Here at Atom, we love movies. Specifically, we love watching movies. But sometimes, it’s just as much fun to listen to people talking about movies. That’s where podcasts come in. With all of us spending a lot more time at home, it’s the perfect time to dive into the world of podcasts. And if you’re a movie lover and film junkie, there are plenty of really well-done movie-related podcasts to sink your teeth – or, rather, ears – into. Here are some of our favorites.
1. You Must Remember This
Karina Longworth’s podcast has been around since 2014. First starting out as a passion project (isn’t that how all podcasts start?), it quickly grew a cult following, called Entertainment Weekly‘s Best Podcast of 2018 and being name-dropped in various other publications including the New York Times, Elle, Esquire, the Washington Post, Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar. The meticulously-researched episodes dive into the hidden history of Hollywood’s first hundred years, with a particular focus on the Golden Age. The thorough research is blended with extremely engaging, down-to-earth storytelling to bring some of Hollywood’s biggest icons of the past and forgotten episodes to life. From the “Dead Blondes” series, which explores the meteoric rise and tragic downfalls of bombshells like Marilyn Monroe, to diving into the story behind Charles Manson’s Hollywood, to exploring the life of William Haines in Hollywood’s first openly gay marriage, YMRT blows a layer of dust off the Hollywood of the past. Plus, her guest stars have been a fascinating combination of comedians, actors, journalists and screenwriters. If you’re a history buff or a movie lover, this is a must-listen podcast.
Listen: Stitcher or Apple Podcasts
2. How Did This Get Made?
A podcast that focuses on making fun of cinematic duds and some of the worst movies ever to hit the big screen might sound mean-spirited, but the natural charm and chemistry of actor trio Jason Mantzoukas, June Diane Raphael and Paul Scheer keep it from ever veering into nasty territory. Instead, their look at these box office bombs is a loving and irreverent roast as they try to figure out how on earth these movies got greenlit and then birthed into existence in the first place. Even when they’re discussing some truly terrible pieces of cinema, the love they have for movies shines through.
Listen: Earwolf
3. Certified Forgotten
Hosted by film critics Matt Monagle and Matt Donato (who you’ve seen around these here Atom Insider parts), Certified Forgotten is a small but mighty podcast. Its premise is niche but fantastic: Find all the horror films that have fewer than five reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, give ’em a watch and discuss them. The results are often funny, insightful, and always entertaining thanks to their rotating panel of guests, most of which are film critics enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the film industry they love. And their chemistry clicks. If the two Matts were a sports commentary team, Monagle would be the play-by-play guy while Donato would be the color commentator; each one brings his individual strengths to the forefront. If you’re a horror lover and especially love culty, indie horror flicks, this is the podcast for you.
Listen: Podbean and Apple Podcasts
4. Scriptnotes
Don’t let the title scare you off. Yes, Scriptnotes is a podcast primarily for screenwriters and things related to screenwriting, but hosts Craig Mazin and John August go well beyond that to explore how the film business actually works on the business side of things. Both Mazin (HBO’s Chernobyl series) and August (Big Fish, Aladdin remake) are working screenwriters in Hollywood and have a wealth of valuable information about screencraft, from punching up dialogue to how to structure a script. But they frequently dive into the industry itself, with anecdotes about its inner workings, and discuss topical issues like the #MeToo movement or the ongoing standoff between writers and talent agencies. Plus, their Three Page Challenge segment, where they take a sample of a reader-submitted screenplay is a must-listen for any aspiring screenwriter. Heck, it’s even a must-listen for anyone simply curious about how scripts are viewed in Hollywood and how things get the greenlight.
Listen: Stitcher and Apple Podcasts
5. Switchblade Sisters
Longtime film critic April Wolfe recently made the jump to screenwriting and her critical roots marry with her industry knowledge in her fun, women-fueled podcast. Each week she sits down with a female-identifying filmmaker, actor, writer or producer, and they jump into discussions of deep cut genre flicks from a female perspective. Horror of all forms, exploitation, sci-fi and other genres are all on the table. Often, the films they choose are ones that have influenced that filmmaker while making her own film in some way, putting a personal spin on things. What usually emerges is a fascinating discussion about making movies, often on a shoestring budget, and the way that certain movies continue to influence us years after watching them.
Listen: Maximum Fun, Stitcher and Apple Podcasts
6. The Canon
The Canon has been around almost as long as You Must Remember This and its longevity is down to host Amy Nicholson. As the former chief film critic for both LA Weekly and MTV News, Nicholson’s knowledge of films and film criticism is unparalleled. Each week she and a rotating slate of guest hosts take a classic movie and discuss what makes it worthy of being canonized as one of the greatest films of all time. Nicholson’s thoughtful takes are peppered with wry humor throughout. As a fun and informative crash course on some of the films we consider classics and what made them that way, The Canon is a great place to start.
Listen: Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and Earwolf
7. I Was There Too
Hollywood stars are famously tight-lipped when it comes to spilling any behind-the-scenes dirt or being open in interviews. But rank-and-file actors and crew members aren’t nearly as beholden to PR restraints and brand constraints as their A-list peers. Comedian Matt Gourley of Drunk History takes full advantage of that, speaking to the supporting players who were there during the making of some of Hollywood’s most famous movies and TV shows. I Was There Too is an unvarnished and often hilarious behind-the-scenes look from some of the people who were there when it happened – they just might not be remembered for it.
Listen: Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and Earwolf
8. Horror Queers
Bloody Disgusting has been one of horror’s go-to sites since it launched in 2001, and one of its most well-loved podcasts is Horror Queers. Hosted by Trace Thurman and Joe Lipsett, two – you guessed it – queer film critics, the podcast explores horror movies with LGBTQ+ themes or a high camp factor, both mainstream and obscure. Always informative and frequently raunchy, they have fantastic chemistry together and it’s often one of the funniest podcasts out there. But don’t let the adult themes and humor fool you. The two know what they’re talking about and you’ll absolutely learn and gain insights into these movies while you laugh. There’s a reason Thurman and Lipsett have become two of the most well-respected and much-needed voices in the horror scene and this podcast is a big reason why.
Listen: Stitcher and Apple Podcasts
9. The Black List Podcast
Founded in 2005 by Franklin Leonard, The Black List is essentially the entertainment industry’s equivalent of a publishing house’s slush pile, with promising but unproduced scripts waiting to be optioned. Over the years it’s unearthed some really great gems, such as American Hustle, Juno, Slumdog Millionaire and The Revenant. The Black List Table Reads takes those scripts on its list and stages live table reads, performing them like radio plays with notable actors bringing them to life. It’s an incredibly cool way to be introduced to diamonds in the rough scripts, and the table reads always come with interesting interviews with pros in the entertainment industry. While it briefly went away, it’s recently found new life via Luminary.
Listen: Luminary (Note: You need a premium account to unlock all the episodes, including its back catalog)
