The Blockbuster Effect: The Mega-Hits That Shaped Popular Culture
Some films don’t just break the box office — they break us. In this episode of The Films That Ruined Us, we dive into the blockbusters that defined entire eras, changed the cultural landscape, and maybe ruined a few things along the way. Miles makes a bold case for Batman Returns as a chaotic, campy masterpiece that haunted his childhood, while Katy revisits The Matrix — a film that blew her young mind and warped her view of reality forever. Join us as we unpack the hits that were too big to ignore — and too weird to forget.
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1:17:35
Animated Wonders: The Animated Flicks That Hit Hard
Some films are just for kids… until they completely wreck us. In this episode of The Films That Ruined Us, we revisit the animated classics that moved us, scarred us, and have lived rent-free in our heads ever since. Miles takes us through the childhood trauma of Watership Down — a deceptively cute tale of rabbits that quickly turns into a harrowing survival story. Meanwhile, Katy shares how Pixar’s Up shattered her emotionally within the first ten minutes, then somehow kept going. Join us as we explore the animated films that proved cartoons can be just as powerful — and devastating — as any Oscar-winning drama.
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1:11:42
Bad Taste and Bad Influence: Comedies That Defined Our Sense of Humour
In Bad Taste and Bad Influence: Comedies That Defined Our Sense of Humour, Miles and Katy dig into the chaotic comedy films that shaped their questionable instincts. From the deadpan genius of Naked Gun—packed with slapstick, razor-sharp scripts, and the legendary Leslie Nielsen delivering every ridiculous line with unwavering seriousness—to the outrageously un-PC but ultimately profound Blazing Saddles, they explore how these cult classics ruined their ability to take anything seriously. Along the way, they salute Mel Brooks’ brilliance and his fearless takedown of racism through bold satire. Expect inappropriate jokes, fond nostalgia, and a few moments of existential crisis as they unpack the comedy gold (and occasional cringe) of their formative years.
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57:13
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.
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.
New Zealand