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{{Short description|British monthly film magazine}}
{{Short description|British monthly film magazine}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{More citations needed|date=May 2018}}
{{Tone|date=September 2024}}
}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox magazine
{{Infobox magazine
|logo           = [[File:Empire-magazine-logo.jpg|250px]]
|logo             = Empire (magazine) logo.svg
|image_file     = Empire cover Harry Potter July 2011.jpg
|image_file       = Empire magazine December 2024 cover.webp
|image_size    = 220px
|image_caption   = Cover of the December 2024 issue, featuring [[Robert Pattinson]] in ''[[Mickey 17]]''
|image_caption = July 2011 cover of ''Empire'', featuring (left to right) [[Emma Watson]], [[Daniel Radcliffe]] and [[Rupert Grint]]
|editor           = Nick de Semlyen
|editor         = Nick de Semlyen
|frequency       = Monthly
|frequency     = Monthly
|category         = Film
|category       = Film
|company         = [[Bauer Media Group]]
|company       = [[Bauer Verlagsgruppe|Bauer]]
|firstdate       = {{Start date and age|1989|5}}
|firstdate     = {{Start date and age|1989|5}}
|country         = United Kingdom
|country       = United Kingdom
|based           = [[London]]
|based         = London
|circulation     = 73,291 per issue (Jan – Dec 2023)<ref>{{cite web|title=ABC Certificates and Reports: Empire|url=https://www.abc.org.uk/product/5187|work=Audit Bureau of Circulations, (ABC)|access-date=14 Jul 2024}}</ref><br><small>Print and digital editions.</small>
|circulation   = 74,947 per issue (Jan – Dec 2021)<ref>{{cite web|title=ABC Certificates and Reports: Empire|url=https://www.abc.org.uk/product/5187|work=Audit Bureau of Circulations, (ABC)|access-date=16 Dec 2022}}</ref><br><small>Print and digital editions.</small>
|circulation_year =  
|circulation_year=  
|language         = English
|language       = English
|website         = {{URL|https://empireonline.com}}
|website       = {{URL|https://empireonline.com}}
|issn             = 0957-4948
|issn           = 0957-4948
|oclc            = 40516612
}}
}}


'''''Empire''''' is a British [[film magazine]] published monthly by [[Bauer Verlagsgruppe|Bauer Consumer Media]]. The first issue was published in May 1989.
'''''Empire''''' is a British [[film magazine]] published monthly by [[Bauer Media Group]]. The first issue was published in May 1989.


==History==
==History==
[[David Hepworth]] of [[Emap]], the publisher of British music magazines ''[[Q magazine|Q]]'' and ''[[Smash Hits]]'', among other titles, came up with the idea to publish a magazine similar to ''Q'', but for films.<ref name=thomas>{{cite magazine|magazine=Inside Empire|year=2009|pages=22–24|last=Thomas|first=Phil|title=Editors: Phil Thomas}}</ref><ref name=barry/> They recruited ''Smash Hits'' editor [[Barry McIlheney]] to edit the new magazine, with Hepworth as Editorial Director.<ref name=barry/> Hepworth produced a one-page document of what he wanted to achieve. Among them, they planned to review and rate every film that was released in the cinema in the United Kingdom.<ref name=barry/> It also said that "''Empire'' believes that movies can sometimes be art, but they should always be fun."<ref name=thomas/> The first edition (June/July 1989) was published in May 1989 with [[Dennis Quaid]] and [[Winona Ryder]] on the front cover from the film ''[[Great Balls of Fire! (film)|Great Balls of Fire!]]''. The first issue reached its target of 50,000 copies sold.<ref name=barry>{{cite magazine|magazine=Inside Empire|year=2009|pages=8–10|last=McIlheney|first=Barry|author-link=Barry McIlheney|title=Editors: Barry McIlheney}}</ref>
[[David Hepworth]] of [[Emap]], the publisher of British music magazines ''[[Q magazine|Q]]'' and ''[[Smash Hits]]'', proposed the idea of launching a film magazine similar to ''Q''.<ref name=thomas>{{cite magazine|magazine=Inside Empire|year=2009|pages=22–24|last=Thomas|first=Phil|title=Editors: Phil Thomas}}</ref><ref name=barry/> They recruited ''Smash Hits'' editor [[Barry McIlheney]] to edit the new magazine, with Hepworth as Editorial Director.<ref name=barry/> Hepworth drafted a one-page proposal outlining the magazine's objectives, including a commitment to reviewing and rating every film released in UK cinema.<ref name=barry/> The proposal also stated, "''Empire'' believes that movies can sometimes be art, but they should always be fun."<ref name=thomas/> The first edition (June/July 1989) was published in May 1989, featuring [[Dennis Quaid]] and [[Winona Ryder]] on the cover for the film ''[[Great Balls of Fire! (film)|Great Balls of Fire!]]''. The magazine achieved its initial sales target of 50,000 copies.<ref name=barry>{{cite magazine|magazine=Inside Empire|year=2009|pages=8–10|last=McIlheney|first=Barry|author-link=Barry McIlheney|title=Editors: Barry McIlheney}}</ref>


Film reviews were given a star rating between 1 and 5, with no half stars.<ref name=newman/>
Film reviews were given a star rating between 1 and 5, with no half-stars.<ref name=newman/>


McIlheney edited the first 44 issues, with assistant editor Phil Thomas, who had been working on the magazine since it started, taking over from the March 1993 issue.<ref name=thomas/> Thomas became managing editor in 1995 with ''Q'' Features Editor [[Andrew Collins (broadcaster)|Andrew Collins]] taking over as ''Empire'' editor from issue 73 (July 1995); however, after 3 issues, he became editor of ''Q'' after [[Danny Kelly (journalist)|Danny Kelly]] left, with  ''Empire''{{'s}} Features Editor Mark Salisbury promoted to Editor.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Inside Empire|year=2009|pages=38–40|last=Collins|first=Andrew|author-link=Andrew Collins (broadcaster)|title=Editors: Andrew Collins}}</ref>
McIlheney served as editor for the first 44 issues, after which assistant editor Phil Thomas, who had been with the magazine since its inception, took over from the March 1993 issue.<ref name=thomas/> In 1995, Thomas became managing editor and ''Q'' Features Editor [[Andrew Collins (broadcaster)|Andrew Collins]] was appointed ''Empire's'' editor from issue 73 (July 1995). However, after 3 issues, Collins transitioned to ''Q'' following the departure of [[Danny Kelly (journalist)|Danny Kelly]], and ''Empire''{{'s}} Features Editor Mark Salisbury was promoted to Editor.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Inside Empire|year=2009|pages=38–40|last=Collins|first=Andrew|author-link=Andrew Collins (broadcaster)|title=Editors: Andrew Collins}}</ref>


A compilation of their film reviews was published in 2006 as the ''Empire Film Guide''.<ref name=newman/>
In 2006, a compilation of the magazine's film reviews was published as the ''Empire Film Guide''.<ref name=newman/>


[[Bauer Verlagsgruppe|Bauer]] purchased [[Emap|Emap Consumer Media]] in early 2008.
In early 2008, [[Bauer Verlagsgruppe|Bauer]] acquired [[Emap|Emap Consumer Media]].


===Editors===
===Editors===
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* Emma Cochrane (issues 127–161)
* Emma Cochrane (issues 127–161)
* Colin Kennedy (162–209) (Will Lawrence acted as editor for 12 issues while Colin Kennedy was absent)
* Colin Kennedy (162–209) (Will Lawrence acted as editor for 12 issues while Colin Kennedy was absent)
* Mark Dinning (210–304). Dinning was formerly Associate Editor on the magazine leaving to take up the position of Editor of ''[[Total Film]]'' for a period, he then returned to take up the same role for ''Empire.'' He left the magazine in July 2014.<ref>{{cite news|first1=William|last1=Turvill|title=Empire editor-in-chief steps down to join Time Out Dubai after eight years|url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/empire-editor-chief-steps-down-join-time-out-dubai-after-eight-years|access-date=12 August 2014|work=[[Press Gazette]]|date=24 July 2014|archive-date=25 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725164100/http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/empire-editor-chief-steps-down-join-time-out-dubai-after-eight-years|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Mark Dinning (210–304). Dinning was formerly Associate Editor of the magazine leaving to take up the position of Editor of ''[[Total Film]]'' for a period, he then returned to take up the same role for ''Empire.'' He left the magazine in July 2014.<ref>{{cite news|first1=William|last1=Turvill|title=Empire editor-in-chief steps down to join Time Out Dubai after eight years|url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/empire-editor-chief-steps-down-join-time-out-dubai-after-eight-years|access-date=12 August 2014|work=[[Press Gazette]]|date=24 July 2014|archive-date=25 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725164100/http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/empire-editor-chief-steps-down-join-time-out-dubai-after-eight-years|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Morgan Rees (issues 306–315)
* Morgan Rees (issues 306–315)
* [[Terri White (journalist)|Terri White]] (issues 318—393)<ref>{{cite news|last1=Turvill|first1=William|title=Time Out New York editor-in-chief Terri White to take charge of Empire|url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/time-out-new-york-editor-in-chief-terri-white-to-take-charge-of-empire|access-date=12 April 2017|work=[[Press Gazette]]|date=2 September 2015|archive-date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413070848/http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/time-out-new-york-editor-in-chief-terri-white-to-take-charge-of-empire|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Terri White (journalist)|Terri White]] (issues 318—393)<ref>{{cite news|last1=Turvill|first1=William|title=Time Out New York editor-in-chief Terri White to take charge of Empire|url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/time-out-new-york-editor-in-chief-terri-white-to-take-charge-of-empire|access-date=12 April 2017|work=[[Press Gazette]]|date=2 September 2015|archive-date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413070848/http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/time-out-new-york-editor-in-chief-terri-white-to-take-charge-of-empire|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Nick De Semlyen (beginning with issue 394) <ref>{{cite news|title=Terri White: 'If I hadn't had my baby I would still be editing Empire now'|url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/terri-white-empire-editor-departure/|work=[[Press Gazette]]}}</ref>
* Nick De Semlyen (since issue 394) <ref>{{cite news|title=Terri White: 'If I hadn't had my baby I would still be editing Empire now'|url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/terri-white-empire-editor-departure/|work=[[Press Gazette]]}}</ref>
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


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''Empire'' reviews both mainstream films and [[art film]]s, but feature articles concentrate on the former. [[Ian Freer]] is a regular reviewer for the magazine.
''Empire'' reviews both mainstream films and [[art film]]s, but feature articles concentrate on the former. [[Ian Freer]] is a regular reviewer for the magazine.


As well as film news, previews and reviews, ''Empire'' has some other regular features. Each issue (with the exception of issues 108–113) features a ''Classic Scene'', a transcript from a notable film scene. The first such classic scene to be featured was the "I coulda been a contender" scene from ''[[On the Waterfront]]''.<ref name=index>{{cite magazine|magazine=Inside Empire|year=2009|pages=126–130|title=The Empire Index}}</ref>
As well as film news, previews, and reviews, ''Empire'' has some other regular features. Each issue (with the exception of issues 108–113) features a ''Classic Scene'', a transcript from a notable film scene. The first such classic scene to be featured was the "I coulda been a contender" scene from ''[[On the Waterfront]]''.<ref name=index>{{cite magazine|magazine=Inside Empire|year=2009|pages=126–130|title=The Empire Index}}</ref>


The ''Re.View'' section covers Blu-ray and DVD news and releases. ''Kim Newman's Movie Dungeon'' is a regular feature in the ''Re.View'' section, in which critic [[Kim Newman]] reviews the most obscure releases, mostly low budget horror movies. Newman has written for ''Empire'' since the first issue.<ref name=newman>{{cite magazine|magazine=Inside Empire|year=2009|pages=84–85|last=Newman|first=Kim|author-link=Kim Newman|title=How Would You Rate This Column?}}</ref>
The ''Re.View'' section covers Blu-ray and DVD news and releases. ''Kim Newman's Movie Dungeon'' is a regular feature in the ''Re.View'' section, in which critic [[Kim Newman]] reviews the most obscure releases, mostly low-budget horror movies. Newman has written for ''Empire'' since the first issue.<ref name=newman>{{cite magazine|magazine=Inside Empire|year=2009|pages=84–85|last=Newman|first=Kim|author-link=Kim Newman|title=How Would You Rate This Column?}}</ref>


''How Much Is A Pint of Milk?'' presents celebrities' answers to silly or unusual questions, including the question "How much is a pint of milk?" This is intended as a guide to the chosen celebrity's contact with reality, and as such can be more informative than a direct interview by reporting some surprising responses. [[Willem Dafoe]] was the first interviewee in issue 59 (May 1994).<ref name=index/>
''How Much Is A Pint of Milk?'' presents celebrities' answers to silly or unusual questions, including the question "How much is a pint of milk?" This is intended as a guide to the chosen celebrity's contact with reality, and as such can be more informative than a direct interview by reporting some surprising responses. [[Willem Dafoe]] was the first interviewee in issue 59 (May 1994).<ref name=index/>
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===The Empire Masterpiece===
===The Empire Masterpiece===
A regular feature since ''[[Raging Bull]]'' featured in issue 167 (May 2003),<ref name=index/> the Empire Masterpiece is a two-page essay on a film selected by ''Empire'' in the ''Re.View'' section. The selection of the films seem to be quite random and follow no specific pattern. Only a few issues since the first masterpiece feature have not featured one – 179, 196–198 and 246. Issue 241 (June 2009) had director [[Frank Darabont]] select 223 masterpieces.<ref name=index/><ref>{{cite journal|journal=Empire|issue=241|author=Darabont, Frank|author-link=Frank Darabont|url=https://empireonline.com/movies/features/frank-darabonts-favourite-movies/|title=Frank Darabont's Greatest Movies of All Time|date=15 May 2009|access-date=23 November 2019|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406085840/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/frank-darabonts-favourite-movies/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[L.A. Confidential (film)|L.A. Confidential]]'' and ''[[Magnolia (film)|Magnolia]]'' have been featured twice.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}
A regular feature since ''[[Raging Bull]]'' featured in issue 167 (May 2003),<ref name=index/> the Empire Masterpiece is a two-page essay on a film selected by ''Empire'' in the ''Re.View'' section. Only a few issues since the first masterpiece feature have not featured one – 179, 196–198 and 246. Issue 241 (June 2009) had director [[Frank Darabont]] select 223 masterpieces.<ref name=index/><ref>{{cite journal|journal=Empire|issue=241|author=Darabont, Frank|author-link=Frank Darabont|url=https://empireonline.com/movies/features/frank-darabonts-favourite-movies/|title=Frank Darabont's Greatest Movies of All Time|date=15 May 2009|access-date=23 November 2019|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406085840/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/frank-darabonts-favourite-movies/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[L.A. Confidential (film)|L.A. Confidential]]'' and ''[[Magnolia (film)|Magnolia]]'' have been featured twice.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}


===Former features===
===Former features===
''Where Are They Now?'' featuring past film celebrities and updating on their current professional and personal status first appeared in issue 28 (October 1991) featuring [[Mark Hamill]] and [[John Savage (actor)|John Savage]].<ref name=index/>
''Where Are They Now?'' featuring past film celebrities and updating on their current professional and personal status first appeared in issue 28 (October 1991) featuring [[Mark Hamill]] and [[John Savage (actor)|John Savage]].<ref name=index/>


''My Movie Mastermind'' was another regular in which a celebrity was given questions about the films they were in or they directed. Celebrities range from [[Quentin Tarantino]] and [[Christopher Lee]] (who were at the top of the scoreboard) to [[John Carpenter]] and [[Michael Keaton]] (who were at the bottom of the scoreboard). The feature first appeared in issue 212 (February 2007) with [[Terry Gilliam]].<ref name=index/>
''My Movie Mastermind'' was another regular in which a celebrity was given questions about the films they were in or directed. Celebrities range from [[Quentin Tarantino]] and [[Christopher Lee]] (who were at the top of the scoreboard) to [[John Carpenter]] and [[Michael Keaton]] (who were at the bottom of the scoreboard). The feature first appeared in issue 212 (February 2007) with [[Terry Gilliam]].<ref name=index/>


==Special editions==
==Special editions==
===Genre guides===
===Genre guides===
In 2001, ''Empire'' published a series of guides to the best films by genre including science fiction, horror, crime, action and comedy.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Empire|title=Editor's Letter|last=Cochrane|first=Emma|page=6|year=2001|edition=The Greatest Sci-Fi Movies Ever}}</ref>
In 2001, ''Empire'' published a series of guides to the best films by genre including science fiction, horror, crime, action, and comedy.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Empire|title=Editor's Letter|last=Cochrane|first=Emma|page=6|year=2001|edition=The Greatest Sci-Fi Movies Ever}}</ref>


===The Directors Collection===
===The Directors Collection===
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=== Eighteenth anniversary===
=== Eighteenth anniversary===
As part of its 18th birthday issue published in June 2007 ''Empire'' published a list of top 18-rated moments in film. They also selected the 50 greatest films rated with an [[18 (British Board of Film Classification)|18 certificate]].{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}
As part of its 18th birthday issue published in June 2007 ''Empire'' published a list of the top 18-rated moments in film. They also selected the 50 greatest films rated with an [[18 (British Board of Film Classification)|18 certificate]].{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}


===Readers' top films===
===Readers' top films===
''Empire'' occasionally poll readers to find out what their favourite films are.
''Empire'' occasionally polls readers to find out what their favourite films are.


A poll of ''Empire'' readers was published in September 2001 and listed ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' (1977) as the greatest movie of all time.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1559556.stm |title=Star Wars' triumph in best movie poll |date=23 September 2001 |work=BBC News |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927220656/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1559556.stm |archive-date=27 September 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2015}}</ref>
A poll of ''Empire'' readers was published in September 2001 and listed ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' (1977) as the greatest movie of all time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1559556.stm |title=Star Wars' triumph in best movie poll |date=23 September 2001 |work=BBC News |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927220656/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1559556.stm |archive-date=27 September 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2015}}</ref>


In March 2006, a readers' poll of The 201 Greatest Movies of All Time had ''[[The Shawshank Redemption]]'' (1994) as the number one choice.
In March 2006, a readers' poll of The 201 Greatest Movies of All Time had ''[[The Shawshank Redemption]]'' (1994) as the number one choice.


==== The 500 Greatest Movies of All Time ====
==== The 500 Greatest Movies of All Time ====
The list was selected in September 2008 by over 10,000 ''Empire'' readers, 150 film makers and 50 film critics. The list was accompanied by many different covers, each of which went on sale. The list was topped by ''[[The Godfather]]'' (1972) and the list's most represented director was [[Steven Spielberg]], who had eleven films in the top 500.<ref>{{cite web|date=|title=Empire's 500 Greatest Movies of All Time|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/500-greatest-movies/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Empireonline.com}}</ref>
The list was selected in September 2008 by over 10,000 ''Empire'' readers, 150 filmmakers, and 50 film critics. The list was accompanied by many different covers, each of which went on sale. The list was topped by ''[[The Godfather]]'' (1972) and the list's most represented director was [[Steven Spielberg]], who had eleven films in the top 500.<ref>{{cite web |date=2008 |title=Empire's 500 Greatest Movies of All Time|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/500-greatest-movies/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104180959/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/500-greatest-movies/ |archive-date=4 November 2015 |access-date=4 January 2025 |url-status=dead |website=Empireonline.com}}</ref>


In July 2014, during their 25th anniversary year, a readers' poll of The 301 Greatest Movies of All Time was topped by ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]'' (1980).<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Empire|title=The 301 Greatest Movies of All Time|pages=67–115|date=July 2014|issue=301}}</ref>
In July 2014, during their 25th anniversary year, a readers' poll of The 301 Greatest Movies of All Time was topped by ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]'' (1980).<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Empire|title=The 301 Greatest Movies of All Time|pages=67–115|date=July 2014|issue=301}}</ref>
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In 2017, ''Empire'' surveyed five thousand readers to produce a list of the 100 greatest films ever made which was once again topped by ''The Godfather''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-movies/|title=The 100 Greatest Movies|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-date=6 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706075658/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-movies/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2017, ''Empire'' surveyed five thousand readers to produce a list of the 100 greatest films ever made which was once again topped by ''The Godfather''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-movies/|title=The 100 Greatest Movies|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-date=6 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706075658/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-movies/|url-status=live}}</ref>


In 2021, they combined reader votes with Empire critics "choices" to create a top 100 list topped by ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-movies-2/|title = The 100 Greatest Movies}}</ref>
In 2021, they combined reader votes with Empire critics "choices" to create a top 100 list topped by ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-movies-2/|title = The 100 Greatest Movies| date=23 January 2023 }}</ref>


===Other polls===
===Other polls===
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== Podcasts ==
== Podcasts ==
''Empire'' launched their first [[podcast]], ''The Empire Podcast'', in March 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Podcast|first=The Empire Film|title=The Empire Film Podcast|url=https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MucG9kcGxheXN0dWRpby5jb20vMTIwOS54bWw|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Google Podcasts|language=en}}</ref> The [[podcast]] is released weekly and is hosted by [[Chris Hewitt (journalist)|Chris Hewitt]], alongside [[Helen O'Hara (journalist)|Helen O'Hara]] and James Dyer, as well as regularly featuring other ''Empire'' journalists such as Amon Warmann, Ben Travis and [[Terri White (journalist)|Terri White]]. The podcasts features film news, listener questions, interviews and reviews, as well as regularly having 'Spoiler Specials' which take an in-depth look at a single film, including [[Spoiler (media)|plot spoilers]]. Many of these episodes are included on a separate subscription-only feed that costs £2.99 per month.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sign Up To The Empire Spoiler Special Film Podcast|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/empire-spoiler-special-film-podcast-sign-up/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Empire}}</ref>
''Empire'' launched their first [[podcast]], ''The Empire Podcast'', in March 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Podcast|first=The Empire Film|title=The Empire Film Podcast|url=https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MucG9kcGxheXN0dWRpby5jb20vMTIwOS54bWw|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Google Podcasts|language=en}}</ref> The [[podcast]] is released weekly and is hosted by [[Chris Hewitt (journalist)|Chris Hewitt]], alongside [[Helen O'Hara (journalist)|Helen O'Hara]] and James Dyer, as well as regularly featuring other ''Empire'' journalists such as Amon Warmann, Ben Travis and [[Terri White (journalist)|Terri White]]. The podcasts feature film news, listener questions, interviews, and reviews, as well as regularly having 'Spoiler Specials' which take an in-depth look at a single film, including [[Spoiler (media)|plot spoilers]]. Many of these episodes are included on a separate subscription-only feed that costs £2.99 per month.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sign Up To The Empire Spoiler Special Film Podcast|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/empire-spoiler-special-film-podcast-sign-up/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Empire}}</ref>


In September 2018, ''Empire'' launched a second podcast focussed on television shows, called ''The Pilot TV Podcast''. It is hosted by James Dyer, [[Terri White (journalist)|Terri White]] and Boyd Hilton.
In September 2018, ''Empire'' launched a second podcast focused on television shows, called ''The Pilot TV Podcast''. It is hosted by James Dyer, [[Terri White (journalist)|Terri White]] and Boyd Hilton.


In July 2022, the podcast won in the “Best Live Podcast” category at the [[British Podcast Awards]] following  a live episode held in [[Kings Place, London]] to celebrate the podcast’s 500th episode that included returning favourites of lethal cunning, as well as guests such as [[Brett Goldstein]], [[Tom Holland]] and [[Johnny Knoxville]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/empire-podcast-wins-british-podcast-best-live-podcast/#:~:text=Some%20bangly%2Dbang%2Dup%20news,at%20the%20British%20Podcast%20Awards! | title=Empire Podcast Wins British Podcast Awards Best Live Podcast }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.goloudnow.com/podcasts/the-empire-film-podcast-397/500-tom-holland-joanna-hogg-harris-dickinson-brett-goldstein-rachel-zegler-kate-herron-johnny-knoxville-322146 | title=The Empire Film Podcast - #500 — Tom Holland, Joanna Hogg & Ha }}</ref>
In July 2022, the podcast won in the "Best Live Podcast" category at the [[British Podcast Awards]] following  a live episode held in [[Kings Place, London]] to celebrate the podcast’s 500th episode that included returning favourites of lethal cunning, as well as guests such as [[Brett Goldstein]], [[Tom Holland]] and [[Johnny Knoxville]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/empire-podcast-wins-british-podcast-best-live-podcast/ |first1=James |last1=White |website=Empire | title=Empire Podcast Wins British Podcast Awards Best Live Podcast | date=24 July 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118231408/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/empire-podcast-wins-british-podcast-best-live-podcast/ |archive-date= Jan 18, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.goloudnow.com/podcasts/the-empire-film-podcast-397/500-tom-holland-joanna-hogg-harris-dickinson-brett-goldstein-rachel-zegler-kate-herron-johnny-knoxville-322146 | title=#500 — Tom Holland, Joanna Hogg & Harris Dickinson, Brett Goldstein, Rachel Zegler, Kate Herron, Johnny Knoxville |publisher=GoLoud |work=The Empire Film Podcast |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230927143422/https://www.goloudnow.com/podcasts/the-empire-film-podcast-397/500-tom-holland-joanna-hogg-harris-dickinson-brett-goldstein-rachel-zegler-kate-herron-johnny-knoxville-322146 |archive-date= Sep 27, 2023 }}</ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
{{Main|Empire Awards}}
{{Main|Empire Awards}}
From 1996 until 2018, ''Empire'' organised the annual [[Empire Awards]], voted for by readers of the magazine, which were originally sponsored by [[Sony Ericsson]], and from 2009 sponsored by [[Jameson Irish Whiskey|Jameson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/awards2009/|title=Jameson Empire Awards 2009 website|website=Empireonline.com|access-date=16 October 2012|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025133615/http://www.empireonline.com/awards2009/|url-status=live}}</ref> The last awards were held in 2018 and after that the awards were discontinued for undisclosed reasons.
From 1996 until 2018, ''Empire'' organised the annual [[Empire Awards]], voted for by readers of the magazine, which were originally sponsored by [[Sony Ericsson]], and from 2009 sponsored by [[Jameson Irish Whiskey|Jameson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/awards2009/|title=The Jameson Empire Awards 2009 |website=Empireonline.com|access-date=16 October 2012|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025133615/http://www.empireonline.com/awards2009/|url-status=dead }}</ref> The last awards were held in 2018 and after that the awards were discontinued for undisclosed reasons.


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 07:59, 1 January 2026


Empire
Cover of the December 2024 issue, featuring Robert Pattinson in Mickey 17
EditorNick de Semlyen
CategoriesFilm
FrequencyMonthly
Circulation73,291 per issue (Jan – Dec 2023)[1]
Print and digital editions.
First issueMay 1989; 37 years ago (1989-05)
CompanyBauer Media Group
CountryUnited Kingdom
Based inLondon
LanguageEnglish
Websiteempireonline.com
ISSN0957-4948
OCLC40516612

Empire is a British film magazine published monthly by Bauer Media Group. The first issue was published in May 1989.

History[edit | edit source]

David Hepworth of Emap, the publisher of British music magazines Q and Smash Hits, proposed the idea of launching a film magazine similar to Q.[2][3] They recruited Smash Hits editor Barry McIlheney to edit the new magazine, with Hepworth as Editorial Director.[3] Hepworth drafted a one-page proposal outlining the magazine's objectives, including a commitment to reviewing and rating every film released in UK cinema.[3] The proposal also stated, "Empire believes that movies can sometimes be art, but they should always be fun."[2] The first edition (June/July 1989) was published in May 1989, featuring Dennis Quaid and Winona Ryder on the cover for the film Great Balls of Fire!. The magazine achieved its initial sales target of 50,000 copies.[3]

Film reviews were given a star rating between 1 and 5, with no half-stars.[4]

McIlheney served as editor for the first 44 issues, after which assistant editor Phil Thomas, who had been with the magazine since its inception, took over from the March 1993 issue.[2] In 1995, Thomas became managing editor and Q Features Editor Andrew Collins was appointed Empire's editor from issue 73 (July 1995). However, after 3 issues, Collins transitioned to Q following the departure of Danny Kelly, and Empire's Features Editor Mark Salisbury was promoted to Editor.[5]

In 2006, a compilation of the magazine's film reviews was published as the Empire Film Guide.[4]

In early 2008, Bauer acquired Emap Consumer Media.

Editors[edit | edit source]

Empire has had eleven editors:

  • Barry McIlheney (issues 1–44)
  • Phil Thomas (issues 45–72)
  • Andrew Collins (issues 73–75)
  • Mark Salisbury (issues 76–88)
  • Ian Nathan (issues 89–126)
  • Emma Cochrane (issues 127–161)
  • Colin Kennedy (162–209) (Will Lawrence acted as editor for 12 issues while Colin Kennedy was absent)
  • Mark Dinning (210–304). Dinning was formerly Associate Editor of the magazine leaving to take up the position of Editor of Total Film for a period, he then returned to take up the same role for Empire. He left the magazine in July 2014.[6]
  • Morgan Rees (issues 306–315)
  • Terri White (issues 318—393)[7]
  • Nick De Semlyen (since issue 394) [8]

Regular features[edit | edit source]

Empire reviews both mainstream films and art films, but feature articles concentrate on the former. Ian Freer is a regular reviewer for the magazine.

As well as film news, previews, and reviews, Empire has some other regular features. Each issue (with the exception of issues 108–113) features a Classic Scene, a transcript from a notable film scene. The first such classic scene to be featured was the "I coulda been a contender" scene from On the Waterfront.[11]

The Re.View section covers Blu-ray and DVD news and releases. Kim Newman's Movie Dungeon is a regular feature in the Re.View section, in which critic Kim Newman reviews the most obscure releases, mostly low-budget horror movies. Newman has written for Empire since the first issue.[4]

How Much Is A Pint of Milk? presents celebrities' answers to silly or unusual questions, including the question "How much is a pint of milk?" This is intended as a guide to the chosen celebrity's contact with reality, and as such can be more informative than a direct interview by reporting some surprising responses. Willem Dafoe was the first interviewee in issue 59 (May 1994).[11]

Each magazine includes a "Spine Quote", in which a relatively challenging quote is printed on the spine of the magazine. There are usually some obvious and obscure links from the quote to the main features of that month's edition. Readers are invited to identify the film source and the links to win a prize.

The Empire Masterpiece[edit | edit source]

A regular feature since Raging Bull featured in issue 167 (May 2003),[11] the Empire Masterpiece is a two-page essay on a film selected by Empire in the Re.View section. Only a few issues since the first masterpiece feature have not featured one – 179, 196–198 and 246. Issue 241 (June 2009) had director Frank Darabont select 223 masterpieces.[11][12] L.A. Confidential and Magnolia have been featured twice.[citation needed]

Former features[edit | edit source]

Where Are They Now? featuring past film celebrities and updating on their current professional and personal status first appeared in issue 28 (October 1991) featuring Mark Hamill and John Savage.[11]

My Movie Mastermind was another regular in which a celebrity was given questions about the films they were in or directed. Celebrities range from Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Lee (who were at the top of the scoreboard) to John Carpenter and Michael Keaton (who were at the bottom of the scoreboard). The feature first appeared in issue 212 (February 2007) with Terry Gilliam.[11]

Special editions[edit | edit source]

Genre guides[edit | edit source]

In 2001, Empire published a series of guides to the best films by genre including science fiction, horror, crime, action, and comedy.[13]

The Directors Collection[edit | edit source]

In 2001, Empire published a special issue on Steven Spielberg as part of The Directors Collection.[14]

Fifteenth anniversary[edit | edit source]

Empire published a special 15th anniversary issue in June 2004 by which time the magazine had reviewed 4,240 theatrical films. Nicole Kidman was named "actress of our lifetime" and Kevin Spacey was named "actor of our lifetime". A list of the 15 most influential films of the preceding 15 years was featured.

Eighteenth anniversary[edit | edit source]

As part of its 18th birthday issue published in June 2007 Empire published a list of the top 18-rated moments in film. They also selected the 50 greatest films rated with an 18 certificate.[citation needed]

Readers' top films[edit | edit source]

Empire occasionally polls readers to find out what their favourite films are.

A poll of Empire readers was published in September 2001 and listed Star Wars (1977) as the greatest movie of all time.[15]

In March 2006, a readers' poll of The 201 Greatest Movies of All Time had The Shawshank Redemption (1994) as the number one choice.

The 500 Greatest Movies of All Time[edit | edit source]

The list was selected in September 2008 by over 10,000 Empire readers, 150 filmmakers, and 50 film critics. The list was accompanied by many different covers, each of which went on sale. The list was topped by The Godfather (1972) and the list's most represented director was Steven Spielberg, who had eleven films in the top 500.[16]

In July 2014, during their 25th anniversary year, a readers' poll of The 301 Greatest Movies of All Time was topped by The Empire Strikes Back (1980).[17]

The 100 Greatest Movies[edit | edit source]

In 2017, Empire surveyed five thousand readers to produce a list of the 100 greatest films ever made which was once again topped by The Godfather.[18]

In 2021, they combined reader votes with Empire critics "choices" to create a top 100 list topped by The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.[19]

Other polls[edit | edit source]

Readers' top directors[edit | edit source]

In June 2005, a poll of 10,000 readers was asked to name the greatest film director of all time. In a list of forty directors, Steven Spielberg was granted the honour of greatest director.

Readers' top characters[edit | edit source]

A poll of Empire readers was conducted in 2008 to create a list of the 100 greatest movie characters, with Tyler Durden from Fight Club (1999) listed first.[20]

In June 2015, Empire's readers named the greatest film characters of all time led by Indiana Jones.[21]

Podcasts[edit | edit source]

Empire launched their first podcast, The Empire Podcast, in March 2012.[22] The podcast is released weekly and is hosted by Chris Hewitt, alongside Helen O'Hara and James Dyer, as well as regularly featuring other Empire journalists such as Amon Warmann, Ben Travis and Terri White. The podcasts feature film news, listener questions, interviews, and reviews, as well as regularly having 'Spoiler Specials' which take an in-depth look at a single film, including plot spoilers. Many of these episodes are included on a separate subscription-only feed that costs £2.99 per month.[23]

In September 2018, Empire launched a second podcast focused on television shows, called The Pilot TV Podcast. It is hosted by James Dyer, Terri White and Boyd Hilton.

In July 2022, the podcast won in the "Best Live Podcast" category at the British Podcast Awards following a live episode held in Kings Place, London to celebrate the podcast’s 500th episode that included returning favourites of lethal cunning, as well as guests such as Brett Goldstein, Tom Holland and Johnny Knoxville.[24][25]

Awards[edit | edit source]

Main article: Empire Awards

From 1996 until 2018, Empire organised the annual Empire Awards, voted for by readers of the magazine, which were originally sponsored by Sony Ericsson, and from 2009 sponsored by Jameson.[26] The last awards were held in 2018 and after that the awards were discontinued for undisclosed reasons.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "ABC Certificates and Reports: Empire". Audit Bureau of Circulations, (ABC). Retrieved 14 July 2024.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Thomas, Phil (2009). "Editors: Phil Thomas". Inside Empire. pp. 22–24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 McIlheney, Barry (2009). "Editors: Barry McIlheney". Inside Empire. pp. 8–10.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Newman, Kim (2009). "How Would You Rate This Column?". Inside Empire. pp. 84–85.
  5. ↑ Collins, Andrew (2009). "Editors: Andrew Collins". Inside Empire. pp. 38–40.
  6. ↑ Turvill, William (24 July 2014). "Empire editor-in-chief steps down to join Time Out Dubai after eight years". Press Gazette. Archived from the original on 25 July 2014. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  7. ↑ Turvill, William (2 September 2015). "Time Out New York editor-in-chief Terri White to take charge of Empire". Press Gazette. Archived from the original on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  8. ↑ "Terri White: 'If I hadn't had my baby I would still be editing Empire now'". Press Gazette.
  9. ↑ Helen O'Hara (5 February 2009). "Steven Spielberg To Guest-Edit Empire!". Empire. Archived from the original on 16 November 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
  10. ↑ "Empire's 20th Anniversary Edition". Empire Magazine. 6 May 2009. Archived from the original on 26 August 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 "The Empire Index". Inside Empire. 2009. pp. 126–130.
  12. ↑ Darabont, Frank (15 May 2009). "Frank Darabont's Greatest Movies of All Time". Empire (241). Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 23 November 2019.
  13. ↑ Cochrane, Emma (2001). "Editor's Letter". Empire (The Greatest Sci-Fi Movies Ever ed.). p. 6.
  14. ↑ "Steven Spielberg". Empire (The Directors Collection ed.). 2001.
  15. ↑ "Star Wars' triumph in best movie poll". BBC News. London. 23 September 2001. Archived from the original on 27 September 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  16. ↑ "Empire's 500 Greatest Movies of All Time". Empireonline.com. 2008. Archived from the original on 4 November 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  17. ↑ "The 301 Greatest Movies of All Time". Empire. No. 301. July 2014. pp. 67–115.
  18. ↑ "The 100 Greatest Movies". Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  19. ↑ "The 100 Greatest Movies". 23 January 2023.
  20. ↑ Sciretta, Peter (1 December 2008). "Empire's The 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time". SlashFilm. Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  21. ↑ "The Greatest Movie Characters of All Time". Empire. 29 June 2015. Archived from the original on 20 August 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  22. ↑ Podcast, The Empire Film. "The Empire Film Podcast". Google Podcasts. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  23. ↑ "Sign Up To The Empire Spoiler Special Film Podcast". Empire. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  24. ↑ White, James (24 July 2022). "Empire Podcast Wins British Podcast Awards Best Live Podcast". Empire. Archived from the original on 18 January 2024.
  25. ↑ "#500 — Tom Holland, Joanna Hogg & Harris Dickinson, Brett Goldstein, Rachel Zegler, Kate Herron, Johnny Knoxville". The Empire Film Podcast. GoLoud. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023.
  26. ↑ "The Jameson Empire Awards 2009". Empireonline.com. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Empire Awards Template:Bauer Verlagsgruppe

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