All The Right Movies Podcast Joins Spotify Partner Program After 2 Million Downloads
The acclaimed film podcast All The Right Movies has officially been accepted into the Spotify Partner Program, marking a significant milestone in its journey as one of the most research-intensive and respected podcasts in the global film community.
The announcement comes after the podcast surpassed an impressive two million total downloads, a testament to its loyal audience and commitment to long-form, high-quality storytelling in an increasingly fast-paced digital media landscape.
This development not only brings new monetisation opportunities for the independently run podcast but also signals growing industry recognition for content that prioritises depth, craftsmanship, and audience intelligence over trends and shortcuts.
Founded in 2019 by John Barker alongside Luke Cardy, All The Right Movies (often abbreviated as ATRM) has steadily carved out a unique identity within the crowded film podcast space.
While many movie podcasts rely on casual banter, hot takes, or improvised discussion, ATRM has taken a radically different approach—one that treats podcasting with the same creative and intellectual respect as filmmaking itself.
Each episode typically runs for around 2.5 hours, but what listeners hear is only the final result of an extraordinary production process.
Behind Every Episode:
Around 100 hours of combined research and production
Multiple rewatches of the featured film
Deep dives into books, documentaries, archived interviews, and production notes
Scripted storytelling rather than unscripted chatter
Careful editing and post-release analysis
This meticulous methodology has become the podcast’s signature—and its greatest strength.
“Podcasting Deserves the Same Standards as Filmmaking”
Speaking about the Spotify Partner Program acceptance, John Barker, Creative Managing Director of All The Right Movies, reflected on the philosophy that has guided the show since its inception.
“We’ve always believed that podcasting deserves the same creative standards we celebrate in filmmaking,” Barker said. “Being accepted into the Spotify Partner Program validates what we’ve been building for six years—that there is a genuine audience for content that goes deeper, takes longer, and treats listeners as intelligent people who want more than surface-level chat.”
That belief has proven prescient at a time when audiences are increasingly seeking substance, context, and meaningful storytelling rather than algorithm-driven noise.
Redefining the Film Podcast Production Model
Unlike the typical podcast production cycle—which often involves quick recording sessions and minimal post-production—ATRM operates more like a documentary studio.
The All The Right Movies Workflow:
Film Selection – Titles are proposed and shortlisted
Community Voting – Patrons help decide which film is covered next
Multiple Rewatches – Films are analysed scene by scene
Comprehensive Research – Drawing from primary and secondary sources
Script Development – Episodes are carefully structured
Recording & Editing – High production values throughout
Post-Release Analysis – Community feedback and discussion
This approach has allowed the podcast to tell not just what happens in a film—but why it happened, how it was made, and what nearly went wrong along the way.
The depth of research behind All The Right Movies has led to opportunities far beyond podcasting.
In 2024, a New York-based literary agent discovered the show through one of its now-famous social media threads—long-form, meticulously sourced posts that unpack behind-the-scenes stories from iconic films.
These threads, often running into dozens of posts, quickly gained traction for their clarity, authority, and narrative flow.
The agent reached out with an unexpected proposal: book representation.
Book Deal Announced With Quarto Publishing
The result of that outreach is a forthcoming book titled:
All The Right Movies: The Stories and Secrets Behind 25 of Hollywood’s Greatest Films
Publisher: Quarto Publishing
Expected Release: September 2026
Format: Non-fiction film history & production storytelling
The book will translate the podcast’s signature research-heavy approach into print, offering readers an in-depth look at how some of Hollywood’s most celebrated films were actually made—often against extraordinary odds.
Building One of Podcasting’s Most Engaged Communities
Beyond downloads and industry recognition, one of ATRM’s most remarkable achievements is its community-driven model.
The podcast boasts:
1,400+ paying patrons
Subscriptions across Patreon, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
Access to the full episode archive and exclusive bonus content
But what truly sets the community apart is how actively it is involved in shaping the show.
Patrons as Collaborators, Not Consumers
Rather than treating subscribers as passive listeners, the All The Right Movies team has built a participatory ecosystem where patrons help guide creative decisions.
Community Involvement Includes:
Voting on upcoming film episodes
Submitting listener questions for recordings
Writing reviews that are read on-air
Taking part in ongoing discussions and feedback loops
Each month, the team also selects a “Patron of the Month”, who is interviewed and featured in the podcast’s newsletter—a small but meaningful way of recognising the people who sustain the show.
“We’re not just building an audience—we’re building a community,” Barker explained. “These are people who’ve been with us for years, who shape what we create, and who genuinely care about the show’s success.”
Social Media Reach Nears One Million Followers
The podcast’s commitment to research and storytelling has translated powerfully on social media as well.
On X (formerly Twitter) alone, All The Right Movies has amassed over 900,000 followers, driven primarily by those in-depth film threads that break down production histories in an accessible, compelling way.
These posts have become a gateway for new listeners—many of whom later convert into long-term patrons.
What Spotify Partner Program Acceptance Means
Being accepted into the Spotify Partner Program unlocks several key benefits for All The Right Movies:
Key Advantages:
Dynamically inserted advertising
A new, scalable revenue stream
Increased visibility within Spotify’s ecosystem
Formal recognition from one of the world’s largest audio platforms
For an entirely independent production, this marks a major step toward long-term sustainability.
Proof That Quality Still Wins
Importantly, All The Right Movies has reached this milestone without external funding, venture capital, or media company backing.
“We’ve built this entirely independently,” Barker said. “Every milestone like this proves that you can build a sustainable creative business by focusing on quality rather than chasing algorithms or cutting corners.”
In an era dominated by short-form content and rapid turnaround, the podcast’s success serves as a compelling counter-narrative.
The Team Behind the Microphones
The podcast is produced by a tight-knit four-person team:
John Barker
Luke Cardy
Ian ‘Westy’ West
Matthew Bartley
All four have been friends for over 20 years, a relationship that underpins the chemistry, trust, and shared creative vision evident in every episode.
Their mission remains unchanged: to tell “the story of Hollywood one film at a time” with unmatched depth and entertainment value.
Where to Listen to All The Right Movies
The podcast is available on:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Official Website
YouTube (select content)
Final Thoughts
The acceptance of All The Right Movies into the Spotify Partner Program is more than a business milestone—it’s a validation of a philosophy that prioritises research, respect for the audience, and long-form storytelling.
As podcasting continues to evolve, ATRM stands as proof that there is still immense value in slowing down, going deeper, and doing things the right way.