Film Studies 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.

WHAT WENT WRONG

Sad Boom Media

Ever wonder why some of your favorite blockbusters feel a little off, or how a surefire hit managed to crash and burn at the box office? Welcome to What Went Wrong, the show where hosts Chris Winterbauer and Lizzie Bassett pull back the curtain on the chaotic, fascinating, and often bizarre production histories of legendary cinema. Instead of just recapping plots, this podcast digs into the friction behind the scenes. From the ego clashes and creative compromises that shaped films like The 13th Warrior and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom to the industry biases that hindered gems like Tank Girl, we explore the precarious journey from script to screen. We examine how visionary directors navigate studio interference, the risks of adapting beloved literature, and the unpredictable alchemy of casting that can make or break a legacy. Our episodes offer a blend of deep-dive film criticism and historical investigation. Whether we are dissecting the evolution of disaster tropes in Spielberg films, tracing the cultural ripple effects of movies like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, or untangling the ethical complexities of true-crime adaptations, we aim to uncover the human stories behind the lens. Join us as we celebrate the triumphs, dissect the failures, and reveal how the industry’s greatest masterclasses and most notable misfires all came to be. It is the perfect deep dive for anyone who loves movies and the messy, complicated realities of making them.

The Truth

The Truth

Think of The Truth as an anthology of short, cinematic films crafted exclusively for your ears. Each episode drops you into a completely new world, ranging from high-stakes suspense and psychological thrillers to poignant, character-driven explorations of the human condition. Whether you are navigating the complex layers of modern relationships, questioning the blurring lines between artificial intelligence and genuine connection, or mourning the legacies left behind by our loved ones, these stories are designed to pull you in and challenge your perspective. What sets this series apart is its dedication to immersive, high-quality audio design and authentic performance. The production often blends scripted narrative with naturalistic, improvised dialogue, creating a vibrant, rhythmic experience that feels incredibly true to life. Beyond the fiction, the podcast regularly invites listeners behind the curtain with bonus episodes featuring the writers and producers. These conversations offer a fascinating look at the creative process, revealing how personal experiences, grief, and the artistic search for meaning are woven into these stories. If you are looking for audio storytelling that feels both intimate and grand in scale, The Truth is your destination. Each episode is a standalone experience, making it easy to dive in anywhere. From the tension of a mysterious encounter in Dubai to the quiet heartbreak of a closing independent theater, you will find stories that linger long after the final sound fades. Headphones are highly recommended to capture every nuance.

Blank Check with Griffin & David

Blank Check Productions

Blank Check with Griffin and David is a deep-dive film podcast that examines the careers of directors who have been granted a rare level of creative freedom—their own proverbial blank check—from a major studio. Hosted by actor Griffin Newman and critic David Sims, each miniseries focuses on a specific filmmaker’s entire body of work, tracing their trajectory from early passion projects to the massive spectacles that defined their legacies. Whether they are dissecting the high-seas historical detail of Peter Weir’s Master and Commander, exploring the thematic depth of Pixar’s animation through the lens of Andrew Stanton, or analyzing the shifting landscape of Steven Spielberg’s modern output, the hosts offer a mix of rigorous scholarly criticism and infectious enthusiasm. The show excels at balancing historical context with the tangible realities of how movies get made, frequently questioning the tension between artistic vision and corporate mandates. What truly sets the show apart is the chemistry between the hosts and their eclectic roster of guests, which includes critics, filmmakers, and comedians. These conversations often veer into humorous tangents, internet lore, and personal anecdotes, making the technical analysis of film craft feel like an engaging chat among friends. It is the perfect listen for anyone interested in the nuance of movie history, the mechanics of the industry, and the stories behind the films that shaped our modern cinematic culture.

Talk ’90s to me

Podmasters

Step into the neon-soaked, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating world of the 1990s with Talk ’90s to Me. Hosted by award-winning journalist Miranda Sawyer, this podcast is a vibrant deep dive into the decade that gave us Britpop, girl power, and the dawn of the digital age. Each episode serves as a time machine, pulling apart the cultural artifacts that defined a generation—from the subversive teen spirit of Clueless and Buffy the Vampire Slayer to the high-stakes, drug-fueled excess of the music industry. The show excels by blending sharp cultural analysis with personal reflection. Whether sitting down with iconic editors like Andrew Harrison to trace the rise of Select Magazine, or exploring the complex, often misunderstood lives of figures like Paula Yates, Sawyer brings a journalist’s rigor and a fan’s genuine enthusiasm to every conversation. The discussions go beyond simple nostalgia; they investigate why certain films became cult classics, how music shaped our personal identities, and why the era’s unique blend of hedonism and creativity continues to resonate today. You will hear from writers, comedians, and industry insiders as they unpack everything from the campy brilliance of Showgirls to the transformative power of finding your "tribe" through music. It is a smart, funny, and deeply thoughtful celebration of a decade that was constantly reinventing itself. If you are looking to revisit the decade of the Chemical Generation with wit, empathy, and a healthy dose of critical insight, you have found your new favorite listen.

Unspooled

Paul Scheer & Amy Nicholson | Realm

Join actor and comedian Paul Scheer and film critic Amy Nicholson as they pull back the curtain on the movies that define our culture. Unspooled is a deep-dive celebration of cinema that goes far beyond the surface-level review. Each week, the hosts dissect a new selection—ranging from massive Hollywood blockbusters and high-stakes action sequels to misunderstood cult classics and poignant gems of girlhood. What sets Unspooled apart is the willingness to challenge the canon. By bringing in a rotating cast of sharp-witted guests like Ed Helms, Jorma Taccone, and Joanna Robinson, the show transforms into a lively roundtable where movies are reconsidered through a modern lens. Whether they are uncovering why a box-office flop like Josie and the Pussycats was actually a genius piece of social satire or debating the transition of a film franchise into a full-blown spectacle, the discussions are always fueled by curiosity and expert insight. The podcast explores the intersection of art, industry, and personal nostalgia. You will hear about the grueling production hurdles behind Steven Spielberg’s masterpieces, the evolution of childhood favorites when revisited as adults, and the specific craft that makes a comedy truly stand the test of time. If you love dissecting iconic scenes, uncovering behind-the-scenes trivia, and debating whether your favorite films still hold up today, Unspooled is the ultimate companion for your cinematic journey. Turn up the volume and get ready to see the movies you know in a whole new light.

Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast

HBO Max

Pack your trunks and sharpen your wands because it is time to return to Hogwarts. Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast invites you on a meticulous, nostalgic, and spirited journey through the cinematic history of the wizarding world. Hosted by superfan and film critic Rhianna Dhillon, this series goes well beyond the surface of your favorite films to explore the intricate layers of magic, morality, and mystery that have defined a generation. Each episode, Rhianna is joined by celebrity guests and passionate experts to dissect the series film by film, part by part. From the whimsical wonder of a young Harry’s first encounter with Diagon Alley to the harrowing, politically charged darkness of his later years, the show balances heartfelt reflection with lively debate. You will hear deep dives into the practical effects that brought dragons to life, nuanced discussions on the complex motivations of characters like Snape and the Malfoys, and lighthearted inquiries into the everyday mechanics of wizarding life—like the true purpose of a rubber duck. Whether you are debating house loyalties, analyzing the visual evolution of the series, or uncovering the foreshadowing tucked into the smallest narrative details, this podcast serves as the ultimate companion. It is a space for fans to celebrate the enduring legacy of the films, celebrating the moments that made us laugh, cry, and believe in magic all over again. Join us each week as we revisit the journey from the cupboard under the stairs to the final, epic confrontation.