Filmspotting

...an MP3 player nearly 20 years ago as a birthday present. Digital music was a new idea to me, and Podcasts were completely alien. I had to reflect and determine what topics interested me, and it probably took me a full 15 minutes to enter film podcast into a search window. How lucky was I to have landed on the best one in the first try? Great podcast. There's always great analysis, there's always cheerful banter, and there are always stakes.

I used to just listen to the top 10 episodes each year and always loved them, but that was really all I had time for. Then I got a new job with 10 hour days where I can listen to podcasts, so I started tuning in regularly and quickly became a Family member. Sometimes I listen for 10 hours a day. I love how they talk about certain movies with such genuine affection that it makes me want to go back and rewatch them. Lately it was Roma and Ex Machina, two films I already loved, but hearing them discuss them made me think “are they even better than I thought?” They were. Even when they talk about movies I don’t love, they’re so insightful that it makes me want to give those another try. This is a must-have podcast for any film lover, and before long you’ll become part of the Family too. Letterboxd: sbotelho

I was a film student many years back but life took me on a different track. Listening to the show has brought me back on track as the show is a guiding light on what interesting films are out there worth the time investment. So thanks to both of of you, I have lit up my movie passion once again and am always looking for the next film to enjoy after listening to your fabulous lists!

I’ve listened to Filmspotting off and on for the last few years, but I always return because it’s such a “comfort show” for cinephiles. The Top 5 lists appeal to my innate love for countdowns, and the end of year roundtables are a fantastic overview of each year in film. With that episode alone, you can ensure most of your annual blind spots are taken care of. And outside of that show, the marathons and Madness brackets give listeners continual rooting interest from week to week. I always feel inspired to keep watching and discovering new movies after I listen!