about television series, franchises, and networks. We’ll also recommend the best classic film and bad movie podcasts. 

What kind of movie podcasts are there?

There is now a wide range of types of movie podcasts. There are some that lean into more highbrow criticism of films and their place in culture and history. Whereas some of the best movie podcasts are hilarious recaps by comedians and guests. 

10 Best Movie Podcasts of 2022

1. Pop Culture Happy Hour

Listen on: NPR , Apple Podcasts ‍

Best for: Smart culture criticism released five times a week

Every day of the week, NPR arts journalists Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, and Aisha Harris discuss the newest and best movies and tv shows. Some recently reviewed films on Pop Culture Happy Hour include: Nope , Black Adam , Don’t Worry Darling , Bodies Bodies Bodies . They do guide episodes on themes such as the best summer movies or the scariest Halloween flicks. As well as great spoiler episodes on more complex films and fun recap ones after the large award shows. 

2. Keep It!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts , Spotify

Best for: Smart witty pop culture commentary with in-depth interviews with actors and Hollywood elite

Television writers and pop culture historians Ira Madison III and Louis Virtel host the excellent podcast Keep It! They talk about the newest movies and television series while weaving in their oldest cult favorites and Louis’ supercomputer level of knowledge about the history of the Academy Awards. From old Hollywood movie stars to current Housewives and reality tv stars, Ira and Louis love many parts of culture. Each week they bring on a celebrity guest, often a movie or TV actor, such as Jennifer Coolidge, Jane Fonda, Alan Cumming, Catherine O’Hara, and Eugene Levy. 

3. Cows in the Field

Listen on: Apple Podcasts , Audible  

Best for: A more scholarly look at popular movies

For a more intellectual look at films, have a listen to Cows in the Field. It’s named after a quote by the eccentric director Werner Herzog: “We have to articulate ourselves, otherwise we would be cows in the field.”  It’s hosted by a professor of philosophy at MIT and a former art historian, who looks to examine the philosophical, aesthetic, and cultural themes in popular movies. Some of their recent episodes examine North by Northwest, Basic Instinct, Eyes Wides Shut, and Forrest Gump. 

4. You Must Remember This

Listen on: Spotify , Stitcher , Apple Podcasts

Best for: Juicy tales of Classic Hollywood studios, actors, and more

You Must Remember This is a deeply researched episodic podcast that is mostly about the secret and forgotten stories of Old Hollywood. Host and film journalist Karina Longworth uses her silky smooth voice to guide you through the histories you’ve likely heard of but you don’t know the full story of. Often a full story is told over a season, such as ones about the making of Star Wars, Charles Manson’s connections to Hollywood, and the behemoth MGM studio system. Other episodes feature starlets like Marilyn Monroe, Joan Crawford, and Grace Kelly, as well as heavyweights like Howard Hughes and Marlon Brando.

5. The Bechdel Cast

Listen on: Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Stitcher  

Best for: Criticism of portrayals of women-identifying characters

The Bechdel test is a simple check for gender equality in movies – to pass, there must be at least two women characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. Surprisingly, most films don’t pass the test. In The Bechdel Cast podcast, comedians Caitlin Durante and Jamie Loftus along with guests review movies and see if they pass the test. Recent episodes looked at Wild Things, The Shape of Water, Turning Red, and Encanto. 

6. Exiting through the 2010s

Listen on: Spotify , Apple Podcasts

Best for: Deep-diving into the best movies of the last decade

In Exiting through the 2010s, hosts Jack Draper and Clay Williams with guests discuss some of the best and most popular movies of the past ten years. They place the films within the context of the time and the other movies being made, as well as dissect themes, motifs, and characters. This podcast covers award-winning films, such as Drive , Inception , Moneyball , Call Me By Your Name , as well as top Blockbuster hits, like Bridesmaids , The Blair Witch Project , and Jackass 3D .  

7. Disaster Girls

Listen on: Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , Spotify

Best for: Action and adventure movie enthusiasts 

Do you love action-packed movies with bombs and explosions? Your actors battling monsters, like aliens, sharks, or giant snakes? Check out Disaster Girls – a podcast about adventure movies. In this weekly podcast, hosts Jordan Crucchiola and Amanda Smith, with occasional guests like director Paul Feig, talk about old favorites, like the Godzilla movies, as well as new hits. Some of the movies discussed include: Jurassic Park, Twister, Anaconda, and Independence Day. 

8. Cannes I Kick It?

Listen on: Spotify , Apple Podcasts , 

Best for: People interested most in film festivals, award shows, and award-winning movies.

Cannes I Kick It? looks at the best and newest of the film festival circuit. Besides the titular Cannes Film Festival, the hosts chat about the films and events of the Venice Film Festival, TIFF, Sundance, Berlin, and more. They also discuss award nominations and predictions with guests including actors, journalists, and celebrities. 

9. Newcomers

Best for: Hilarious takes on classic movie franchises

Do you never understand Darth Vadar and Yoda references? Neither did comedians and actors Nicole Byer and Lauren Lapkus before they started the podcast Newcomers. In the first season, they dive into the Star Wars galaxy, getting thoroughly confused by the story and all the characters. Next, they watched The Lord of the Rings (which they hated), then Tyler Perry’s catalog, the Fast and Furious series, and a number of Marvel movies. Newcomers features other hilarious comedian guests like Jon Gabrus, Sasheer Zamata, Joel Kim Booster, and Jason Mantzoukas. 

10. The Rewatchables

Listen on: Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Stitcher 

Best for: Casual chats about favorite old movies. 

Some movies are made to be rewatched. In this podcast by the Ringer, sports, and pop culture website, hosts and guests chat about the films they can’t seem to stop watching and talking about. Recent films they’ve discussed include old favorites like: Grease , E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, A ustin Powers: International Man of Mystery , and A League of Their Own . 

Bonus: Best TV Show and Series Podcasts

As well as many amazing film podcasts, there are now loads of ones about television shows and series. Here are a few choice picks of podcasts to listen to centered around different TV shows, series, and networks. 

Watch What Crappens

Listen on: Apple Podcasts , Spotify 

Best for: Funny and lighthearted recaps of the best of Bravo reality tv. 

Fan of the gossip, girl’s trips, and glitz of the Real Housewives? Check out these podcasts for the best breakdowns. The hosts of Watch What Crappens are improvisers and do hilarious impressions and recaps of the best of Bravo, including Housewives , Below Deck , and Top Chef , five days a week

There are many other podcasts about the Real Housewives and Bravo universe, including Bitch Sesh , also hosted by two comedians who love talking housewives with fun guests. Check out Reality with the King for a podcast from a previous Bravo producer who worked on The Real Housewives of Atlanta with great insights and backstage knowledge. 

Listen on: Apple Podcasts , Stitcher

Best for: Recaps of episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race and its many iterations.

The Drag Race universe has become large and complex with so many spin-offs and Ru girls now out in the world. There are now also a massive amount of podcasts about Drag Race. Check out Drag Her! for fun recaps of all the latest seasons, including those abroad like Drag Race UK, Thailand, and Spain. 

Drag Race stars Alaska and Willam also have their own podcast Race Chaser which looks at old episodes, as well as gossip, news and politics. There’s also Sibling Rivalry with Bob and Monet, The Chop with Latrice and Manila, The Bald and The Beautiful with Katya and Trixie, and Hi Jinkx with Jinkx Monsoon. 

Out on the Lanai: A Golden Girls Podcast 

Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts , 

Best for: Reminiscing about old episodes of the Golden Girls.

For those that love to binge-watch old episodes of the Golden Girls, we have podcasts for you. Out on the Lanai has two superfans, one a drag queen styled after the Golden Girls, with guests deep diving into each episode. Another one to check out is ​​Shenanigans at Shady Pines with hosts that call themselves “two 90s babies – who are a little too obsessed with the Golden Girls.”

HBO’s Succession Podcast

Best for: Deep dives into episodes of Succession

Can’t get enough of the evil and conniving Roy family on Succession? Check out HBO’s Succession Podcast , hosted by journalist Kara Swisher, for breakdowns of each episode with guests including the cast and crew of the show. The podcast The Watch by The Ringer also does reviews of Succession episodes, as well as other current popular shows like White Lotus , House of the Dragon , and Abbott Elementary . 

Best funny entertainment and culture podcasts

Who? Weekly

Listen on : Spotify , Apple Podcasts , 

Best for: Those that love silly celebrity gossip about D-list actors and influencers

Do you often see actors and other celebrities in the news and wonder who is that? Twice a week, the podcast Who? Weekly examines those C and D-list actors making the rounds and what makes them interesting. Hosts Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger love to chat about and reference obscure pop culture. A large part of the show consists of listeners calling in with their own questions about theories about “who-lebrities”. 

Las Culturistas

Best for: Fun pop culture roundups from a queer lens. 

Las Culturistas are best friends, actors, and comedians Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. They love chatting about culture, from trashy reality tv shows to the newest award buzzy films. Matt and Bowen regularly welcome on guests, including actors, comedians, writer, musicians, drag queens, and more. Recent guests have included Jennifer Lewis, Guy Branum, Abbi Jacobson, and Trixie Mattel. 

Best bad movie podcast

How Did This Get Made?

Listen on: Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Stitcher

Best for: Hilarious takedowns of the worst movies ever made

If you love movies that are so bad, they’re good, How Did This Get Made? is the podcast for you. It’s hosted by actors and comedians Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, with hilarious guests like Paul F. Tompkins, Weird Al Yankovic, Anna Faris, and Adam Scott. Movies they’ve recently watched and dissected include An American Werewolf in Paris, Daredevil, and Spider-Man 3

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The Best Movie Podcasts Of 2022 Ranked

Podcasts have been around since the early 2000s, but these days, they're more popular than ever before and have essentially phased out radio shows as the dominant way to entertain and reach a wider audience of listeners (with some of the old guard radio personalities, like Howard Stern, getting his own podcast as well ). And it makes sense, as the internet allows for many different types of people to get their voices out there, due to the relatively low cost of entry, as well as many more avenues for cheap – or even free – distribution, which wasn't the case in the days of radio decades earlier. This allows for more diverse and niche communities to have their own shows, which helps democratize the space.

This includes the advent of film-centric podcast shows. Not that movie-specific radio shows didn't exist prior to this, but the aforementioned relative ease of users being able to create and distribute their own podcasts on various platforms allows for a vast array of film content – and types of voices – to be heard on the internet. Whether it's a show about a singular film franchise, one discussing an artist's entire body of work, or a podcast simply about people watching bad movies for the heck of it, there's a little something for everybody.

So what are some of the best movie podcasts to come out in 2022? Let's find out.

You Must Remember This

The entertainment industry is full of many untold – or long-forgotten – stories, trends, and behind-the-scenes drama that is, well, worth remembering. And that's where the aptly-titled "You Must Remember This" podcast, hosted by film critic and author Karina Longworth, comes in. What's great about "You Must Remember This" is that much of film history – like any history – tends to get easily forgotten or gets consumed by legend and conjecture. The podcast reminds its listeners how important it is to always be diligent about the truth, even if it's upsetting, absurd, or both. This includes stories like the unsung Hollywood heroine Polly Platt , our fascination with dead blonde celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, and secret history MGM Studios – among many others.

Overall, "You Must Remember This" is well-researched, with tons of sources listed in a tidy bibliography in the description of every episode. Ultimately, this podcast is a must-listen for those interested in history, film, and the intersection of sociological, anthropology, and politics. To add to that, Longworth is a great host who's able to make these often convoluted and complicated legacies pop with energy and enthusiasm. In 2022, she embarked on the history erotic thrillers from the ' 80s  and dives into the origins of the trend, why they ultimately died out, and what influences they still have on pop culture today.

Black Men Can't Jump (in Hollywood)

Despite an increase of diverse representation in Hollywood productions recently, it's still not nearly enough, especially when compared to the number of roles given to white actors, particularly in lead roles (via statista ). Luckily, the podcast "Black Men Can't Jump (in Hollywood)" discusses Hollywood films through the lens of black-led films throughout film history. The podcast, which debuted in 2015, is hosted by the charismatic and hilarious Jonathan Braylock, Jerah Milligan, and James III – all actors, writers, and producers in the industry, best known for Netflix's sketch comedy show "Astronomy Club," though their individual credits also include "Grown-ish," "Broad City," and "Big Mouth" – on top of many, many more.

This crew takes a much needed microscope to Hollywood's spotty – to say the least – efforts at diverse representation, especially for Black leads in film. Also, being in the entertainment industry themselves, the hosts are able to look at the films through other angles as well, such as the intersection of specific genre trends, outside politics, and entrenched systemic biases in films and the culture at large. But, despite the sometimes dire and serious topics raised in the podcast – due, again, to Hollywood's troubled history with Black representation on film – the show is nonetheless able to be a delightfully fun listen as well. The hosts all have great, friendly chemistry with each other, and are able to make the topics light and comedic, on top of being informative. 

There are tons of nerd-centric film podcasts on the internet, which discuss and analyze in detail the various nuances and idiosyncrasies of franchises like "Star Wars," "The Lord of the Rings," the Marvel Cinematic Universe, etc. However, most of them are from longtime, die hard fans who passionately (and often loudly) rant about weird continuity errors, obscure trivia, or why the franchises aren't as cool as they used to be. This is why "Newcomers" is so refreshing. It began with comedians Nicole Byer and Lauren Lapkus watching the original "Star Wars" trilogy from the perspective of people who never grew up with it or had nostalgia for it. This allowed for them to have a unique perspective on the pacing, story, and characters, as opposed to how fans steeped for decades in lore would.

They then moved on to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Fast and Furious" films, and lately going through the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As always, hosts Byers and Lapkus bring new – and often hilarious – ways of thinking about these sometimes over-discussed franchises, which gives their analysis a fresh feel. It also helps when they bring on more knowledgeable guests, such as uber-nerd comedian Patton Oswalt or the opinionated Jon Gabrus, who can provide humorous contrast – or even have their opinions changed, or at least challenged, by either Byer and Lapkus in the process.

Unclear and Present Danger

It's pretty clear that we're in a pretty dire time, politically, right now — but if you look back at the 1990s (the time between the Cold War and 9/11, to be specific), it's actually a fascinating, and pivotal time period in American politics that's rarely discussed in-depth. That's where the podcast "Unclear and Present Danger," hosted by Jamelle Bouie (columnist for the New York Times) and John Ganz, comes in. The podcast covers political thriller films from the '90's – a type of film that's a bit out of vogue now, but was much more prevalent back then – to get some insight on the political atmosphere of the time. In fact, "Unclear and Present Danger" is a play on the 1994 Harrison Ford thriller "Clear and Present Danger." Meanwhile, Bouie and Ganz analyze what the films of the time were afraid of, what morals they prioritized, and what messages they were sending with the politics of their narratives.

The two hosts are very knowledgeable about politics and entertainment, and the podcast benefits from how they can authoritatively discuss the intersection of both at the time. "Unclear and Present Danger" is also often very funny, especially when they have to deal with the mediocre action thrillers of Steven Seagal like "Under Seige."

They Made Another One?!

It's no secret that most of the movies that get greenlit these days is based on some sort of pre-existing intellectual property. Whether it's unnecessary sequels, barely-related TV series adaptations, or unwanted remakes, you can find out it probably exists out there somewhere if a movie makes enough of a profit ( and sometimes not even then ).

This subject gets a closer look on "They Made Another One?!," which is hosted by Corey Price (who also co-hosts the "Mortal Kombat"-related " MK Podquest " and the F1 podcast series " Strat 2 ") alongside his two friends Liam and Mitch. On the podcast they all hilariously discuss, analyze, and skewer the various aforementioned tangentially-related pop culture artifacts. This includes episodes on 2016's " Punk's Dead: SLC Punk 2 ," 1993's "Maniac Cop III: Badge of Silence," and the 2001 "Metropolis" anime adaptation. Furthermore, beyond helping listeners with obscure trivia about films they probably didn't know even existed, the podcast is just really fun to listen to. The hosts are all long-time friends with laid back vibes, gut-busting recurring bits, and a deep, abiding, and infectious love of film.

Crew Expendable

There have been many podcasts over the years that cover entire movie franchises, from "Star Wars Minute" to "The Worst Idea Ever," and so on. However, one of the more recent – and extremely hilarious – film podcasts in that vein to pop up and grab our attention like a Xenopmorph face-hugger is "Crew Expendable," based on the "Alien" franchise. In fact, "crew expendable" refers to what the Weyland-Yutani corporation designates the members of the USCSS Nostromo in the first "Alien" film.

"Crew Expendable" is hosted by two self-proclaimed "xenodorks," Neal Hallstrom (who also co-hosts "MK Podquest" with Corey Price from "They Made Another One?!") and Kenny Rohrbacher. The podcast itself chronicles the entire "Alien" film franchise, as well as all the accoutrements that have since emerged from it. This is because the podcast covers not only every single film in the franchise, but also the comics, video games, crossovers, DVD bonuses (like those weird, young Peter Weyland TedTalks  from "Prometheus"), and everything in-between. The podcast is basically tailor-made for fans of all things "Alien." And, like a lot of the podcasts on this list, it is mainly the chemistry between the hosts that is the main draw, with Neal's laid-back, hilariously dry energy contrasting well with Kenny's odd vocal rhythms and even odder takes .

Best Movies Never Made

There are so many unmade movies in Hollywood, with only a fraction of them being produced when compared to how many start development. This is because so much has to go right for a film to get finished, while conversely it is so easy for it all to go wrong on the way from the first pitch, to the initial greenlight, to production, to even the distribution (just look at "Batgirl," which won't see the light of day despite being completed ). Often, these failed projects go unsung and forgotten, or rumors and conjecture end up turning this unmade projects into legend – justifiably or not.

Luckily for cinephiles, there's the podcast "Best Movies Never Made," hosted by screenwriter Josh Miller (who wrote the scripts for the two "Sonic the Hedgehog" films and the holiday action film "Violent Night") and researcher Stephen Scarlata, who produced the great documentary "Jodorosky's Dune." The two hosts then go through and discuss all the biggest unmade projects, and finding out what happened to them through thorough research as well as recapping the scripts and even interviewing the writers behind some of the projects. Beyond the in-depth research, hosts Miller and Scarlata also have a great, easy-going vibe that makes the production histories entertaining to listen to, as well as being informative.

Blank Check

In Hollywood, the term "blank check" refers to when a filmmaker has had a massive financial or critical success and are then offered the opportunity to pursue their passion project – which can either clear (become a success) or bounce (flop). The term itself is defined as "an unlimited amount of money, or the freedom to do anything," via the Cambridge Dictionary . This, of course, is not to be confused with the 1994 family comedy film "Blank Check," starring Brian Bosnall and written by screenwriting guru Blake Snyder of "Save the Cat" fame.

"Blank Check" is also the name of the popular comedy podcast hosted by two friends, Griffin Newman ("The Tick") and The Atlantic film critic David Sims. The podcast, originally a "Serial"-type deep dive on the "Star Wars" prequels, has since evolved into talking about the various aforementioned "blank checks" from famous filmmakers. These include episodes on George Lucas, the Wachowski sisters, Steven Spielberg, and the works of Henry Selick. Even better, the podcast has also gone out of its way to spotlight more diverse voices, like Gina Prince-Bythewood, Jane Campion, John Singleton, and Nora Ephron. The constant hilarious banter between the two hosts, the barrage of extremely nerdy deep-dive trivia, and the earnest love of films and the magic of storytelling they celebrate makes the podcast a must-listen for any true film fans. Well, any true film fans who can handle two-plus hours discussing movies like "Space Jam."

The Flophouse

"The Flophouse" is a "bad" movie podcast co-hosted by ex-"Daily Show" and "Mystery Science Theater 3000" head writer Elliot Kalan, current "Daily Show" writer and Kalan's former co-worker Dan McCoy, and their cool friend and bar owner, Stuart Wellington. Together they skewer bad movies that flopped (sometimes only critically, as on occasion the films they cover happen to be box-office successes), while also spending just as much time – if not more – on hilarious and off-topic comedy bits.

 The Flophouse stands above other "bad" film podcasts thanks to rapid fire jokes and the great, sincere camaraderie among the three hosts. They each have their own distinct and defined personalities, with Dan as the dry-witted straight man and host of the group, Elliot Kalan as the rapid-fire motormouth, and Stuart as the laid back cool guy of the group (and arguably the funniest, despite not writing for famous comedy shows). Regardless, while the personalities and friendship between the three hosts are the obvious main draw of the podcast, there are also some great aforementioned comedy bits throughout as well. 

God Awful Movies

There's been a rise in overtly Christian faith-based films lately, and the podcast "God Awful Movies" chronicles and justifiably ridicules them. The "God Awful Movies" podcast began as an off-shoot of "The Scathing Atheist" podcast, hosted by Noah Lugeons, Heath Enwright, and Eli Bosnick, who also return for "God Awful Movies." It was inspired by the Cracked article " 6 Pro-Christian Films That Made Christians Look Like Jerks ," written by Madeline Maye (credited as Matt Fazio), Adam Koski, and Tara Marie, which featured the insane low-budget "what if Jesus existed in modern times" film "Miracle Man" that ended up inspiring the pilot episode of "God Awful." 

What makes "God Awful" movies such a great podcast is the hosts' unrelenting and hilarious take downs of these films. Not only are these films often incompetent on simply technical levels (shoddy camera work, barely audible audio, little-to-no-extras, etc.), but they also just as often have insidious messages in them as well. To be clear, this is not an indictment on religion in general, but rather the regularly regressive (i.e. racist, homophobic, and misogynistic) politics of films that are specifically marketed for a solely faith-based audience, which the "GAM" crew absolutely skewer.

8 Best Movie Review Websites and Podcasts

• By Madeleine Coyne
• March 28, 2017

Everybody has different reasons for looking up movie reviews, and everybody has different interests and levels of passion when it comes to movies. Some moviegoers look up movie reviews before seeing a movie, while other people utilize them to engage in further discussion after seeing a movie.

Some seek out movie reviews for the simple reason of needing assistance in finding a worthwhile movie to watch. Taking the time to watch a movie, whether in theaters or at home, takes a good chunk of time, and time is money. Therefore, you want to make sure that whatever movie you are about to watch will be worth your time. In addition, you might like to have some idea of what a movie is going to be like before pushing the play button.

That being said, we know that other people seek out movie reviews for completely different reasons. Some people simply want to see a quick rating number (or percentage) for a movie they are about to watch in order to see what critics thought of the movie overall. Other people want to know in-depth information about a movie and all of the questionable content it contains so that they can be prepared and know if it is an appropriate film to watch (especially if they are reviewing a film before allowing their children to watch it).

Still other people are complete and total movie buffs who want to get into the production details and hear what other like-minded “nerds” have to say about all kinds of old and obscure movies, not just the new or “popular” ones.

For this reason, we have compiled a list of all of the best places to go for movie reviews, whether you prefer reading a review online or listening to one on a podcast. Every movie lover, whether novice or expert, has a way to fill his or her movie “needs” and become a more educated moviegoer.

Podcast Audio Reviews

Now Playing

This show has three core hosts, but a rotating panel of critics that are all knowledgeable about movies and cinema. They review decades of movies, especially series, and discuss which ones are hits and which ones are misses. It is unique in that the critics not only review a new movie every week, but if that movie so happens to be a sequel, they review every movie in the series leading up to that new release (for example, with the new Jason Bourne movie in 2016, they reviewed all of the Bourne movies collectively). Shows generally run for at least an hour, sometimes two, but the hosts are so entertaining and knowledgeable that they do not drag. (Warning: it does contain detailed plot spoilers!) The website also includes relevant articles written by the staff and discussion forums for movie fans to talk about certain movies and topics.

Collider Movie Talk

This show is unique in that each episode is actually a video, not simply a podcast. It features roughly 5 hosts that talk about the latest in everything movie, and the episodes usually run about an hour long. It does not focus on one single movie or movie series, but on many films either coming to theaters, recently released, or old movies somehow related to the conversation. There is a lot of interesting and healthy debate among the hosts, and there are sometimes even interviews with the stars of new movies! In addition, they focus not just on film but on television too. There are sections of the website dedicated to Movie News and TV News, with insightful articles written by the Collider staff.

Mad about Movies

Published weekly and hosted by three friends, this show follows the same overall format in every episode, which is that these three guys first discuss general movie news, followed by an in-depth discussion on one highlighted, newly-released movie, followed by their weekly recommendations. The length of the episodes varies greatly (~30 min - 2 hrs), but there is wonderful chemistry among the three hosts, and they are very intellectual and funny. Their frequent “Throwback” podcasts to older movies are a lot of fun as well (such as the throwback to the original Beauty and the Beast before the release of the new, live-action adaptation of the movie). There are also special episodes with amazing interviews, or episodes relating to holidays or current events, such as an Oscars special.

GREENLIGHTReviews

This show has been recording audio movie reviews since 2005 and all episodes have been recorded by the same hosts, Hollywood critics Ann Elder and Les Roberts. Ann and Les have all the experience necessary to give an in-depth and entertaining movie review due to their past as actors, producers, and writers in Hollywood. Originally recorded on radio, their reviews have been adapted into podcasts and they continue to make new podcasts regularly. Each podcast episode discusses the plot (without giving away any major spoilers!), the script, direction, casting, and overall positive and negative elements of the movie. Ann and Les speak in a lively, conversational format, which makes it perfect for both movie buffs and novices alike. Each episode is only 7-12 minutes in length, which makes them easy to digest without having to compromise a lot of time to listen to them. In addition, new episodes are released three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), so you never have to wait long for more! And you can search for old movie reviews on the website by title or genre to find just what you are looking for.

Website Reviews

Rotten Tomatoes

This is everyone’s go-to for the quick rating and low-down on movies coming to theaters, movies in theaters, and movies to rent. Rotten Tomatoes is great if you already trust their ratings and just want a sense of the general consensus about a certain movie. The “Tomatometer” gives you a percentage of their critics who gave the movie a positive review. It offers a little bit of information about the movie, although not a full plot description or review, and it shows the cast of the movie. This is followed by all the critics’ reviews (critics who have to first be approved by Rotten Tomatoes, so there are no Joe-Shmoes off the street).

This is the favorite movie review site for parents who would like to know exactly what kind of movie their child is seeing. It lays out the good, the bad, and the ugly. It gives an overview of the story before going into details on the positive and negative elements of the movie, including violence, language, and sexual content. (And they are not exclusively a movie review website--they also review TV shows, books, music, and games!)

While super helpful and revealing, it also gives a lot of spoilers and it can be a little bit too much information, especially if you are not a parent utilizing it to decide if your children can see the latest movie in theaters. We love this site for its detailed, well-written, thorough reviews.

Film Comment

This website is definitely for the more scholarly film buff, not for ordinary people who just enjoy watching movies for their own sake. Film Comment puts out print magazines that highlight a handful of movies with scholarly articles about different artistic aspects of these movies. These magazines are also available on their website. New issues are released bi-monthly, and they have been in circulation since 1962, so it has certainly lasted the test of time. While the articles are written on some mainstream movies, the publication seems to aim more at “art-house and avant-garde filmmaking from across the world.” Like we said, this is for the serious movie fan, the one who likes to discover obscure pictures at film festivals and who views the cinema as a kind of art form itself. It is definitely a more academic-based site. It also includes some interviews and a blog.

Roger Ebert

Even though the famed movie critic died in 2013, his work is still being continued on his website, and this website is still one of the absolute greatest, most complete houses of movie reviews. The movie reviewers are trusted critics, and their reviews are complete and fair and interesting. In addition, each review gets between one and five stars for easy, quick movie-watching decisions, as well as information about the cast and creators of the film and a discussion board that anyone can contribute to. You can search for older movies by date, genre, or rating, and there is no shortage of movies to look through on the site. We admire Roger Ebert and still trust his website, and we especially love his mantra that “No good movie is too long and no bad movie is short enough.” Again, however, there is still no way to really get to know the new movie critics who have taken over from him other than being assured that they know what they are doing.

And that completes our list of the best movie review websites and podcasts out there! We hope it is helpful and that you find the right movie review location for you!

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The 7 best movie podcasts every cinephile should be listening to

A selection of podcasts you should bung into your earbuds

There are thousands of movie podcasts available right now, but picking the right one to bung into your earbuds can be a hassle. Do you go for a series devoted to movie trivia? Weekly reviews? The making of a blockbuster?

With so much variety, we've searched high and low for the best movie podcasts. We've even started our own, featuring some of the best movie writers in the business! (Yes, we're biased, but we're also correct.) Of course, not every movie podcast could make the cut, but here's our selection tailer-made for cinephiles. 

Ghibliotheque

The Studio Ghibli movies are beautiful works of art that need to be discussed. And if you're watching them for the first time, there's no better accompaniment that Ghibliotheque. The podcast sees a seasoned Studio Ghibli fanatic and a newcomer to the iconic movies discuss each movie after watching them. 

Their discussions on Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, and Princess Mononoke are highlights, plus some of the later podcasts are recorded with a live audience, making for all sorts of shenanigans. You can listen here . 

The Evolution of Horror

There are few people who love their horror like Mike Muncer. The host of The Evolution of Horror podcast adores the genre, and on his podcast celebrates as much with a rotating roster of guests – including a couple of GamesRadar+ and Total Film writers. 

If you love a good fright – and talking about why you're a wimp when it comes to certain spooky clowns or famous slashers, then The Evolution of Horror is ready-made for you. Highlights include discussions on The Exorcist, Suspiria (remake and original), and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. You can listen here .

School of Movies

Alex and Sharon Shaw are two of the hardest working people in podcasting. As well as hosting a series of alternate history audio dramas, they also produce School of Movies, a deep dive into films and TV. 

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What's unique about the pair is that, in an industry laden down with endless snark, they approach each movie in an inclusive, fair fashion. We recommend starting with their Sucker Punch episode, which – while nearly 3 hours long – is a wonderful discussion on a controversial movie. You can listen here .

Black List Table Reads

We're slightly cheating here, as Black List Table Reads ended back in 2017. Yet, there's a wealth of content to go back and explore. The premise is simple: the hosts take the best at-the-time-unproduced screenplays in Hollywood and turn them into "ear movies". Each one is followed by an interview with the author, conducted by Black List founder Franklin Leonard. 

As the podcast went on, the guests became more acclaimed, including Barry Jenkins, who discussed the making of his Oscar-winning movie Moonlight. A must listen to anyone who wants to know more about the movie-making and script-writing process. You can listen here .

Inside Total Film

Again, we're slightly cheating, but not because this podcast has finished – but because it's ours! Every fortnight, the Total Film team discuss the latest film news and releases, ranging from the week's biggest blockbusters to the hidden art-house gems that every film buff should be seeking out. 

Hosted by editor-in-chief Jane Crowther, the Inside Total Film podcast also sees the editorial team – consisting of some of the country's most knowledgeable cinephiles – interview some of the biggest filmmakers and actors currently working. Recent guests include Sam Mendes, Robert Pattinson, Felicity Jones, and Tom Hanks. You can listen here .

How Did This Get Made?

A gloriously NSFW sprint through some of the worst movies ever made, How Did This Get Made? is fast-paced, funny, and powered by the hosts’ personalities. Jason Mantzoukas (The Good Place), Paul Scheer (Veep), and June Diane Raphael (Long Shot) pull zero punches as they take down some so-called "classics". 

What makes the show work is how in-depth they always go. In fact, you get three shows in one feed: the movie discussions, live episodes with an audience, and prequels (where they answer audience questions and do some surprisingly personal magazine pieces). Hate watching has never been this much fun. You can listen here.

You Must Remember This

Karina Longworth's passion project, You Must Remember This offers an in-depth look at the Hollywood of old: the rise and fall of the studios, the history and consequences of the McCarthy hearings, and the lives of classic stars. 

Longworth lets her stories speak for themselves, but always gives context when needed. Start with episode two, Frank Sinatra in Space, about Sinatra's forgotten three-disc science fiction concept album. You can listen here.

GamesRadar+ was first founded in 1999, and since then has been dedicated to delivering video game-related news, reviews, previews, features, and more. Since late 2014, the website has been the online home of Total Film, SFX, Edge, and PLAY magazines, with comics site Newsarama joining the fold in 2020. Our aim as the global GamesRadar Staff team is to take you closer to the games, movies, TV shows, and comics that you love. We want to upgrade your downtime, and help you make the most of your time, money, and skills. We always aim to entertain, inform, and inspire through our mix of content - which includes news, reviews, features, tips, buying guides, and videos.

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100 Best Movie Podcasts

Movie Podcasts

Here are 100 Best Movie Podcasts worth listening to in 2024

1. Lights Camera Barstool

2. Blank Check with Griffin & David

3. We Hate Movies

4. Best Film Ever

5. Doug Loves Movies

6. The Jacked Up Review Show

7. Mother, May I Sleep With Podcast?

8. The Filmcast

9. You Must Remember This

10. Now Playing Podcast

11. The Film Majors

12. Give Me Back My Action&Horror Movies

13. Scriptnotes Podcast

14. Bald Move Prestige

15. Sequelisers

16. The Next Picture Show

17. Filmspotting

18. Movie Dumpster

19. Cows in the Field

20. Pure Cinema Podcast

21. Movies, Films and Flix

22. Matt's Movie Reviews Podcast

23. Bad Dads Film Review

24. Sweet Film Talk

25. I Scene It

26. Movie Podcast Weekly

27. Movies Merica

28. Quantum Recast

29. Christmas Movies Actually

30. Cinephile with Adnan Virk

• Movie Podcasters

• Lights Camera Barstool
• Blank Check with Griffin & David
• We Hate Movies
• Best Film Ever
• Doug Loves Movies
• The Jacked Up Review Show
• Mother, May I Sleep With Podcast?
• The Filmcast
• You Must Remember This
• Now Playing Podcast
• The Film Majors
• Give Me Back My Action&Horror Movies
• Scriptnotes Podcast
• Bald Move Prestige
• Sequelisers
• The Next Picture Show
• Filmspotting
• Movie Dumpster
• Cows in the Field
• Pure Cinema Podcast
• Movies, Films and Flix
• Matt's Movie Reviews Podcast
• Bad Dads Film Review
• Sweet Film Talk
• Movie Podcast Weekly
• Movies Merica
• Quantum Recast
• Christmas Movies Actually
• Cinephile with Adnan Virk
• Horror Movie Podcasts
• Comedy Movies Podcasts
• Animation Movies Podcasts
• Romance Movies Podcasts
• Superhero Movies and TV Shows Podcasts
• Sports Movies Podcasts
• Action Movies Podcasts

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6 great podcasts for film and TV fans

Your commute just became much more bearable with these podcasts

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Fire up those podcast apps, film and television fans. From deep dives into a director's filmography to retrospectives of forgotten movies that arguably should stay that way, these are some of the most entertaining podcasts that anyone who loves film and television should be listening to: 

'The Video Archives Podcast'

Quentin Tarantino reunites with his "Pulp Fiction" collaborator Roger Avary in the hugely enjoyable, ultra-nerdy " Video Archives Podcast ." 

Each week, the two discuss several films from the inventory of Video Archives, the video store where they worked together before becoming famous. Many of their picks are quite obscure, but the conversations are entertaining regardless.

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Plus, " Once Upon a Time in Hollywood " fans won't want to miss the surreal " Day of the Dalton " episodes, which serve as a semi-extension of the movie with Tarantino spending more than two hours memorializing Leonardo DiCaprio's character.

'Blank Check with Griffin & David'

Actor Griffin Newman and The Atlantic critic David Sims look back on a director's entire filmography on " Blank Check ," but with a focus on filmmakers who became so successful early in their careers that they could seemingly get funding to make whatever they wanted after that. Think M. Night Shyamalan , Tim Burton and Robert Zemeckis , all of whom have produced genuine classics, but also bizarre misfires that would never have been made if not for the filmmaker's industry clout. 

What sets "Blank Check" apart from other movie podcasts is its meticulous research. Each episode feels simultaneously like a rigorously fact-checked documentary while also being a hilariously off-the-rails discussion between friends.

'This Had Oscar Buzz'

For every movie like " Nomadland " that steamrolls through Oscar season, there are films that appeared destined for awards glory, only to go nowhere. 

On " This Had Oscar Buzz ," hosts Joe Reid and Chris Feil devote each episode to one of these films and try to figure out what went wrong. In some cases, it's obvious, as the film turned out to be a disaster. Other films may have been unjustly snubbed. 

Films covered on the show have included "Dear Evan Hansen," "Burnt," "We Bought a Zoo," and "Downsizing." Join Reid and Feil as they dive into movies that no one has thought about since they came out — and may never think about again. 

'The Filmcast'

One of the earliest movie podcasts, " The Filmcast ," is still going strong 15 years later. 

In each episode, hosts David Chen, Devindra Hardawar and Jeff Cannata review the biggest new movie release of the week, but not before having brief discussions about the latest film news and offering quick reviews of movies and shows. The format allows for more variety than other podcasts with hyper-specific premises, as virtually every major new release will be hit on at some point. 

The podcast is loose but well-structured, and the hosts have such great chemistry that you'll feel like you're sitting alongside them.

'Screen Drafts'

A movie podcast meets a game show in Clay Keller and Ryan Marker's " Screen Drafts ." 

In each episode, guests work together to create the ideal list of best movies in a specific category, often disagreeing passionately about the greatest films in a genre, filmography or franchise. The conversations are enlightening, and the competition aspect keeps episodes lively. The game begins with a trivia competition, and guests may veto a pick they feel shouldn't be on the list, though they can only do so once per game.  

Unlike most podcasts, the show is largely driven by the guests, and the hosts do a great job of stepping back and letting them lead the discussion. If you've got a long car ride coming up, look no further than "Screen Drafts," whose episodes can run up to five hours. 

'The Rewatchables'

The Ringer has no shortage of excellent film and television podcasts, but the gold standard is " The Rewatchables ," which sees Bill Simmons and guests discuss those movies one can't help but revisit every time they're on TNT. 

Simmons brings aspects of sports coverage to a movie discussion by breaking the episode up into categories, from basic ones like "most rewatchable scene" to questions of "who won the movie" and an award for the performer who crushed it with little screen time.

Simmons and guests may leave you seeing your favorite movies in a whole new light — and wondering if the lead role could have been played by Matt Damon instead. 

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Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.

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Podcasts Worth a Listen

Movie review podcasts.

51 How Did This Get Made?

Earwolf and paul scheer, june diane raphael, jason mantzoukas, 1 classic movie review, john e. cornelison, 1 the big picture, 1 movie review, 1 at the movies, 1 now playing - the movie review podcast, venganza media, inc., 1 prognosis negative movie reviews, wεsco prods, 1 haunted american history, 1 morgoth's review on odysee, morgoth's review, 1 movies vs. capitalism, movies vs. capitalism, 1 movie oubliette, dan and conrad, 1 properly howard movie review, steve/anthony, 1 ign movie reviews, 1 movie herald podcast, movie herald, 1 movie chronicles, brett dillon, 1 movie 101 review, daniel lucas, 1 the mancave movie review podcast, mcmr productions, 1 cinematary, 1 hit factory, hit factory, 1 moviewallas, moviewallas, 1 a scary movie review, a scary movie review, 1 whatcha watchin with alexis gentry, 1 shat the movies: 80's & 90's best film review, shat on entertainment, 1 gruesome magazine - horror movie reviews and interviews, 1 the empire film podcast, bauer media, 1 stinker madness - the bad movie podcast, stinker madness, 1 old ass movie reviews podcast, oldassmoviereviews, 1 i hate critics movie review podcast, 1 double impact, greg kearney, tristan burrell, 1 we hate movies, whm entertainment, 1 the movie crew podcast, the movie crew podcast, 1 horror movie club, horror movie club, 1 the review review, ben mcfadden & paul root, 1 gbw podcast, the video graveyard, 1 movies unhacked, scott croco, 1 scream street, riley & marissa, 1 opinionated movie reviews, 151 filmspotting, adam kempenaar & josh larsen, 1 roger (ebert) & me: movie reviews, brett arnold, 1 arthouse garage: a movie podcast, arthouse garage, 51 horror movie talk, horror movie talk: horror movie review, 1 rewind of the living dead, nerdcore movement, 1 deck the hallmark, bramble jam podcast network, 1 大话说电影 movies n chats, 1 2 guys and a chainsaw - a horror movie review podcast, todd kuhns & craig higgins, 1 watchmen chapter 1 review 5:37, 1 cuckoo review 1:44:19, 1 borderlands 1:30:03, 1 ep13 blood vessel (2019) 48:02, 1 house of usher 1:04:48, 1 1994 - north 1:04:45, 1 oamr episode 215: lost boys 29:23, 1 deadpool and wolverine, two of marvel's most iconic and beloved characters, are set to team up in a movie that promises to be a wild ride. 34:13, 1 north sea hijack (ffolkes) 1:31:41, 1 damsel 1:14:32, 1 borderlands, cuckoo, twilight of the warriors: walled in, good one, running on empty 1:04:32, 1 sps #12 pursuit to algiers (1945) 1:26:56, 1 ‘cuckoo’ never quite comes together 2:25, 1 movie review - the three musketeers - d’artagnan 7:02, 1 cloak & dagger (1984) 1:06:06, 1 bonus - house of the dragon pre-s02 finale chat 13:42, 1 high road to china (1983) revised audio only 323 24:18, 1 [interview] witchboard 2024 - director chuck russell and cast 11:08, 1 s14: on-screen live 7.29.24 our deadpool & wolverine review, creature commandos trailer reaction & more 1:05:36, 1 #116 - pendulum 2023 malayalam movie - review 13:58, quick reference guide.

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Joe Rogan Slams COVID Vaccines, Mocks Trans People in Live Netflix Special ‘Burn the Boats’: ‘Anybody Who Complains Is a Nazi’

By William Earl

William Earl

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Comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan aimed at targets like COVID vaccines and trans people during his newest comedy special.

Rogan’s latest, named “ Burn the Boats ,” debuted live on Netflix on Saturday night and amplified some of the controversial views he has discussed on his podcast before. Yet he was also self-deprecating about his perceived impact on culture.

“That might be misinformation,” he said, as the tag of a joke early on. “Don’t say you heard it from me, because I am known for that shit.”

Popular on Variety

Related stories, ‘deadpool & wolverine’ underscores mcu’s much-needed evolution, 'road house' director doug liman says '50 million people' streamed the film, but 'i didn’t get a cent. jake gyllenhaal didn’t get a cent ... that’s wrong.'.

Later, he skewered the blowback about COVID discussions on his podca s t , saying, “If you’re getting your vaccine information from me, is that really my fault?”

Elsewhere in the special, he followed in the footsteps of comedians like Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais, who have been criticized for jokes about trans people in their specials . Rogan started his similar batch of material with a run of jokes about “pregnant men” and then broadened it to his viewpoint that trans acceptance has been happening too quickly in American culture.

“I’m open-minded,” he said. “I just want to know what happened. It’s almost like a pervert wizard waved a magic spell on the whole world. ‘With a wave of this wand, you can walk into the women’s locker room with a hard cock, and anybody who complains is a Nazi. Abracadabra!’ And it just works! And everyone just accepts this new reality, and it’s fucking weird. I just think we need standards. You can’t just put lipstick on and now you can shit in the women’s room!”

“Burn the Boats” was taped live at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, and is Rogan’s first comedy special in six years, since 2018’s “Strange Times.” It’s his third special in a row that debuted on Netflix, a partnership that started with 2016’s “Triggered.”

Netflix has developed some high-profile live comedy events in the last year and a half, including Chris Rock’s 2023 stand-up special “Selective Outrage,” John Mulaney’s recent talk show, “Everybody’s in LA,” and May’s “The Roast of Tom Brady.”

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7 New Movies Our Critics Are Talking About This Week

Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or an avid buff, our reviewers think these films are worth knowing about.

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By The New York Times

A bouquet of red flags.

‘It Ends With Us’

In this romance based on the book of the same name by Colleen Hoover , flower-lover Lily (Blake Lively) falls in love with picture-perfect neurosurgeon Ryle (Justin Baldoni, who also directed), but discovers he may not be so perfect.

From our review:

It Ends With Us” is fitfully diverting, at times touching, often ridiculous and, at 2 hours and 10 minutes, almost offensively long. It’s visually and narratively overbusy, stuffed with flashbacks of Lily as an adolescent (Isabela Ferrer) that create two parallel lines of action. … The flashbacks add information, yet they also pull you away from the adult Lily, which fragments Lively’s performance and drains the slow-building momentum of her scenes. Just as unfortunately, Baldoni prettifies everything — trees, cityscapes, people — to the point that each detail, pose and smile seems lifted from a lifestyle ad instead of true, messy reality.

In theaters. Read the full review .

Bullets over back story.

‘borderlands’.

This action caper from Eli Roth, based on the video game franchise of the same name, follows the bounty hunter Lilith (Cate Blanchett), joined by a band of outlaws, as she tracks down, a tycoon’s daughter (Ariana Greenblatt).

You can see the jokes, but most of them don’t land. Still, there is some neat design work if you squint. The masks are pretty cool, like the ones worn by a handful of goons who sport glow-in-the-dark face coverings with eerie green slits, and a digital technology allows people to wear other people’s pixelated faces over their own. … In voice-over narration at the beginning, [Blanchett] drolly intones that the plot to come is “some wacko B.S.” We don’t disagree.

Critic’s Pick

Coming-of-age with men who don’t act theirs.

On a camping trip, 17-year-old Sam (Lily Collias) grapples with the immature behavior of her father (James Le Gros) and his old friend (Danny McCarthy) in this drama.

“Good One” is the writer and director India Donaldson’s feature debut, and an astounding one, full of the kind of emotional detail that can only come from personal experience. The movie smoothly shifts from gentle comedy to emotional punch, modest in a way that sneaks up on you in the end, backed by Celia Hollander’s acoustic, folk-inflected score. For most of the film, we’re expecting something to happen to Sam — it feels inevitable, out here in the woods with two grown men. But when something does happen, it’s totally unexpected and revelatory.

The boys are back in Beantown.

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The most powerful people in podcasting in 2024.

From true crime masters to comedy titans, here are the on-air talent and behind-the-scenes dealmakers (increasingly the same folks) who are topping the charts and redefining the sector.

By Edited by Julian Sancton

Edited by Julian Sancton

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Podcasting has entered its maturity, in which the eye-watering spending sprees of the early 2020s have given way to more rational dealmaking. But even amid last year’s relative slowdown, the sector saw several marquee acquisitions.

Among those, SmartLess , hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, moved from Wondery over to SiriusXM in a deal said to be worth more than $100 million; Wondery, in turn, nabbed Armchair Expert , co-hosted by Dax Shepard, from Spotify in an $80 million deal, suggesting there’s still demand for and a premium placed on top talent. Not to be outdone, Call Her Daddy ’s Alex Cooper and the brothers Kelce with their New Heights podcast are said to be seeking nine-digit paydays of their own.

But, overall, the deal pace has abated. And instead of locking podcasts into exclusive distribution deals, as had been the initial model for Spotify in particular, companies are largely signing exclusive sales and first-look agreements with podcasters while seeing their shows distributed across all platforms. (In the case of Armchair , Wondery has a one-week exclusive window before wide distribution.) 

Spotify, for instance, re-upped with its biggest name, Joe Rogan, in February yet ceded exclusive audio distribution that long had been part of his agreement.

The change comes as more companies now have well-established podcasting businesses with built-up advertising bases. The sector also has been forced to hunker down on financials, with Spotify and others conducting layoffs and making programming cuts in an effort to make the segment more profitable.

While the model is evolving, with video also becoming a bigger element, podcast listenership is still on the rise in 2024 and advertising is expected to follow suit. Everybody may have a podcast, as the cliché goes, but as the podcasting titans on the following pages demonstrate, there’s still plenty of room to grow.

Profiles written by Seth Abramovitch, Kevin Dolak, Ryan Gajewski, James Hibberd, Caitlin Huston, Rebecca Keegan, Mikey O’Connell, Christy Piña, Seija Rankin, Lacey Rose, Julian Sancton and Alex Weprin

This story first appeared in the August 7 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe .

ACAST (Ross Adams, Tiffany Ashitey and Greg Glenday)

The Swedish analytics company, which began as a platform to connect creators with advertisers, has quietly become one of the biggest distributors in the industry, boasting more than 125,000 podcasts worldwide. These include both originals and marquee acquisitions like podcasting OG WTF With Marc Maron and Giggly Squad , which collectively added up to 1.1 billion listens in quarter two of 2024 alone. 

John Allen (MrBallen Podcast; Ballen Studios)

“Podcasting is best suited to creating unique theater of the mind,” says the backward-hatted former Navy SEAL turned content creator, who has amassed a large following with his knack for narrating true crime and eerie events on his hyper-popular MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories. His 2022 content deal with Wondery led to the spinoff pod MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries and to the birth of Ballen Studios, which includes several more series, a production company, a management arm and a touring operation.

Audible (Rachel Ghiazza)

Drafting off parent company Amazon’s global reach, Audible’s chief content officer rules an audiobook empire with no equal and oversees the production of hyper-polished, award-winning fare including docuseries and reimagined literary classics performed by all-star casts. Ghiazza recently announced a new audio production of the Harry Potter books, as well a partnership with Amazon MGM Studios to adapt Audible Original narratives into TV series. 

Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes ('SmartLess'; Smartless Media)

What was once simply an early pandemic plan to keep three actor friends — Arnett, Bateman and Hayes — connected and busy is now a full-blown media company, complete with live events and additional podcasts. Remaining at the center is SmartLess , a hit podcast that has drawn rock stars, movie stars and three U.S. presidents as guests. Proof of its power came earlier this year, when SiriusXM inked a sweeping three-year deal with SmartLess Media that reportedly is worth more than $100 million.

Michael Barbaro, Sabrina Tavernise ('The Daily')

Seven years in, The Daily is (still) one of the most popular news podcasts in the country and a must-listen for The New York Times ’readership, downloaded more than 3 billion times since its launch. Tavernise took on official co-hosting duties after her 2022 pod coverage of the war in Ukraine, and — alongside Barbaro — has drawn a passionate fan base with in-depth coverage and analysis offering steady guidance through the turbulence of the news cycle. 

Black Effect Media (Charlamagne Tha God)

Best known as the co-host of iHeartRadio’s hugely popular morning gabfest The Breakfast Club and the comedy podcast The Brilliant Idiots (alongside Andrew Schulz), Lenard “Charlamagne Tha God” McKelvey is just as busy outside the recording booth. He has executive produced several award-winning scripted podcasts with Kevin Hart and founded iHeart’s The Black Effect Podcast Network, a 4-year-old group comprised of 30 Black-led podcasts (including power list honoree Drink Champs ), with nearly a billion downloads among them.

Chuck Bryant, Josh Clark ('Stuff You Should Know')

Since launching the podcast in 2008, the indefatigably curious duo have planted roots at the top of the charts. Together, Chuck and Josh dive into a new topic nearly every day, covering mind- bogglingly eclectic subjects from champagne to satanism to HPV, with more than 2,000 episodes since the iHeart show’s inception. 

Campside Media (Josh Dean, Vanessa Grigoriadis, Adam Hoff, Matt Shaer)

As much of the podcasting world gravitates toward cost-efficient gabfests and Wikipedia-informed, single-episode true-crime rehashes, Campside’s team of veteran journalists swims against the tide, bringing all their investigative acumen to bear on deeply reported immersive narrative series, with several hit franchises. This year’s “White Devil” — about a mysterious shooting of a cop in Belize that unspools into a story about power, corruption and the dying embers of the British empire — reached No. 6 on the podcast charts, with nearly 3 million downloads. 

Crooked Media (Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Tommy Vietor)

The wildest election year in memory has provided ample material — and an insatiable listenership — for the three jocular former Obama aides turned podcasting magnates. The Crooked trio led the chorus of Democratic voices calling for President Biden to abandon his re-election bid after his alarming debate performance, and the drama and excitement since then has kept their flagship title, Pod Save America , at the top of the charts (even as they have dealt with a one-day staff walkout amid contract negotiations). Meanwhile, the three have embarked on a live tour, published a book ( Democracy or Else ) and launched a podcast with former Georgia state representative Stacey Abrams.

Dateline NBC (Elizabeth Cole)

For three decades, NBC’s longest-running primetime series has been a compelling and smartly produced always-there mainstay. It’s not what the critics call “appointment TV,” but it’s exceedingly reliable.  Dateline  knows how to tell a compelling story, complete with misdirects, twists and grabby narration.

Read THR’ s full story .

Emma Chamberlain ('Anything Goes')

After debuting in the spring of 2019, the YouTuber-slash-coffee entrepreneur’s podcast quickly rose up the ranks of the Spotify charts — becoming the platform’s third most listened-to series. She’s since leaned into her roots, emphasizing the video format of her chat show, which centers heavily on a go-with-the-flow vibe (she talks to her audience about whatever — literally — is on her mind). She’s also started inviting celebrity guests, including Daisy Edgar-Jones and Charli XCX.

Alex Cooper ('Call Her Daddy')

This year, all eyes are on Cooper’s pending distribution deal, which is expected to break records. She signed a $60 million contract with Spotify in 2021, after moving her chat show over from the Barstool Sports network. (Originally focused on sex and dating, CHD now incorporates juicy interviews with A-listers.) Cooper is in the midst of negotiations and has been vocal about her desire to land a nine-figure contract. She’s also expanded her portfolio by signing on additional podcasting talent, launching a production company and taking on outside gigs, like hosting an online talk show for NBC’s Olympics coverage.

Ben Davis, Marissa Hurwitz (WME)

The WME duo and their digital department represents a who’s who of podcasting power, from talent like Dax Shepherd and Jay Shetty to shows including currently red-hot Pod Save America . This past year, Davis and Hurwitz expanded further, inking new deals for Jon Stewart (Paramount’s The Weekly Show ) as well as Meghan Markle, We Can Do Hard Things ’ Glennon Doyle, Brené Brown and Amy Poehler.

Amanda Doyle, Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach ('We Can Do Hard Things')

Last year, one of the defining moments of the intimate conversations between married couple Glennon Doyle and retired soccer star Abby Wambach and sister/sister-in-law Amanda Doyle was Glennon’s examination of her recent anorexia diagnosis. This year, it’s been Amanda’s breast cancer diagnosis. The feminism-forward frankness with which the pod’s hosts explore “the messy middle” of life’s challenges has attracted a dedicated listenership and numerous accolades.

DJ EFN, N.O.R.E. ('Drink Champs')

As their show approaches its 10-year anniversary, the Queens rapper and Miami hip-hop mogul remain podcasting powerhouses thanks to their booze-fueled chats with major hip-hop artists. DJ EFN notes, “We don’t shy away from any guest we think might be fun and/or interesting to have a drink with” — which is how New York Mayor Eric Adams ended up on the show alongside more on-brand guests like will.i.am and Ludacris. 

Alix Earle ('Hot Mess')

Having broken out on TikTok, Earle launched her podcast in September as part of Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network and now charts consistently in the top 10. She speaks to her mostly Gen Z audience about her life, covering topics like relationships, mental health and cosmetic surgery — forever reminding her listeners that they should not compare themselves to influencers’ well-filtered personas. 

Exactly Right Media (Georgia Hardstark, Karen Kilgariff; 'My Favorite Murder')

Kilgariff and Hardstark are best known for their seminal true-crime podcast, My Favorite Murder , which remains a top 20 charts fixture with more than 30 million monthly listeners — but they’ve proved just as powerful on the producing side. Podcasting network Exactly Right Media, which they founded in 2018, produces and hosts 13 series in addition to a growing number of miniseries like the recent historical deep dive The Butterfly King .

Ashley Flowers ('Crime Junkie'; audiochuck)

Flowers’ name has become synonymous with true crime thanks to her juggernaut hit podcast Crime Junkie and her best-selling 2022 debut novel, All Good People Here . She also founded audiochuck, which produces more than a dozen podcast series monthly as well as SiriusXM’s Crime Junkie Radio. 

Gillie Da King, Wallo ('Million Dollaz Worth of Game')

On their weekly podcast, Philadelphia rapper Gillie Da King and social media influencer Wallo discuss music and personal experiences and riff with featured guests like Cardi B, Alicia Keys, Latto and Offset. The MDWoG co – hosts revealed this year that they turned down a multimillion-dollar deal from Spotify because “they wanted to own us.” Then, they say, Barstool Sports offered them an even better deal for “five times” more. 

Tony Hinchcliffe ('Kill Tony')

The controversial insult comic dropped by WME in 2021 over a racial slur controversy involving comedian Peng Dang (but who has since signed with UTA) has seen his profile skyrocket since he stole the show with an outrageous set on Netflix’s Roast of Tom Brady . Since 2013, Hinchcliffe has hosted Kill Tony — a live format that allows amateur comedians to try out a minute of original material for an audience of millions. The catch? They have to then be mercilessly critiqued by Hinchcliffe and co-host Brian Redban alongside a rotation of comedy podcast buddies like Joe Rogan and Shane Gillis.

Andrew Huberman ('Huberman Lab')

Huberman regularly tops the Health and Fitness charts with his vertiginously deep dives into a variety of medical topics with useful applications (improving your sleep, memory, energy levels, etc.). The bushy-bearded neuroscientist’s popularity, despite the scientific denseness of some of his content, attests to his remarkable ability to calmly elucidate complex concepts. The episode “What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health” ranked as Apple’s most shared episode of 2023.

iHEART (Conal Byrne, Will Pearson)

iHeartMedia remains the top podcasting publisher by audience size, according to industry analytics site Podtrac. The company’s roster includes Shondaland, Blumhouse, Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players, The Black Effect With Charlamagne Tha God, the NFL, the NBA and more. Recently, iHeart also has struck a partnership with NBC around the Paris Olympics and has launched the Women’s Sports Audio network.

Ash Kelley, Alaina Urquhart ('Morbid')

Autopsy technician Urquhart and hairstylist Kelley — Urquhart is Kelley’s aunt, but they call each other sisters — co-host Morbid: A True Crime Podcast , which launched in May 2018 and wallows in all things macabre, earning 15 million monthly downloads. The brand has expanded into the Morbid Podcast Network, which now includes 13 podcasts.

Jason Kelce, Travis Kelce ('New Heights')

We may never know what proportion of New Heights ’ listenership tunes in to hear the NFL star brothers talk X’s and O’s and how many parse the 2-year-old podcast for any behind-the-scenes tidbits about Super Bowl champ Travis’ life with girlfriend Taylor Swift. But their combined numbers have made the Kelces’ weekly bull session a regular chart-topper and emboldened the brothers to reportedly seek a $100 million distribution deal. 

Lemonada Media (Jessica Cordova Kramer, Stephanie Wittels Wachs)

The podcasting company was launched in 2019 and since has grown to include more than 40 titles, including Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Wiser Than Me , David Duchovny’s Fail Better and Sam Smith’s The Pink House . In February, the company announced a partnership with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, which includes the distribution of the first season of Archetypes as well as a new podcast series to be named later. Recently, the company launched its own imprint in partnership with Simon & Schuster. 

Josh Lindgren, Caroline Edwards (CAA)

Headed by Lindgren with Edwards at his side, CAA’s Podcast department has brokered big-money deals for the agency’s top talent, including the SmartLess trio’s blockbuster move to SiriusXM, David Duchovny’s first podcast, Fail Better , a second season of Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Wiser Than Me , and a third season of Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Dinner’s on Me . They’ve also handled podcast efforts from James Corden, Kristin Cavallari and JoJo Siwa and many others.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus ('Wiser Than Me')

Older women are an invaluable font of wisdom, so why don’t we hear from them more? Such is the premise of Louis-Dreyfus’ award-winning interview show, launched in 2023. In the first season of the Lemonada Media podcast, the comedy legend asked venerable guests including Jane Fonda and Carol Burnett about everything from aging to romance to body image. The Seinfeld and Veep star built on the show’s success in the second season with guests including Sally Field, Julie Andrews, Gloria Steinem and Debbie Allen.

Rachel Maddow ('Ultra')

The MSNBC host has single-handedly turbocharged the cable news channel’s podcast business ever since her 2019 breakout Bag Man , which is now being adapted for film by Ben Stiller. Her 2022 follow-up, Ultra , was quickly picked up for a film adaptation by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin, and the second season has likewise found a home on the top podcast charts since its June debut. Maddow is also using her brand to launch new podcasts, like last year’s Deja News , led by producer Isaac-Davy Aronson.

New York Times (Sam Dolnick)

Some roles you’re born into, such as a fifth-generation member of the Ochs Sulzberger family, owners of The New York Times . Other roles you make for yourself — say, as the architect of the paper of record’s shift into audio and co-creator of The Daily , a top 10 podcast on pretty much every chart, and exec producer on its FX Network small-screen version, The Weekly. And if you did it on your own merits, grinding your way up the journalism ladder despite your nepo-baby status, you’re probably NYT deputy managing editor Dolnick. 

NPR (Colin Campbell)

Campbell, who started in public radio at Morning Edition in 2003 and went on to stints at Gimlet and Audible, returned to NPR as senior vp podcasting strategy and franchise development at the end of 2023, just after the broadcaster slashed its podcast slate. Seeking to bolster NPR’s financial safety net in a rocky ad environment, Campbell has pushed the tradition of listener support in public media to the podcast space, promoting the NPR+ podcast bundle and single-show subscriptions. This dizzying election year, meanwhile, is good for audience building, with NPR’s News Now and Up First podcasts consistently topping U.S. charts.

Joe Rogan ('The Joe Rogan Experience')

The conspiracy-curious, vaccine-questioning comedian and MMA enthusiast established himself as the undisputed king of podcasting in 2020 with his $200 million, three-and-a-half-year deal with Spotify. Top artists including Neil Young fled the platform in protest. Undaunted, Spotify signed an even sweeter nonexclusive $250 million deal in February that allowed The Joe Rogan Experience to be distributed across several rival platforms and on YouTube. Meanwhile, Young has returned to Spotify. Resistance is futile.

Matt Rogers, Bowen Yang ('Las Culturistas')

The pop culture podcast anchored by SNL castmember Yang and fellow comedian Rogers has made its own cultural headlines this year thanks to guests including Tina Fey, who counseled Yang to keep his true opinions to himself, given his growing fame (“Authenticity is dangerous and expensive”), and appearances by the likes of Dua Lipa and Hannah Einbinder. In June, the podcast hosted its third live awards show parody, the Las Culturistas Culture Awards, which has drawn Taylor Swift, Mandy Moore and others.

Oren Rosenbaum, A.J. Leone (UTA)

Together, Rosenbaum and Leone represent the lion’s share of THR ’s podcasting power list. As co-head of UTA Creators, Rosenbaum handles Alex Cooper, Alix Earle, Exactly Right Media, MrBallen, Wondery and Campside Media, among many others. Leone’s roster includes Emma Chamberlain, Kara Swisher, iHeart, and Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. Leone’s podcasting guilty pleasure? “Skipping the ads.” Rosenbaum’s? “Relistening to the ads.”

Ben Shapiro ('The Ben Shapiro Show')

Many top conservative commentators have abandoned (or in some cases been forced out of) cable news in favor of the greener pastures of podcasting. But Shapiro was ahead of the curve. His Ben Shapiro Show was helping establish the format while Megyn Kelly and Tucker  Carlson were still holding down primetime TV slots, and has become one of the signature products of his Daily Wire conservative media empire. 

Shannon Sharpe ('Club Shay Shay')

The popular sports pundit and former NFL star tight end spent years quietly building a podcast empire that exploded into the mainstream this year with an outrageous, three-hour sit-down with comic Katt Williams. At 72 million views, it’s the most watched interview in YouTube history. That success has helped turn Sharpe, 56, into the internet’s top destination for African American celebrities looking to get something off their chests — and hopefully go viral in the process. 

Dax Shepard ('Armchair Expert')

In June, actor-comedian Shepard and co-host Monica Padman signed one of the biggest podcasting deals of the year, with Amazon’s Wondery paying $80 million for exclusive distribution and ad rights to their long-running interview series. As part of the arrangement, Shepard and Padman will co-produce two new podcasts and have a first-look option for any new shows. 

Bill Simmons ('The Bill Simmons Podcast'; 'The Ringer')

It’s been nearly five years since Spotify ponied up more than $250 million to acquire Bill Simmons’ The Ringer network. In the half-decade or so since, the Boston sports nut has worn many hats: host of multiple hit podcasts, managing director of The Ringer and head of podcast innovation and monetization for Spotify. Simmons continues to expand his footprint, too, with new and returning sports and pop culture pods.

SiriusXM (Scott Greenstein, Sarah van Mosel)

It was a banner year at SiriusXM, with Greenstein, president and chief content officer of SiriusXM, leading the efforts to poach SmartLess from Wondery in a multi­year deal, partnering with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Dirty Mo Media to bring its podcasts into the SiriusXM network and launching Crime Junkie Radio, the company’s first true-crime station. In her role overseeing the company’s slate of podcasts, van Mosel, senior vp podcast strategy, also has ushered in titles including Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson, the upcoming launch of Suits rewatch podcast Sidebar , hosted by Patrick J. Adams and Sarah Rafferty, and Yara Shahidi’s The Optimist Project .

Sony Music (Steve Ackerman, Emily Rasekh)

“I’d like to see the industry regain our confident swagger that was bruised last year,” Ackerman says. Clearly, the Sony Music duo have a spring in their step: Earlier this year, the team acquired production company Neon Hum, with the two brands having previously collaborated on Dinner’s on Me With Jesse Tyler Ferguson and the true-crime franchise Smoke Screen . Additionally, the Sony comedy podcast Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake is the most-nominated title heading into the 2024 British Podcast Awards.

Spotify (Sahar Elhabashi, Maya Prohovnik, Jordan Newman)

After slashing jobs and abandoning exclusivity deals with even top stars like Alex Cooper and Joe Rogan, Spotify has dramatically changed its podcasting business model in the past year. Under Elhabashi, head of its content business; Prohovnik, vp podcast product; and Newman, head of content partnerships, the company is reducing in-house production and partnering with established media companies like Meta and Warner Bros. Discovery to host and distribute podcasts like CNN’s All There Is With Anderson Cooper and HBO’s The Official Game of Thrones Podcast: House of the Dragon.

Kara Swisher ('Pivot'; 'On'; 'Succession Podcast')

The veteran tech journalist continues to make headlines with her bluff, no-holds-barred interviews of top power brokers in Silicon Valley, D.C. and Hollywood as host of Vox Media’s On With Kara Swisher . This past March, Pivot , which Swisher co-hosts with Scott Galloway, took home the award for best news podcast at the recent iHeartRadio Podcast Awards. 

Team Coco (Conan O’Brien)

Though he’s short on friends, O’Brien is not in want of listeners. The Team Coco portfolio, anchored by his own Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, nets 180 million downloads a year. Overall listenership is now seriously boosted by SiriusXM’s Conan O’Brien Radio, part of a $150 million deal with the dominant satellite radio outfit, where the late night alum and recent Hot Ones breakout delivers a seemingly limitless supply of A-list interviews.

Theo Von ('This Past Weekend')

A mulleted comic philosopher with a Louisiana drawl, Von, 44, has turned his longform podcast into appointment listening. Fans show up in droves — the Tucker Carlson episode drew 9.2 million hits on YouTube alone — for Von’s freewheeling and frequently hysterical discussions with guests from the far reaches of politics, media and entertainment. 

Vox Media (Nishat Kurwa, Ray Chao)

“I will not be releasing any podcasts until further notice,” declared popular inspirational podcaster Brené Brown after her contract with Spotify expired in 2022. It’s a credit to top podcast execs Kurwa and Chao’s vision that they were able to relaunch Brown’s beloved Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead under the Vox Media banner. Among their other touchstones are both of Kara Swisher’s pods and the true crime series Criminal, still riveting listeners after 10 years. 

Wondery (Jen Sargent)

The Amazon-owned podcast studio recently brought Dax Shepard’s popular Armchair Expert into its fold as part of an $80 million deal. The company, which is the second-largest publisher on the list, according to Podtrac, also has found success with bingeable narrative titles, including WeCrashed and Dr. Death , among several Wondery shows that have been adapted to the screen, as well as Business Wars , Scamfluencers , How I Built This and MrBallen’s network of podcasts.

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