John Barker is Creative Managing Director and Founder of All The Right Movies, the podcast telling the story of Hollywood one film at a time. With a background spanning digital media, film studies, music composition, and design, John has spent 20 years collecting creative credentials. He co-hosts ATRM’s flagship podcast alongside Luke Cardy, Ian West, and Matthew Bartley, delivering deeply researched 2.5-hour episodes that combine behind-the-scenes storytelling with craft analysis.
John is lead author of the forthcoming book All The Right Movies: The Stories and Secrets Behind 25 of Hollywood’s Greatest Films (Quarto Publishing, 2026). Drawing on his diverse creative background, John’s approach to film content is simple: great creative works deserve great creative conversations, and everyone’s invited to join in.
Behind the Screen: Podcasts for Film Lovers Who Want More
If you’re the kind of person who, like me, stays for the credits, wonders how that shot was achieved, or finds yourself down Wikipedia rabbit holes about troubled film productions at 2am, this list is for you. These are podcasts that go beyond surface-level reviews to explore the craft, chaos, and creativity behind films we love. From industry analysis to production deep-dives, from thoughtful criticism to out-and-out entertainment, each show here offers something for audiences who want to understand cinema, not just passively watch it.
All The Right Movies
Four creative professionals tell the story of Hollywood one film at a time. Each 2.5-hour episode combines comprehensive behind-the-scenes research with craft analysis, revealing how classic and hit films were made, whether they work, and why they matter. Highly researched, hugely entertaining, and proof that film podcasts can educate and make you laugh in equal measure.
The Rewatchables
The Ringer’s flagship film podcast tackles movies you’ve seen a dozen times and makes you notice things you missed. Bill Simmons and rotating guests bring enthusiasm to dissecting what makes certain films endlessly rewatchable. The recurring segments (like “What’s Aged the Worst?”) give structure to the chaos of passionate film discussion.
Unspooled
Paul Scheer and film critic Amy Nicholson work through the AFI’s greatest films list, bringing comedy credentials and critical expertise together. It’s an education in cinema history delivered with warmth and the occasional heated disagreement.
The Big Picture
For anyone who wants to understand what’s happening in the film industry right now. Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins deliver smart analysis of current releases alongside broader industry trends. Essential listening during awards season, or any time.
Blank Check with Griffin and David
Director filmographies examined in detail. Griffin Newman and David Sims pick apart how filmmakers develop (or derail) across their careers. The deep-dives reward patient listeners with insight into creative evolution.
The Filmcast
David Chen, Devindra Hardawar, and Jeff Cannata have been reviewing new releases with intelligence and passion for over a decade. Reliable, thoughtful criticism that respects both blockbusters and arthouse fare.
You Must Remember This
Karina Longworth’s meticulously researched explorations of Hollywood’s hidden history. Each season tackles a different era or theme, from the McCarthy-era blacklist to Charles Manson’s Hollywood connections. Podcast storytelling at its finest.
How Did This Get Made?
Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas tackle bizarre and baffling films with comedic precision. Sometimes you need to celebrate cinema’s disasters as enthusiastically as its triumphs.
Filmspotting
Running since 2005, Adam Kempenaar delivers thoughtful reviews, filmmaker interviews, and curated top five lists. A cornerstone of film podcast culture that has maintained consistent quality across hundreds of episodes.
The Best Pick movie podcast
John Dorney, Jessica Regan, and Tom Salinsky drew every Best Picture winner from a hat and discussed them in random order. That journey through Oscar history is now complete, but the podcast continues with a broadened remit. A thoroughly researched and entertaining guide to the films the Academy deemed cinema’s finest.
Production disasters examined in documentary detail. If you’re fascinated by troubled shoots, studio interference, and films that collapsed under their own ambition, this investigative approach to cinema’s failures is compelling listening.Let me know if you need anything else please.
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