Q&A: John Barker of All The Right Movies on Film Fandom, Smart Marketing, and Building a Loyal Listener Base
There’s something special about a podcast that’s both smart and wildly entertaining. And when that podcast is also a masterclass in community-building? We’re taking notes.
All The Right Movies is a film podcast with over 1,000 Patreon supporters, 1.5 million social media followers, and 35,000 monthly downloads. But what makes it stand out isn't just the numbers. It’s the team’s deep love for cinema, their behind-the-scenes storytelling, and their signature balance of insight and humor. Their tagline says it best: Telling the story of Hollywood, one movie at a time.
In this Q&A, co-creator John Barker shares what it’s really like running a hit show, why niching down is the move, and how their creative process is always evolving.
What inspired you and your team to start All The Right Movies?
We’re a group of longtime friends—Luke, Westy, Matt, and myself—who were looking for a creative outlet. Around the time we started listening to podcasts regularly, we realized there was a gap: no one was combining behind-the-scenes film stories with real craft analysis and a sense of fun. So we decided to try it ourselves.
Your tagline is “Telling the story of Hollywood, one movie at a time.” What makes your approach to film discussion different?
Each episode is a deep dive into one film; how it was made, how it works, and why it matters. But over time, we noticed overlaps between movies—like Spielberg recommending John Williams to George Lucas—so it became a larger project: a kind of cinematic universe of interconnected stories. Our goal is to entertain, educate, and connect the dots.
You've built a wildly engaged audience. What’s been key to that?
Our chemistry is a big part. We’ve known each other for 20 years. But beyond that, we focus on a mix of storytelling, insight, and humor. Some fans come for the laughs, some for the craft, and some for the obscure trivia. On social, we’ve leaned into repurposing podcast content into threads and video clips that showcase what we do best. That’s been huge for growth.
How do you choose which films to feature?
Each film has to be significant—whether culturally, artistically, or historically. Then each host picks four options, and our Patreon and X (Twitter) communities vote on which one we cover. It keeps the process democratic and fun.
How do you maintain creative energy and avoid burnout?
We set mini-goals throughout the year to give ourselves momentum. Whether it’s launching a YouTube catalog or testing new marketing strategies, it keeps the work feeling fresh, rather than endless.
What's something people often underestimate about producing your show?
The preparation. Writing a research-heavy, narrative-driven script takes at least twice as long as recording and editing. Pre-production is where the magic happens.
Was there a moment when you knew it was really working?
Definitely when directors like Edgar Wright and Christopher McQuarrie started reaching out with kind messages. That kind of recognition was surreal. The show also led to a book deal with Quarto Publishing—that was a major milestone.
Tell us more about the book!
It’s called Making Movies, and it mirrors the podcast’s approach: deeply researched, genre-based, and full of behind-the-scenes stories. We’re featuring 30 films across six genres and interviewing key cast and crew for added perspective. It’ll also include original illustrations, thanks to our publisher Quarto.
What’s next for All The Right Movies?
Aside from the book, we’re always adapting. The digital space moves fast, and we try to remain flexible. A podcast network could be in the cards, but we’re keeping the roadmap open.
For indie podcasters trying to grow: what’s one thing you wish you knew earlier?
Marketing is just as important as production, arguably more. You can make great content, but if no one knows it exists, it won’t go anywhere. Learn how to promote. Learn what’s working. And pay attention to AI. It’s already reshaping content creation.
What advice would you give to someone who’s feeling stuck or unsure about niching down?
Niche down. A smaller but passionate audience will always beat a disengaged one. The podcast world is big. You’re not excluding people, you’re clarifying who you’re speaking to.
🎬 Rapid Fire with John
Favorite film to rewatch endlessly?
Back to the Future. It’s one of the greatest examples of Hollywood storytelling.
A film you’ve changed your mind about?
2001: A Space Odyssey. Hated it as a teen. Now I think it’s Hollywood’s greatest work of art.
Dream collaboration?
The Rewatchables or The Rest Is Entertainment. We’d love to team up with either.
One word to describe your podcasting journey?
Evolving.
Whether you’re a film buff, a podcaster, or just love a good Hollywood origin story, All The Right Movies is worth your ears. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh, teaches you something new, and reminds you that storytelling—on-screen or in your earbuds—is what keeps us all connected.
You can listen to All The Right Movies wherever you get your podcasts, or dive deeper at alltherightmovies.com.