SFX: the leading science fiction, fantasy and horror magazine

It's cobblers, of course. Serenity is a perfectly fun SF movie that achieves the remarkable feat of being coherent to people who'd never seen Firefly (I know, I was one of them) but the "best" SF movie? Hah. Come back in twenty years and see if anyone still remembers it; unlike pretty much all of the other movies on your list, it will have been long forgotten, replaced by whatever the latest hot franchise might be.

Posted by David (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 11:40 AM BST #

Er, guys the 1st of April was yesterday!

Seriously though - Serenity better than Star Wars?!? I don't suppose Mr Whedon sponsored the poll by any chance? Serenity isn't even in the same league as Back to the Future, and that's listed as tenth.

Posted by Mark (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 11:55 AM BST #

I was a die-hard Star Wars and Star Trek fan before I saw Serenity, after Serenity, I got Firefly and I loved it, every little thing!! I think it is well deserved and that maybe Fox see's the error of thier ways and bring Firefly back :D

"Can't Take the Sky From Me" w00t

Posted by Cherry (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 12:07 PM BST
Website: http://www.cherrypowered.com #

How many votes were cast? Polls are meaningless without the quantity of votes cast. Perhaps 68 people voted for Serenity. Still, it caught my attention. I'll rent it soon.

Posted by Luke (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 12:16 PM BST #

Well, let's be honest - this is the same phenomenon that saw Serenity crowned as Film of the Year for Film 2005, over a number of better contenders. Fanboys 'n' girls have voted again and again and again to make it happen, but it's pretty meaningless. Yes, it was a very good film and I loved it, but actually this doesn't help sci-fi becoming more mainstream because it perpetuates the idea that sci-fi fans are just rabid nuts in Klingon outfits who aren't able to exercise balanced critical judgement.

Still, am I mis-remembering? I notice this is presented now as your 'favourite' sci-fi film. I thought it was the 'greatest', which is a bit different, is it not?

Posted by David (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 12:41 PM BST
Website: http://www.sfx.co.uk/trackback/sfx/Weblog/lord_of_the_fireflies #

I have to agree that 'Star Wars' is a classic, and according to many sci-fi writers and producers was the film that inspired them and changed the face of sci-fi forever. This in my mind does make it the 'greatest ever.'

Serenity is a great 'stand alone' movie and worthy of all the accolades it gets, but I can't see it inspiring the next generation of writers.

I've heard lots of people disputing the poll results that have never seen Sernity or Firefly and would strongly urge everyone to rent the movie and the series and make an informed decision.

In summary Serenity is great but Star Wars is and always will be the greatest.

Also remember, there is a distinct difference between favourite and greatest.

Posted by Steve (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 01:00 PM BST #

Why is serenity above star wars? The characters. Instead of getting your typical stereotype characters,(loveable rogue, idealistic youth, etc),you get people with all their flaws and faults. There's good storylines, with a geat background to explore it, all abruptly ended due to cold feet from executives. Given the time and money Star Wars had to develop, of course Serenity can't be in the same league, but Serenity's core, it's very idea, brings more to the table than Star Wars.

Posted by stuart (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 01:28 PM BST #

Having just seen Serenity for the first time a few weeks ago I can understand why this movie is the favourite of a lot of people. Anyone confused by how it bet the other movies should just rent it - you won't regret it. And as for it not being around in twenty years time I'd have to disagree... I can see it growing ever more popular as a cult movie.

Posted by rory (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 01:29 PM BST #

yes genius about time i saw serenity get some praise. i was angry when firefly was canceled (even tho i missed most of it) and am disappointed ive not heard of any follow ons. i want a sequel and im sure others do to.

Posted by richard (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 01:33 PM BST #

Serenity is OK, but not the best. The huge plot chasm of the reavers being able to pilot spacecraft is just too hard to ignore.

It's a shame the Whedon obsessed drones of fandom feel the need to organise a block vote every time one of his creations appears in a poll.

Posted by Dave (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 01:33 PM BST #

I can't help feeling that Serenity only got top slot thanks to the fact it's newer than the others and we have all got into the habit of supporting Joss Whedon come rain or shine. Don't get me wrong, I loved Serenity, saw it twice in the cinema, bought it on DVD (all that jazz) but Star Wars has simply done more for Sci-fi. It's got a better pedigree and if Joss made a follow up to Serenity that sucked as much as the new star wars films it would just be a shame, as opposed to the crippling disappointment Episodes 1-3 turned out to be.

DAMN YOU LUCAS!!!!!

<ahem> forgive me. The wound runs deep.

Posted by Earl of Everywhere (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 01:42 PM BST #

Of course, there are no such thing as Lucas drones. I've never seen anybody dress as a Jedi or Darth Vader. I've never heard of anybody using a national census to have a new "religion" declared official.

No need to throw the rattle out of the pram because of an active fanbase (at the moment anyway).

Steve (a few posts above) is correct. Star Wars is a classic and always will be. I think Serenity will be a "cult classic" rather than mainstream.

Posted by Clarry (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 01:54 PM BST #

Anyone who disagrees with this is entitled to it, but Serenity was a fantastic movie. It brought more to the table than most sci fi movies (belivable characters, interesting stor, brilliant fight sequences and an original vision of the future! In twenty years people will still remember the film because it has been such a phenomen (it was best film of 2005 on film 2005 with johnothan ross and still has a HUGE fanbase!) And i think al,ot of people have lost faith in the star wars franchise full stop (because at the end of the day Serenity is what the star wars prequels should have been!)

Posted by richard (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 02:29 PM BST #

I don't see why's everyone so upset over this, Star Wars has way more fans than Serenity. They could've voted if they wanted to.

Posted by Sanny (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 02:33 PM BST #

Speaking as somebody who voted for Serenity, I think that in the cold light of day I would admit that Star Wars has a stronger claim to 'greatness'.

Perhaps part of the reason Serenity did so well, aside from the fact that it is an excellent film, is that it was based on something very special that was taken away from us long before its time by short sighted number chasing executives. We feel that there should have been more and, just maybe, if we shout loud enough we might see a little more of what might have been.

Whilst Firefly/Serenity fans are left desperately wanting more, I get the distinct impression that most Star Wars fans are now sated. The passion for Firefly is still growing. Don't be surprised if it does stay for a long while to come.

Posted by Chris (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 03:32 PM BST #

I would say Wrath of Khan is a better film and more memorable than Serenity and its not even in the top 10!!!

Posted by Judge (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 03:32 PM BST #

I have to agree with most of Chris has said. Serenity won because of the passion of the fanbase, they wanted 1st place more than anyone else. I was 9 when I saw Star Wars and it left a lasting impression on me but its power to move me is tempered by the travesty that was Episode 1,2 and 3.

If I had a billion pounds and the ability to remake Star Wars 1,2 and 3 or the chance to make Serenity 2 and 3 I'd choose Serenity. Nae ewoks or gundams either!

Posted by Jorune (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 04:16 PM BST #

Star Wars was fun, until Lucas made it kid friendly, then it just laid on the screen and steamed. Star Wars has become a marketing franchise, which keeps it in peoples mind far longer than it should have been kept. There is nothing there that is either enlightening or entertaining. It is filled with empty dialog and meaningless action sequences. Like the Star Trek franchise, the only good movie was the second one. The Empire Strikes Back along with The Wrath of Khan are the only movies in either franchise that a worth repeated viewings. Is it a coincidence that both title have 4 words in them? I think not.

Serenity is also a fun movie, with good dialog and an interesting story. I can see why it is some people's favorite. I would certainly choose it over any of the Star Wars films, except TESB.

Posted by Michael Gore (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 04:29 PM BST #

The result of this poll made it to the BBC News home page, but I can only conclude that those who voted for Serenity haven't watched any of the other films listed.

Posted by Neil (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 04:32 PM BST #

Firefly/Serenity fans are like Doctor Who fans: a massive, web-savvy swarm that jumps on every poll and block votes.

The best thing to do with polls that have Doctor Who or Firefly/Serenity come first is to cross out Doctor Who or Firefly/Serenity and make whatever comes after the winner!!

Posted by Dom (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 05:04 PM BST #

Some posters have asked why people are irritated by this. Well, part of my irritation (in addition to what I noted earlier) is that the result isn't simply because more people liked Serenity, it's because the fan base clearly mobilised for mass, repeat voting. I checked on the results over several weeks and Star Wars was consistently ahead, whilst Serenity was alongside the likes of Blade Runner, then suddenly from nowhere there is an explosion of Serenity votes making it a massive winner. I'm sorry, but such a voting pattern makes it clear that this was more than just a lot of people liking Serenity. That's what annoys me - that the voting has been skewed by a campaign that's designed to put pressure on the powers that be to ressurect Firefly. I'd rather have a meaningful result than a campaign.

Posted by David (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 05:09 PM BST #

Just checked the BBC news site and I'm pleased to see they've stuck in their own poll, which is showing far more sensible results before any Serenity mobbing - Star Wars first by a long way and Blade Runner second. Serenity is third at present. Once the community is roused like a many-headed Hydra no doubt this will change, but at the moment people without agendas are getting a fair say.

Let me just reiterate - I love Serenity and have recommended it to friends, but a bit of perspective is needed in terms of its standing.

Posted by David (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 05:17 PM BST #

Happily a meaningful result is available at IMDb. They maintain ranked lists of every genre based on thousands (sometimes hundreds of thousands) of votes. There's a sci-fi list, of course (http://uk.imdb.com/chart/scifi); Serenity comes in at number 40 on that list.

Posted by Neil (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 05:19 PM BST
Website: http://uk.imdb.com/chart/scifi #

Didn't take much searching to find several pages like this on Whedon sites:

http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=27548

That's what irritates me - taking over a poll for what they call 'guerilla marketing'.

Out of interest, SFX team, I noticed the poll went down a while back for 'technical issues' - did that have anything to do with this?

Posted by David (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 05:31 PM BST #

Serenity it's a great movie, but come on!
Better than Aleien, and Star Wars and Blade Runner?
Maybe next time you should allow only one vote per person (you know how it's done, don't you?)
I voted at least 40 times on Star Wars and ten times on B.R., so i imagine this outcome it's similar to one a couple of years ago, when my countrymen José Mourinho (you must have heard of him, he is a football coach) won by a landslide the Best Coach on Uefa.com (and all the votes were from the same computer on Oporto...)

Posted by Gaspar (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 05:36 PM BST #

All the sheep on the Firefly forums have flocked
together once more. "Ooh", they say, "another poll. Let's
skew another poll in line with our feelings. BAAAAA".

Can't you release the results of the entire poll so we can see the
'real' second place?

Posted by Jamie Starbuck (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 06:12 PM BST
Website: http://misanthropiste.blogspot.com/ #

Big fan of starwars here. but just like the model T! you got outdated holding on to it. its still good but serenity has it in spades. move over! New Captain in town! Names tightpants!

Posted by Joseph (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 07:12 PM BST #

Serenity and Firefly should be banned from all such polls because their insane fans will rig them to win every time.

The TV series was a flop. The film was a flop. Joss Wheedon has never had and will never have a mainstream success of his own creation. Hell, he was kicked off writing 'Wonder Woman' And the worst part is he actually encourages those fans of his to do these things.

Posted by Simon (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 07:13 PM BST #

It strikes me that the question wasn't "best," it was favourite - "Joss Whedon’s Serenity is your new favourite film."

As for everyone talking about Star Wars impact - directly? I can think of The Last Starfighter and Independence Day (but that was done as an homage to most sci-fi that came before). Alien, Blade Runner and Terminator all have had a longer, broader impact on the look and feel of sci-fi and even horror films today. Look at films like Mimic, Species, and Pitch Black (and that's just off the top of my head) - all of which drew from Alien - or Robocop, and Universal Soldier which show influences from Terminator. But that's not really the question now, is it? The question is favourite - and I have to admit, while I loved the original Star Wars, I haven't even been able to watch it again in the wake of the travesties that Lucas has called episodes 1-3 and the re-release of 4-6 with the additional effects. When Star Wars was re-released with the new effects I was horribly disappointed in the "New" Star Wars, and haven't been able to watch since.

And don't rule Serenity out in 20 years - Blade Runner wasn't received as well when it came out and now people see it as a classic of the genre.

Posted by Kevin (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 07:58 PM BST
Website: http://wi-fred.blogspot.com #

I've blogged about this as it annoys me so much.

Posted by Jamie Starbuck (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 08:20 PM BST
Website: http://misanthropiste.blogspot.com/ #

Well yeah, I gotta admit Star Wars* IS actually the best SF movie ever. Serenity was not a brilliant movie in its own right, it worked for me (and a fair few of you I'll wager) only because it had all the power of a delayed (and multiple!) orgasm after months of tantric style frustration after the first time we saw Objects in Space and 'knew' there'd never be an ending... so of course I voted for Serenity, partly because these on-line polls don't really mean anything anyway.

But to get all that coverage for the movie in the National Press makes it all worth it. And to think of that SFX letters page next month, all those fans getting all het-up and complaining of 'vote-rigging' just makes me want to go "Bwa-ha ha HA HA HAH. Mine is an Evil laugh!"

* I'm talking Star Wars here, not any of your Episode I nonsense, or even your episode II or III nonsense. And it might be sacrilegious to say so, but Empire was poor too. And Return was worse than Episode 1! "Episode 4" (once digitally manipulated) wasn't as good as it had been the first time round. The rot set in when there started calling it IV .... buh humbug rant rave Han shot first mumble Ewoks...

Posted by Fredrix (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 10:07 PM BST #

I was introduced to Serenity/Firefly via the movie. In the UK, Firefly was only shown on the Sci-Fi channel which we didn't have but after watching the film, I went back and watched all the Firefly episodes on DVD. I found the Serenity/Firely concept to be superb (no aliens, just humans for a change with no lightspeed or hyperspace), the soundtrack/music was moving and most importantly, the chemistry between the actors/characters was incredible. I've never seen a show where the cast work so well together and left me wanting more. Plus, I fancy Inara (Morena Baccarin, who would have made a great Wonder Woman) like hell. Of course, I was oblivious to the fact the show had been cancelled several years ago so I was left severly disappointed after not being able to find the second and third series.

People slag off the fans of Serenity for hijacking polls. Put it this way, if they didn't then Serenity, the movie, would never have been made and I wouldn't have been introduced to this gem. So, I thank the fans for that.

I hope that Joss Whedon changes his mind about a new film/series and someone other than Fox picks up the program. A new film would have to be a before (Independence War) and after (Reever War) event because all the characters should be included.

Posted by Abdul M. Ismail (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 10:42 PM BST
Website: http://www.interplanetary.ae #

Well, I've always been a long term Star Wars fan but as I also worship at the Church of Whedon, I chose to vote for Serenity, partly as a protest at the bloated, vaccous sequels the equally bloated Lucas knocked out just to sell the toys.

Most of the other films in the list have had their moment in the sun. Serenity never got the chance it deserved and if influencing the odd poll means that people will check out a grossly overlooked piece of filmaking then so be it.

And to all those smartarses who ask why Whedon was dumped from WW, its the same reason Goyer got dumped from another upcoming comic book film project - it' because neither writer will bend to the family friendly, watered down school of filmmaking. And good for them!

The worst thing in Hollywood right now is the suits ruining...sorry running the studios.

Posted by Hugh Jass (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 10:52 PM BST #

Once again the Firefly/Serenity fans get the vote out. I swear there is some secret society of fans who congregate on hidden internet forums linking and spread word of anything that the show or movie can be voted it.

I enjoyed Serenity, but it did not live up to the hype the fans gave it. And I certainly do not believe it is the classic they proclaim it to be.

Firefly fans have shot themselves in the foot with the rabid activities. No wonder Universal was so dissapointed when Serenity came out, most of the people going to the movie were the hard core fans who saw it 10 times.

It's getting very annoying that even in the smallest categories, these fans swarm onmasse to vote.

Here's the question. What does the SFX staff think should have won?

Posted by Michael Kennedy (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 10:54 PM BST #

By the way, I meant prequels, not sequels, obviously!

Posted by Hugh Jass (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 10:54 PM BST #

And don't get me started on Universal's p*ss poor advertising campaign for the film that year.

UIP puts out War of the Worlds that summer but doesn't trailer another SF film due out later that year with it?! Go figure.

Posted by Hugh Jass (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 10:57 PM BST #

The BBC have started their own "What is the best sci-fi film" poll. Here's the link to it, in case anyone wants to throw in a few (hundred) votes!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6517155.stm

Posted by Suz (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 11:08 PM BST #

What an embarrassment. Thank God the BBC is correcting the situation. Serenity better than Blade Runner, Alien etc? I think not. Good film but not a timeless classic.

Posted by Skaroth (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 11:25 PM BST #

I'd hardly even known about Firefly until the Serenity trailer hit the Net. Once I investigated and downloaded a few episodes, I rushed out and bought the DVDs. Now it's just behind "Babylon 5" as my favorite SF show.

In their zeal to drag Firefly out from under the rug Fox swept it, my fellow Browncoats seem to have overcompensated.

I myself only vote ONCE for Firefly/Serenity in any polls.

Posted by Chris Johnston (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 11:42 PM BST #

It's pretty simple, people are only moaning about the result because their favorite didn't win. Don't get me wrong, I understand that you think Star wars is a better film, I also understand that you're arrogant enough to think that your subjective opinion is fact, but life doesn't work like that. The results speak for themselves.....A big damn victory for Serenity. The official best Sci Fi movie in the history of anything ever.

Posted by Robert (127.0.0.1) on April 02, 2007 at 11:50 PM BST #

quote: "...best sci fi movie in the history of anything ever"? I don't think so. Now who's being arrogant???

Posted by CarShon (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 12:18 AM BST #

"quote: "...best sci fi movie in the history of anything ever"? I don't think so. Now who's being arrogant??? " Not my words, the words of the poll. Can't argue with a poll, unlike a Pole, who you could argue with if you spoke Polish, which I don't, so, you could be right.... what was the question again?

Posted by Robert (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 12:37 AM BST #

Wow... feeling the love of Browncoats here.
Some massive generalisations going on.
I voted for Serenity. I voted once. I am a Whedon fan but I did not vote for Serenity just because.
Oh, and obviously just because I'm a Browncoat I've obviously never seen a single other classic sci-fi film that's out there. Get over yourself.
I enjoy Star Wars, but for the most part the acting is shonky and the dialogue is hideous.
I've seen all the Alien films and love them deeply. Had Aliens been listed I would have had to have thought long and hard. 2001 is a classic and simply stunning. The Matrix was sullied by the two steaming piles of tripe that needlessly followed it.
Yes. I'm a Browncoat. But I don't just limit myself to that fandom. And nor do most of the other Browncoats I know.
Joss Whedon himself voted in this poll and didn't vote for Serenity.

Posted by bolondausztral (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 02:23 AM BST #

Way to go SFX. Whenever you do a poll it always seems to interest the media. You really are setting the agenda sometimes.

Although I wonder if the media hasn't gotten wise to amount of time Firefly/Serenity win in these type of polls.

Some fans are crazy. And the Browncoats are perhaps the craziest.

Perhaps you should start a poll on Most Dedicated Fanbase?

Posted by Michael Kennedy (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 05:01 AM BST #

Ok I'm a Star Wars Fanatic AND a browncoat (what we firefly/serenity fans are called) and I resent being called a sheep, stupid etc.
To you who said Joss Whedon has never had and will never have a mainstream success of his own creation you obviously have been hiding in a hole for the last few years..Ever heard of Buffy the Vampire slayer and Angel?
Also I resent the "they hijack, block polls"... just because you don't like the same thing we do doesn't mean what we like is less important! And I thought the whole idea with polls like this is to see what fans like? If you like something else then vote yourselves and stop whining about it!!!!
Gorramit! Grow up!

Posted by Celeste (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 05:06 AM BST
Website: http://www.velvetgeisha.com #

Has anyone watched star wars lately?
It isn't as good as you remember. The special effects were groundbreaking but the story is really more for children. It isn't scifi as much as a space opera. Don't kill the messenger - I still think it has a place in movie history.

Posted by scifisnob (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 09:41 AM BST #

I think the contest here wasn't between Serenity and Star Wars, it was between the prequels and Firefly. The Star Wars prequels were a huge disappointment that probably cost Star Wars a lot of votes, whereas Firefly is the best TV series ever, and Serenity, while not nearly as brilliant as the TV series, uses those same characters we all love. As a stand alone film it wouldn't have gotten nearly as many votes.

When you look at just the film and not the franchise, both would lose to films like Blade Runner, Alien and Terminator 2. It's actually the worlds and the franchises that we really love, and Star Wars got hurt badly recently, while Serenity comes from the most excellent pedigree you could hope for.

Posted by mcv (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 09:58 AM BST #

Star Wars apologists need to ask themselves what about Star Wars makes it so great, or even better than Serenity. The dialog? I hope that isn't your answer. The stripped down archetypal characters? Congratulations George, you watched Kurosawa and read a few books on how to make characters universally appealing. Is it the fact that Greedo now shoots first, is that what won your hearts? For God's sake at least put Empire Strikes Back up against Serenity - make it a contest.

Posted by David (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 10:12 AM BST #

What's wrong with you people? Serenity was a good movie, but it cannot beat out great movies like Blade Runner. The direction is unmatched and the dialogue is too whimsical. If we're going to breakdown the wall here, we should put up a better movie than Serenity. I can't believe none of the Star Treks are in the top 10. Star Trek X was more Sci Fi than Star Wars and Serenity combined!

Posted by Eddie Phanichkul (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 10:55 AM BST #

Can't Stop The Signal

Posted by Clarry (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 01:10 PM BST #

I suspect most people know days who claim to be in science fiction, havent watched anything but mainstream series. Noone gives credit to Odyssey 5, Total Recall 2070, Nowhere Man, The Starlost, Threshold, and the list goes on. Don't get me wrong Firefly and Serenity are good but dont approach anywhere near my top 10 list of best series or movie.

Posted by David (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 02:51 PM BST #

I loved "Blade Runner" and "Serenity" but can't take the results of any Sci-Fi poll seriously when they include movies like "Back to the Future" and "Plant of the Apes" which are both in the "Fantasy" genre.

Posted by Neil Rieck (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 02:52 PM BST
Website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/n.rieck/ #

I think what your seeing here is a movie that pulls at us stronger now because of the whole issue of firefly being mishandled and cancelled, even though the storyline once watched in the correct order was fun and entertaining.

The emotions from that still flood over. It should be interesting to see if in 10-20 years it still holds the same emotions.

I would agree however Empire Strikes back and the Wrath of Khan are more memorable movies, showing that even in their age now they still strike a cord with most Sci-Fi fans.

Bladerunner is fun, however I watch it now and its doesn't seem to age as well as some other movies.

I think the first Matrix is a classic in itself because it was such a wild ride, it took concepts and feelings people shared and used them to push a emotion connection to the viewer. How many times I have woken up to feel disconnected from the world, even dreaming of falling off a cliff only to awake alive and wonder, was that a dream, it seemed to real.

The rest of the movies to me on the list were just fun entertainment and don't hold as big a pull on my heart as those few movies I've discussed here.

Posted by Matt Mead (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 03:19 PM BST #

Since Serenity is a complete ripoff of Cowboy Bebop. I'd consider that to be the best sci-fi movie of all time. Too bad the legions of fanboys know nothing outside what is spoonfed to them.

Posted by Devon Palmer (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 03:29 PM BST #

If you asked a bunch of serious film bufs, which one was "more important", I am sure that Star Wars would be on the top of every serious film critic's list, whether they liked the film or not. Why?

Because it was the #1 most important sci-fi film in terms of cultural significance, wide-spread popularity, and social phenomenon. It was also important, in a crass way, because it marked the beginning of an era of tie-ins and commercialization.

Is Serenity less "good" in some way? No. It's a far better film than any film in the Star Wars saga. If this survey was about "what was your favorite film", then I am certainly glad Serenity ranked number one. All of my top-5 favorites are on that list, with the exception of Donnie Darko.
Where's Donnie Darko, lads?

Warren

Posted by warren (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 04:50 PM BST #

Actually, out of all the movies on this list, the one that will fade away the most is the Matrix. That movie's appeal will fade as its special effects become less special for a couple of reasons. First, because it's a pretentious piece of crap with really bad acting. Second, it's cursed with TERRIBLE sequels. The only prequel that surpasses them is Phantom Menace, otherwise even the bad star Wars movies hold up better.

Posted by Brave Sir Robin (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 05:49 PM BST #

I don't think Serenity belongs at the top spot, but it sure as heck beats out star wars. In my view, star wars is the most overhyped movie ever made. I'm old enough to remember the hype surrounding it before it came out. I saw it based on a recommendation, but unlike good science fiction, it had good (for the time) special effects, but did not have anything to say. Forbidden PLanet, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and Planet of the Apes (is that really science fiction) all were better movies.

Posted by jbengt (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 07:14 PM BST #

Oh FYI... this poll only lets you vote ONCE unlike the one on BBC...

Posted by Celeste (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 07:29 PM BST
Website: http://www.velvetgeisha.com #

Star Wars is a great film on its own but crusty ol' George sold out to the dark force of capitalistic impulse and sullied it forever with his mindless infantile prequels. I'm glad Serenity knocks it off its pedestral and send Lucas's stormtroopers ...er supporters, to cry in their beers.
For me, Dark City should be numero uno !!!
Enuff said.

Posted by Jabberwok (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 07:52 PM BST #

Serenity is a good film, but certainly not as ground-breaking as 2001, Bladerunner, Star Wars or Alien. But Firefly, on the other hand, *is* comparable to Star Trek, Babylon 5 and V.

So that's why it won, not because of the film, but because we still can't quite believe that Firefly is dead.

Posted by Malcolm (127.0.0.1) on April 03, 2007 at 11:12 PM BST #

I loved Firefly and Serenity. I would count Firefly as one of the best TV series of ALL TIME. Still, this is how I would reorder the top ten:

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey
2. Blade Runner
3. Serenity
4. Star Wars
5. The Matrix
6. Planet of the Apes (Heston/McDowell)
7. Alien
8. ST: The Wrath of Kahn
9. The Terminator
10. Back to the Future (the whole series, not just the first movie)

I put Serenity as #3 because I thought it was a better movie than ANY of the Star Wars pictures. But Star Wars was #4 because the series was clearly a phenomenon and a major body of work.

Special mention to Tron, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and Charly.

Posted by James Anderson Merritt (127.0.0.1) on April 04, 2007 at 06:32 AM BST #

Just read this online, says it all about the obsessiveness of the Browncoats.

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Rant-Give-It-Up-Browncoats-4828.html

Posted by CarShon (127.0.0.1) on April 04, 2007 at 09:14 AM BST #

Seriously some sour grapes. Im a "browncoat" that only got into the series/movie last year and although I will not dispute that there are sci-fi movies that had more impact on the genre I cant see any of them as more important to ME.

If I wanted to vote as a mindless collective then I might have selected star wars, but I didnt. I voted "once" for what I see as the greatest sci-fi movie of all time. SERENITY

Keep Flying!

Posted by craig (127.0.0.1) on April 04, 2007 at 11:18 AM BST #

How can a film with such ugly people in with no fashion sense be number one? And its just erupeans that say they like it cos no AMERICANS do as we have something called tatse.

Posted by Maria Shavzin (127.0.0.1) on April 04, 2007 at 12:07 PM BST #

Polls like this are probably not the most acurate source of information, despite my love of Firefly/Serenity I won't say it's THE best sci-fi film, but it's one of them.

I think Serenity will be remembered in 20 years, if not for the actual film but for the passion behind it. SW was a phenomonon the first time around but I, II and III were about CGI and making money, the characters were lost and most fans came away dissapointed, that's a well known film, not a great film. Serenity is a GREAT film because the man behind it truly cares about his characters and fans, and to bounce back from FF cancelation was a great achievement. Serenity inspires people all over the world to get together to raise money for charity every year, SW makes money for the box office.

If the poll is 'fixed' because crazed Browncoats vote over and over, that in itself says something about what makes a great film.

Posted by LexyM (127.0.0.1) on April 04, 2007 at 12:27 PM BST #

i just read this poll in an italian newspaper. Agree with many of the comments, as far as i understand them. How in the hell? The 61% of the voters were on drug, perhaps. Perhaps Serenity.

But actually not so impressive. Think about the governments.

Posted by maddex (127.0.0.1) on April 04, 2007 at 02:11 PM BST #

Don't like most science fiction. Loved Serenity, but Firefly series was by far the best thing I've seen coming out of TV. Star Wars was good, lost interest as the saga continued and then went retro. Prefer interaction of characters that are screwed up like most of us.

Posted by CB (127.0.0.1) on April 04, 2007 at 05:48 PM BST #

SHIT SHIT SHIT !!!!!!!

Posted by Spok (127.0.0.1) on April 04, 2007 at 09:00 PM BST #

The original trilogy of Star Wars is by far the greatest science fiction ever. It made science fiction what it is today. Special effects wouldn't be what they are today without it, the general concept of what science fiction is wouldn't be what it is without it, and we wouldn't have some of the major and greatest directors that we have today without it. It's inspired so many people from every generation since its making. Sure, the newer trilogy has dissapointed, and the older trilogy is outdated in many ways, but cinema is what it is today because of it. If you disagree, try reading some film history. Serenity wouldn't BE if it weren't for Star Wars.

And why the heck is Planet of the Apes up there? I saw the original, was uninspired and disappointed, and the new one doesn't look very promising either. Maybe POTA was just for its own generation. But that just shows how Star Wars has transcended generations. Sure, Serenity is the favourite of a few clicky-happy people, but Star Wars is undisputedly the greatest and favourite of ALL time.

Posted by jeffschu (127.0.0.1) on April 05, 2007 at 12:40 AM BST #

Firefly rules! PLEASE make more episodes! Serenity was an awesome movie. I came across this stuff at the end of 2006!!

Star Wars is my favorite movie...

Posted by anon (127.0.0.1) on April 05, 2007 at 01:30 AM BST #

OK people, first of all let me say that I voted for Serenity and that I'm not part of any sinister conspiracy of Browncoats.

Now... moving on... Star Wars is a package deal; as much as I love the original trilogy the new trilogy is garbage. Blade Runner is an intelligent and intriguing science fiction film that is simply too dull to qualify as a favorite (I've seen it once... I don't need to see it again). Planet of the Apes shouldn't even be on the top ten, why isn't anyone complaining about that? The Matrix is also a package deal weighed down by crappy sequels. Alien was an average movie at best, Aliens was good but then the rest were garbage. I'll admit that I haven't seen Forbidden Planet, but from what I've heard I doubt it would qualify as a favorite for similar reasons to Blade Runner. 2001 is pretentious garbage. The Terminator was average. Finally, Back to the Future should have been much higher on the list; although I still prefer Serenity.

Notice, if you will, that my reasoning does not include any references to a desire to promote a sinister Browncoat agenda.

Posted by Dude McCool (127.0.0.1) on April 05, 2007 at 01:55 AM BST #

What I don't get is why people suggest you rent Serenity and see what it's like. Because of its relative obscurity in the mainstream view of things, the DVD be found for about a fiver these days.

Now, I've not been to Blockbuster for some time, but I can't see the gap between renting and buying being that huge.

Plus if you buy, then don't like it, sell it on eBay.

Still, it's a nice poll for Joss to read and maybe enough to persuade the Firefly universe to be ressurected in some form somehow somewhere.

It'd be interesting to see a similar poll done between those professional film reviewer people who will have seen all the godawful sci-fi as well as the good stuff. Who would vote when they haven't seen all the options? It's like voting in an election for the one guy out of 20 that you've actually heard of or something.

(I make this comment after reading people being critical of the poll then adding perhaps I should rent Serenity)

Posted by John Edwards (127.0.0.1) on April 05, 2007 at 07:51 PM BST
Website: http://www.justgiving.com/johnredwards #

I vote that this thread should be in the top ten dumbest threads ever written. The stupidity on show here is just awe-inspiring. If you all love Star Wars so much why don't you pull your thumbs out of your arses, stop complaining, and go watch it.

Posted by Robert (127.0.0.1) on April 06, 2007 at 01:35 AM BST #

Clearly this poll doesn't differentiate between greatest Sci-fi film and "current favorite" Sci-Fi film. Some films stand the test of time, whereas others are short term favorites that fade over time. 100 years from now, people will still know and gush about Fritz Lang's Metropolis (1927), King Kong (1931), Frankenstein (1931), Forbidden Planet, 2001 Space Odyssey, Day the Earth Stood Still, Blade Runner and yes, Star Wars. If they are into the Sci-Fi, they will also have heard about and love The Matrix, Terminator, Planet of the Apes and Alien.

Anyone wanna take guesses whether they will have heard of Serenity 100 years from now?

While I truly love the Firefly series (I would absolutely put it in the top 10 Sci-Fi TV series of all time), and thought Serenity was terrific, its pretty clear that it doesn't belong in the same collection as those above - if browncoats are honest with themselves, they'll probably agree. "Greatest" has a different meaning than "current favorite." Where Serenity ultimately ranks among the many great second or third tier Sci-Fi movies is still to be determined. I place it somewhere between #30-#40. Regarding John Edwards' question above regarding professional film reviewers, I'd be willing to bet that those intimately familiar with the genre would probably place it similarly if not lower.

I would be willing to be any amount of money that no body of professional film reviewers would place Serenity anywhere near the top 10 greatest (I wouldn't be surprised if some of the film review bodies revisit their lists based on this poll). To those who truly believe that Serenity belongs in the top 10 greatest Sci-Fi movies, this is just an indication that you have a lot of movie watching to do! Fair warning though - some of them were made prior to technicolor.

Posted by SFAM (127.0.0.1) on April 06, 2007 at 04:30 PM BST
Website: http://www.cyberpunkreview.com #

I see the BBC have launched their own poll and have NOT included Serenity among the choces - Cowards

Posted by Boldlygone (127.0.0.1) on April 07, 2007 at 10:53 AM BST #

Boldlygone: which poll are you referring to? The BBC poll i'm voting on definitely has Serenity listed. The link is:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6517155.stm

Are they running 2 polls?

Posted by SanaRG (127.0.0.1) on April 07, 2007 at 12:00 PM BST #

the one I saw is here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/movies/

it just lists
2001
Alien
CEOT3K
WOTW
Matrix
Bladerunner
Star Wars

Posted by Boldlygone (127.0.0.1) on April 07, 2007 at 03:44 PM BST #

I would agree that Serenity doesnt truly fall into the "greatest" category. Firefly, however, does hold a very unique place, and serenity is simply a continuation of that series. Starwars had how many years of expansion? 6 movies, nearly a hundred book if not more, how many computer games? Comparing Starwars to Firefly doesnt seem like a very accurate comparison at all. Anyhow. While Starwars did do something unique with technology, I would have to say that it really only put in a very attractive light the kind of story that was told all along. starwars simply did a dang good job of making the story look good. Afterall, Light and Magic Inc. is still a leader in the special effects industry they did so well on the get go.
firefly...that's something very different, and very unique. More unique than Starwars (i'm an avid SW fan btw, owned 'bout every book till my bro threw 'em out.) Firefly was a very, VERY deep drama. Love, loss, Victory, defeat. Horrid odds for hope to even exist yet win out. It's why TESB is usually considered the best SW movie I think for the same reasons, its more personal...emotional. While this poll DOES show something that probably isnt a perfect reflection of the absolute average of movie watchers, it IS still interesting that Firefly fans would go to the trouble to mass poll the polls. How many Starwars, blade runner, 2001 fans would do that? And to let you know, Firefly, despite no market support, is still growing. Fanfics are growing daily. An MMORPG that has a good chance to succeed is coming out by a multiverse affiliate (I know we had galaxies, but SW Galaxies is currently considered a failure as an MMO by most, though of course not by all)Frankly, though Starwars is a classic, it was somewhat original when it came out, Firefly/Serenity stepped into a media market saturated with other movies/tv/books and wound up developing a massive following for what time it was out. And, considering most browncoats only became browncoats after the show stopped airing and became focused by the DVD's...that's something. Id be really interested in what would happen if the original starwars movies came out in the same way today with no one having seen them. What would happen? Interesting question I think.

Posted by Chrispy (127.0.0.1) on April 10, 2007 at 04:29 AM BST #

I find it amusing this massive effort to squash that little Firefly, and the chagrin that it doesn't stay dead.

Such a shame that Star Wars has plummeted all the way to #2 (on a magazine poll) after only 30 years.

Seriously, Star Wars was great... in it's day. As were all the others.

The audience evolves.

All I have to do is show somebody any 5-minute scene from Firefly, and they will invariably grab pen & paper to write the title down.
Said one, "This is really wonderful. There's a realism here that I've never seen before."
Said another, "The most beautiful Sci-Fi I've ever seen. Wait, not just Sci-Fi! This beats most dramas I've seen!"
Said all, "Why have I never heard about this until now?"

Why indeed.

Posted by Chris Johnston (127.0.0.1) on April 10, 2007 at 08:51 PM BST #

Hmmmm... I'm not seeing any movie poll on that http://www.bbc.co.uk/movies/ site. Help me out here?

Also:
Yes. We're hurting the franchise, show, verse, whatever. We're so in love with Firefly that we made a movie out of a canceled tv show. Truly, we must have failed. I must now throw myself on my sword.

Though I can see where you're coming from with the whole "death threats to critics" thing... that IS over the top.

Posted by Kelsey (127.0.0.1) on April 14, 2007 at 06:56 AM BST #

I was dragged to Serenity by my (grown) kids; I found it so-so. I couldn't figure out why anybody found Malcolm Reynolds appealing, his my-way-or-the-highway "leadership" was anything but inspiring.

I eventually (read: last month) looked at the Firefly series, and fell in love. Informed by that, I took another look at Serenity, and it was a very different experience - I already knew these characters. As a part of the franchise, Serenity holds up fine, but I stand by my original opinion - as a standalone film it doesn't make the list.

And yes, I've seen the whole top 10, most of them in first release.

Posted by Ned Horvath (127.0.0.1) on April 19, 2007 at 10:52 PM BST #

I had to see serenity once it made the top of the table, but to be honest, I wasn't as impressed as I thought I was going to be, so I didn't know how it had got to number one.

Luckily for me, a friend had the complete TV series and I watched the entire show -

.......................It was Fantastic.

Now I see why the movie was voted number one, it's simply another episode from the exquisite series.

However, that got me thinking, could it be...

.......................The greatest Sci-Fi on TV?

Only one way to find out -

SFX: Can we have a poll on sci-fi series please?
-------------------------------------------------------------------

(There's plenty to choose from!)

Anyone else like to see this too?

Posted by Matthew Wilcoxson (127.0.0.1) on April 22, 2007 at 04:00 PM BST
Website: http://www.akademy.co.uk #

i have to say i love firefly/serenity i used to like startrek (ds9 was the best) but after seeing firefly i was in love, and yeh it was better that starwars since it was cool,fast and witty a rare tresure, fox should be ashamed it axed firefly after 1 season. keep flyin.

Posted by needAlife (127.0.0.1) on April 27, 2007 at 05:22 PM BST #

Who cares? If some fans want to delude themselves that Serenity is the greatest then let them. Ho hum.

Posted by garymakin (127.0.0.1) on May 30, 2007 at 03:21 PM BST #

Put it in perspective:

All 6 Star Wars films appear in the top 100 highest grossing films in cinema history, all in the top 20.

Serenity doesn't.

Star Wars has and always will be better. This poll is irrelevant and has nothing to do with the majority thinking.

Posted by Cybos (127.0.0.1) on August 03, 2007 at 08:46 AM BST #

A very instereting poll- Serenity is one of the best pure sci-fi movies of the last few year and is 100% better than the new star wars movies on every level. but a classic better than classic star wars...I'm unsure, only time will tell.

As for the rest of the list, I would have placed Alien and The Matrix higther and had Terminator 2 instead of Terminator (a much better sci-fi film)Also maybe my tastes are a bit strange, but Brazil would have got into my top 10...

Posted by Wicker Man (127.0.0.1) on August 05, 2007 at 01:47 AM BST #

I loved Firefly to the point of distraction. Serenity is one of my favourite films would love to see a sequel if it happens...but COME ON! the Empire Strikes Back is the best Sci fi film ever! it would be nice to see real results on polls.

Posted by Rose (127.0.0.1) on August 26, 2007 at 06:31 AM BST #

I enjoyed Firefly but to see Serinity above all makes me wonder if I saw the same movie. Tastes are like cheeses, so various I guess.

Posted by Jean R (127.0.0.1) on September 04, 2007 at 09:48 PM BST #

SERENITY/FIREFLY (can not have one without the other) ROCKS STAR WARS RULE WHO SHOULD REALY CARE WHICH CAME TOP NO ONE WHY I HEAR YOU CRY OUT BECAUSE THEY ARE DIFFERANT TYPES OF FILMS AND BUDGETS

Posted by C MURPHY (127.0.0.1) on November 14, 2007 at 09:13 PM GMT #

These are the shows coming after Battlestar Galactica i think...

Posted by arda (127.0.0.1) on October 05, 2009 at 07:16 PM BST #

Categories

Latest Issue

Links

Search

News Feeds

Lord of the Fireflies

Poll

Calendar