this is not a serious film podcast in any sense. this is a pod who will broadcast insane criticism about classic and ground breaking films and then will fluff each other for hours over the latest MCU piece of garbage. legendary chemistry but completely braindead film observers, unfortunately.

Spectacular interviews in this show from journalists who have a knack for asking good questions and maximizing their time with creatives. Look into the spoiler specials for more interview goodness, too.

This used to be a decent podcast. Now they just brown-nose every Marvel & Disney release so they can get access to big name interviews.

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.

Way too much unfunny chit chat between hosts.we listen for the interviews,not for the painfully stupid babbling of the Hosts.

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!

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.

Hosts are the best, most down to earth geeky brits a yank could ask for. Godspeed Empire Pod!

Love the friendship and banter in this pod, and I love how much everyone hates the fact section. The Empire Pod brings me much joy and I am so grateful that it is still around during this time of lockdown!

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.

The audio quality and banter has not taken any dips in this period of Zoom or whatever system you guys use. There is no need to ever go back to the pod booth way of doing podcasts. Just stick with this. I would offer one suggestion as to format: start with the news and reactions to the news, and leave the joking around stuff till later on in the episode. As to the spoiler specials. I would get making them contingent on a magazine subscription but it seems bizarre to make them their own separate subscription. Why not make them an enticement to subscribe? It seems obvious.

It feels like the podcast has really gone overboard with the extensive conversations based around listener-submitted questions. Would much rather they rein in, focus on the news, reviews, and interviews of today’s ever-evolving film industry, and make *that* the bulk of the show. Instead, I have to fish through near-scatalogical jokes and largely uninteresting facts that are rarely funny and take up far too much time. Doesn’t help at all that they choose to not list timecodes in the show notes. And by the time they finally get to what I’d consider actually relevant content, the show’s already half over. Big disappointment. Bless Helen O’Hara for trying her hardest, sorely wish she were running the show. I think I’ll take some time away from this podcast, stick with other options like Kermode & Mayo’s Film Review (who are unfortunately starting to go through the same issues), The Big Picture, /Film Daily, or KPCC FilmWeek. Hopefully things will have improved by then, but if not, might have to say goodbye for good.

Charming hosts (and James Dyer) discuss contemporary film, TV, and occasionally books when Chris dozes off for a tick. Smiles abound, enthusiasm aplenty - exactly what you’re looking for in a ‘pick-me-up’ podcast with more substance and less ganja. Lots of emphasis on sci-fi/fantasy media, but gets enough drama in to qualify for legitimate cultural experience. Strongly recommend if you’re looking to add a more light hearted weekly to your lineup.

I have been listening to this podcast religiously and enjoy the hosts, their dynamic, and their well presented points of view. Interviews never fail to reveal something deeper about the films and their creators. Yet one of the highlights of this podcast has always been the goldmine that is the spoiler special. And Empire has now isolated this mainstay element of one of my favorite listens behind a far overpriced paywall. A five star program that has lost its best feature to poor revenue schemes and, as for me, lost a fan.

I adore this podcast And every one of its hosts! Cheers to many more years! Bangily Bang

None better

This is my favorite podcast (well, top 3). I evangelize it to everyone I know, yet I don’t think anyone has ever heeded my recommendation. May God have mercy on Chris Hewitt’s soul for his Attack of The Clones review.

This show is fantastic. Smart, funny, worldly. With great insight into the craft and business aspects of filmmaking . Great access to all the players, thoughtful, engaging interviews and reviews. Fair criticism without being mean spirited. All tied together by wonderful hosts who bring a sense of fun along. A must listen for film fans and professionals. Well done all. -Aaron in Minneapolis

Excellent podcast but be careful. They have spoiler specials and they can auto play and ruin movies you’ve not seen. May be worth having a separate release for Spoiler Specials

This is a good podcast. It’s especially good if you like movies. If you do like movies, consider seeing Avengers: Infinity War.

The Spoiler Specials are phenomenal Chris is a great host!

First let me say, I actually love this podcast. The reviews, interviews and dialog between the hosts is witty and informative. Probably the best content movie podcast out there. However I must speak now as an ally. Chris Hewitt needs to stop the penis, porn and sexual innuendos that get added to and horribly diminish this podcast. This 1950s boys locker room talk was not appropriate then and is not appropriate now. Even as a listener, it is clear that this has made your own co host Helen O'Hara uncomfortable on a number of times. I fully support making movie genres such as sci fi, fantasy and super hero accessible to a wider diverse audience. Long past time time for that! Talk like this only appeals to the man babies you profess to be disgusted with and does nothing to promote listener diversity or audience diversity for these movies. I trust you take this with the care intended.

Love the show, especially James and Helen. They both need to be on more often and have reoccurring segments.

I’ve been searching for a lengthy and in depth film/nerdy podcast and I can’t believe it took me this long to stumble upon the Empire Film Podcast! The hosts are brilliantly funny and raw, and their takes on the films are very well rounded. Thank you, and I cannot wait for your inevitable Endgame pod!

If I need to nerd out, or listen to silly banter or hysterical spoiler podcasts, then I listen to Empire. I look forward to it every Friday (at least here in the US).

I keep pushing this show on Americans. Empire is such a gem. Hard to find the proper UK version of the mag here in Texas so I’m ever so grateful for the podcast. Best show on the interwebs!

Been listening for years now.

Used to subscribe to the empire magazine when I lived in the UK. Now living in the US where it's not readily available this podcast fills the void and does it very well. Very likable hosts. Great banter. Very in-depth reviews and interviews. Keep up the great work guys!

I love film! I love Marvel! I love this podcast! I could listen to Chris Hewitt, Helen Ohara and James Dyer talk about anything and everything all day. Some people complain about rambling but honestly I’m fine with two hours or more. The saddest thing is we only get one episode a week *cries* Their sense of humor is right in line with mine and I love to get their ideas on films old and new. I feel like they’re all great friends in my head lol! I think if I had one criticism I do wish there was a little more diversity. I know it’s a different population in the UK than in the US but I find they don’t score too many interviews with major black actors, directors and screenwriters very often. Major film events for people of color sometimes get sidelined in the news and reviews. And it can sometimes get a little awkward when the hosts don’t fully delve into things that might be major to people of color due to lack of representation. But generally I love you guys. Keep the great content coming!

They have access to the film makers to the tent pole blockbusters and the Spoiler Specials are a must for any aspiring artist in any field. The insight of Chris, Helen and the Team exposes the Business verses Art conflict and collaboration! Daily it’s Collider Movie Talk and Weekly it’s Empire.. along with my subscription to their awesome magazine.

I’ve long been a fan and regular listener to The Empire Film Podcast, and generally appreciate the hosts depth of knowledge and appreciation for genre (comic, sci-fi) movies. The access to spoiler interviews (directors/filmmakers) is invaluable in the recap/critic environment. I was finally driven to submit a review during the Dominic Monaghan episode (#333). The conversation was just great- smart, insightful, and meandering (but in a good way). Thanks for what you do.

13. Star Trek: Beyond 12. Star Trek: Generations 11. Star Trek Into Darkness 10. Star Trek: Insurrection 09. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier 08. Star Trek: Nemesis 07. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home 06. Star Trek 05. Star Trek: The Motion Picture 04. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock 03. Star Trek: First Contact 02. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country 01. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Great interviews. Great discussion. Great accents. Above average impressions.

I’m a Brit so grew up on the Empire magazine and even though I’ve lived in America 20 years now it’s still my go to so much so that my sister sends me every new issue. So it was very easy for me to get immediately hooked on this podcast. The banter is fun and the interviews are on point.

The folks at Empire know and love movies! Listening to them spoil film or tv is fun and insightful and makes me feel like I've watched the show all over again. And that's very enjoyable whilst driving or cleaning house.

I listen to Soooooooooooooo Many Podcast! But by FAR this is my favorite one! When EVER a episode comes on I instantly put it on! Chris Hewitt (Where’s The Hammer) is hilarious! Whenever he does a impression I die laughing! And his cohost Hellen ( The Geek Queen) is the perfect co-Host! She knows how to keep chris under control! And her voice is like velvet! Chris’s voice is super sexy and what I hope my future husband will be like! I love the set up of the podcast! I find out most of my movie stuff from this podcast cause they cover Everything! You can NOT go wrong with this podcast! I’m in America so who doesn’t love a whole bunch of funny Brits, whether you disagree with them or not! Listen to the Podcast best Podcast let alone movie Podcast out there!!

Why are still reading my review?!

My go-to, weekly podcast for movie interviews, news, reviews and specials. The podcasts are hilarious and the film criticism is usually spot on.

Actually EMPIRE podcast is seriously the best. I go to the magazine for all things film and I continue the trend with listening to this. Chris, Helen, James and everyone are complete joys to listen to. I also love how everyone has a different point of view on the discussion. As both a journalist and aspiring filmmaker, this podcast is important to me because I learn on both sides. I can listen to the guests and learn more about my craft and my beloved world of film while also getting tips on how to be a amazing interviewer from the cunning people of EMPIRE. Love this so much and I look forward each week!

This is one of the best podcasts I listen to and it's all the more remarkable that the hosts have actual day jobs and this is just something they're doing on the side. I love how distinct the personalities and voices are of each of the hosts. Consistently makes me laugh out loud.

i stumbled upon The Empire Film Podcast about a year ago and am so glad that I did! I listen to quite a few film podcasts and this one is, by far, my favourite. The hosts are interesting, knowledgeable, and engaging. Highly recommended!

Interviews are worth listening to. But that's mainly because of the quality of the guests. Empire's industry connections clearly allow them to consistently get high-profile guests on the show. The reviews aren't so good though. They're very much aligned with typical mainstream critics in their tastes. No one on this panel has any particularly unique views. The hosts always reserve their criticism until after the interview, which gives them a two-faced nature. While the filmmakers & performers are being interviewed, they're as friendly as can be; but then as soon as the guest leaves, they'll pile on their hatred onto the movie. So many of their shows follow this pattern. If they truly believe in what they're saying, why not just challenge the guests to their faces directly, instead of attacking them behind their backs after they've left? And the hosts can get kinda annoying. They keep trying to be funny, even though they know and openly acknowledge that they're not. Nearly all the humor is in the style of I-know-this-isn't-funny-but-I'll-say-it-anyway. And Helen O'Hara almost always finds some reason to be offended by something in every movie.

Been reading Empire since the 90’s so when I came across the podcast I was overjoyed. I was about a year behind so downloaded them all and caught up in about a week! I love my weekly movie fix with this awesome quirky crew. Chris can be a bit much sometimes but he still cracks me up every week. Love the spoiler specials, interviews and great discussion. Keep it up you lovable rogues!

This podcast is right up it. I find I could listen to Chris and crew talk it up about films I have never heard of and be entertained. I love it.

Love these guys. Every episode makes me laugh. They interview interesting people and ask great questions during interviews. And they're wonderfully English. What more could you ask for?

The amazing and informative filmmaker interviews are usually followed by the hosts ripping apart the movie they just praised during the interview. Major whiplash.

The Gold Standard for film journalism both in print and pod!

Found this podcast recently. I listened to quite a few on my recent road trip and I really enjoyed the interviews, and hearing them discussing films. If you love movies, you must subscribe.

Love the commentary between the hosts, the spoiler specials (especially the extended one on Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation), and the interviews. Accents are nice too.

From “BattleSheep” to Star Trek 50th, this podcast has been a highlight of my week. don’t know what i’d do without Chris and Helen (and Nick and Phil, and i miss Ali). please keep doing this forever.