Film Criticism Podcasts

The Rewatchables

The Ringer

If you have ever found yourself stopping on a movie channel to watch the same film for the tenth time, you have found your new home. The Rewatchables is a weekly deep dive into the movies that we just cannot turn off. Hosted by Bill Simmons and an rotating crew of recurring guests including Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and an array of talented filmmakers and writers, the show deconstructs the films that hold a permanent spot in our cultural lexicon. Whether they are revisiting high-octane 90s thrillers, iconic comedies that defined a generation, or sprawling historical epics, the hosts bring an infectious energy to every conversation. The format is part film criticism, part nostalgia trip, and part rigorous analysis. You will hear them break down legendary breakout performances, debate the absurdity of plot holes, identify the most memorable character entrances, and assign their own signature award categories to the scenes and tropes that stick with us long after the credits roll. The podcast excels at exploring the intersection of art and entertainment, examining why certain movies endure while others fade away. From the technical mastery of directors like Stanley Kubrick to the peculiar charms of good-bad cinema, the discussions are always thoughtful, hilarious, and deeply personal. It is the perfect listen for anyone who treats movies like old friends—films you can revisit indefinitely and somehow always find something new to love.

The Big Picture

The Ringer

Welcome to The Big Picture, your essential companion for navigating the ever-shifting landscape of modern cinema. Hosted by Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, this show goes beyond the surface of the latest releases to explore the craft, business, and cultural pulse of Hollywood. Whether they are dissecting the latest blockbuster, debating the death of a genre, or unpacking the legacy of an industry legend, the hosts bring a deep, analytical passion to every conversation. Expect a dynamic mix of formats that keep the discussion fresh and unpredictable. You will find everything from thoughtful deep dives into the filmographies of icons like Steven Spielberg, Mel Brooks, and Diane Keaton to the high-stakes entertainment of annual movie drafts and mid-year rankings. The program thrives on a lively rapport, often featuring a rotating cast of sharp, knowledgeable guests who help broaden the scope of the conversation. The Big Picture is for the fan who wants more than just a review; it is for those who care about how the sausage is made—from the corporate maneuvering behind the scenes to the evolution of storytelling in an era dominated by franchises, horror, and tech-driven production. If you love dissecting why certain films resonate, why others fail, and how our cinematic history informs the future of the big screen, you have found your home. Join the debate, celebrate the craft, and stay updated on the movies that define our current moment.

The Watch

The Ringer

If you are looking for a show that mirrors the way you actually talk about TV with your smartest friends, The Watch is essential listening. Every week, long-time collaborators Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan act as your personal guides through the ever-expanding universe of prestige television, blockbuster cinema, and the shifting landscape of the entertainment industry. The duo brings a unique blend of critical rigor and genuine, irreverent enthusiasm to every episode. Whether they are performing a deep-dive autopsy on a divisive series finale, unpacking the latest corporate strategies behind streaming release models, or debating the creative merits of everything from high-stakes dramas like House of the Dragon to genre-bending hits like Widow’s Bay, they manage to find the deeper narrative threads in a noisy media environment. Expect much more than just simple recaps. You will get insightful commentary on production history, auteur-driven storytelling, and the evolving habits of modern viewers. Between their sharp industry observations and their playful detours into hypothetical show pitches or nostalgic pop culture tangents, Andy and Chris capture the messy, addictive, and constantly changing state of modern storytelling. If you want to understand how the shows you love actually get made and where the medium is heading next, join them as they break down the screen and make sense of the cultural watercooler.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

NPR

Get obsessed with the stories, sounds, and spectacles that define our modern cultural landscape. Pop Culture Happy Hour is your weekly invitation to the table, where arts journalists and a rotating circle of sharp-witted critics break down the latest in film, television, music, and reality media. Whether we are dissecting the existential dilemmas of blockbuster franchises, analyzing the evolving sounds of pop icons, or finding profound meaning in indie horror and high-stakes streaming dramas, our conversations aim to find the heart of the matter. We don't just review what is popular; we explore the messy, complicated, and often hilarious ways these stories reflect our own lives. You will hear us debate the merits of prestige cinema, get lost in the weeds of reality TV gossip, and explore the intersection of art and identity. The show is built on a foundation of diverse perspectives, welcoming spirited disagreements and personal takes that move beyond the surface level. Every episode is a blend of thoughtful critique and genuine enthusiasm for the creative work that occupies our collective imagination. If you are looking for a show that treats both high-minded auteur projects and the breeziest reality series with the same level of curiosity and rigor, pull up a chair. Join us as we navigate the pop culture universe, one recommendation at a time.

HOLLYWOODLAND

Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts

Hollywoodland is where the glitz of the silver screen meets the grim reality of the police blotter. This podcast peels back the curtain on movie history to reveal that the most compelling stories aren't always found in the script, but in the dark, true-crime tragedies that unfolded behind the scenes. From the studio-mandated addictions that ravaged icons like Judy Garland to the eerie, real-life mysteries surrounding the deaths of legends like James Dean and Bob Crane, the show explores how the machinery of Hollywood has long thrived on—and occasionally destroyed—its most beloved stars. Hosted by Jake Brennan and Zeth Lundy, the podcast offers a cinematic approach to audio storytelling. Each week, the show delivers a trifecta of content: deep-dive narrative episodes that examine the intersection of fame and scandal, interactive wrap-party discussions that invite listeners into the conversation, and screening room episodes that dissect classic and contemporary films. Whether analyzing the gritty underworld that inspired modern classics, investigating high-stakes heists like the theft of the ruby slippers, or celebrating the unlikely redemption arcs of actors who escaped the criminal life, Hollywoodland treats every episode like a blockbuster. It is an essential listen for film buffs and true-crime devotees alike, blending historical investigation with a deep appreciation for the art of cinema. Step inside and discover the stories that make Hollywood more than just a destination—it is a landscape of obsession, vanity, and mystery.