1600+ “must-see movies,”
one movie at a time.

Hosts Jason Bailey and Mike Hull invite a guest from the world of film (including filmmakers, authors, critics, actors, and more) to select one of the 1600+ “must-see movies” collected in Danny Peary’s seminal 1986 book, Guide for the Film Fanatic. Bailey, Hull, and their guests deep dive on each film, discussing its history, themes, style, performances, initial reception, and legacy, taking a fresh look at some of the most beloved titles in cinema history.

Episode 1:
THE GODFATHER PART II with Roxana Hadadi

On the first episode of our film-by-film rundown of Danny Peary’s beloved 1986 movie guide, we are joined by Vulture TV critic and longtime friend Roxana Hadadi, who explains her personal, familial connection to Francis Ford Coppola’s 1974 Oscar-winner, and joins in a spirited discussion of the picture’s virtues, flaws, and reputation. 

Episode 2:
RASHOMON
with Scott Derrickson

In this week’s edition, we are joined by Scott Derrickson, director of Doctor Strange, The Black Phone, Sinister, and The Gorge, streaming this Friday on AppleTV+. Scott shares his thoughts on making The Gorge, working for a streamer for the first time, and directing The Black Phone 2, his first sequel to one of his own movies. But most of all, this lover of all things Akira Kurosawa — he literally teaches a course on the man and his movies!! - joins us to discuss the GOAT’s big international breakthrough, a film whose influence is still deeply felt in films and literature.

Episode 3:
I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE
with Danny Peary

In this week’s edition, we are joined by our dream guest—the one and only Danny Peary, our guiding light, the author of our Bible, Guide for the Film Fanatic (and Cult Movies, and Cult Movie Stars, and Alternate Oscars, and and and…). Mr. Peary joins us to discuss I Walked with a Zombie, the 1943 horror classic directed by Jacques Tourneur and produced by Val Lewton — as well as his very personal reason for selecting it, among the 1600+ movies in “Guide,” for a deep dive. 

Episode 4:
THE DEAD ZONE
with Violet Lucca

Violet Lucca, film critic and author of the new, essential book David Cronenberg: Clinical Trials, joins us for to talk about one of Mr. Cronenberg’s early hits, The Dead Zone. Hear us revel in the pleasures of Walken and the various ways critics found to deem the film “tasteful” and “restrained,” and marvel at the silliness of an insane amoral strongman somehow becoming President of the United States.