Has a film ever ruined your life? Have you ever emerged from the cinema so obsessed with the movie you’ve just seen that it’s scarred you, positively or negativ...
Unexpected Masterpieces: Movies We Thought We'd Hate But Ended Up Loving
Sometimes, the biggest surprises can come from the films we never expected to enjoy. In this episode of The Films That Ruined Us, we dive into those unlikely gems that not only challenged our low expectations but also made a lasting impact on how we see the world. Miles reveals how Peter Jackson’s King Kong (2005)—a film he initially dismissed—ultimately won him over with its grand storytelling and surprising emotional resonance. Meanwhile, Katy explains why she avoided The Shawshank Redemption for years, only to discover an inspiring tale of perseverance, hope, and humanity that completely changed her outlook on life. Join us as we celebrate these unexpected masterpieces and explore how they remind us never to judge a movie by its poster.
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1:11:27
Family Fallout: Films That Hit Home and Tugged at Our Heartstrings
Not all families fit the traditional mould, and that's what makes them fascinating. In this episode, we explore films that showcase unique family dynamics, offering both humour and heart. Katy discusses Little Miss Sunshine, a road-trip comedy where the eclectic Hoover family embarks on a journey that tests their bonds and highlights their individual quirks. Miles brings Close Encounters of the Third Kind to the table, examining how Roy Neary's obsession with extraterrestrial life impacts his family's cohesion. Join us as we delve into these stories that, while different from our own experiences, provide rich insights into the complexities of family life.
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1:02:33
Romantic Misguidance: The Films That Lied to Us About Love
Romantic comedies taught us that love is a grand gesture away, that opposites attract, and that the underdog always gets the girl. But real life? Not so much. In this episode, we dive into the romance films that shaped our unrealistic expectations about love. Miles chose Pretty in Pink, the classic teen drama about class, longing, and questionable love interests. Katy picked When Harry Met Sally, the rom-com that convinced us friendship inevitably leads to romance. Were we misled? Absolutely. Do we still love them? Of course.
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1:13:00
Scarring Sci-Fi: When Science Fiction Blew (or Broke) Our Minds
Some sci-fi movies make you think. Others make you question everything. And a few haunt your dreams forever. In this episode, Miles picks Blade Runner, the rain-drenched, neon-lit classic that made us wonder what it really means to be human. Katy picks Terminator 2, where killer robots and liquid-metal nightmares set a new standard for action and existential terror. We unpack how these films expanded our minds—or completely wrecked them.
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57:51
The Force of Obsession: How Star Wars Took Over Our Lives
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far too obsessed… we were just normal film lovers. Then Star Wars happened. From epic lightsaber duels in the school playground to heated debates over whether The Force Awakens was a worthy sequel, this is how George Lucas and his cinematic empire ruined us. Katy defends The Force Awakens. Miles stands by The Empire Strikes Back. And somewhere in the middle, we argue about Jar Jar Binks.
Has a film ever ruined your life? Have you ever emerged from the cinema so obsessed with the movie you’ve just seen that it’s scarred you, positively or negatively? Filmmaker Miles Watts and culture queen Katy Cowan dive into the movies that have made the deepest impact on their lives (not Deep Impact) for better or worse, from kids’ films to violent horror, and examine in nauseating detail why these particular movies have ruined them.
Ireland