The Empire Film Podcast - Podcast Rankings and reviews

I’ve been listening for over a year, and now I’m going through the back catalog. They’re like old friends at this point. They’ve had so many good movie recommendations – I have similar taste to the hosts, and they’re so much fun to listen to, even if I wasn’t originally interested in seeing the movie. I’ve tried some other film podcasts, but this is the one I come back to. They like the popcorn movies just as much, if not more than the ones that win prestigious awards. Keep up the funny impressions, the “we should talk about portals”, and the “as your lawyer” remarks. I love it ALL, and I highly recommend subscribing to the Spoiler Specials! They are totally worth the price.

This podcast is a weekly treat for me. It’s hilarious and informative not only on current movies but also movie history. Chris Hewitt is a dab hand at both hosting and interviewing, and he’s surrounded by a team of smart, eloquent, professional film nerds. I wish I could attend their live shows! Alas, I live too far. If you’re looking for a way in, try their 500th episode special. It contains several excellent interviews with actors and filmmakers, as well as a fantastically nonsensical roundup discussion.

As someone who has been listening to this pod for five years, I do not in any way consider myself capable of offering an objective opinion. But perhaps the listening history can speak for itself — the silliness, banter, and film reviews/news/discussion have accompanied me on countless walks and brightened many a commute or chore for years now. Though I do wish they would feature more female guests and discuss more film history (as loathe as I am to admit it, I am quite enjoying the various iterations of the ‘Chris learns something new’ segment), this is one of only two pods I have stuck with for so long — not sure what that says about me, but cheers to Empire for the achievement! And thanks to the whole team for continuing to produce content during the coronavirus crisis. Final note: highly recommend the Spoiler Special pod (recently spun off, small fee per month) — definitely worth it.

I love this podcast! It cracks me up and the film talk is always entertaining, even for someone like me who has never watched a minute of a Marvel movie. The three core hosts are great - Chris (hilarious, tons of energy), Helen (always the voice of reason, great analysis), and James (brings a kind of sexy, grumpy energy)— and they have a crackling chemistry together! Give it a listen!