Understanding what RedLetterMedia’s actual favorite movies are requires diving deep into decades of content from one of the internet’s most influential film criticism channels. Since their founding in 2004 and subsequent explosion in popularity following the legendary 70-minute “Phantom Menace” review in 2009, Mike Stoklasa, Jay Bauman, Rich Evans, and their rotating cast of contributors have discussed thousands of films across multiple series including Half in the Bag, Best of the Worst, and re:View. Yet pinning down their genuine favorites””as opposed to films they simply find entertaining to discuss””proves surprisingly challenging for even dedicated viewers. The question matters because RedLetterMedia occupies a unique position in film criticism. Unlike traditional critics who maintain professional distance, or YouTubers who chase algorithmic trends, RLM built their reputation on seemingly authentic reactions and a willingness to champion overlooked films while skewering sacred cows.
Their opinions carry significant weight with their audience, often driving renewed interest in older films or independent productions that might otherwise fade into obscurity. When Mike Stoklasa praises a film genuinely, thousands of viewers seek it out. When Jay Bauman recommends a horror film, it often sees a measurable bump in streaming numbers. This exploration will examine the films that the core RLM crew have repeatedly championed across their various series, distinguishing between ironic appreciation and genuine love. By analyzing years of content, direct statements, and patterns in their discussions, readers will gain insight into the actual cinematic tastes that inform RedLetterMedia’s critical perspective””and perhaps discover some overlooked gems in the process.
Table of Contents
- Which Films Do Mike Stoklasa and Jay Bauman Consider Their All-Time Favorites?
- RedLetterMedia’s Best of the Worst Reveals Genuine Cult Film Appreciation
- The re:View Series Showcases RedLetterMedia’s Deeper Film Analysis
- How RedLetterMedia’s Star Trek and Star Wars Critiques Reveal Their Actual Preferences
- Common Misconceptions About RedLetterMedia’s Film Preferences
- Independent and Foreign Films That RedLetterMedia Has Championed
- How to Prepare
- How to Apply This
- Expert Tips
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Which Films Do Mike Stoklasa and Jay Bauman Consider Their All-Time Favorites?
Mike Stoklasa, the driving creative force behind RedLetterMedia, has consistently returned to several films throughout the channel’s history. His genuine enthusiasm for “Ghostbusters” (1984) transcends nostalgia; he frequently cites it as a near-perfect blockbuster that balances comedy, horror, and spectacle while maintaining strong character work. Similarly, “RoboCop” (1987) receives regular praise from Mike not merely as an action film but as sophisticated satire that predicted corporate overreach and media manipulation. His appreciation for Paul Verhoeven’s work extends to “Total Recall” and “Starship Troopers,” films he considers misunderstood masterpieces of subversive blockbuster filmmaking. Jay Bauman’s tastes skew notably toward horror and independent cinema.
He has repeatedly expressed deep admiration for David Lynch’s work, particularly “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive,” discussing them with a reverence absent from his more ironic commentary. John Carpenter’s filmography represents another touchstone for Jay, with “The Thing” (1982) frequently cited as one of the greatest horror films ever made. His genuine enthusiasm for practical effects and atmospheric horror informs much of his criticism, and he has championed films like “The Witch” and “Hereditary” as examples of elevated modern horror done right. Both hosts share appreciation for films that demonstrate craft and intentionality, even within genre constraints. They frequently praise Steven Spielberg’s technical mastery in films like “Jaws” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” while acknowledging that their own tastes sometimes diverge from mainstream critical consensus. Mike has admitted to genuinely enjoying certain maligned films like “Prometheus” for their visual ambition, while Jay maintains deep affection for obscure Italian horror that most viewers would find impenetrable.
- Mike consistently champions 1980s blockbusters that balance entertainment with thematic depth
- Jay gravitates toward horror, particularly practical-effects-driven films from the 1970s and 1980s
- Both hosts value technical craftsmanship and directorial vision over star power or budget
RedLetterMedia’s Best of the Worst Reveals Genuine Cult Film Appreciation
The Best of the Worst series, where the crew watches and discusses low-budget and often terrible films, might seem like an unlikely source for discovering their genuine favorites. However, the series has repeatedly surfaced films that transcend ironic appreciation. “Miami Connection” (1987) started as a laughable find but evolved into something the crew genuinely champions””a film so earnest and enthusiastic that its technical failures become endearing. The RLM coverage directly contributed to the film’s theatrical re-release and cult resurrection. Rich Evans, often the audience surrogate in discussions, has revealed surprising depth in his film preferences through Best of the Worst.
His genuine affection for “Space Cop”””the RLM-produced feature””aside, Rich has shown authentic enthusiasm for well-crafted genre films that deliver on their premises. He consistently praises films that understand their limitations and work within them creatively, showing frustration with lazy productions that don’t try. His appreciation for the “Tremors” franchise and similar creature features reflects a love for practical effects and genuine craftsmanship in genre filmmaking. The series has also highlighted the crew’s shared appreciation for films that demonstrate passion despite limited resources. Productions like “The Deadly Spawn” and “Slime City” receive genuine praise for their inventive practical effects work, while films that simply throw money at the screen without creativity earn only contempt. This distinction proves crucial for understanding RLM’s actual tastes: they value effort, creativity, and sincerity over polish, budget, or critical acclaim.
- The crew genuinely appreciates low-budget films that demonstrate creativity and passion
- “Miami Connection” represents a genuine RLM favorite that transcended ironic viewing
- Technical limitations earn forgiveness when filmmakers show inventiveness and heart
The re:View Series Showcases RedLetterMedia’s Deeper Film Analysis
The re:View series represents perhaps the clearest window into RedLetterMedia’s genuine film preferences. Unlike Half in the Bag’s focus on new releases or Best of the Worst’s celebration of schlock, re:View allows the hosts to discuss films they’ve chosen specifically because they want to explore them in depth. The series has covered everything from “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” to “Gremlins 2,” but certain episodes reveal particular passion. Mike’s re:View episodes on “Blade Runner” and its sequel demonstrate genuine cinematic appreciation beyond his typical sardonic commentary.
His analysis of Ridley Scott’s visual storytelling and the film’s thematic depth about humanity and memory shows a critic capable of sincere engagement with challenging material. Similarly, his extensive coverage of the Star Trek franchise””while often critical””reveals deep affection for the original series films, particularly “The Wrath of Khan” and “The Undiscovered Country.” Jay’s re:View contributions often spotlight horror films he considers essential viewing. His episodes on David Cronenberg’s filmography, particularly “The Fly” and “Videodrome,” showcase genuine critical engagement with body horror as a legitimate artistic mode. He has also championed lesser-known films through the series, using the platform to introduce audiences to directors like Lucio Fulci and Dario Argento while acknowledging their films’ limitations alongside their achievements.
- re:View episodes represent deliberate choices to discuss beloved films in depth
- Mike shows particular passion for science fiction that grapples with philosophical questions
- Jay uses the platform to champion horror directors and films he considers underappreciated
How RedLetterMedia’s Star Trek and Star Wars Critiques Reveal Their Actual Preferences
RedLetterMedia’s most famous content involves their extensive Star Wars prequel critiques, but these videos reveal as much about what the crew loves as what they despise. Mike’s “Phantom Menace” review spends considerable time explaining why the original trilogy works, effectively articulating his appreciation for character-driven storytelling, practical effects, and coherent visual grammar. His genuine love for “The Empire Strikes Back” in particular emerges through his detailed analysis of its improvements over the original film. The crew’s relationship with Star Trek proves more nuanced and revealing. Mike and Rich have demonstrated encyclopedic knowledge of Trek across multiple series, with their “Next Generation” discussions revealing genuine affection for television science fiction that prioritizes ideas over action.
Their disappointment with newer Trek iterations stems not from knee-jerk nostalgia but from specific critiques about character development, episodic storytelling, and the franchise’s original humanist philosophy. When they praise Deep Space Nine’s later seasons or specific TNG episodes, the enthusiasm reads as authentic rather than performative. Their franchise discussions also reveal appreciation for film craftsmanship that transcends fandom. Mike’s analysis of the original Star Wars trilogy frequently focuses on editing, sound design, and visual effects integration””technical elements that demonstrate his understanding of filmmaking beyond simple entertainment consumption. This technical literacy informs all their criticism and helps explain why certain competently-made films earn praise while others, despite larger budgets or more famous talent, earn only contempt.
- The Star Wars critiques articulate genuine love for the original trilogy’s craftsmanship
- Star Trek discussions reveal deep appreciation for idea-driven science fiction television
- Technical analysis throughout demonstrates understanding of filmmaking beyond casual viewing
Common Misconceptions About RedLetterMedia’s Film Preferences
A significant misconception holds that RedLetterMedia only appreciates films ironically or that their tastes begin and end with 1980s nostalgia. While the crew certainly grew up during that era and carries affection for its output, they have consistently praised contemporary films that meet their standards. Jay’s enthusiasm for directors like Robert Eggers, Ari Aster, and recent work from established horror directors demonstrates engagement with current cinema. Mike has praised films like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Blade Runner 2049” with genuine enthusiasm. Another common error involves assuming the crew shares identical tastes. Jay and Mike frequently disagree on films, particularly regarding horror and drama.
Jay’s appreciation for arthouse horror and psychological complexity often clashes with Mike’s preference for more straightforward genre entertainment. Rich Evans occasionally champions films that both other hosts find unwatchable, while guest appearances from Josh, Jack, and others introduce additional perspectives that sometimes challenge the perceived RLM consensus. The ironic appreciation that characterizes Best of the Worst also leads viewers to mistake RLM’s entire critical framework as fundamentally unserious. In reality, their comedy serves a critical function””using humor to articulate genuine points about filmmaking, industry practices, and artistic choices. When they mock a film’s incompetence, they’re often implicitly articulating what competence would look like. Their praise, when it comes, carries weight precisely because it emerges from critics willing to be harsh.
- The crew engages seriously with contemporary cinema, not just nostalgic favorites
- Individual hosts maintain distinct preferences that sometimes conflict
- Comedic framing serves critical purposes rather than replacing genuine analysis
Independent and Foreign Films That RedLetterMedia Has Championed
Beyond mainstream American cinema, RedLetterMedia has occasionally spotlighted international and independent films that demonstrate their broader cinematic literacy. Jay in particular has discussed his appreciation for Korean cinema, including Park Chan-wook’s “Oldboy” and Bong Joon-ho’s work prior to the director’s international breakthrough with “Parasite.” These recommendations appear in various discussions and social media interactions, revealing tastes that extend beyond the genre films most associated with the channel. The crew has also shown appreciation for documentary filmmaking, particularly works that examine subjects with depth and nuance.
Their discussions of behind-the-scenes documentaries about troubled film productions””like “Hearts of Darkness” about “Apocalypse Now” and “Lost Soul” about “The Island of Dr. Moreau”””demonstrate interest in filmmaking as a process, not just a finished product. This meta-appreciation for the craft of cinema, including its failures and near-misses, informs their critical perspective throughout all their content.
How to Prepare
- Start with the re:View playlist, as these episodes specifically focus on films the hosts chose to discuss because they genuinely appreciate them, offering the clearest window into their actual preferences without the ironic framework of other series.
- Watch Half in the Bag episodes where the hosts express genuine enthusiasm rather than measured criticism, paying attention to moments when their typically sardonic delivery gives way to sincere praise for craft or storytelling.
- Explore Best of the Worst with attention to films that transcend ironic appreciation, noting which discoveries the crew discusses with affection beyond simple mockery and which receive genuine recommendation.
- Listen for repeated references across different series, as films mentioned positively in multiple contexts””re:View, Half in the Bag discussions, and casual conversation””likely represent genuine favorites rather than one-time observations.
- Follow the hosts on social media platforms where they occasionally share more direct recommendations without the comedic framework of their produced content, revealing preferences they might not explore at length on the channel.
How to Apply This
- Create a watchlist prioritizing films that received genuine praise across multiple RLM series, starting with frequently mentioned titles like “RoboCop,” “The Thing,” “Ghostbusters,” and the classic Star Trek films.
- Approach each recommended film with attention to the specific elements RLM praised, whether practical effects, character development, thematic depth, or technical craftsmanship.
- Use RLM’s criticism of films they dislike to understand their preferences by contrast, noting which failures they identify most frequently and seeking films that avoid these pitfalls.
- Explore the directors and franchises that receive consistent RLM attention, including Paul Verhoeven, John Carpenter, David Lynch, and David Cronenberg, whose filmographies align with the channel’s demonstrated tastes.
Expert Tips
- Distinguish between films RLM finds entertaining to discuss and films they genuinely recommend, as some of their most popular episodes cover films they consider failures rather than favorites.
- Pay attention to Jay Bauman’s horror recommendations specifically, as his expertise in the genre means his praise for horror films carries particular weight and specificity.
- Note the technical elements RLM praises most consistently””practical effects, coherent editing, strong character writing””as these values remain constant across their varied content and indicate films likely to earn their approval.
- Watch for moments when the hosts break from their comedic personas to offer sincere analysis, as these instances often reveal their deepest appreciation for particular films or filmmakers.
- Consider the crew’s praise for older films in context of their era, as RLM consistently evaluates films against their contemporaries rather than holding all cinema to modern standards.
Conclusion
Identifying RedLetterMedia’s actual favorite movies requires looking beyond their most famous content to find patterns of genuine appreciation across their extensive catalog. Mike Stoklasa’s love for well-crafted 1980s blockbusters, Jay Bauman’s deep appreciation for horror cinema both classic and contemporary, and Rich Evans’s affection for earnest genre filmmaking all emerge clearly through careful attention to their discussions. Films like “RoboCop,” “The Thing,” “Ghostbusters,” “Blue Velvet,” and the classic Star Trek films represent not just nostalgic favorites but touchstones against which the crew measures other cinema.
Understanding these preferences enriches engagement with RLM’s content and provides a curated entry point into decades of quality filmmaking. Their tastes, while rooted in genre appreciation, consistently prioritize craft, creativity, and sincerity over budget, stars, or critical consensus. For viewers seeking recommendations from critics who have earned their skepticism through thousands of hours of film analysis, RedLetterMedia’s genuine favorites offer a reliable starting point for exploring cinema that balances entertainment with artistry.
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