the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

TruStory FM

177 episodes listed below

Listen to the show on

Eighties nostalgia, checked against the tape.

The gist

the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast is a brisk rewatch show built around 1980s films that may or may not survive a fresh look. Its conversations move from memory to plot logic, genre details, odd choices, and the pleasure of watching strange movies with someone else.

PRESS PLAY

Find your next episode

All episodes

About the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast is built for the awkward afterlife of 1980s movies. Some were favorites. Some were missed the first time. Some, like The Ice Pirates, seem to survive mainly as a dare, a group experience, or a midnight-screening proposition. The show’s pleasure comes from testing all of that without flattening it. It can be affectionate about a movie’s handmade charm, then sharply aware when the plot starts skipping steps. The Dark Crystal brings out the lore-minded side, with talk of Skeksis, Mystics, the Crystal of Truth, Thra, and Jim Henson’s expressive worldbuilding. That episode shows the program at its most warmly nerdy. The hosts can follow a mythology thread, make room for jokes, and still come back to the movie’s texture. The Ice Pirates pulls the show in a different direction. There, the energy is more baffled and amused, circling abrupt edits, robot-brothel chaos, swashbuckling, odd monsters, and the basic question of how a movie this strange works better with someone else in the room. That contrast is the show’s lane. It does not treat nostalgia as proof of quality. It also does not sneer at the pleasures of a messy old genre movie. Across episodes and promos, the slate points toward a broad 80s shelf: Spaceballs, Akira, Gymkata, Uncle Buck, The Dark Crystal, Purple Rain, Superman 2, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Police Academy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Goonies, Conan the Barbarian, and The Breakfast Club. The format has room for ratings and deep-cut recommendations, but the real draw is the back-and-forth. One person notices a strange detail. Another reframes it, corrects it, or makes it funnier. The conversation keeps moving. Film fans get context, casual listeners get jokes, and anyone with complicated affection for 80s pop culture gets a cleaner way to revisit it. It is nostalgic, but not trapped in amber.

Made for: For listeners who like 80s movies, missed some of them, or enjoy cult film conversations that mix jokes with actual attention. It especially suits fans of fantasy, sci-fi, comedy, adventure, and oddball genre artifacts.

What sets it apart: The show’s edge is its balance of affection and audit: it can enjoy a movie’s remembered magic while still calling out confusing edits, strange lore, and aging choices. It feels more like a lively rewatch argument than a lecture or recap machine.

In their own words

It’s the podcast where a filmmaker (Nathan Blackwell of Squishy Studios) and a comedian (Krissy Lenz of Neighborhood Comedy Theatre) take a hilarious look at the 80s movies we think we love or might have missed with modern eyes and probably a significant haze of nostalgia.

As heard by us

Based on 5 episodes we listened to · September 2026

Detailed recaps, comic exchange, and close observation test how 1980s movies hold together beyond the glow of memory.

Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell revisit 1980s films through detailed plot recaps, playful disagreement, and close attention to what survives a grown-up viewing.

Read our full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

The ninja stars fly, the background extras grin, and your nostalgia gets a grown-up eye test.

Press play if you want

  • Chrissy and Nathan to revisit beloved 80s movies without treating nostalgia as diplomatic immunity
  • plot recaps that pause for space herpes, director cameos, and gloriously baffling movie logic
Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
1980s movie rewatchesnostalgia versus modern viewingcult sci-fi and fantasyJim Henson worldbuildingplot gaps and odd editsratings and deep-cut recommendationsrowdy crowd movie experiencesgenre details and pop-culture memory

Talks about

Best episodes of the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.

The Dark Crystal (1982)Apr 8, 2026

A playful, nerdy rewatch that makes The Dark Crystal's mythology easy to follow.

This conversation treats The Dark Crystal as a playful mythology primer without sanding down the film's oddness. It begins with uncertainty around the Crystal itself and then moves outward through the Ur-Skeks, the split into Skeksis and Mystics, and the moment the shard cracks,…

The Ice Pirates (1984) • REBROADCASTMar 18, 2026

A spirited hangout that lets the movie's chaos do most of the work.

Chrissy and Nathan treat The Ice Pirates as a movie that only really clicks once it is allowed to stay unruly. They linger on the pirate sex workers, the robot pimp, the abrupt cut that seems to skip a scene, and the kind of set-piece chaos that probably plays better in a noisy…

Revenge of the Ninja (1983) & Ninja III: The Domination (1984) with the Long RewindOct 22, 2025

A close look at a park fight, stunt work, and the odd comedy of background chaos.

Chrissy and Nate turn a very specific ninja sequence into a sharp study of stunt work and background chaos. The park fight is the clear center of gravity, and it lands because the frame keeps widening: extras drift through, odd costumes flicker past, and the reactions around the…

Spies Like Us (1985)Oct 8, 2025

A warm, sharp look at a spy spoof built on chaos, timing, and cameos.

This episode treats Spies Like Us as more than a throwaway comedy, and that choice pays off. It works best when the discussion lingers on the villagers calling for doctors, the appendix-surgery scramble, and the odd pleasure of its cameos.

Stand and Deliver (1988)Sep 24, 2025

A warm, skeptical take that keeps asking what the movie leaves out.

This review treats the movie as more than a tidy inspirational story and keeps asking what it offers the audience and what it leaves out. It is strongest when it moves beyond the broad achievement and into the students, especially the sense that their private lives remain partly…

Podcasts like the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

Episodes

  1. 1

    Amadeus (1984)

    Sep 23, 2026·1h
  2. 2

    Blood Simple (1984)

    Sep 9, 2026·1h 3m
  3. 3

    Above the Law (1988)

    Aug 26, 2026·51m
  4. 4

    Never Say Never Again (1983)

    Aug 12, 2026·1h 2m
  5. 5

    The Living Daylights (1987)

    Jul 29, 2026·56m
  6. 6

    A View to a Kill (1985)

    Jul 15, 2026·1h 4m
  7. 7

    Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)

    Jul 1, 2026·57m
  8. 8

    When Harry Met Sally… (1989)

    Jun 17, 2026·55m
  9. 9

    The Untouchables (1987)

    Jun 3, 2026·1h 2m
  10. 10

    The Right Stuff (1983)

    May 20, 2026·52m
  11. 11

    Invasion U.S.A. (1985)

    May 6, 2026·1h 4m
  12. 12

    Purple Rain (1984)

    Apr 22, 2026·1h 4m
  13. 13

    The Dark Crystal (1982)

    Hidden gem

    The hosts start with a simple question: is the Crystal really on the side of good?

    Apr 8, 2026·58m·3 clips
  14. 14

    Season 9

    Apr 1, 2026·1m
  15. 15

    The Ice Pirates (1984) • REBROADCAST

    Hidden gem

    Chrissy and Nathan dig into *The Ice Pirates* with the sort of amused disbelief the movie practically asks for.

    Mar 18, 2026·1h 1m·4 clips
  16. 16

    They Live (1988) • REBROADCAST

    This rebroadcast episode analyzes John Carpenter's 1988 science fiction film 'They Live', examining its themes, cinematography, and social commentary.

    Feb 18, 2026·1h 1m
  17. 17

    Spaceballs (1987)

    This episode appears to be a film review of the 1987 parody movie 'Spaceballs' by Mel Brooks, though the transcript primarily consists of promotional intros for two different podcasts.

    Jan 28, 2026·55m
  18. 18

    Uncle Buck (1989)

    This episode is a podcast trailer promoting 'Most Excellent 80s Movies' which will discuss 80s films including Uncle Buck (1989) along with other classics like The Dark Crystal, Purple Rain, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

    Jan 14, 2026·59m
  19. 19

    Akira (1988)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and analyze 80s movies with modern eyes and nostalgia.

    Dec 31, 2025·57m
  20. 20

    My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and critique 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Dec 17, 2025·56m
  21. 21

    Gymkata (1985)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and critique 80s movies through a modern lens, blending nostalgia with fresh analysis.

    Dec 3, 2025·55m
  22. 22

    The Running Man (1987) • REBROADCAST

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit 80s movies with modern eyes and nostalgia.

    Nov 19, 2025·50m
  23. 23

    The Monster Squad (1987)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and critique 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Nov 5, 2025·54m
  24. 24

    Revenge of the Ninja (1983) & Ninja III: The Domination (1984) with the Long Rewind

    Hidden gem

    Chrissy Lenz and Nate McWhorter revisit an 80s ninja movie with the grown-up eyes of the podcast.

    Oct 22, 2025·1h 10m·4 clips
  25. 25

    Spies Like Us (1985)

    Hidden gem

    The conversation opens on the film and quickly lands on its strangest jokes.

    Oct 8, 2025·50m·2 clips
  26. 26

    Stand and Deliver (1988)

    Hidden gem

    The hosts talk through the movie with a focus on the students, the teachers, and the feeling the movie leaves once the test is over.

    Sep 24, 2025·44m·2 clips
  27. 27

    Masters of the Universe (1987)

    Sep 10, 2025·1h 1m
  28. 28

    Bull Durham (1988)

    Aug 27, 2025·1h
  29. 29

    Little Monsters (1989)

    Aug 13, 2025·50m
  30. 30

    Batman (1989)

    Jul 30, 2025·59m
  31. 31

    Thrashin’ (1986)

    Jul 16, 2025·51m
  32. 32

    Flashdance (1983)

    Jul 2, 2025·48m
  33. 33

    Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

    Jun 18, 2025·1h
  34. 34

    Blue Velvet (1986)

    Jun 4, 2025·1h 5m
  35. 35

    The Little Mermaid (1989)

    May 21, 2025·57m
  36. 36

    Return of the Jedi (1983)

    May 7, 2025·59m
  37. 37

    Tron (1982)

    Apr 23, 2025·56m
  38. 38

    The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

    Apr 9, 2025·1h 2m
  39. 39

    Steel Magnolias (1989) • REBROADCAST

    Mar 26, 2025·1h 2m
  40. 40

    Lethal Weapon (1987) • REBROADCAST

    Mar 12, 2025·51m
  41. 41

    Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) • REBROADCAST

    Feb 26, 2025·1h 4m
  42. 42

    UHF (1989) • REBROADCAST

    Feb 12, 2025·53m
  43. 43

    Rain Man (1988)

    Jan 29, 2025·56m
  44. 44

    Dream a Little Dream (1989)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and critique 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Jan 15, 2025·46m
  45. 45

    The Last Dragon (1985)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and analyze 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Jan 1, 2025·54m
  46. 46

    Going Viral (2024) with Corey Feldman

    This episode features a promotional trailer for 'The Devil's Details' podcast exploring the historical and cultural depictions of the devil, followed by an ad for 'The Film Board' podcast reviewing new release movies.

    Dec 20, 2024·29m
  47. 47

    National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and critique 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Dec 18, 2024·58m
  48. 48

    Back to the Future Part II (1989)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and analyze 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Dec 4, 2024·49m
  49. 49

    Evil Dead II (1987)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and critique 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Nov 20, 2024·58m
  50. 50

    9 to 5 (1980)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and analyze 80s movies with modern eyes and nostalgia.

    Nov 6, 2024·50m
  51. 51

    They Live (1988)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and critique 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Oct 23, 2024·1h 1m
  52. 52

    Mr. Mom (1983)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Oct 9, 2024·54m
  53. 53

    Real Genius (1985)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and critique 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Sep 25, 2024·44m
  54. 54

    Splash (1984)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and critique 80s movies through a modern lens, blending nostalgia with fresh perspectives.

    Sep 11, 2024·1h 1m
  55. 55

    Beaches (1988)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and analyze 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Jun 12, 2024·40m
  56. 56

    Ghostbusters (1984)

    A chaotic transcript mixing a Star Wars podcast promo, a lightning round of trivia, sponsor ads, and a devil-themed podcast intro, but the show itself is a humorous look at 80s movies.

    May 8, 2024·1h 5m
  57. 57

    UHF (1989)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit 80s movies with modern eyes and nostalgia.

    Apr 24, 2024·53m
  58. 58

    Field of Dreams (1989)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and analyze 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Feb 7, 2024·56m
  59. 59

    Footloose (1984)

    A filmmaker and a comedian humorously revisit and analyze 80s movies with modern perspectives and nostalgia.

    Jan 24, 2024·49m
  60. 60

    Ice Pirates (1984)

    This episode features a podcast discussing the 1984 science fiction comedy film 'Ice Pirates' as part of a series exploring 80s movies.

    Jan 10, 2024·1h
  61. 61

    Scrooged (1988)

    This episode introduces the podcast Movies We Like, which features interviews with film industry professionals discussing their favorite movies and the impact on their careers.

    Dec 27, 2023·46m
  62. 62

    Dead Poets Society (1989)

    This episode promotes the podcast Movies We Like, which features interviews with film industry professionals discussing their favorite movies and insights into filmmaking.

    Dec 13, 2023·57m
  63. 63

    Lethal Weapon (1987)

    Nov 29, 2023·51m
  64. 64

    The Running Man (1987)

    Nov 15, 2023·50m
  65. 65

    Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)

    Nov 1, 2023·1h 4m
  66. 66

    Beetlejuice (1988)

    Oct 18, 2023·40m
  67. 67

    The Shining (1980)

    Oct 4, 2023·48m
  68. 68

    Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) on Bingers Assemble!

    Sep 20, 2023·1h 3m
  69. 69

    Raising Arizona (1987)

    Sep 6, 2023·58m
  70. 70

    Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)

    Aug 23, 2023·47m
  71. 71

    Bloodsport

    Aug 9, 2023·39m
  72. 72

    Fatal Attraction (1987)

    Jul 26, 2023·49m
  73. 73

    Live From Phoenix Fan Fusion • Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

    Jul 12, 2023·56m
  74. 74

    Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

    May 31, 2023·1h 2m
  75. 75

    Grease 2 (1982)

    May 17, 2023·46m
  76. 76

    Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

    May 3, 2023·46m
  77. 77

    Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

    Apr 19, 2023·47m
  78. 78

    Stand By Me (1986)

    Apr 5, 2023·53m
  79. 79

    Pet Cemetary (1989)

    Mar 22, 2023·52m
  80. 80

    Teen Wolf (1985)

    Mar 8, 2023·48m
  81. 81

    Pretty In Pink (1986)

    Feb 22, 2023·45m
  82. 82

    Wall Street (1987)

    Feb 8, 2023·59m
  83. 83

    Scarface (1983)

    Jan 25, 2023·1h 12m
  84. 84

    Time Bandits (1981)

    Jan 4, 2023·55m
  85. 85

    Legend (1985)

    Dec 21, 2022·44m
  86. 86

    Coming to America (1988)

    Dec 7, 2022·39m
  87. 87

    Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

    Nov 23, 2022·45m
  88. 88

    Steel Magnolias (1989)

    Nov 9, 2022·1h 2m
  89. 89

    The Lost Boys (1987)

    Oct 26, 2022·1h 12m
  90. 90

    Heathers (1988)

    Oct 11, 2022·1h 4m
  91. 91

    Heathers (1988)

    Oct 11, 2022·1h 4m
  92. 92

    Major League (1989)

    Sep 21, 2022·53m
  93. 93

    Major League (1989)

    Sep 21, 2022·53m
  94. 94

    Supergirl (1984)

    Sep 7, 2022·46m
  95. 95

    The Natural (1984)

    Aug 25, 2022·1h 3m
  96. 96

    Delta Force (1986)

    Aug 10, 2022·56m
  97. 97

    Flight of the Navigator (1986)

    Jul 21, 2022·47m
  98. 98

    Predator (1987)

    Jul 6, 2022·1h 7m
  99. 99

    Terminator (1984)

    Jun 22, 2022·1h 2m
  100. 100

    Weird Science (1985)

    Jun 8, 2022·52m
  101. 101

    WarGames (1983)

    May 25, 2022·1h 7m
  102. 102

    Labyrinth (1986)

    Apr 8, 2022·1h 1m
  103. 103

    Conan the Barbarian (1982)

    Mar 3, 2022·54m
  104. 104

    Risky Business (1983)

    Feb 12, 2022·1h 10m
  105. 105

    Back to the Future (1985)

    Jan 12, 2022·1h 6m
  106. 106

    Gremlins (1984)

    Dec 10, 2021·1h 2m
  107. 107

    Enemy Mine (1985)

    Nov 3, 2021·49m
  108. 108

    The Money Pit (1986)

    Oct 12, 2021·46m
  109. 109

    Dune (1984)

    Sep 19, 2021·1h
  110. 110

    Beastmaster (1982)

    Apr 13, 2021·59m
  111. 111

    Dirty Dancing (1987)

    Mar 30, 2021·54m
  112. 112

    Goonies (1985)

    Mar 17, 2021·1h 11m
  113. 113

    Clue (1985)

    Mar 3, 2021·1h 5m
  114. 114

    Dragonslayer (1981)

    Jan 12, 2021·1h 5m
  115. 115

    Sixteen Candles (1984)

    Dec 31, 2020·57m
  116. 116

    Big (1988)

    Dec 15, 2020·45m
  117. 117

    A Christmas Story (1983)

    Nov 25, 2020·58m
  118. 118

    Highlander (1986)

    Oct 13, 2020·53m
  119. 119

    Karate Kid (1984)

    Sep 29, 2020·1h 3m
  120. 120

    Valley Girl (1983)

    Sep 15, 2020·1h 12m
  121. 121

    Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)

    Aug 26, 2020·1h 1m
  122. 122

    Red Dawn (1984)

    Aug 19, 2020·50m
  123. 123

    Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

    Jul 28, 2020·48m
  124. 124

    Poltergeist (1982)

    Jul 14, 2020·59m
  125. 125

    Twins (1988)

    Jun 30, 2020·50m
  126. 126

    Adventures in Babysitting (1987)

    May 21, 2020·42m
  127. 127

    Aliens (1986)

    May 5, 2020·52m
  128. 128

    Silverado (1985)

    Nov 6, 2019·50m
  129. 129

    Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

    Oct 24, 2019·59m
  130. 130

    Friday the 13th (1980)

    Oct 8, 2019·55m
  131. 131

    The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988)

    Sep 25, 2019·1h 2m
  132. 132

    The Blues Brothers (1980)

    Sep 11, 2019·47m
  133. 133

    Transformers the Movie (1986)

    Aug 28, 2019·1h 1m
  134. 134

    Say Anything... (1989)

    Aug 15, 2019·49m
  135. 135

    Return To Oz (1985)

    Jul 30, 2019·1h 8m
  136. 136

    Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

    Jul 16, 2019·58m
  137. 137

    Top Gun (1986)

    Jul 3, 2019·39m
  138. 138

    Most Excellent Crossover! Secret Origins of Superhero Cinema

    Jun 18, 2019·58m
  139. 139

    Road House (1989)

    Jun 4, 2019·43m
  140. 140

    Romancing the Stone (1984)

    May 22, 2019·1h 7m
  141. 141

    The NeverEnding Story (1984)

    May 9, 2019·1h 4m
  142. 142

    Vibes (1988)

    Apr 24, 2019·47m
  143. 143

    "The 80s Ruined Movies" A Delightful Q & A with Kids in the Hall's Kevin McDonald

    Apr 10, 2019·41m
  144. 144

    Child's Play (1988)

    Mar 27, 2019·1h 8m
  145. 145

    Willow (1988)

    Mar 12, 2019·1h 6m
  146. 146

    Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

    Feb 26, 2019·1h 10m
  147. 147

    The Princess Bride (1987)

    Feb 12, 2019·55m
  148. 148

    Buckaroo Banzai (1984)

    Jan 29, 2019·1h 3m
  149. 149

    This is Spinal Tap (1984)

    Jan 15, 2019·56m
  150. 150

    The Thing (1982)

    Jan 4, 2019·1h 3m
  151. 151

    Die Hard (1988)

    Dec 18, 2018·57m
  152. 152

    Robocop (2987)

    Dec 4, 2018·56m
  153. 153

    Short Circuit (1986)

    Nov 20, 2018·48m
  154. 154

    Runaway (1984)

    Nov 6, 2018·44m
  155. 155

    3 Men and a Baby (1987)

    Oct 23, 2018·43m
  156. 156

    Krull (1983)

    Oct 9, 2018·56m
  157. 157

    Troop Beverly Hills (1989)

    Sep 26, 2018·48m
  158. 158

    Pee Wee's Big Adventure (1985)

    Sep 11, 2018·58m
  159. 159

    The Wizard (1989)

    Aug 28, 2018·1h 14m
  160. 160

    The Last Starfighter (1984)

    Aug 14, 2018·44m
  161. 161

    Chances Are (1989)

    Jul 31, 2018·53m
  162. 162

    Rocky IV (1985)

    Jul 17, 2018·1h 11m
  163. 163

    Rambo: First Blood Part 2 (1985)

    Jul 3, 2018·47m
  164. 164

    Overboard (1987)

    Jun 19, 2018·49m
  165. 165

    Crocodile Dundee (1986)

    Jun 5, 2018·50m
  166. 166

    The Burbs (1989)

    May 22, 2018·48m
  167. 167

    Young Guns (1988)

    May 8, 2018·46m
  168. 168

    Mannequin (1987)

    Apr 24, 2018·58m
  169. 169

    The Three Amigos (1986)

    Apr 10, 2018·46m
  170. 170

    The Breakfast Club (1985)

    Mar 27, 2018·1h 6m
  171. 171

    A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

    Mar 13, 2018·47m
  172. 172

    National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

    Feb 27, 2018·44m
  173. 173

    E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982)

    Feb 13, 2018·50m
  174. 174

    Escape from New York (1981)

    Jan 30, 2018·49m
  175. 175

    A Most Excellent Intro Episode!

    Jan 15, 2018·16m
  176. 176

    Airplane! (1980)

    Jan 15, 2018·36m
  177. 177

    Welcome to The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast!

    Jan 7, 2018·3m