Top 10 Films & TV
Here is a list of my top ten favourite films & TV shows!
This list is not ranked. If you are looking for something to watch please take these as recommendations for both TV and Films
No 1 - Hannibal (2013-2015)
Hannibal was a psychological horror-thriller that first aired on NBC in 2013. If you don't have a strong stomach then I suggest you avoid this deliciously dark show. If you do then get ready for all the bloody violence you could ever wish for. Hannibal follows special agent Will Graham as he assists the FBI in solving some of the most disturbing crimes they've ever faced. The ordeal is stressful for Graham to say the least and the FBI soon enlist the intelligent and charismatic Dr. Hannibal Lecter to help Graham stay on track. Unfortunately the manipulative game of cat and mouse between the two lasts only three seasons.
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The show boasts thrilling and intricate plot lines, stunning imagery, and some of the most phenomenal acting I have ever seen. It came to an end far too soon.
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No 2 - The Fall (2006)
The Fall directed by Tarsem Singh is an adventure-fantasy that's half 1920's American hospital and half little girl's imagination. When five-year-old Alexandria, in hospital after breaking her arm, makes friends with another patient, injured stuntman Roy Walker, she is transported to a breath-taking world of adventure. Roy weaves a story of a group of heroes on a mission to defeat the evil governor Odious. What Alexandria doesn't realise is that Roy is using the story to manipulate her, asking her to steal medicine for him.
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This film has the most beautiful cinematography I have ever seen. Every shot is filled is perfectly set up and it uses real world footage of almost 20 countries. The story is heartfelt, emotional, and layered with very genuine acting. Well worth the watch if you can (be prepared for a good cry)
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No 3 - The Umbrella Academy (2019- )
The Umbrella Academy is the story of a group of super powered siblings who reunite after the death of their adoptive father. Additionally the world is going to end in eight days and it is up to them to stop it, they just have to find out what's behind it whilst also being hunted down by time traveling assassins.
Based on the comic book series by Gerard Way (yes, that Gerard Way) it is pure gold. The characters are complicated and flawed and incredibly engaging, the story has thrilling twists and turns, and the soundtrack (wow!) blew me away. It's not often that a show begins with a Phantom of the Opera medley played on the violin. Go watch it.
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No 4 - Princess Mononoke (1997)
When young prince Ashitaka is cursed by a demon after protecting his village, he travels far to the west to seek a cure. Ashitaka arrives in the middle of a war between humans and the ancient forest gods, and caught in between is San, known to the humans as Princess Mononoke. A human girl raised by wolves she will do anything to protect her home from what the humans are planning, whether it is with Ashitaka or against him.
An epic fantasy from the great mind of Hayao Miyazaki, animated by Studio Ghibli, Princess Mononoke is a story full of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Studio Ghibli has produced so many amazing and wonderful films but this has to be one of the best and was actually the first Studio Ghibli film I ever saw.
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No 5 - Big Eden (2000)
Henry Hart is an artist living in New York city, his new gallery is opening and everything seems to be going his way. But when Henry receives a phone call telling him his grandfather had suffered a stroke, he travels back to his home town Big Eden to look after him. Little does he know that his high school crush Dean Stewart has also moved back to town. Meanwhile Henry is oblivious to the feelings of shy Native American store owner Pike Dexter.
I'm not usually one for rom-coms but this one is so adorable and feel good that it became one of my favourites. Additionally, gay romance movies are on the rare side, and a film with a happy ending where no gay people die? Even rarer. But what makes Big Eden one of a kind is that the entire population of this small town in America is so supportive of the romance happening, they get so into the drama it's hilarious. If you want a movie that is easy and just makes you feel good then this is the movie for you.
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No 6 - The Good Place (2016-2020)
When you die you either go to The Good Place or The Bad Place depending on how well you lived your life. When Eleanor Shellstrop finds that she has made it into The Good Place, where you can meet your soulmate, get your dream home, and pretty much do anything you want, she soon realises there has been a mistake. She's not supposed to be there. So follows one of the best shows I have ever seen. It's a comedy that teaches it's audience about moral philosophy, I can't think of anything else that's like it.
From the mind of Michael Schur, the man behind The Office, Parks and Recreation, and another one of my favourites Brooklyn Nine-Nine (it's hard not to put that on here). It's been a long time since a show's finale has made me cry so please go and watch it.
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No 7 - Brother Bear (2003)
A young Inuit boy named Kenai is desperate to prove himself a man, and in a vengeful rage caused by his brother's death he kills a bear. This needless death angers the spirits of his ancestors, including his lost brother, and they transform him into a bear so that he may learn to see through the eyes of another. Kenai must travel to the mountain where the lights touch the earth in order to change back. On the way he meets Koda, a young bear cub that has been separated from his mother. The two embark on the great journey together and learn the meaning of brotherhood.
This is one of the lesser known Disney films that really deserves more exposure. A story focusing on siblings rather than a love story is a refreshing change and the soundtrack is by the one and only Phil Collins who also provided the soundtrack for Tarzan. It's emotional, endearing, and full of beautiful animation.
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No 8 - Stardust (2007)
Based on the Neil Gaiman book of the same name, Stardust follows the story of Tristan Thorn a young man living in the village of Wall. In an attempt to win the heart of his 'true love', Victoria, Tristan travels across the wall his village is named for and into the magical kingdom of Stormhold in search of a fallen star. However, he gets more than he bargains for when he meets Yvaine, the star he searches for. The two must confront bloodthirsty witches, lightning catching pirates, and power hungry princes as they travel back to Wall. As they journey Tristan learns that true love may have been in front of him all along.
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This was the first film that I actually thought was better than the book. It's great fantasy adventure with an all star cast that's funny and charming, a true classic.
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No 9 - Mulan (1998)
Another Disney film! China is under attack from the Huns and every family must send a male family member to join the emperor's army. Mulan has never quite been the perfect daughter but when her father is drafted into the military she must find a way to protect him. Stealing away in the night Mulan takes her father's place in the army, disguising herself as a man and becoming a soldier. Accompanied by the dragon Mushu, her horse Khan, and Cri-Kee the lucky cricket Mulan bonds with her fellow soldiers and changes that fate of all of China.
I watched this film when I was very young and it began my obsession with women that were kick-ass fighters. It was perhaps one of the first Disney film to show girls that they didn't need a man to save them, they could do it themselves (and save a whole country too). The songs are catchy and wonderful with brilliant characters such as the young general Li Shang (bisexual icon by the way!)
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No 10 - Ouran High School Host Club (2006)
Haruhi Fujioka has managed to earn a place at the prestigious Ouran Academy, school for children of the incredibly rich and high standing. One day Haruhi stumbles into an unused music room and into the open arms of the Host Club, a group of incredibly handsome boys that spend their time entertaining the young ladies of the school. Haruhi joins the Host Club to pay back a debt and pokes fun at their frivolous attitudes. There's just one problem. They haven't realised the new boy in their ranks is actually a girl.
The first anime television series I ever watched and still my favourite to this day! This show breaks gender norms left and right, and turns the stereotypes of shojo manga on its head. It's bright, happy, and there are some proper lessons to be learned in this show. But at the end of the day it's something silly I can put on without thinking.
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