This Goodreads group is run by Sam from Thoughts on Tomes and the Goodreads group link is here:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/118368-top-5-wednesday
This week’s topic is our favorite science fiction and fantasy (SFF) in other media besides books. Since fantasy has been in my life since forever, this was no brainer for me. These aren’t ranked (can’t do that), but I couldn’t wait to share these five awesome SFF stories/series.
1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
WARNING: This video contains spoilers throughout the 7 seasons, so if you haven’t watched it, be warned! But oh man this show is timeless! I started watching it not long after the show ended in 2003 (probably between 2004-2006, around there) but I fell in love with the show. It did show a main female lead kicking butt and being strong in many ways while trying to be a teenager. It defined a generation and still connects to teens today for many reasons. Plus, Spike is my forever favorite hot bad guy 🙂
2. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
I did beat this game recently, but it’s that good 🙂 it follows a young salvager named Rex who gets caught up in a world surrounded by walking Titans (people live on them), blades (human looking beings that fight beside you) and also seeing that there’s more to life than just taking care of your own goals. This group of characters you follow are complex, likable, funny and grow so much. Even the other Blades have their own quests and have some fun development. If you love JRPG games, you need to get this!
3. Legend of Zelda Franchise
Granted, this is just a fraction of my Zelda collection. I first got sucked into this franchise clear back in 1998 when Ocarina of Time was on the Nintendo 64! *Old school forever* Ever since then, I have: amiibos, puzzles, shirts, game cases, an actual ocarina and PLENTY others. I just love how with each game, you have a different world to explore and different versions of the Hero of Time’s battle against Ganon. Also, there’s a few I still haven’t played but I’ll almost anything this universe 🙂
4. Studio Ghibli films

I have loved this Japanese film studio since I was 13 when I first watched Kiki’s Delivery Service, and then Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away soon after. I can’t really choose a favorite but I love how colorful, fun and original many of them are. There’s a few I still haven’t seen, but these movies rival Disney for me!
5. Sailor Moon
This was my first anime that got me into anime and I’m not ashamed 🙂 For 10 years of my life, I had: mangas, novel versions, dolls, DVD/VHS of movies and episodes, a lunch box, a mini trash can, two costumes made and many more things. It’s magical girls fighting evil 🙂 What’s not to like? Sure it can be cheesy but this was another part of my childhood and it will always have a special place in my heart.
Honorable Mentions
- Fire Emblem game franchise
- Tales of Symphonia (Gamecube game)
- Heroes of the Storm (Blizzard Game)
- Hellboy films
- Beauty and the Beast 80’s TV show
- Van Helsing film (2004)
What are some of your favorite SFF besides books? What do you know about these? Do you like them too?
Pretty much all the games you mentioned are ones I want to play! I love JRPGs, but I only have a laptop to play on, no consoles at all, so I’m limited
I will admit to having a soft spot for the Hellboy films. I really liked them. I think they are making more Hellboy movies soon… maybe…
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They are making a new Hellboy and I was against it for years. But the new guy playing him (the sheriff from Stranger Things) has a ton of potential 🙂 I know there’s a bunch of RPG indie games on Steam for sure.
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I am VERY jealous of your Zelda collection. And I love that you lumped all of the Ghibli/Zelda work into one entry each. I should have done that with all the Final Fantasy games!
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Thank you 🙂 it’s nice that there’s a ton merch out there for Zelda. I have never played FF but I need to one day 🙂
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I loved Symphonia! 🙂
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Yes! This made my day 🙂 such an awesome game. If you loved that one, I recommend Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for the Switch!
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I have been seeing Buffy everywhere recently. Apparently there is talk of a reboot. Sadly, I have watched the original series. Yikes! I need to. I need to know who this Spike is…
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Yes you do! 😀 It’s on Netflix too
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Buffy made my list, too. Ooh The Beauty & the Beast show! Yes! I don’t think I’ve met anyone else besides my mom who’s seen it, but it was so good from what I remember. I’m kicking myself for not mentioning Sailor Moon and Kiki’s Delivery Service now (I’ve only seen a couple of Ghibli films so far). Great list 🙂
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Thanks 🙂 I’m glad many people enjoy the nostalgia! And I’m so happy someone remembers the Beauty and the Beast TV show 🙂 I found out about it in high school and still love it!
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I love Studio Ghibli films! They are so imaginative and strange and oh, so good! And I’ve been wanting to watch Buffy since forever! Maybe this summer I can finally get to it!
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It’s on Netflix 🙂 and yeah the first season is really short but it’s very fun
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Is it sad I have yet to watch a Studio Ghibli film? I’ve been meaning to but… I don’t know why I haven’t… I just don’t know which one to start with
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There’s a lot to choose from 🙂 If you want the most mature fantasy one, do Princess Mononoke. But I personally recommend either Howl’s Moving Castle or Castle in the Sky!
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Hell yes, Studio Ghibli is amazing!! I grew up watching Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke so many times, my sister insult each other with “Okkoto” or “No-Face” or “Yubaba” during our fights 😂
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Right? LOL that’s great! They did change their name to Studio Ponoc but their movie is called Mary and the Witch’s Flower 🙂 it was cute
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I gotta get myself to watching some Studio Ghibli films gahh they all look and sound so good!
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I recommend starting with either Spirited Away or Castle in the Sky 🙂
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Thanks!
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Yes to Van Helsing! It’s the best vampire movie out there, I’ve rewatch it so often!
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Wohoo! I remember going to the theater to see it when it came out way back when 🙂
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