Today's Topic:
Top Ten Favorite Movies & TV Shows
I'm just warning you in advance, this list is going to be all over the place... I've decided to divide it up into top five movies and top five TV shows, each with honorable mentions because ohmygod I love so many (and basically I can't decide).
Top Five Movies
#5: Taken
Are there actually people who don't like this movie? Liam Neeson is the biggest badass of all time. I absolutely adore watching him hunt people down. And "I will find you and I will kill you." Seriously, chills. There are honestly just days when you need to watch the good guy win and this movie fulfills that need and so freaking much more. Because Liam Neeson.
#4: The Matrix
When I first saw this movie, it was just an amazing movie that kept me glued to the screen. As I've gotten older, it has become a movie that makes me question everything. Neo is literally the role Keanu Reeves was born for and, frankly, the only role I can tolerate him in. He's totally convincing and you just want him to win. Sure, the sequels got a little meh, but it's still one of the better trilogies out there and the original Matrix is hands down one of the best films ever made. If you haven't watched it (because, you know, it's fifteen years old) you really need to stop by Netflix (or Amazon or whatever) and give Neo a couple hours of your life. You will not regret it.
If you read my Harry Potter post last week, you might be aware that I was really late to hop on the Potter bandwagon. My parents didn't allow me to have anything to do with the books or movies growing up, so my first experience was with the movies in 2006, after I'd moved out of my parent's house. I now re-watch these movies about once a year. I finally read the books in 2011 - back to back to back (to back to back to back to back), a first for me. Usually I read other books in between the books of a series and come back, but Harry Potter just wouldn't let go. I recently re-watched them all and made a list of my favorites in order from most to least favorite: Order of the Phoenix, Deathly Hallows (1 &2), Prisoner of Askaban, Sorcerer's Stone, Goblet of Fire, and Chamber of Secrets. How does your list compare to mine?
This movie surprised my pants off (not literally, that would be awkward). I enjoyed the first one okay, so when I went to the theater to see Into Darkness, I was expecting a good movie (I really just went for Spock), but I ended up loving it to a possibly unhealthy degree. I believe I saw it five times in theaters (twice in IMAX 3D, twice in Real 3D, and once standard) and then preordered the 3D blu ray and watched it twice more. It's just so... good. The feels are very strong with this one. It inspired me to watch The Original Series, (though I still haven't seen the original movies) and start reading the comics. It would honestly have the number one spot on my list if it wasn't for my first love...
While I admittedly had a hard time ranking my top ten (as evidenced by the honorable mentions), there was never any contest for number one movie. The Lord of the Rings and I go way, way back. Because I was a super sheltered child, I discovered The Fellowship of the Ring in my friend's movie cabinet (on VHS) in early 2003, during my sophomore year in high school. I remember my friend saying it was boring. I took it home, put it in the VCR (some of you might have to google that. Haha!), and did not move from my seat til it ended. Thus began my love affair with Lord of the Rings. I saw Return of the King in theaters twice (which was a big deal when I was 15, cause I was broke) before I started collecting every LotR thing I could get my hands on. Galadriel is and will always be my favorite. I have all the movies in extended edition on DVD and Blu ray, the books, the Silmarillion and the Histories of Middle Earth, Galadriel Barbie (ha), and two LotR (Galadriel) inspired tattoos. It's safe to say I'm an addict.
Honorable Mentions
Top Five TV Shows
#5: Spartacus
This is my number five because it is just epic. It also happens to be one of only two TV shows I've ever actually purchased - because it's worth watching again and again. The entire show is so over-exaggerated (if you've watched it, you know what I'm talking about). Spartacus is quite simply blood and sex just for the sake of blood and sex. I was devastated when Andy Whitfield died, but I feel confident in saying Liam McIntyre did an admirable job filling his shoes (erm... sandals). If you like Ancient Rome and lots of fighting, this show is definitely for you. And if not, that's just more for me!
Specifically Murder House. This is number four on my favorite TV show list and number two on my TV-shows-I've-spent-money-on list. I originally watched it for Zachary Quinto (swoon), but I stayed for the cringe-worthy scares. This show tells a story that will creep you out and make you really uncomfortable all at the same time. It certainly is not for the faint of heart!
#3: Downton Abbey
Okay, I know what you're thinking: "AHS followed by a bunch of snobby rich people?" Um... I did warn you that my TV habits are a little erratic. Truth: I have no idea what I love so much about this show. It's a guilty pleasure of mine that I found last summer. I blew through the first two seasons is about three days and I am not ashamed because it was amazing. Every time an episode ends I basically stare at the screen while my heart falls out of my chest. I love it.
Oh, please. Like you didn't see that coming. Though I'm displaying the Capaldi poster, Ten is my favorite. He always has been and always will be. My favorite companions are Donna followed closely by Amy. My least favorite companions are Rose, Martha, and that new girl (in that order). It's not so much that I don't like Clara. It's just that I don't -know- her yet. I am not a Capaldi hater. I'm super excited for him! I have mourned Matt Smith and moved on.
Okay, seriously, please don't judge me. When I was deciding which show was my number one, I seriously considered which one I'm currently dying to watch and this one is it. I just love The Vampire Diaries and The Originals (which I'm counting as one) so much. They intertwine and the story... well, first of all, it's better than the book. But I'm going to let you in on a secret because we're friends: two of the main reasons I watch the show are Damon and Klaus. In my opinion, these are the two deepest characters - much more so than Elena or Stephan. So now you know my dirty secret. I hope you're happy.
Honorable Mentions
After completing this list, a few things have occurred to me. First, ranking my top ten is literally the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I feel like I need to reevaluate my life. Second, I'm old. Third, I have literally no "chick flicks" on this list with the exception of Downton Abbey, The Vampire Diaries, Revenge, Buffy and Beauty and the Beast (if those count). This must be why my husband loves me.
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish - a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers. Each week they post a new Top Ten list and everyone is welcome to join. Click here to get involved!
