There's a guy out there who doesn't like Star Wars?? I thought everyone with a penis was required to like Star Wars, The Matrix, and The Big Lebowski. He doesn't even like Empire Strikes Back? I'm in shock. It's like I just saw Bigfoot or something. Your guy must be studied for science! (Also, you started with the original Star Wars trilogy and went backwards, right? I can't imagine anyone over the age of eight who starts with Episode I: The Phantom Menace would want to continue.)
Have you tried Battlestar Galactica (the recent version), Lost, or Firefly? Amazing shows that anyone with an interest in quality television will enjoy that are also gateway drugs to geekery. If he likes Firefly, also try Joss Whedon's Dollhouse--a dark, action-packed show with a post-apocalyptic twist that didn't get a fair shake during its short run on FOX. (And don't forget Serenity, the underrated Firefly movie.) Also, if he likes Dr. Who, try other time travel fiction like Quantum Leap, Somewhere in Time, 12 Monkeys, or the twisty indie flick Primer.
As for Star Trek and Stargate, start with the movies. If he's not onboard with those, the TV shows probably aren't going to do anything for him. The recent Star Trek reboot movie would be a good place to start. It's fun, and gives you the basics of the Trek universe. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is also required viewing-- it's the most action-heavy of the Trek movies, and has one of the greatest (and best-dressed) villains in movie history. ("Khan!!!!") The Stargate movie is a lot of fun, but even I have trouble getting into all the TV shows so that might be one to skip. Have you tried Farscape? A really underrated show with some great puppet work by the Jim Henson Workshop. If he's into The Muppets at all, it's worth a look.
What about superhero movies? While not straight-up sci-fi, the good Batman movies (Batman, Batman Returns, The Dark Knight, Batman Begins), Iron Man, Watchmen, the X-Men films, The Crow, and the good Superman movies (Superman, Superman II, Superman Returns) could all be fun to watch together. Also try The Rocketeer, an Indiana Jones-esque adventure that often gets overlooked and the recent (and hilarious) geek hits Kick-Ass and Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World.
Of course, there are classic sci-fi movies that should be required viewing for anyone with even a passing interest in film. Blade Runner, Robocop, Brazil, Dark City, Metropolis (1927), The Fifth Element, The Matrix (not the sequels), Terminator,Terminator 2, Escape from New York, the first two Alien movies, Big Trouble in Little China, A Clockwork Orange, District 9, Moon, Donnie Darko, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Road Warrior, Mad Max, The Thing, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Back to Future movies, Children of Men, Planet of the Apes (the original), Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Iron Giant, Wall-E, Short Circuit, E.T., Batteries Not Included, The Last Starfighter, Flight of the Navigator, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers are just some of the many science fiction flicks that should have a home in everyone's Netflix queue. I'm assuming he's seen at least a couple of these, but going back to the classics never hurts.
Anyone other recommendations? There are tons of good gateway TV shows and movies. While he might not be a full-fledged member of the Nerd Bridage like you, there's still plenty of stuff that you could mutually geek out over. And the fact that he's into Doctor Who is a good sign. Anyone who likes Doctor Who is at least a little geeky.
Have you tried Battlestar Galactica (the recent version), Lost, or Firefly? Amazing shows that anyone with an interest in quality television will enjoy that are also gateway drugs to geekery. If he likes Firefly, also try Joss Whedon's Dollhouse--a dark, action-packed show with a post-apocalyptic twist that didn't get a fair shake during its short run on FOX. (And don't forget Serenity, the underrated Firefly movie.) Also, if he likes Dr. Who, try other time travel fiction like Quantum Leap, Somewhere in Time, 12 Monkeys, or the twisty indie flick Primer.
As for Star Trek and Stargate, start with the movies. If he's not onboard with those, the TV shows probably aren't going to do anything for him. The recent Star Trek reboot movie would be a good place to start. It's fun, and gives you the basics of the Trek universe. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is also required viewing-- it's the most action-heavy of the Trek movies, and has one of the greatest (and best-dressed) villains in movie history. ("Khan!!!!") The Stargate movie is a lot of fun, but even I have trouble getting into all the TV shows so that might be one to skip. Have you tried Farscape? A really underrated show with some great puppet work by the Jim Henson Workshop. If he's into The Muppets at all, it's worth a look.
What about superhero movies? While not straight-up sci-fi, the good Batman movies (Batman, Batman Returns, The Dark Knight, Batman Begins), Iron Man, Watchmen, the X-Men films, The Crow, and the good Superman movies (Superman, Superman II, Superman Returns) could all be fun to watch together. Also try The Rocketeer, an Indiana Jones-esque adventure that often gets overlooked and the recent (and hilarious) geek hits Kick-Ass and Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World.
Of course, there are classic sci-fi movies that should be required viewing for anyone with even a passing interest in film. Blade Runner, Robocop, Brazil, Dark City, Metropolis (1927), The Fifth Element, The Matrix (not the sequels), Terminator,Terminator 2, Escape from New York, the first two Alien movies, Big Trouble in Little China, A Clockwork Orange, District 9, Moon, Donnie Darko, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Road Warrior, Mad Max, The Thing, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Back to Future movies, Children of Men, Planet of the Apes (the original), Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Iron Giant, Wall-E, Short Circuit, E.T., Batteries Not Included, The Last Starfighter, Flight of the Navigator, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers are just some of the many science fiction flicks that should have a home in everyone's Netflix queue. I'm assuming he's seen at least a couple of these, but going back to the classics never hurts.
Anyone other recommendations? There are tons of good gateway TV shows and movies. While he might not be a full-fledged member of the Nerd Bridage like you, there's still plenty of stuff that you could mutually geek out over. And the fact that he's into Doctor Who is a good sign. Anyone who likes Doctor Who is at least a little geeky.
what about comedy that references sci fi but is funny to all like spaced or something?
Good idea. Spaced is great, as is the amazing BBC sci-fi/horror parody "Garth Marenghi's Dark Place."
Are you sure he's a guy?
anyone who doesn't like Firefly must be dumped ;) j/k
great suggestions chic geek! You and I are of a kind. In a different reality, I could have called you friend.
great suggestions chic geek! You and I are of a kind. In a different reality, I could have called you friend.
great suggestions chic geek! You and I are of a kind. In a different reality, I could have called you friend.
oops, sorry for the triple comments lol
Thank you, those are some great suggestions : ) someone's in for a movie night!
Pretty sure that next Rian Johnson's movie is gonna be epic
(can't see Gattaca and The Twilight Zone in your list!)
I didn't mention Gattaca? That one is a must. Also old Twilight Zone episodes really hold up.
Loved Brick. Can't wait for Rian Johnson's next film. That Matt Damon Philip K. Dick movie, "The Adjustment Bureau," also looks good.
What about Dune and Children of Dune!!
Ha, I love Dune (particularly the David Lynch movie) as much as the next nerd, but it is a little dense for newbies. Though if he likes Dr. Who, it might be worth a try. The movie is pretty awesome.
What about Dune and Children of Dune!!
IMO, Deep Space 9 is probably the best intro to Star Trek series after the new movie. I'm just barely getting into Star Trek (I saw the new movie, thought it was pretty cool, and then started watching beginning with TNG, though I'll probably go back and check out the older movies and the "best of" TOS episodes at some point) and not only does Deep Space 9 have some of the best writing of Star Trek that I've seen so far, it has some of the best writing of any television show I've ever seen, period. I know some Trek fans have mixed feelings about it because of it's "Darker and Edgier" groove (though I think the "darkness" of DS9 is vastly overrated, speaking as someone who has found shows like Firefly occasionally too dark) but for a new fan, I think it's probably a better intro than the amazing but somewhat more mixed bag of TNG or--from what I've heard--somewhat patchy writing of TOS.
Voyager is the best, IMO. I like DS9 and TNG, yeah, but Voyager had a woman Captain! Janeway's the man! (lol)
What about trying to ease it through with video games? Although if he doesn't like Star Wars I question his attachment to xbox. (Oh goodness, is my age bracket showing yet?) Bioshock, Dead Space, Far Cry, and Fallout put him in the middle of the Sci-fi action. :)
Install WOW. Show him how it works. Then you will have an instant nerd. No one can resist it!