Buzz
While browsing Netflix’s endless catalog during yet another night in, you might feel like you’ve exhausted all the great films out there. You’re not entirely wrong, but you’re not entirely right either. The truth is, there’s always a hidden gem waiting to be discovered—if you know where to look. Just like discovering new music, finding standout films beyond the usual blockbusters and award winners requires dedication and curiosity. For me, podcasts have become an invaluable tool for this. Since the early days of podcasting, film-focused shows have been a staple, but today’s offerings are far more diverse and insightful. Beyond the typical niches (like mocking bad movies or dissecting Oscar contenders), there are podcasts hosted by a wide range of voices—Black men, Black women, LGBTQ+ creators, and more. Listening to these perspectives has introduced me to films I might have overlooked and allowed me to revisit familiar ones with fresh insights. Below are 15 podcasts that have deepened my appreciation for cinema and helped me uncover new favorites.
The Flop House
While The Flop House might seem like a guide to movies you should avoid, it also teaches you how to find joy in the chaos of terrible films. Over 400 episodes, hosts Dan McCoy (a former The Daily Show With Jon Stewart writer), Elliot Kalan (ex-Daily Show head writer and Mystery Science Theater 3000 contributor), and Stuart Wellington (a Brooklyn bar owner with impressive venues) have turned bad-movie analysis into an art form. With humor and camaraderie, they dissect box office flops and critical failures, highlighting absurd plots and poorly crafted characters. While most of the films they discuss aren’t worth your time (except maybe Cats), their infectious enthusiasm often leaves me curious to watch them anyway. And if bad movies aren’t your thing, they wrap up each episode with genuinely good recommendations.
This Had Oscar Buzz
The Oscars are often dubbed the Gay Super Bowl, and on This Had Oscar Buzz, hosts Joe Reid and Chris Feil dive into past Oscar races with the passion and precision of a fantasy football fanatic. Each episode focuses on a film that once seemed destined for awards glory but ultimately fell short. They dissect why these movies—often featuring A-list stars or acclaimed directors—failed to secure nominations. What makes this podcast stand out is its ability to spotlight films I’ve always meant to watch but never did. While not exclusively about bad movies, it highlights both overlooked gems (I heart I Heart Huckabees) and underappreciated classics, offering a fresh perspective on the Oscars’ oversights.
The Big Picture
The Big Picture, a podcast from The Ringer, is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stay updated on the latest theatrical releases, festival buzz, and award season contenders. Hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins share their unfiltered takes on everything from blockbusters to indie films, while also reflecting on the broader trends in cinema. With themed episodes, lively debates, and frequent new content, this podcast keeps you engaged and informed about the ever-evolving world of movies.
Eye of the Duck
Inspired by a David Lynch quote, this podcast focuses on dissecting films through their defining moments—referred to as "eye of the duck" scenes. Hosts Dom Nero and Adam Volerich explore older films, often in themed series like '80s fantasy or space movies, delving into their production history, visual storytelling, and cultural impact. Each episode concludes with the hosts sharing their personal "eye of the duck" moments for the film, often leading to fascinating disagreements.
Fighting in the War Room
Linoleum Knife
Linoleum Knife was suggested by a reader in the comments of an earlier version of this post, and I’m thrilled it was, as it has become one of my go-to comfort listens. Hosted by married film critics Dave White and Alonso Duralde (who frequently appear on various podcasts, including others in this list), it’s a relaxed, conversational show offering a queer perspective on cinema. Listening feels like joining old friends for a lively dinner table debate. (Dedicated fans can support their Patreon for exclusive spinoffs that delve deeper into their lives and relationship.)
The Next Picture Show
If you’ve been part of the online film community for a while, you might recall The Dissolve, a beloved site launched by former AV Club staffers aiming to be a "Pitchfork for movies." (It made sense, as it originated from Pitchfork itself.) The Dissolve had a fantastic podcast, but it, along with the site, shut down in 2015 after Pitchfork’s acquisition by Condé Nast. From its remains emerged The Next Picture Show, hosted by former Dissolve contributors Genevieve Koski, Keith Phipps, Tasha Robinson, and Scott Tobias. The podcast maintains the original’s witty yet insightful tone, with a fresh twist: each episode pairs two films connected by themes, eras, or filmmakers. Currently, they’re exploring Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron. It’s a joy to still have their voices in my ears after all these years.
Screen Drafts
It’s ironic that I rarely have time to watch lengthy two-and-a-half to three-hour films, yet I frequently listen to movie podcasts that run just as long—or longer. (I often speed them up, which some might consider a sin.) Screen Drafts is one of the longest shows I tune into, with episodes sometimes exceeding six hours. The premise is simple yet engaging: a rotating group of film enthusiasts drafts the ultimate list of movies on a specific theme, like the greatest Disney animations or standout directorial debuts. Hosts Clay Keller and Ryan Marker add twists, such as limited vetoes to remove films from the list, while participants bring their unique perspectives, making each draft unpredictable and entertaining.
You Are Good
A top pick of Mytour’s podcast specialist Lauren Passell, You Are Good is a heartfelt podcast about films, hosted by Sarah Marshall (of You're Wrong About) and Alex Steed. Each episode features a guest who shares a movie they hold dear for emotional reasons. Rather than focusing on critical analysis or awards, the show explores how films resonate with us on a personal level—because isn’t that what truly matters? It’s refreshing to hear people passionately discuss their connections to movies, even those often labeled as "bad." I usually finish an episode eager to watch (or revisit) the film they’ve talked about.
Blank Check With Griffin and David
What started as a humorous deep dive into the Star Wars prequels has evolved into one of my all-time favorite podcasts. Hosts Griffin Newman (known for Prime Video’s The Tick) and David Sims (a critic for The Atlantic) explore the complete works of specific directors in extensive mini-series. The concept behind Blank Check is that these filmmakers earned creative freedom after a major hit, and the hosts analyze their subsequent projects with wit and insight. It’s a fantastic way to discover lesser-known films by directors you might not know well—like Jonathan Demme’s work beyond The Silence of the Lambs. While the show occasionally strays off-topic, its charm lies in its conversational style. Though initially rooted in a white-dude perspective, the podcast has made efforts to diversify its guest lineup and focus, featuring directors like Park Chan-wook and Gina Prince-Bythewood. Patreon supporters gain access to bonus content, including commentaries on franchises like Marvel, Toy Story, and even Crocodile Dundee.
Black on Black Cinema
With over 250 episodes, Black on Black Cinema hosts Terrence Carpenter, Jay Jacksonrao, and Micah Payne—all Black men—offer a mix of humor and sharp critique as they explore films by Black filmmakers and movies featuring Black characters by white creators. I discovered the show through a friend’s recommendation during the 2020 protests, when their episode on The Help caught my attention. While I already knew the film was problematic (a precursor to Green Book in its “white savior” narrative), their incisive and witty breakdown was eye-opening. It’s a fantastic introduction to a thought-provoking and entertaining podcast.
Maximum Film
Previously known as Who Shot Ya?, Maximum Film proudly bills itself as “a podcast that isn’t just a bunch of straight white dudes.” Hosted by comedian Ify Nwadiwe, filmmaker Drea Clark, and critic Alonso Duralde, the show takes a broad approach, focusing on individual new releases, older classics, or entire franchises. While not exclusively centered on race and representation, these topics naturally arise in their discussions, making for a diverse and engaging listen.
The Bechdel Cast
The Bechdel Test has evolved into a cultural meme, offering a lens to examine women’s representation in films by focusing on scenes that don’t center around men. The Bechdel Cast, hosted by comedians Caitlin Durante and Jamie Loftus, expands on this concept, delving into movies from a feminist viewpoint to critique how female and female-identifying characters are portrayed. Their discussions blend humor and depth, often featuring guests from the film or comedy industries. The podcast primarily explores older films like Y Tu Mamá Tambien and Videodrome, providing a rich historical context to their critiques.
You Must Remember This
If you think old black-and-white films are dull or outdated, this acclaimed podcast will quickly change your perspective. Unlike other shows on this list, host Karina Longworth—who also researches, writes, and produces the podcast—explores Hollywood’s rich history, contextualizing classic films, iconic stars, and forgotten gems. While you don’t need to watch the movies she discusses to enjoy the show, her storytelling will likely inspire you to revisit titles like Basic Instinct and Showgirls. From the rise and fall of MGM to the tragic tales of Hollywood’s doomed blondes, Longworth’s insights have deepened my understanding of film history far beyond any college course. Plus, her frequent references to classic films always leave me with a fresh addition to my watchlist—and a clever way to decide what to watch next.
Black Girl Film Club
Black Girl Film Club was born from hosts Ashley and Britney’s mission to discuss films from their unique, often overlooked perspective as Black women. This engaging and insightful podcast covers a wide range of movies, from the intricate costume design in Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette to the bold directorial choices in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet (a personal favorite of this ’90s enthusiast). Browsing their episode archive reminded me of countless films I’ve been eager to watch, and their lively discussions serve as the perfect preview or follow-up to your viewing experience.
