Movie of the Year

Movie of the Year: 1971
The Last Picture Show
Revisiting The Last Picture Show
In this episode of Movie of the Year: 1971, Ryan, Mike, and Greg revisit The Last Picture Show, Peter Bogdanovich’s landmark film about youth, loneliness, and a fading Texas town.
Released in 1971, the film helped define the early New Hollywood era, blending classical Hollywood craftsmanship with a more modern emotional realism. From its black-and-white cinematography to its quiet performances, this portrait of small-town America remains one of the most discussed films of its decade.
Peter Bogdanovich and a Changing American Cinema
Director Peter Bogdanovich approached the film as both a tribute to classic cinema and a break from it. Drawing on older storytelling traditions while embracing the moral ambiguity of the 1970s, he created a work that feels suspended between eras.
The Taste Buds explore how Bogdanovich’s direction captures the melancholy of a town in decline and how his cinephile instincts shape the movie’s visual language. In doing so, the film becomes a bridge between old Hollywood nostalgia and the more personal filmmaking that defined the decade.
For more on Bogdanovich’s influence, see the American Film Institute:
https://www.afi.com
Love and Sex in The Last Picture Show
One of the film’s most enduring elements is its honest portrayal of intimacy. Love and sex are not romanticized; they are awkward, transactional, vulnerable, and deeply human.
Ryan, Mike, and Greg examine how the characters navigate desire and disappointment. Whether it’s teenage experimentation or adult loneliness, relationships in this story reveal more about isolation than fulfillment. That emotional candor is part of why the movie still resonates today.
For historical background and cast details, visit Turner Classic Movies:
https://www.tcm.com
The Generational Gap and a Fading Town
At its core, this 1971 drama is about transition. Older characters cling to memory and routine, while younger ones struggle to imagine their future beyond the town’s limits.
The panel discusses how the generational divide shapes the narrative, turning a coming-of-age story into a meditation on cultural change. The closing of the town’s movie theater becomes symbolic—a quiet acknowledgment that an era is ending.
IP Freely: Star Wars Meets 1971
This episode also debuts a new segment called IP Freely, where the panel imagines modern franchise films directed by filmmakers working in 1971. The Taste Buds pitch hypothetical Star Wars entries through the stylistic lens of early-70s auteurs.
The exercise highlights just how dramatically cinematic tone and scale have shifted since this film’s release.
Rushmore: 1971 It Girl
To close the show, Ryan, Mike, and Greg assemble a Mount Rushmore of the 1971 It Girl, celebrating the performers who defined the year’s screen presence and cultural energy.
Why The Last Picture Show Still Matters
More than five decades later, The Last Picture Show remains essential viewing. Its exploration of youth, longing, and generational change captures a moment when American cinema was reinventing itself.
This episode revisits the film not just as a classic of 1971, but as a living text that continues to influence how audiences understand small-town storytelling and emotional realism.
FAQ
What is The Last Picture Show about?
It follows teenagers and adults in a declining Texas town, exploring love, loneliness, and generational transition.
Who directed The Last Picture Show?
Peter Bogdanovich directed the 1971 film.
Why is it important?
It helped define the early New Hollywood movement and won multiple Academy Awards.
Is it based on a novel?
Yes, it is adapted from Larry McMurtry’s novel.

Movie of the Year: Best of the Year 2025
Best Movie of the Year
The Best Movies of 2025 Face Off
What are the Best Movies of 2025?
That question drives the biggest episode of the Movie of the Year season.
Hosted by Ryan and joined by Mike, Cassie, and Greg, this flagship episode brings together 25 of the most talked-about films of the year in a massive competitive bracket designed to determine one definitive answer: what is the Best Movie of 2025?
This is not a ranked list.
It’s not a polite retrospective.
It’s a full-scale movie showdown.
Twenty-five contenders enter the bracket.
One film leaves as Movie of the Year.
Why the Best Movies of 2025 Are Hard to Define
The Best Movies of 2025 come from everywhere: theatrical releases, streaming premieres, international cinema, prestige dramas, comedies, franchise entries, and bold originals. This year in film refuses easy categorization.
To qualify, a film simply had to:
release in 2025
make a real cultural or artistic impact
hold up under comparison with the year’s strongest work

Sequels compete with originals.
International films face studio giants.
Streaming releases battle theatrical spectacles.
Everything is on the table.
The 25-Film Bracket
The bracket for the Best Movies of 2025 includes a wide-ranging field representing the full landscape of modern cinema. Among the contenders:
One Battle After Another
Sinners, one of the most discussed films of 2025
No Other Choice
The Secret Agent
It Was Just an Accident
Weapons, a major genre standout
The Naked Gun
and many more filling out the 25-film field

Each matchup forces direct comparison. Reputation alone isn’t enough to advance.
Bracket Battles: How the Best Movies of 2025 Are Decided
Every round of the bracket asks the same core question:
Which film actually deserves to be remembered when we talk about the Best Movies of 2025?
Debates center on:
directing vision
performance strength
originality
cultural impact
rewatchability
long-term staying power

Ryan drives the bracket forward. Mike focuses on craft. Cassie champions bold swings and emotional impact. Greg looks for longevity and structural strength.
No film advances without a fight.
What Is the Best Movie of 2025?
As the bracket narrows, favorites fall, and unexpected contenders rise. Prestige releases collide with genre filmmaking. Big swings face meticulous craftsmanship. By the final round, only two films remain.
From there, one movie is crowned the Best Movie of 2025.
No spoilers here.
You’ll have to listen to find out which film survives.
Why the Best Movies of 2025 Matter
The movie landscape of 2025 is crowded and fragmented. Streaming, theatrical, and international releases compete for attention at a pace that makes it hard to keep up. This episode cuts through the noise.
By forcing direct comparisons, the bracket reveals which films truly defined the year and which simply dominated conversation. The result is a definitive snapshot of the Best Movies of 2025 and how they stack up against each other.
Other Major 2025 Episodes
If you’re exploring the full year in entertainment, continue with:
Best Horror Movies of 2025
Best Television Shows of 2025
Best Unscripted Shows of 2025
2025 Year in Review – Century of the Year
2025 Mixtape

Together, these episodes create a complete 2025 pop culture time capsule.
FAQ: Best Movies of 2025
What is the Best Movie of 2025?
This episode crowns one definitive winner after a full 25-film bracket.
Are streaming movies included?
Yes. All platforms and release types are eligible.
Are international films included?
Yes. Films from all countries compete equally.
Is this a ranked list?
No. It’s a competitive elimination bracket ending with one winner.
Final Verdict on the Best Movies of 2025
By the end of the episode, one film stands above the rest. Through argument, comparison, and elimination, the panel determines the Best Movies of 2025 and names the official Movie of the Year.
If you want the clearest possible answer to what defined cinema this year, this is the episode.
Listen, Subscribe, and Join the Debate
🎧 Listen now to hear the full Best Movies of 2025 bracket
📩 Email your picks: [email protected]
⭐ Subscribe to Movie of the Year for more year-end episodes

Movie of the Year: Best of the Year 2025
Best TV Show of the Year
The Best Television Shows of 2025 Enter the Arena
The Best Television Shows of 2025 didn’t rise to the top by accident. They survived hype cycles, second-season expectations, streaming saturation, and cultural overload.
In this episode of Movie of the Year, Greg hosts a 16-seed competitive bracket—with play-ins—to determine the Best Television Shows of 2025. Joining him are Cassie, Ryan, Mackenna, and Mike, ready to debate prestige drama, ambitious limited series, breakout comedies, and the year’s most talked-about streaming hits.
This isn’t just a 2025 TV year in review.
It’s a showdown.
Sixteen scripted contenders enter.
One show leaves as the best TV show of 2025.
What Counts as the Best Television Shows of 2025?
This bracket includes:
Returning seasons like Andor (Season 2) and Severance (Season 2)
Limited series such as Adolescence
Bold new scripted debuts
Comedy, drama, satire, and genre television
Network, cable, and streaming releases
International series (though primarily English-language)

If it aired in 2025 and was scripted, it was eligible. The goal: determine the top television series of 2025 across all platforms.
The 16-Seed Bracket and Play-In Rounds
Before the bracket locks, two play-in battles determine the final spots in the field. The play-ins ensure that no prestige favorite automatically advances and that breakout surprises earn their place.
Once finalized, the bracket includes:
The Pitt
Andor (Season 2), one of the most anticipated streaming shows of 2025
Pluribus
The Rehearsal (Season 2), pushing formal experimentation
Adolescence, a standout limited series of 2025
Severance (Season 2), a defining second season
The Lowdown
Dying for Sex
Long Story Short
The Studio

Every matchup forces hard choices. Reputation means nothing without performance.
Bracket Battles: Prestige vs Risk
As the eliminations unfold, several themes emerge:
Can a second season surpass its original impact?
Does a limited series compete differently from an ongoing drama?
Is cultural buzz equal to narrative achievement?
Do streaming shows dominate the best TV shows of 2025 conversation?

Greg maintains structure. Cassie pushes for ambition. Ryan defends emotional resonance. Mackenna highlights audience connection. Mike dissects craft and execution.
The format separates hype from longevity and distinguishes conversation from quality.
What Is the Best Television Show of 2025?
The central question of the episode becomes unavoidable:
What is the Best Television Show of 2025?
Through quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final clash, the bracket narrows. The discussion sharpens. The arguments become more precise.
Ultimately, one series emerges as the definitive winner among the Best Television Shows of 2025.
No shared podium.
No split vote.
One champion.
Why the Best Television Shows of 2025 Matter
Television in 2025 is fragmented across platforms, genres, and release models. Determining the best TV shows of 2025, ranked through competition, forces clarity.
Across the bracket, the standout series share:
narrative ambition
tonal confidence
strong ensemble performances
formal experimentation
staying power beyond premiere week

This episode serves as both a competitive bracket showdown and a thoughtful 2025 TV year in review.
FAQ: Best Television Shows of 2025
What is the Best Television Show of 2025?
The episode crowns one clear winner after a full 16-seed bracket.
Are limited series included?
Yes. Limited series like Adolescence compete alongside multi-season dramas.
How does the bracket work?
Play-in rounds finalize the field, followed by elimination matchups until one show remains.
Are streaming and international shows eligible?
Yes. All platforms and countries were eligible.
Internal Links for More 2025 Coverage
If you’re catching up on the full 2025 coverage, also check out:
Best Horror Movies of 2025
Best Unscripted Shows of 2025
2025 Year in Review – Century of the Year
2025 Mixtape

Together, these episodes form a complete 2025 year-in-review podcast slate.
Final Verdict: The Best Television Shows of 2025
When the dust settles, the bracket delivers a decisive answer to the season’s biggest question. This episode doesn’t hedge. It names the Best Television Show of 2025 outright.
If you care about prestige drama, bold streaming experimentation, or the evolution of limited series, this competitive showdown delivers clarity.
Listen, Subscribe, and Join the Debate
🎧 Listen now to hear the full Best Television Shows of 2025 bracket
📩 Email your picks (or outrage): [email protected]
⭐ Subscribe to Movie of the Year for more Best of the Year 2025 episodes

Movie of the Year: Best of the Year 2025
Best Unscripted TV Show of the Year
The Best Unscripted Shows of 2025
The Best Unscripted Shows of 2025 reflect a television landscape that is bigger, stranger, and more carefully constructed than ever. In this episode of Movie of the Year, Mike hosts a high-stakes bracket to determine which unscripted series truly stood above the rest, joined by panelists Cassie, Greg, and Mackenna.
Eight shows enter the bracket, spanning competition series, long-running institutions, comfort viewing, and chaos engines. What follows is a sharp, opinionated unscripted TV year in review, focused on craft, format, and why these shows continue to dominate the cultural conversation.
Why “Unscripted” Matters More Than “Reality” in 2025
Early in the episode, the panel draws a clear distinction: unscripted is the better word.
In 2025, unscripted television includes:
competition shows built on structure and fairness
formats refined through years of iteration
personality-driven series that reward consistency
shows designed for communal viewing

The Best Unscripted Shows of 2025 aren’t judged on mess alone. They’re judged on execution.
The 8-Show Bracket: All Platforms Represented
The contenders competing for the title of Best Unscripted Show of 2025 are:
The Traitors
Game Changer
The Great British Baking Show
Project Runway
Not Her First Rodeo
Taskmaster
Love Island USA
Below Deck

Network, cable, streaming, and niche platforms all collide here. No show advances on nostalgia alone, and no platform gets preferential treatment.
Bracket Battles: Competition, Comfort, and Chaos
As eliminations begin, the debates sharpen quickly.
Some unscripted shows dominate through:
airtight format design
fairness and repeatability
long-term audience trust

Others succeed through:
personality
escalation
social dynamics
controlled chaos

Mike pushes the panel to separate enjoyment from achievement. Cassie argues for innovation and tone. Greg interrogates longevity and consistency. Mackenna focuses on watchability and audience loyalty. Every matchup forces a real question: what makes an unscripted show great in 2025?
What Defines the Best Unscripted Shows of 2025
Across the bracket, a clear set of standards emerges:
the format must sustain tension
the rules must be legible
the show must reward repeat viewing
the experience must feel intentional, not disposable

The Best Unscripted Shows of 2025 prove that this genre isn’t filler between prestige dramas—it’s some of the most precise television being made.
Which Is the Best Unscripted Show of 2025?
After multiple rounds and no shortage of disagreement, one series emerges as the clear winner.
No ties.
No qualifiers.
No “it depends.”
The final choice reflects the panel’s belief in format strength, cultural relevance, and staying power. To hear which show survives the bracket—and why—it’s time to listen.
Why This Episode Matters
This isn’t a trash-TV roundup.
It’s a serious look at why unscripted television thrives when scripted TV often struggles.
As a Best Unscripted Shows of 2025 discussion, the episode doubles as a snapshot of how audiences engage with television now: socially, competitively, and consistently.
FAQ: Best Unscripted Shows of 2025
What is the Best Unscripted Show of 2025?
The episode crowns a single winner after an 8-show bracket.
What counts as unscripted television?
Competition shows, docu-reality, and format-driven series across all platforms.
Are streaming shows included?
Yes. Network, cable, and streaming series all compete equally.
Listen, Subscribe, and Tell Us We’re Wrong
🎧 Listen now to hear the full Best Unscripted Shows of 2025 bracket
📩 Email your picks or disagreements: [email protected]
⭐ Subscribe to Movie of the Year for more 2025 year-end episodes

Movie of the Year: Best of the Year 2025
Century of the Year
A 2025 Year in Review in Real Time
Every year tells a story — but rarely this fast.
In this special episode of Movie of the Year, the panel presents 2025 – Century of the Year, a bold and chaotic 2025 year in review that attempts something simple, ambitious, and wildly entertaining: 100 of the biggest moments of the year, discussed in just 100 minutes.
This isn’t a countdown.
It isn’t a competition.
It’s a real-time replay of the year as it unfolded.
If you’re looking for a 2025 year-in-review podcast that values memory over rankings and chaos over consensus, this episode delivers.
What This 2025 Year in Review Covers
Across 100 minutes, the episode touches on a wide range of moments that defined the year, including:
major film releases and pop-culture events
TV moments that dominated conversation
internet and media chaos
stories that felt huge in the moment
robot chickens

The goal isn’t to judge what mattered most — it’s to remember what actually happened, when it happened.
The Format: 100 Moments, 100 Minutes
Unlike traditional year-end lists, Century of the Year moves chronologically, creating a true 2025 year in review rather than a retrospective ranking.
Each moment gets:
one minute
one burst of conversation
One chance to capture why it mattered then

January flows into February, February into March, and suddenly the year is racing by. The format mirrors how 2025 actually felt: relentless, noisy, and impossible to fully process in real time.
Who’s on the Mic
To keep pace with the format, Movie of the Year brings together a full PopFilter lineup:
Greg
Mike
Ryan
Cassie, host of The Superhero Show Show
Katelynn
Mackenna

With six voices rotating through the moments, the episode becomes a rolling conversation — jokes collide with reflection, and no one has time to overthink. The result is a loose, funny, and surprisingly emotional 2025 year-in-review podcast.
Why Century of the Year Is a 2025 Year in Review Unlike Any Other
There are no winners.
No awards.
No arguments to settle.
Instead, this episode leans into playful chaos. One minute forces instinct. Tangents get cut short. Opinions are stated boldly and sometimes abandoned just as quickly. That’s not a flaw — it’s the design.
This 2025 year in review captures how memory actually works: incomplete, emotional, and shaped by timing as much as importance.
A Chronological Time Capsule of 2025
Traditional year-end content flattens time.
This episode restores it.
By moving forward instead of counting down, 2025 – Century of the Year shows how early-year moments echo later ones, how narratives evolve, and how the year’s meaning changes as it unfolds.
By the final minute, listeners have effectively lived through the year again — a full 2025 year in review preserved as a time capsule rather than a verdict.
FAQ: 2025 Year in Review – Century of the Year
What is the Century of the Year?
It’s a Movie of the Year special episode covering 100 moments from the year in 100 minutes.
Is this a ranking or a “best of” list?
No. It’s a chronological recap, not a competition.
What makes this different from other 2025 year-in-review shows?
The format emphasizes speed, memory, and real-time reaction rather than hindsight judgment.
Why This 2025 Year in Review Matters
Years blur together.
Moments don’t.
This 2025 year-in-review captures the noise, contradictions, jokes, shocks, and emotions that defined the year — not as a polished list, but as it actually felt to live through it.
Fast. Messy. Human.
Listen, Subscribe, and Relive the Year
🎧 Listen now to experience the full 2025 year in review
📩 Email us the moment you think we missed: [email protected]
⭐ Subscribe to Movie of the Year for more 2025 recap episodes and deep dives