The 80s Movie Podcast

Edward Havens (edwardhavens@the80smoviepodcast.com)
  • 4.4 (38)
  • FILM HISTORY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Step into a neon-lit time machine and crank the volume! The 80s Movie Podcast is your ultimate throwback ride through the most iconic decade in film. From explosive blockbusters and cult classics to hidden gems you forgot you loved, each episode dives deep into the stories, stars, soundtracks, and behind-the-scenes magic that defined the era. Expect bold opinions, nostalgic deep dives, and plenty of laughs as we revisit the movies that shaped a generation—whether it’s high school hijinks, sci-fi adventures, action-packed showdowns, or unforgettable coming-of-age moments. If it had big hair, bigger explosions, and a killer synth score, it’s fair game. Whether you lived the 80s or just wish you had, this podcast brings the decade back to life—one reel at a time. Press play and let’s rewind.

  1. 08/17/2025

    Keanu Reeves TV Movie "The Brotherhood of Justice," Host's 40th High School Reunion, and Personal Tribute

    The first ever remote episode of The 80s Movie Podcast, we remember an old friend, and recount how a long-forgotten Keanu Reeves TV movie, The Brotherhood of Justice, which was filmed at the host's high school weeks after his graduation and moving to Los Angeles to break into the film industry. Expect production anecdotes, personal memories, and a fresh look at a little-known early Keanu role.

    14 min

  2. 07/29/2025

    The Brat Pack at 40: Who's in the Brat Pack and Which Brat Pack Movie Is Best (Not The Breakfast Club or The Outsiders)

    Host and film historian Edward Havens revisits the Brat Pack on The 80s Movie Podcast for the group's 40th anniversary. We trace the name's origin, sort who does — and does not — count as a Brat Packer, and argue for the best Brat Pack movie (it’s not The Breakfast Club or The Outsiders). Context and film-history reasoning for 1980s movie fans.

    19 min

  3. 05/12/2025

    Making Mr. Right — Susan Seidelman’s 1980s Sci‑Fi Rom‑Com | John Malkovich & Ann Magnuson

    On this episode, we deep dive into Susan Seidelman’s 1987 film Making Mr. Right. We analyze tone, themes, and behind‑the‑scenes context as Seidelman's follow-up to Desperately Seeking Susan, and unpack performances by John Malkovich and Ann Magnuson. Concrete takeaways on the film’s place in Seidelman’s 1980s work and why it matters to fans of 80s cinema and film analysis.

    10 min

  4. 04/30/2025

    1980s Fantasy Films — Top 5 Picks by Author Todd Downing

    Calico Kids series author Todd Downing shares his five favorite fantasy films of the 1980s, with discussion of why each film matters, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and viewing recommendations. Host Edward Havens digs into themes, synth scores, cult status, and what makes these 80s fantasy movies enduring classics. Ideal for fans of 1980s fantasy films, film history, and retro movie deep dives. Listen for perspective and curated watchlist.

    54 min

  5. 01/30/2025

    Collision Course — Jay Leno's Only Leading Role Movie | Season 7 Premiere — The 80s Movie Podcast

    Season 7 Premiere: after a six-month break the host issues an apology for a previous bait-and-switch, explains the delay, and leads a focused discussion of Collision Course — the only movie to feature comedian and talk show host Jay Leno in a leading role. Expect context on the film’s place in 80s movie culture, clear episode notes explaining the gap, and a concise look at what makes this Jay Leno film notable.

    15 min

  6. 07/11/2024

    Desperately Seeking Susan (1985): Susan Seidelman Deep Dive

    A continuation of our series on Susan Seidelman’s 1980s films, this episode examines her biggest hit, Desperately Seeking Susan (1985). We analyze Seidelman’s direction, key performances, and the film’s cultural impact within 80s cinema—essential listening for fans of 80s movies and film history.

    15 min

  7. 06/21/2024

    Brat Pack Documentary — Andrew McCarthy & the June 1985 New York Magazine Article's Impact on Careers

    We pause our Susan Seidelman retrospective to examine Andrew McCarthy’s new Hulu documentary about the Brat Pack. This episode breaks down the doc’s portrayal, the 1985 New York Magazine article which created the Brat Pack name, and whether that piece affected McCarthy and his co-stars’ careers. For fans of 1980s movies and film history: context, key scenes, and concise takeaways.

    12 min

  8. 06/12/2024

    Susan Seidelman — Smithereens | 1980s Films Mini‑series

    The first episode of our Susan Seidelman miniseries. We begin a focused deep‑dive into Seidelman’s work with her 1982 directorial debut Smithereens, examining its themes, production context, and cultural impact. Part of our annual spotlight on female filmmakers (following our 2023 Martha Coolidge miniseries), this installment explains why Seidelman matters to 1980s film history and what listeners should watch for on a rewatch.

    17 min
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Trailer

4.4
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

Step into a neon-lit time machine and crank the volume! The 80s Movie Podcast is your ultimate throwback ride through the most iconic decade in film. From explosive blockbusters and cult classics to hidden gems you forgot you loved, each episode dives deep into the stories, stars, soundtracks, and behind-the-scenes magic that defined the era. Expect bold opinions, nostalgic deep dives, and plenty of laughs as we revisit the movies that shaped a generation—whether it’s high school hijinks, sci-fi adventures, action-packed showdowns, or unforgettable coming-of-age moments. If it had big hair, bigger explosions, and a killer synth score, it’s fair game. Whether you lived the 80s or just wish you had, this podcast brings the decade back to life—one reel at a time. Press play and let’s rewind.

Information

  • Creator
    Edward Havens (edwardhavens@the80smoviepodcast.com)
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    138
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2026 Idiosyncratic Entertainment - All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The 80s Movie Podcast