Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Today’s topic is Top Ten Favorite Movies or TV Shows, so I decided to do my Top 5 of each. These are kind of in order, starting with my absolute favorite, though sometimes the numbers can be shuffled a little bit depending on my mood!
My Top 5 Favorite TV Shows
1. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
When I first started watching Deep Space Nine, I had just come off of the best of times for The Next Generation, and starting all over again with a new Star Trek series definitely had its growing pains. But THEN… the multiple episode story arcs, the obstacles the characters had to overcome, how dark the overall tone of the show became and yet how it actually thrived in humor as well (minus those Ferengi episodes… but no show is perfect…)… simply put, I fell in love with it. The characters, their struggles and stories, the station… and then the ending was satisfying and yet left me wanting more. Just thinking about it makes me want to binge it watch it all NOW.
2. Babylon 5
Simply put, Babylon 5 blew me away and I was not expecting it. There are many similarities between it and Deep Space Nine, yet the production budget was clearly lower. But the characters, their story arcs, the overall story arc for the show… while Deep Space Nine did an extraordinary job in very similar ways, in some ways, Babylon 5 honestly outshines it (until its last season… but we won’t talk about that…). The writer/creator of the show actually had the story planned out in advance, as well as contingencies for characters leaving the show, and the thoughtfulness of it really shows (again, until… well, you know…). If you love science fiction or simply amazing storytelling, give this one a chance. (And it’s not too similar to DS9, I promise.)
3. Star Trek: Enterprise
Enterprise doesn’t get a ton of love from the Star Trek community, and it’s too bad. I can understand in some ways… the first season had more misses than hits, some of the characters had vanilla personalities and static arcs, and it didn’t move forward with the Trek timeline. But seasons three and four (er… minus the-finale-that-shall-not-be-named) were so strong. The show got Deep Space Nine level dark and heavy fast and I ate it all up. I also enjoyed seeing the rough stuff that had to happen before Star Fleet could become what it did.
4. Star Trek: The Next Generation
The Next Generation was seven years of hits and misses and everything in-between, but I have got to say, there is something about this particular group of characters that will stay with you always. Apparently the cast all got along really well in real life (and still do when they’re together for conventions!) and I think that helps their dynamics. Plus, there are some really fabulous episodes of Star Trek in the show that explore humanity, love, and make you think a lot.
5. Fringe
If you have read my blog for a while, then you were probably here for my journey through watching Fringe seasons 1-5 (you can read my general recap for the show here). It had some low points, but overall it was really strong and intriguing, and I don’t think I ever felt so deeply invested in a show before. I was listening to episode recap podcasts (The Fringe Podcast by Golden Spiral Media, in case you’re curious) nearly every day, my husband and I were deciphering the glyphs given between the commercial breaks of each episode with the glyph app, we would exchange theories at the dinner table, and simply put I was completely into it. I loved the main characters so much and the storylines were just so interesting.
My Top 5 Favorite Movies
1. Inception
Inception is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite movie. Every time I watch it I have new questions, feel so wrapped up in Cobb’s mind, and am amazed by how these complex strands are tied together at the end. It blows me away every single time and I feel like it is the standard for its genre of film (however you would even classify it, because I sure don’t know). It challenges my view of the world and inspires me to create. Simply put, I love it.
2. Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice (2005) was my very first exposure to Jane Austen, and how thankful I am to have discovered it. The film is beautiful visually, and watching Matthew Macfayden and Keira Knightley as Darcy and Elizabeth is just perfection to me. It gets to me every time. I used to watch this movie so much I almost got tired of it for a while, but after a break I am back to loving it just as much as I did before.
3. While You Were Sleeping
While You Were Sleeping may be a 90’s rom-com, but I have loved this movie for well over a decade now, and it will always be near and dear to my heart. I actually don’t care for most romantic comedies, but While You Were Sleeping feels pitch-perfect to me every time. It’s witty, charming, and interesting, and even if the look is aged, the story doesn’t feel aged. I will always adore it.
4. The Dark Knight
I love what Nolan did with Batman, and the second film in his Dark Knight trilogy was, in my opinion, the strongest and most intriguing. When I watched The Dark Knight for the first time I was in college and minoring in psychology, and I was so blown away by how much a superhero story captured the psyche of mankind. Every time I see it I am struck by how dark, challenging, and bone-chilling it is. And Heath Ledger’s portrayal of The Joker? Quite possibly the best villain to grace the big screen EVER.
5. The Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of The Opera was the first musical I truly came to love. I think it is a gorgeous movie and I love the music and the story. Every time I watch it or listen to the soundtrack I get caught up in it all over again.
What are your favorite TV shows and movies? Let me know if you’re a fan of any of my favorites!
You sci-fi junkie! lol Great list! 🙂 And why have I never heard of While You Were Sleeping?! I need to see it ASAP! 😛
I am quite the sci-fi junkie, though there is still so much of the genre I still need to see! And yes, check out While You Were Sleeping! So cute!
LOVE Star Trek and a fellow Trekkie!
Yay for Trekkies! 🙂
And wow look at all that Star Trek! I don’t think I’ve ever seen any episodes though.
Yep, I’m a big Trekkie. If you’re interested, search on the blog for “Your Star Trek Introduction” about getting started with the show. 🙂
All these sci-fi shows and no Battlestar Galactica?! I started that version of Phantom of the Opera earlier this week and haven’t gotten time to finish it, but I’ve had Phantom songs in my head all week as a result. Great list. Here’s mine.
I haven’t watched Battlestar Galactica yet! It’s on my list of shows to watch someday though!
I have so much love for most of your picks! Even if I haven’t seen two of the Star Trek series, it’s awesome they feature so heavily in your list! And I loved Inception when I first saw it – I think I’m due for a re-watch, it would be interesting to go into it a second time. And Phantom!! The story is so beautiful, And with the music, the acting and the gorgeous visuals, it’s one of my favorite films too!
I need to check out some of your other picks – I’m most intrigued by While You Were Sleeping!
I’m just so jealous and excited of you discovering Star Trek for the first time! And yes, check out While You Were Sleeping! It’s super cute!
I’m new to your blog but oooohhhhhh Fringe!!! I loved Fringe so much! Clearly I’m going to have to go back and check out some of your Fringe posts!!
What a fantastic list!
If you search “Fringe” in the search bar here on the blog you’ll find my reviews of each season plus a little more Fringe love! I was pretty addicted to it last year!
I also love Star Trek, Babylon 5, and Fringe! Inception was cool and I should rewatch it again sometime. I’m still ambivalent about Nolan’s Batman. They were a bit too dark for me. Phantom of the Opera was great fun, though. I even have the sound track.
I haven’t seen much Enterprise, though. I think I heard that it was canceled and most of the fourth season plots were left unresolved. Is that true?
Enterprise was cancelled after four seasons, but I don’t understand where the unresolved plots comment you hear is coming from. One or two things may not have been resolved all that well but most of it was I think.
That’s good to hear. I’ve been thinking about getting it on DVD.
I think they’re all out on Blu-Ray now, which if you have a Blu-Ray player would be awesome since it was shot in HD.
So happy to see While You Were Sleeping on here! I watched that film on the plane a few years ago and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s just so cute and sweet. I was debating putting it on my list but then I decided to swap it for another Sandra Bullock, The Proposal. ): Still love it though!
WYWS is super sweet! I haven’t seen The Proposal!
Pride and Prejudice is a great movie!
I haven’t watched Phantom. I should check that out.
Yes you definitely should! The music is amazing!
Fringe!! I love Fringe so much!! I am sad that it is over. I also see you love Sci-fi shows. You should try Eureka out.
Top Ten Tuesday
Isn’t Fringe awesome?! And I’ll have to add Eureka to my list of shows to look into.
Awww, While You Were Sleeping! That’s such a cute feel-good rom-com, one of those movies perfect for curling up with during the winter holidays 🙂
So true!
I like the Star Trek love but I am curious on Enterprise. I know I’ll have to re-watch that series one day. You like the Dark Knight? I never knew.
Enterprise gets good, IMO, especially in season 3. And yes, I’m big fan of Nolan and really like Batman in general as well, though I feel like I’m not a “real” big fan since I’ve never read the comics or seen the animated shows.
I still have yet to watch The Dark Knight.
I am not huge on sci-fi shows. However, that could be that I haven’t watched very many. I do want to watch Fringe someday. Mostly because I love JJ Abrams so much! He has two shows on my favorite list. Plus, I didn’t know Scott Bakula was in Star Trek. That probably just gave away how little I know about Star Trek! My sister and I watched Quantum Leap when we were younger.
Even if sci-fi is not your usual fare you would probably really enjoy Fringe. And Scott Bakula’s Captain Archer is probably the least recognized Star Trek captain, so you’re not alone. If you like him you might enjoy the show! It’s pretty different from the other Star Trek shows… it’s still sci-fi but I think it feels more accessible for people who are not used to sci-fi or Star Trek.
Have you watched Firefly. I don’t hear you mention it but I think you’d like it if you haven’t 🙂
TNG will always be my favorite Star Trek. Love it so much. But also Stargate (both SG1 and SGA and even Universe a little) which is different, much quirkier but also endearing in its own way.
That Pride and Prejudice was my first exposure to Jane Austen also 🙂 so beautiful! And Phantom of the Opera is also so beautiful. And Inception is a whole different level of brilliant. I’ve seen it 3 or 4 times and love the score. And while it’s intellectually brilliant, it isn’t emotional enough for me. I think Nolan is a very talented, even unparalleled, director. But he works with his head and is only grasping for his heart. It’s like Michael Bay who creates shots no one else can compare to but couldn’t direct an actor out of a paper bag. Wait, did I just compare Christopher Nolan to Michael Bay? I take it all back!
Yes, I love Firefly! I haven’t seen any Stargate though.
All the Star Trek love makes me so happy! My husband is a huge Deep Space Nine fan..my favorite is next generation!
Awesome that you are a Phantom phan! I have seen the stage play five or six times..I had a michael crawford poster up in my dorm room lol
Five or six times, wow! I saw it on Broadway once and saw a (very good) high school production of it once as well.
Oh, also, it’s funny that your husband is a DS9 fan and you’re a TNG fan because my husband and I are the opposite… he’s the big TNG fan and I’m the big DS9 fan. 🙂
Thank goodness Pride and Prejudice has both a great book and a great movie! I read the book first and was nervous about how the movie would be, but I completely loved it. I actually bought the movie right after watching it online. I wanted it on my iPod so I could watch it all the time haha =)
I used to seriously watch it like once a month! That’s why I kind of got burned out on it, but no more!
Sci-fi fan I reckon 😉 Would you believe me if I said I’m totally clueless about Star Trek :3
My top ten
Yep, my husband got me into most of the aforementioned shows. I know a lot of people who are clueless about Star Trek, but it doesn’t mean I won’t stop singing its praises! 🙂
I’ve watched Fringed with my mom and dad too! It was so awesome! I didn’t finish it yet, ‘cuz I have studies, but my parents were half-way through now! 😀
I bet they’re busting to tell you all the crazy things that have happened since you stopped watching! So match happens in so little time on that show!
YAY STAR TREK!! I’m still surprised that you liked Enterprise so much, but I guess you’re probably wondering why I love Voyager so much. >_< Those two are definitely the least favored among the Star Trek community and it makes me sad. 🙁 I still need to watch Babylon 5, but I guess I'll have to wait until I'm done with Star Trek first!
I really like Voyager too, but you do love it more than I do, obviously. I don’t really wonder why, since I know everyone’s tastes are different, and Voyager has a pretty awesome cast of characters! I would probably like it more than TNG if I had seen it before TNG, but by the time I got to Voyager it kind of felt like updated TNG in a way, if that makes sense.
Have you seen any Enterprise? I’m curious how you’d like it. It really picks up the third season, which might be a little sad for a four season show, but I really did enjoy it most all of it.
Also, you ought to check out the podcast To The Journey. It’s all about Voyager and the hosts are very enthusiastic about it! I think you’d love it!
Hmm, I hadn’t really seen Voyager as an updated TNG, even though I did see a decent about of TNG first. But maybe if I’d seen it all the way through before watching Voyager, I’d feel the same. I do think TNG has a TON of interesting episodes and storylines, though, so it’s been sort of nostalgic for me to go back and watch the rest of it now!
I’ve seen a couple of episodes of Enterprise. I do find some of the characters interesting, and I am curious to know more about the origins of Starfleet, so I do want to watch more. I just had a lot of trouble getting into it, because I don’t really like most of the main cast. =/
OMG I didn’t know there was a podcast about Voyager! I need to look it up — thanks. 😀
Yeah, the podcast is with a network called Trek FM and they have podcasts on I think on all the different Trek shows now (well, except probably the animated series, which most people don’t really count).
As far as Enterprise characters go, I think Phlox and Trip are probably the most interesting from the get-go, I really came to like Archer and T’Pol quite a bit as the show progressed, and Malcom has a little bit of interesting history that pops up late in the show. Unfortunately they don’t do too much with Hoshe and they do even less with Travis.Oh, and if you like Jeffrey Combs, they have him play an Andorian who pops up from time to time and he’s fun. Apparently if there had been a season five he would have been on the bridge! *mourns that there is no season 5*
As I came into my nerd sometime in my late 20s, I’m just now watching Star Trek: TNG and I love it. Something about it reminds me of my childhood. 🙂
I’ve just gotten into all this in my 20s as well! My husband actually loves TNG very much in part because of the association with childhood!