What Are The Best Podcasts About Films? A Beginner’s Guide

Did you know that there are over 100 top-rated movie podcasts currently captivating millions of listeners worldwide? From Bill Simmons' wildly popular The Rewatchables to deep-dive analysis shows exploring cinema's hidden gems, podcasts about films have exploded into a cultural phenomenon that's reshaping how we experience and discuss movies.

Podcasts about films, or more accurately, film-focused podcasts, represent a thriving genre of podcasts where passionate hosts dissect everything from blockbuster hits to forgotten classics.

Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a dedicated cinephile, these movie podcasts offer unprecedented access to insider perspectives, behind-the-scenes stories, and thought-provoking analysis that can completely transform how you view cinema.

The Top 10 Movie Review Podcasts of 2025

Based on current rankings and reviews, here are the top 10 film review podcasts for 2025:

1. How Did This Get Made? - Award-winning comedy podcast hosted by Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas that celebrates bad movies, breaking down "blockbuster flops, cheesy 80s action movies, Lifetime thrillers, obscure cult classics" and most Nic Cage films. Known for excellent host chemistry and hilarious analysis.

2. The Rewatchables - Hosted by Bill Simmons and The Ringer team, this podcast focuses on movies people return to again and again, exploring what makes certain films endlessly entertaining with deep-dive analysis and recurring segments.

3. You Must Remember This - Hosted by Karina Longworth, described as "the grand dame of the movie podcast world" that "explores the secret, and/or forgotten histories from Hollywood's first century". Focuses on the people behind the pictures rather than just the films themselves.

4. The Big Picture - Hosted by Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, they "review the movies you need to see. Plus: Top 5s, Movie Drafts, Oscars analysis, and more, featuring a rotating cast of Ringer colleagues".

5. Empire Film Podcast - The official podcast of Empire, "the world's biggest and best movie magazine," bringing "all the latest movie news and nonsense, as well as reviews of the week's new films" and interviews with Hollywood stars.

6. Blank Check with Griffin & David - Mentioned consistently in top movie podcast lists, this show offers detailed filmmaker-focused discussions and analysis.

7. Unspooled - Hosted by Amy Nicholson and Paul Scheer, originally covering the American Film Institute's top 100 American movies with "in-depth analysis, historical and cultural context" and now exploring themed seasons.

8. We Hate Movies - Listed among the best movie podcasts, focusing on bad movie reviews with humor and insight.

9. What Went Wrong - Hosted by Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer, dedicated to "covering the troubled production histories of both good and bad films" with the tagline "Every movie is a miracle— even the bad ones".

10. Best Film Ever - Described as "your soon-to-be new favorite transatlantic film review podcast, trawling through the blockbusters and critical darlings in search of the best film ever" with regular "See It or Skip It" segments.

These movie review podcasts represent different approaches to film discussion, from comedy-focused bad movie breakdowns to serious film history and current release reviews, ensuring there's something for every type of movie enthusiast.

Breaking Down the Basics of Podcasts About Films

Defining Movie Podcasts

When we talk about podcasts in the films genre, we're referring to audio shows specifically dedicated to discussing, analyzing, and celebrating movies. These aren't films about podcasts – they're podcasts about films! This encompasses everything from weekly review shows covering new releases to deep-dive series exploring specific directors, filmmakers, or genres.

What sets podcast films apart from traditional film criticism is their conversational nature and accessibility. Unlike formal movie reviews, podcast episodes unfold like intimate conversations between knowledgeable friends.

Hosts often disagree with each other, share personal anecdotes, and create an environment where listeners feel like they're part of the discussion.

Shows like The Rewatchables don't just tell you whether a movie is good or bad. They explore why certain films have staying power, dissect memorable quotes, offer scriptnotes, and create segments around concepts like "most rewatchable scene" or "best 'that guy' performance."

Exploring the Rise of Movie Podcast Culture

The rise of movie podcast culture gained significant momentum in the early 2010s as podcasting technology became more accessible and streaming services changed how we consume content. Suddenly, people had vast libraries of films at their fingertips, and they wanted to talk about and listen to episodes what they were watching.

Streaming services have profoundly impacted podcast film discussions. Netflix, Hulu, and other platforms have made it easier for hosts to assume their audiences have access to the films they're discussing, allowing shows to dive deeper into spoiler-heavy territory and explore more obscure titles.

Social media has amplified these conversations exponentially. Twitter discussions, Instagram posts, and Facebook groups have created communities that extend far beyond the episodes themselves, allowing listeners to continue conversations and build relationships with fellow film enthusiasts.

Discovering Popular Podcast Formats and Styles

Dissecting Rewatchables-Style Analysis Shows

The "rewatchables" podcast format represents one of the most successful approaches to movie podcasts. These shows focus on movies that people return to again and again, exploring what makes certain films so endlessly entertaining.

Episodes typically feature lengthy discussions with multiple hosts, often running 90 minutes or longer. The beauty of this approach lies in its thoroughness – no stone is left unturned when examining why a particular film has achieved "rewatchable" status.

Recurring segments like "most rewatchable scene," "aged the best/worst," and "what's the lesson of this movie?" create anticipation and allow listeners to play along, forming their own opinions before hearing the hosts' takes.

Exploring New Release Review Podcasts

Weekly or bi-weekly podcasts covering current theatrical releases represent another major category. Shows like "The Big Picture" provide timely discussions about movies while they're still fresh in audiences' minds.

These podcasts balance spoiler-free discussions with meaningful analysis, often dividing episodes into spoiler-free and spoiler-heavy segments. The integration of box office analysis and industry trends sets professional shows apart from casual reviews.

Uncovering Genre-Specific Movie Podcast Shows

Genre-specific podcasts have carved out dedicated niches. Horror film podcasts explore practical effects and jump scares. Comedy analysis tackles subjective humor and cultural context. Documentary podcasts use films as jumping-off points for real-world discussions. International film shows provide cultural context and historical background.

Identifying Key Elements That Make Podcast Films Engaging

Analyzing Host Chemistry and Conversation Dynamics

The success of any podcast about cinema, films, and even Hollywood depends on chemistry between hosts. Natural dialogue flow creates the illusion that listeners are eavesdropping on conversations between knowledgeable friends. Disagreements often enhance engagement more than universal agreement, creating natural dramatic tension.

Successful shows balance expertise with accessibility. Hosts need enough knowledge to provide valuable insights without being so academic that general audiences feel excluded. Memorable catchphrases and recurring segments help build listener loyalty and create shared experiences.

Mastering the Art of Film Discussion Structure

Opening segments that immediately hook listeners are crucial. Effective transitions between plot summary, analysis, and personal opinions prevent episodes from feeling disjointed. Incorporating listener feedback transforms passive consumption into active engagement. Strong endings provide clear takeaways and create anticipation for future episodes.

Getting Started with Podcast Films: A Listener's Roadmap

Choosing Your First Movie Podcast Episodes

Start by identifying your personal film preferences. If you love horror movies, begin with a genre-specific show rather than a general podcast. Starting with popular, widely-discussed films provides common ground between you and the hosts.

Understanding different podcast lengths helps set expectations. Some shows run 30-45 minutes with quick takes, while others stretch past two hours with comprehensive analysis. Use episode descriptions and show notes to select content that matches your interests and available time.

Building Your Podcast Film Library

Start with one or two shows and gradually add others to avoid overwhelming yourself. Create playlists for different moods and genres. Balance new releases with classic film discussions to maintain variety. Focus on quality over quantity – it's better to regularly listen to three excellent shows than subscribe to fifteen you never enjoy properly.

Engaging with Podcast Film Communities

Participate in social media discussions around episodes. Understanding podcast-specific terminology and inside jokes helps you feel connected to established communities. Contribute feedback and suggestions to become an active participant. Connect with fellow enthusiasts to discover new shows and get movie recommendations.

Maximizing Benefits from Podcast Film Consumption

Enhancing Your Film Appreciation Skills

Regular listening develops critical thinking about cinematography, storytelling, and performances. You'll learn industry terminology and gain exposure to films outside your typical viewing habits. This builds confidence in discussing and analyzing movies, encouraging you to develop your own critical voice.

Expanding Your Entertainment Network

Discover new films through host recommendations, which often prove more reliable than mainstream marketing. Gain different perspectives on familiar movies and access behind-the-scenes information. Connect film appreciation to broader cultural conversations, understanding movies within their historical and social contexts.

Creating and Enhancing Podcast Film Content

Tools for Modern Podcast Film Creators

Modern creators are leveraging AI-powered tools to transform movie discussions into multiple content formats – blog posts, social media content, newsletters, and discussion guides. These tools automatically transcribe discussions, generate show notes, and extract memorable quotes for social sharing.

Building Audience Through Content Amplification

Successful creators generate tweet threads highlighting key points, Instagram captions featuring memorable quotes, and email newsletters providing deeper analysis. This multi-channel approach ensures great conversations reach audiences wherever they prefer to consume content.

Your Journey Into Podcasts About Films Starts Now

The world of podcasts about films, cinema, Hollywood, etc..., offers unprecedented opportunities to deepen your movie appreciation, discover new favorites, and connect with passionate communities. From rewatchables formats to genre-specific deep dives, there's something for every movie lover in this diverse genre.

Start with shows that match your current interests and gradually expand as you develop preferences. Don't wait for the perfect moment – begin with one episode covering a movie you love, and let your curiosity guide you. Your next great cinematic discovery might be just one podcast episode away!