Inspiring Movies and TV

I’ve always loved the big screen…and while I subscribe to most genres (including mystery, drama, horror, comedy), science-fiction has always claimed the top spot for me. Here are some of the movies and TV shows that inspire me:

Star Trek: The Next Generation (Series)

Always a trekkie (and aspiring Vulcan) at heart, I grew up watching Star Trek…from the early series and movies with Captain Kirk and Spock…to the more modern take with Captain Picard and Data. What I always loved about the series was its take on the future of mankind. Technology had finally moved us beyond the need for monetary systems, borders and self-imposed limitations, where everything was possible and everyone worked towards greater self-actualization. While the series had its flaws, the tech mostly made sense…and it’s finally coming at us, fast. From flip-top communication devices (remember the Motorola Razr?) to touch-screen tablets and universal translators, we’ve got lots to thank the series (and movies) for!

Star Trek TNG Opening Theme:

Top 10 Star Trek TNG episodes by WatchMojo:

Movies by Christopher Nolan

This British film maker rarely disappoints in his writing-directing endeavours. Some of his most iconic films are as intelligent as they are entertaining. And there are plenty to choose from…Memento (2000), Insomnia (2002), Batman Begins (2005), The Prestige (2006), The Dark Knight (2008), Inception (2010), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Interstellar (2014) and more to come.

Interstallar, in particular, is an unforgettable visual masterpiece.

Arrival (2016)

One of the best ‘first contact’ movies since Contact, Arrival is a five year labour of love by Director Denis Villeneuve – incredibly constructed, shot and acted, this is a movie you won’t easily forget.

Here’s a great deconstruction of the movie by Nerdwriter (Contains Spoilers!)

Her (2013)

Spike Jonze’s beautiful and thoughtful character study deals with the issues of technology, society, relationships, loneliness and the singularity with particular grace and flair. The movie is also an introvert’s delight…plus the acting and movie’s pastel colour scheme is magnificent.

Here’s a great analysis of the movie:

Ex Machina (2013)

I know what you’re thinking…yet another movie about the singularity? Yes it is…but it’s an intense psychological thriller too. Top notch acting and a brilliant plot make this movie an absolute must watch.

Black Mirror (Netflix Series)

There’s no denying that technology can be used for both good and evil…Black Mirror is a top-notch series on Netflix that takes a walk down a pretty dark road, imagining just what could go wrong. Enough said…

Other Favourites:

• Stranger Things
• Cosmos (series)
• The White Rabbit Project (series)
• Mythbusters (series)
• The Matrix Series
• The Alien/s Series
• The Terminator Series
• Back to the Future Series
• The Robocop Series
• Wall-E
• Blade Runner
• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
• Jurassic Park Series
• The Max Max Series
• The Martian
• District 9
• The Planet of the Apes Series
• The Predator Series
• Moon
• Sunshine
• Avatar
• Gravity
• Minority Report
• The Abyss
• Contact
• 2001: A Space Odyssey
• Metropolis
• Looper
• …and loads more!

What inspires you?