Radio has been part of our lives for more than a century, and the people behind the mic continue to fascinate us. That fascination has given us a brilliant mix of films and shows, from documentaries on UK pirate radio to comedies, dramas and even a zombie movie set in a radio studio.
As lovers of independent and community radio here at RadioCult, we're big fans. Here are the radio movies and TV shows we think are worth your time.
1. People Just Do Nothing (TV Show, 2014)
I don't think any tv show is more synonymous with the modern pirate radio culture than People Just Do Nothing. However, do keep in mind that People Just Do Nothing is to radio what Veep is to politics, so don't take it too seriously.
People Just Do Nothing is a mockumentary based around the colourful lives of people running a pirate radio station called Kurupt FM in Brentford, West London. This show can be considered a comedy loosely based on the times and situations that gave rise to stations like Rinse FM.
Don't doubt the cultural impact this TV show has had. The show was created by real DJs and MCs who spent time in the pirate radio scene. Both the real-life actors and fictional characters have had many features on modern Grime songs over the years.
People Just Do Nothing is a personal favourite of ours for a reason.
2. Born & Bred | Rinse FM (Documentary, 2016)
You can't talk about the modern pirate, independent and community radio culture without mentioning Rinse FM. Born & Bred is a documentary mini-series based on the beginnings of Rinse FM.
Coming in at a short & sweet 20 minutes for the entire series, this documentary will give you an insight into the history of Rinse FM, the cultural impact Rinse has had and just how far it has come. From broadcasting illegally at the top of council flats to being a powerhouse of modern London culture, Rinse FM's story is one worth knowing.
3. The Boat That Rocked (Movie, 2009)
I don't think this is going to be a surprise for anyone. The Boat That Rocked is well liked for a reason. Focussing on the 1960s days of pirate radio, when stations broadcast from actual boats, this movie is well worth a watch. It's inspired by the real offshore stations of the time, too.
You can't watch this film without coming away rooting for the people fighting for the right to broadcast and enjoy their music in peace.
This film was edited down and released in America under the name Pirate Radio. Debate is still up over which version is better, so why don't you be the judge?
4. Good Morning, Vietnam (Movie, 1987)
We would be remiss to write about the best radio movies without mentioning Good Morning, Vietnam. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Robin Williams' performance is truly one-of-a-kind.
The film follows Williams' character as he is sent to Vietnam to bring comedy to the soldiers' lives in the form of radio.
Watch this movie and see why it's considered a classic.
5. Tower Block Dreams (Documentary, 2004)
This documentary was broadcast on BBC Three in 2004. It focussed on the music scene on council estates in London and Southend, and can be seen as the real-life equivalent to People Just Do Nothing. There are a total of three 1-hour episodes, so if you're looking for a juicy documentary series to bite your teeth into this could be the one for you.
The documentary features younger versions of people big in the UK radio scene to this day, such as Charlie Sloth.
6. The Vast of Night (Movie, 2019)
Looking for something more recent? This movie may scratch that itch. This film was released in 2019 at the Slamdance Film Festival.
There's something about working radio at night that makes the mind wander to the extraterrestrial. This film, based in 1950's New Mexico, is loosely based on the Kecksburg UFO incident and the Foss Lake disappearances.
The movie follows the main characters as they investigate an audio signal that has potentially out-of-this-world origins.
If you've got a Prime Video account then consider choosing this for your Friday night viewing.
7. FM (TV Show, 2009)
For fans of The IT Crowd's Chris O'Dowd this might just be your cup of tea. Funnily enough, this is the second time that he has played a radio DJ. The other is in the aforementioned The Boat That Rocked.
This TV show aired on ITV2 for just one season. It follows the lives of two DJs and their producer on Skin 86.5 FM. Due to its short run, this show is often overlooked and can be hard to find. However, it is well worth the watch if you can.
8. Pontypool (Movie, 2008)
Horror films and radio aren't something I would normally think go together. Pontypool proved me wrong.
This film is based on a radio presenter in the small town of Pontypool, Ontario. The radio presenter learns about a virus-based zombie wave and barricades himself in his booth. As the zombies start attacking the studio, he has to figure out a way to stay safe and warn his listeners about the virus over the radio.
If you're looking for a horror film where the radio studio is the whole story, this is the one.
9. Airheads (Movie, 1994)
Airheads is the 90s radio film you didn't know you needed. Featuring one of the most 90s casts out there, including Brendan Fraser, Adam Sandler, Steve Buscemi and Joe Mantegna.
The plot is centred around a struggling rock band in LA that break into a radio station to get some air play for their demo. As things turn south, the band pull out realistic looking water guns filled with hot sauce, causing the seriousness of the crime to escalate.
The band have to deal with the continued escalation of what started out as a minor crime. And, in true 90s comedy fashion, it all gets very over the top very quickly.
10. Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (Movie, 2013)
Alan Partridge is one of Steve Coogan's beloved characters, a parody of British television personalities. The character debuted in 1991 and has continued to this day.
This film sees Alan Partridge not as a TV presenter but as a Radio DJ. The station where he works, North Norfolk Digital, is bought out by a large, international corporation. Alan manages to get his colleague Pat fired.
This is a decision that will haunt him as Pat comes back to hold the radio station hostage after his termination. Alan Partridge is enlisted by the police to save the day.
Well received when it was released in 2013, this film is well worth the watch if you're a fan of Steve Coogan or, even better, Alan Partridge.
11. Pump Up the Volume (Movie, 1990)
Christian Slater plays a shy high school student who becomes a local legend by running an illegal radio station from his parents' basement. If you've ever wanted to say what you really think on air, this one's for you, and it's a great pick if you enjoyed The Boat That Rocked.
12. Private Parts (Movie, 1997)
Howard Stern plays himself in this comedy based on his bestselling book. It follows his rise from awkward young broadcaster to one of the most famous and controversial names in American radio, and his constant battles with the station managers trying to rein him in.
13. Talk Radio (Movie, 1988)
For something much darker, Oliver Stone's drama stars Eric Bogosian as an abrasive late-night talk show host, in a story based on the play of the same name. It's a tense look at what can happen when a host's on-air persona starts to take over.
14. The Last Pirates: Britain's Rebel DJs (Documentary, 2017)
A perfect companion to Born & Bred. Rodney P tells the story of Britain's second wave of pirate radio, when a new generation of DJs broadcast from London's tower blocks in the 1980s.
Inspired to get on air?
The stories on this list have one thing in common: people who had something to say and found a way to broadcast it. Luckily, you no longer need a boat or a tower block. Our guide to how to start an online radio station covers the first steps, and our radio segment ideas will help you fill your first show.
