The foundation is laid and massive appeal for cinema is seen worldwide.
[This is a series of lists listing films deemed important based on their technical, artistic, historical or cultural significance. This shall also serve as a good resource for film studies however it is extensively based on my own personal preferences.
Resources:
[1]r/truefilm, IMDb, AFI's top 100, Sight & Sound Critic's Directors' Top 100, and various others.
[2] Looking at Movies: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Movies-Fifth-Richard-Barsam/dp/0393600653 and The Movie Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Movie-Book-Ideas-Simply-Explained-ebook/dp/B017AR0MUS
[3] Download Links: https://throwbin.io/qdBFC7I (Piracy Is Illegal ffs & I shall not be responsible)
Excerpt From https://www.imdb.com/user/ur73738276/watchlist?sort=release_date%2Casc&view=detail listing films from 1902's **A Trip To The Moon to 1931's Frankenstein
PS: Trakt has incorrect dates for a great many titles. so use IMDb or wikipedia! This list uses IMDb and 'Rank' is the correct order. ]
Imported 25/25
The foundation is laid and massive appeal for cinema is seen worldwide.
[This is a series of lists listing films deemed important based on their technical, artistic, historical or cultural significance. This shall also serve as a good resource for film studies however it is extensively based on my own personal preferences.
Resources:
[1]r/truefilm, IMDb, AFI's top 100, Sight & Sound Critic's Directors' Top 100, and various others.
[2] Looking at Movies: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Movies-Fifth-Richard-Barsam/dp/0393600653 and The Movie Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Movie-Book-Ideas-Simply-Explained-ebook/dp/B017AR0MUS
[3] Download Links: https://throwbin.io/qdBFC7I (Piracy Is Illegal ffs & I shall not be responsible)
Excerpt From https://www.imdb.com/user/ur73738276/watchlist?sort=release_date%2Casc&view=detail listing films from 1902's **A Trip To The Moon to 1931's Frankenstein
PS: Trakt has incorrect dates for a great many titles. so use IMDb or wikipedia! This list uses IMDb and 'Rank' is the correct order. ]
Imported 25/25
Concepts like the Blockbuster is introduced. 1980s is called 'one of the weaker decades in cinema'. The rise of independent films revive cinema again in the 1990s.
[This is a series of lists listing films deemed important based on their technical, artistic, historical or cultural significance. This shall also serve as a good resource for film studies however it is extensively based on my own personal preferences.
Resources:
[1]r/truefilm, IMDb, AFI's top 100, Sight & Sound Critic's Directors' Top 100, and various others.
[2] Looking at Movies: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Movies-Fifth-Richard-Barsam/dp/0393600653 and The Movie Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Movie-Book-Ideas-Simply-Explained-ebook/dp/B017AR0MUS
[3] Download Links:Qxr, Sartre, Garshasp for more iconic ones. Yify and others for the rest. (Piracy Is Illegal ffs & I shall not be responsible)
Excerpt From https://www.imdb.com/user/ur73738276/watchlist?sort=release_date%2Casc&view=detail listing films from 1981's *Christiane F to 2000's Traffic
PS: Trakt has incorrect dates for a great many titles. so use IMDb or wikipedia! This list uses IMDb and 'Rank' is the correct order. ]
Films already watched have been exempted. Imported 274/276
Concepts like the Blockbuster is introduced. 1980s is called 'one of the weaker decades in cinema'. The rise of independent films revive cinema again in the 1990s.
[This is a series of lists listing films deemed important based on their technical, artistic, historical or cultural significance. This shall also serve as a good resource for film studies however it is extensively based on my own personal preferences.
Resources:
[1]r/truefilm, IMDb, AFI's top 100, Sight & Sound Critic's Directors' Top 100, and various others.
[2] Looking at Movies: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Movies-Fifth-Richard-Barsam/dp/0393600653 and The Movie Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Movie-Book-Ideas-Simply-Explained-ebook/dp/B017AR0MUS
[3] Download Links:Qxr, Sartre, Garshasp for more iconic ones. Yify and others for the rest. (Piracy Is Illegal ffs & I shall not be responsible)
Excerpt From https://www.imdb.com/user/ur73738276/watchlist?sort=release_date%2Casc&view=detail listing films from 1981's *Christiane F to 2000's Traffic
PS: Trakt has incorrect dates for a great many titles. so use IMDb or wikipedia! This list uses IMDb and 'Rank' is the correct order. ]
Films already watched have been exempted. Imported 274/276
Events such as the cultural revolution and the abolition of Hay's code contribute to the daring and more experimental nature of films of the 60s which were a prelude to what was to come in the 70s. 70s begins with worldwide major film movements. This period is considered to be the heyday of cinema with the release of many great films that would change the landscape forever.
[This is a series of lists listing films deemed important based on their technical, artistic, historical or cultural significance. This shall also serve as a good resource for film studies however it is extensively based on my own personal preferences.
Resources:
[1]r/truefilm, IMDb, AFI's top 100, Sight & Sound Critic's Directors' Top 100, and various others.
[2] Looking at Movies: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Movies-Fifth-Richard-Barsam/dp/0393600653 and The Movie Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Movie-Book-Ideas-Simply-Explained-ebook/dp/B017AR0MUS
[3] Download Links: Qxr, Sartre, Garshasp for more iconic ones. Yify and others for the rest.(Piracy Is Illegal ffs & I shall not be responsible)
Excerpt From https://www.imdb.com/user/ur73738276/watchlist?sort=release_date%2Casc&view=detail listing films from 1961's *La Notte to 1980's Altered States
PS: Trakt has incorrect dates for a great many titles. so use IMDb or wikipedia! This list uses IMDb and 'Rank' is the correct order]
Films already seen have been exempted. Imported 227/231
The so-called golden age of Hollywood begins with advancements in film technology and also marks the creation of the Hay's Code. This was also the period when new genres of film emerged and further diverged into many sub genres. By the 1950s, heavy emphasis on spectacles and big-budget productions was also prominent. The period came to an end as the "New Wave" started.
[This is a series of lists listing films deemed important based on their technical, artistic, historical or cultural significance. This shall also serve as a good resource for film studies however it is extensively based on my own personal preferences.
Resources:
[1]r/truefilm, IMDb, AFI's top 100, Sight & Sound Critic's Directors' Top 100, and various others.
[2] Looking at Movies: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Movies-Fifth-Richard-Barsam/dp/0393600653 and The Movie Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Movie-Book-Ideas-Simply-Explained-ebook/dp/B017AR0MUS
[3] Download Links:Qxr, Sartre, Garshasp for more iconic ones. Yify and others for the rest. (Piracy Is Illegal ffs & I shall not be responsible)
Excerpt From https://www.imdb.com/user/ur73738276/watchlist?sort=release_date%2Casc&view=detail listing films from 1932's **Scarface to 1960's The Naked Island
PS: Trakt has incorrect dates for a great many titles. so use IMDb or wikipedia! This list uses IMDb and 'Rank' is the correct order. ]
Films already watched have been exempted. Imported 192/193
The so-called golden age of Hollywood begins with advancements in film technology and also marks the creation of the Hay's Code. This was also the period when new genres of film emerged and further diverged into many sub genres. By the 1950s, heavy emphasis on spectacles and big-budget productions was also prominent. The period came to an end as the "New Wave" started.
[This is a series of lists listing films deemed important based on their technical, artistic, historical or cultural significance. This shall also serve as a good resource for film studies however it is extensively based on my own personal preferences.
Resources:
[1]r/truefilm, IMDb, AFI's top 100, Sight & Sound Critic's Directors' Top 100, and various others.
[2] Looking at Movies: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Movies-Fifth-Richard-Barsam/dp/0393600653 and The Movie Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Movie-Book-Ideas-Simply-Explained-ebook/dp/B017AR0MUS
[3] Download Links:Qxr, Sartre, Garshasp for more iconic ones. Yify and others for the rest. (Piracy Is Illegal ffs & I shall not be responsible)
Excerpt From https://www.imdb.com/user/ur73738276/watchlist?sort=release_date%2Casc&view=detail listing films from 1932's **Scarface to 1960's The Naked Island
PS: Trakt has incorrect dates for a great many titles. so use IMDb or wikipedia! This list uses IMDb and 'Rank' is the correct order. ]
Films already watched have been exempted. Imported 192/193
Events such as the cultural revolution and the abolition of Hay's code contribute to the daring and more experimental nature of films of the 60s which were a prelude to what was to come in the 70s. 70s begins with worldwide major film movements. This period is considered to be the heyday of cinema with the release of many great films that would change the landscape forever.
[This is a series of lists listing films deemed important based on their technical, artistic, historical or cultural significance. This shall also serve as a good resource for film studies however it is extensively based on my own personal preferences.
Resources:
[1]r/truefilm, IMDb, AFI's top 100, Sight & Sound Critic's Directors' Top 100, and various others.
[2] Looking at Movies: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Movies-Fifth-Richard-Barsam/dp/0393600653 and The Movie Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Movie-Book-Ideas-Simply-Explained-ebook/dp/B017AR0MUS
[3] Download Links: Qxr, Sartre, Garshasp for more iconic ones. Yify and others for the rest.(Piracy Is Illegal ffs & I shall not be responsible)
Excerpt From https://www.imdb.com/user/ur73738276/watchlist?sort=release_date%2Casc&view=detail listing films from 1961's *La Notte to 1980's Altered States
PS: Trakt has incorrect dates for a great many titles. so use IMDb or wikipedia! This list uses IMDb and 'Rank' is the correct order]
Films already seen have been exempted. Imported 227/231
Website : https://www.salernoservicestation.com/
Phone : +1 800-558-8093
Conveniently located in the heart of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, Salerno Service Station has been your friendly, neighborhood source for consistent, affordable and reliable auto service since 1959. Family-owned for three generations, Salerno’s is the most trusted auto repair in Brooklyn.
Our highly skilled technicians offer comprehensive knowledge and experience in working on all types of cars, both foreign and domestic. Your car will be handled with the latest, most cutting-edge diagnostic equipment and that everything we determine necessary to get your car back running strong will be explained to you in normal, understandable terms.
We always discuss parts and labor costs with you beforehand, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into. Then you can rest easy. Our team of mechanics are so efficient, that it’s not uncommon for us to come in actually under budget.
For your convenience, you can even drop your car off the night before. For recommended Towing Companies: Call: (800) 558-8093. Say you’re being towed to Salerno’s at 451 Lorimer St. Brooklyn 11206. Then, just leave the keys with one of our 24-hour gas attendants along with your information and a brief description of the car’s problem. We’ll look at it first thing in the morning and give you a call to give you a diagnosis and estimate for repairs.
We aim to provide you with the best service and rates in all of Brooklyn. We provide a satisfaction guarantee for all services provided and get the job done on time.
Alien, Predator, Alien vs Predator & Blade Runner weren't intended to to be connected, but there have been two cross-over films.
The DVD extras from Prometheus suggest that Blade Runner (and the connected titles) exists in the same universe.
A CHRONOLOGICAL TIMELINE OF FILMS & SHORTS SET IN THE BLADE RUNNER UNIVERSE.
Source: https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-best-order-to-watch-all-Blade-Runner-movies
1. Blade Runner (1982). The original Ridley Scott movie. set in the year 2019
2. Blade Runner Blackout set in 2022. Short film that sets up Blade Runner 2049.
3. Blade Runner: Black Lotus (TV Series 2021-2022) IMDb A new animated television series set 10 years after Blackout in the year 2032.
4. 2036: Nexus Dawn. Short film that sets up Blade Runner 2049.
The prequel short film is available for free on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgsS3nhRRzQ&feature=youtu.be
5. Soldier. (Set in 2036) Writer David Peoples (who co-wrote Blade Runner) considers the film "SOLDIER" (1998) with Kurt Russell, to be a "spin-off sidequel" to Blade Runner and contains a handful of references to it. However, beyond this, it has not been recognized as part of the Blade Runner franchise in any official capacity. (Info from Fandom https://bladerunner.fandom.com/wiki/Soldier)
6. Set in 2048: Nowhere to Run (2017). A 5 min Short film that sets up Blade Runner 2049. The prequel short film is available for free on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ9Os8cP_gg&feature=youtu.be
7. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) The prequel short film #3 is available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TieEBM7wumc&feature=youtu.be
8. Blade Runner set in 2049 (2017) R | 164 min | The Denis Villeneuve sequel to the original film.
9. Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1982 / 2007) For the 25th Anniversary release of Blade Runner in 2007. Director Ridley Scott was determined to get a true director’s cut released into the world. (There were 4 prior to this) The Final Cut is the definitive ‘final cut’, including extended scenes and never-before seen special effects. It is considered the best sci-fi cult classic.
If you skip 3 and 5 though you will still have the gist of the franchise.
~ What is the best order to watch the ALIEN MOVIES AND WHERE DOES PREY FIT?
Byelyse Betters Picaro updated Aug 30, 2023 – “It's pretty cool that two of the most iconic movie monsters share the same cinematic universe.” Included on this site The Alien Universe in chronological order (with Predator and Blade Runner) explained.
https://www.pocket-lint.com/alien-predator-bladerunner-timeline-chronological-viewing-order/
~Another good source of the order to watch all ALIEN, PREDATOR, and BLADE RUNNER movies, and shorts in chronological order. IMDB https://www.imdb.com/list/ls087871200
As is the list below from https://www.pocket-lint.com/alien-predator-bladerunner-timeline-chronological-viewing-order
THE ALIEN UNIVERSE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER COMPLETE WITH BONUS/OPTIONAL ALIEN UNIVERSE TIMELINE MOVIES.
• Prey (2022)
• Predator (1987)
• Predator 2 (1990)
• Alien vs Predator (2004)
• Alien vs Predator Requiem (2007)
• The Predator (2018)
• Predators (2010)
• Blade Runner (1982)
• Soldier (1998)
• Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
• Prometheus (2008)
• Alien Covenant (2017)
• Alien (1979)
• Aliens (1986)
• Alien 3 (1992)
• Alien Resurrection (1997)
• Optional: Firefly (2002 to 2003 TV series) and Serenity (2005 TV series)
THE ALIEN UNIVERSE IN THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY PREMIERED IN THEATRES OR ON TV.
• Alien (1979)
• Blade Runner (1982)
• Aliens (1986)
• Predator (1987)
• Predator 2 (1990)
• Alien 3 (1992)
• Alien Resurrection (1997)
• Soldier (1998)
• Optional: Firefly (2002 to 2003 TV series)
• Optional: Serenity (2005 TV series)
• Alien vs Predator (2004)
• Alien vs Predator Requiem (2007)
• Prometheus (2008)
• Predators (2010)
• The Predator (2018)
• Alien Covenant (2017)
• Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
• Prey (2022)
updated 27 Oct 23
Star Wars Best Watch Order For First Time Viewers
This list does not fully follow chronological or release order, it is a mix of both as I think is best
(I watched everything here more than once in different orders)
this description does not fully explain the order it only explains the jumps in timeline, look at the actual list to get the full detailed order
'ABY-BBY' dating system:
BBY stands for "Before the Battle of Yavin," and ABY for "After the Battle of Yavin."
Year 0 is the year of the battle of yavin (Episode 4 A New Hope)
Timeline explained:
This order still focuses on the story of Luke Skywalker, but I put "Solo" and "Rogue One" before Episode IV, as that is when they take place giving good context to the start of Episode IV.
I also went ahead and removed Episode I from this list as it's not imperative to watch, but, if you wanted to, it would be watched after Episode V and before Episode II.
Episode I contains very little plot progression. Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul are both dead and largely forgotten by the film’s finale (TV spin-off series notwithstanding) and all of the other characters — Anakin especially — are far more effectively introduced in Attack Of The Clones. The fact that a grown-up Padme no longer meets her husband-to-be when he’s nine also has the benefit of making that whole relationship a little less Operation Yewtree. So no Jake Lloyd (“Yippee!”), precious little Jar Jar (“How wude.”), no weird Amidala/Padme identity confusion and, crucially, no discussion of midichlorians, the introduction of which is without doubt the most egregious example of Lucas’ tampering. It also makes the ‘flashback’ shorter and less intrusive, improving the Rister model’s flow significantly.
However, it contains much that’s objectively terrible but there are also redeeming qualities. The three-way saber fight (set to the rousing Duel Of The Fates) is the saga’s choreographic high point. And, despite being entirely superfluous from a plot perspective, the podrace is an exhilarating sequence where George Lucas’ giddy youth as a teenage petrolhead really shines through. Equally, while the banishment of Binks might seem like the gods’ work, Jar Jar is an appealing entry point for younger viewers, responsible for some of the most child-friendly comic relief.
Beyond all that, however, there arenarrative points in The Phantom Menace that serve a purpose. The film sews the seeds of Senator (then Chancellor) Palpatine’s ascension to power through his manoeuvring to displace Chancellor Valorum and assume the premiership. Similarly, while widely loathed, Jar Jar is a narratively pivotal character as is he who is ultimately tricked (in Episode II) into proposing a motion to grant emergency powers to the Chancellor, paving the way for Palpatine to assume the mantle of Emperor. Without any character foundation, or understanding of his relationship with Amidala, Jar Jar’s role in the Empire’s formation loses weight.
Without Phantom, the prophecy that Anakin will bring balance to The Force is mentioned but never explained, and Anakin’s return to Tatooine in Attack Of The Clones is rendered baffling as we have no knowledge of him being a slave, who Watto is or why his mother has ‘been sold’. C-3PO’s origins also become murky but that’s hardly a major drawback.
Finally, the excision of Episode I derails Anakin’s prequel character arc entirely. Never seen as an innocent, we are introduced to him as a surly, sulking teenager with more than a touch of the Dark Side about him. Without the altruistic (if infinitely irritating) boy we first meet in Watto’s junk shop, Anakin’s rise to the mantle of Sith Lord is as unsurprising as it is undramatic. For a true redemption of the character, he needs to come full circle, so The Phantom Menace, however flawed, must remain on the menu.
Alien, Predator, Alien vs Predator & Blade Runner weren't intended to to be connected, but there have been two cross-over films.
The DVD extras from Prometheus suggest that Blade Runner (and the connected titles) exists in the same universe.
A CHRONOLOGICAL TIMELINE OF FILMS & SHORTS SET IN THE BLADE RUNNER UNIVERSE.
Source: https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-best-order-to-watch-all-Blade-Runner-movies
1. Blade Runner (1982). The original Ridley Scott movie. set in the year 2019
2. Blade Runner Blackout set in 2022. Short film that sets up Blade Runner 2049.
3. Blade Runner: Black Lotus (TV Series 2021-2022) IMDb A new animated television series set 10 years after Blackout in the year 2032.
4. 2036: Nexus Dawn. Short film that sets up Blade Runner 2049.
The prequel short film is available for free on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgsS3nhRRzQ&feature=youtu.be
5. Soldier. (Set in 2036) Writer David Peoples (who co-wrote Blade Runner) considers the film "SOLDIER" (1998) with Kurt Russell, to be a "spin-off sidequel" to Blade Runner and contains a handful of references to it. However, beyond this, it has not been recognized as part of the Blade Runner franchise in any official capacity. (Info from Fandom https://bladerunner.fandom.com/wiki/Soldier)
6. Set in 2048: Nowhere to Run (2017). A 5 min Short film that sets up Blade Runner 2049. The prequel short film is available for free on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ9Os8cP_gg&feature=youtu.be
7. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) The prequel short film #3 is available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TieEBM7wumc&feature=youtu.be
8. Blade Runner set in 2049 (2017) R | 164 min | The Denis Villeneuve sequel to the original film.
9. Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1982 / 2007) For the 25th Anniversary release of Blade Runner in 2007. Director Ridley Scott was determined to get a true director’s cut released into the world. (There were 4 prior to this) The Final Cut is the definitive ‘final cut’, including extended scenes and never-before seen special effects. It is considered the best sci-fi cult classic.
If you skip 3 and 5 though you will still have the gist of the franchise.
~ What is the best order to watch the ALIEN MOVIES AND WHERE DOES PREY FIT?
Byelyse Betters Picaro updated Aug 30, 2023 – “It's pretty cool that two of the most iconic movie monsters share the same cinematic universe.” Included on this site The Alien Universe in chronological order (with Predator and Blade Runner) explained.
https://www.pocket-lint.com/alien-predator-bladerunner-timeline-chronological-viewing-order/
~Another good source of the order to watch all ALIEN, PREDATOR, and BLADE RUNNER movies, and shorts in chronological order. IMDB https://www.imdb.com/list/ls087871200
As is the list below from https://www.pocket-lint.com/alien-predator-bladerunner-timeline-chronological-viewing-order
THE ALIEN UNIVERSE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER COMPLETE WITH BONUS/OPTIONAL ALIEN UNIVERSE TIMELINE MOVIES.
• Prey (2022)
• Predator (1987)
• Predator 2 (1990)
• Alien vs Predator (2004)
• Alien vs Predator Requiem (2007)
• The Predator (2018)
• Predators (2010)
• Blade Runner (1982)
• Soldier (1998)
• Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
• Prometheus (2008)
• Alien Covenant (2017)
• Alien (1979)
• Aliens (1986)
• Alien 3 (1992)
• Alien Resurrection (1997)
• Optional: Firefly (2002 to 2003 TV series) and Serenity (2005 TV series)
THE ALIEN UNIVERSE IN THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY PREMIERED IN THEATRES OR ON TV.
• Alien (1979)
• Blade Runner (1982)
• Aliens (1986)
• Predator (1987)
• Predator 2 (1990)
• Alien 3 (1992)
• Alien Resurrection (1997)
• Soldier (1998)
• Optional: Firefly (2002 to 2003 TV series)
• Optional: Serenity (2005 TV series)
• Alien vs Predator (2004)
• Alien vs Predator Requiem (2007)
• Prometheus (2008)
• Predators (2010)
• The Predator (2018)
• Alien Covenant (2017)
• Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
• Prey (2022)
Created by Kat Suricata (http://tumblr.katsuricata.com/post/140052092435/steven-universe-introducing-flood-order)
Watch Steven Universe season 1 in this order, before progressing to season 2.
Spoilers for all of Season 1 of Steven Universe are present below.
Many of you are likely already familiar with the Star Wars Saga’s Machete Order. It’s a famous fan-made viewing order that goes IV, V, II, III, VI, for the purpose of creating better narrative pacing whilst retaining all important plot twists. @briknerd, @astralfitz, and @katsuricata would like to introduce a joint-effort project for Steven Universe in the same vein: Flood Order. It’s a means to get a new fan into the show in the most efficient way possible.
Why?
As we got into Steven Universe ourselves, and tried to introduce it to others, a common theme presented itself: it’s really hard to get someone to sit past the first half of the first season, when it seems like nothing more than yet another Monster Of The Week show with an annoying tagalong kid. We each experienced this on our first watch-throughs, and only pressed on under the assumption that the size of its fandom meant it had to get better. It does, of course, but for a lot of people, “just sit through twenty-six episodes and you’ll understand!” has proven a hard obstruction to vault. Even the show’s creators have stated they consider Ocean Gem season one’s “true” start.
And it’s easy to see why: the introduction of Lapis, introduction of gray morality, Steven’s first true display of competence/fixing a problem he wasn’t responsible for to begin with, the expansion of the show’s setting to space, and rapid-fire development of everyone in the main cast all serve to create one hell of a mystery. It’s when the show truly begins to grow into itself. In short, if one can make it to Mirror Gem/Ocean Gem, then one is very likely to become as much a fan of the show as we are.
One problem: twenty-six eleven-minute episodes take up almost five hours. That’s a lot to ask someone to swallow.
We can do it better. We can do it in only a little over an hour and a half, the same level of commitment as asking someone to watch a movie with you.
Flood Order, Submitted For Your Approval
The first phase of Flood Order consists of just ten episodes, in the following order:
Cheeseburger Backpack
Laser Light Cannon
Bubble Buddies
Steven’s Lion
Giant Woman
Steven the Sword Fighter
Lion 2: The Movie
An Indirect Kiss
Mirror Gem
Ocean Gem
This order defers sixteen episodes, more than half of them, in a mad dash to Lapis. Its purpose, simply stated, is to get a new fan interested in Steven Universe in as little time as possible, and with causing as few impediments to enjoyment as possible.
It:
Removes most of Steven’s most insufferable moments. We all love Steven as a character now, but it’s hard not to see Steven as the least-interesting, least-relevant part of the first half of Season 1. We want to know who the gems are, why the gems are here, what the gems are fighting; we cared very, very little about the seemingly-obnoxious little kid who just messes up their plans. Constantly. In all ten episodes listed here, however, he only provides any truly grating moments in the first two.
Starts on Cheeseburger Backpack, which, despite being the third episode chronologically, is a much better introduction than Gem Glow was. It doesn’t notably feature any member of the cast except for the Crystal Gems, introduces us to their personalities and the means in which they tend to solve problems, features a fascinating and mysterious part of gem lore, and shows us some of Steven’s burgeoning skills. As a start, Gem Glow introduced us to personalities, but was little more than plodding otherwise. No part of gem lore is explored, side characters are introduced to little end, the song present is the only one in the show that feels truly out-of-place among the rest of the soundtrack, and Steven is close to his worst. Laser Light Cannon is a slower and more character-centric piece, with the introduction of Greg and reveal of Rose’s sacrifice, which works well in its intended purposes as the second episode. Bubble Buddies introduces Connie, Sadie, Lars, Onion, and Mr. Smiley to round out many of the supporting characters.
Introduces every single character and plot point necessary for Mirror Gem/Ocean Gem: Connie, Greg, Lion, the concept of fusions, the concept of gem regeneration, Steven’s healing ability, all necessary characterization, and mentions at least once every minor character that gets a speaking role. No possible point of confusion exists.
Paces the show better than in air-date order. There’s a lot of pre-Mirror Gem filler. This problem gets significantly better after Lion 3: Straight To Video, but can be painful for someone to get through on their first watch, before they really care about the characters. Every single episode in Flood Order introduces something or someone the audience is interested in. The first poofing takes place at around the one hour mark in Steven the Sword Fighter, which if it were a movie, would be roughly the right spot for the first serious dramatic death.
Removes most moments of plot-necessitated illogical incompetence. Pearl fought a thousand-year war as Rose Quartz’s “Terrifying Renegade,” and in later episodes, is demonstrated to be an incredible fighter, taking down even the three-gem monstrosity that is Sugilite. In Frybo, she is wholly-incapacitated by ketchup. Amethyst, a gem made to be a warrior, contributes almost nothing in any deferred episode despite downright awe-inspiring displays later. Garnet, the gem who can see the future, is constantly disbelieving of Steven at every turn, when she should be the first to know he’s right. All of the above: gone or minimized. All the Gems are shown at their most competent, without sacrificing their character depth. (Thanks to @celestialshimmer for pointing out a wording issue!)
Put simply: it serves to set up the rest of the show and turn a new viewer into a fan in as painless, quick, and intriguing a way as possible. But what do we do with the rest of the episodes, then?
Sorting The Deferred Episodes
So, we’ve deferred sixteen episodes. We need to do something with them.
This is the second phase of Flood Order. We make two lists, as such:
Pacing Episodes
Tiger Millionaire
Lars and the Cool Kids
Rose’s Room
Coach Steven
Joking Victim
Monster Buddies
Cut Episodes
Gem Glow
Together Breakfast
Frybo
Cat Fingers
Serious Steven
Arcade Mania
So Many Birthdays
Onion Trade
Beach Party
Steven and the Stevens
Every single episode in the Pacing list has character development and/or plot points that come up later, and will be placed in-between Ocean Gem and Lion 3: Straight To Video (where Flood Order stops changing the show entirely) as thematically appropriate.
Every single episode in the Cut list is… well, cut. None of them have anything of particular relevance to the show’s future episodes. Some of you may be crying heresy at this, but there’s better reasoning than you might think behind the move, including:
Steven being obnoxious. Present in: Gem Glow, Together Breakfast, Frybo, Onion Trade, and Steven and the Stevens.
Offputting moments of random, jarring horror that serve no thematic or developmental purpose. Present in: Frybo, Cat Fingers, So Many Birthdays, Onion Trade, Steven and the Stevens.
Episodes that serve only to set-up bit characters that either get no development later, or are better-developed later. Present in: Frybo, Onion Trade, Beach Party.
Self-contained episodes that do little-to-nothing to contribute to the show’s themes, characters, or stories. Present in: Together Breakfast, Serious Steven, Arcade Mania, Steven and the Stevens.
Keep in mind that we aren’t saying that they’re not worth watching… but we’ll come back to that.
Integrating The Pacing Episodes
Phase three? Distributing the Pacing episodes in-between Ocean Gem and Lion 3: Straight To Video without ruffling any of canon’s feathers, while keeping the flow of the show acceptable. There are a few points to consider (some episodes need to remain where they are; House Guest can only work directly following Ocean Gem, for example) to make that work. This is the final result. (Thanks to @missettesid for pointing out an issue that resulted in rearrangement!)
Ocean Gem
House Guest
Rose’s Room
Monster Buddies
Coach Steven
Lars and the Cool Kids
Joking Victim
Space Race
Secret Team
Garnet’s Universe
Tiger Millionaire
Island Adventure
Keep Beach City Weird!
Fusion Cuisine
Watermelon Steven
Lion 3: Straight to Video
From there, the series continues in Crewniverse-intended order as per usual. No significant details emerge that cause any continuity errors. Steven has only one irritating moment in the Pacing episodes, endearing him to the viewer far more rapidly. The emotional pacing follows a steady pattern with breathing room allocated, preventing burnout. The filler that’s present is downplayed by being cushioned with long stretches of deep character development. The show, at the end, retains every detail necessary for full enjoyment and understanding. And it’s far easier to get someone into.
If you notice a significant issue with Flood Order, it almost certainly falls into one of the two lists below.
Things That Appear To Be Problems, But Aren’t
Centipeedle isn’t mentioned before Monster Buddies. They constantly fight out-of-nowhere, unexplained monsters, even in Flood Order. “It’s that creature we fought once!” doesn’t sound out-of-place at all in the show’s universe, and certainly not by the time its turn comes around.
They don’t know Centipeedle used to be a gem in the episode. It’s never brought up, not in Ocean Gem or Monster Buddies. There are no lines that contradict the Flood Order-canon of them knowing about it in either episode. Ocean Gem’s reveal is shocking enough without needing Monster Buddies to build it up, and Monster Buddies is only enhanced by its new order; with us knowing about his ability to heal, it actually comes off better, as it seems like a plan that has a chance of working and not just the idealism of a child. The fact that he doesn’t try his healing saliva is explained by Pearl telling him that “not even Rose’s power” could return them to what they were. As his power is Rose’s power, it justifies his lack of attempt.
[Characters] don’t get episodes dedicated to them! This will be most-often claimed about Peedee, Onion, and the Pizza Family.
Peedee has never been developed in the show, not to an important degree, and Frybo’s flaws far outweigh its benefits in giving us the one episode that does include the bit character heavily.
Onion’s most baffling/horrifying moment is present in Onion Trade, yet it does nothing to develop him; ironically, the removal of it makes him a more likeable character later, in Onion Friend.
The Pizza Family’s only important characters are Jenny and Kiki, in terms of the show’s progression, but they don’t actually get developed in Beach Party so much as they simply… show up. Nothing about them or their place in later episodes is weakened by Beach Party’s removal, and it removes a large chunk of plot-required Gem uselessness and bickering.
Steven’s shield doesn’t get introduced in Gem Glow. Steven has demonstrated numerous defensive powers by the time his shield gets summoned in Ocean Gem, such as the bubble and the healing saliva, in addition to just being generally magic. It’s not a very big shock, and the backstory of the shield gets expanded on later.
Some foreshadowing is missing, like the Cookie Cat song and the first depiction of Garnet’s third eye. There are more appearances of Garnet’s eyes before Jail Break, rendering that unimportant. In every other case of some foreshadowing being removed, there’s easily two more pieces to make up for it. This show revels in setting up future twists. There’s no great shortage for a few hints being gone.
The Cut episodes still deserve to be seen, and removing them from the show entirely is wrong. We agree! Find that surprising? Let us ask you something: as someone who is a fan that has watched the entirety of it, what’s this show’s biggest weakness to you? This show goes on hiatus. A lot. A lot a lot. As of the date of this post’s publication, Stevenbomb 4 finished airing only a small time ago, and we’re on an indefinite hiatus… until the next Stevenbomb, which has already been confirmed. This will likely be followed by even more waiting. We all want more of the show!
So, now, imagine you’re someone who was introduced to SU through Flood Order. You get hooked with it, you finish the first season with good pacing and without missing anything important, and you catch up to the latest season[s]. You’re waiting for the new episode with an aching emptiness in your heart where new SU content should be. What do you do, with the knowledge that you’ve missed ten episodes—110 minutes of content!—as a result of the means used to introduce you to the show?
You go back for every single thing you’ve missed, of course! Now, not only do you love SU enough not to be bothered by the Cut episodes’ faults, but you get every single rewatch bonus present within them. You get Garnet’s keytar, you get Gem Glow’s explanations, etc. If one of us may speak as an individual, I found Gem Glow borderline intolerable as an introduction, but I can rewatch today giddily, because I know the significance of everything brought up. You can appreciate how clever Rebecca Sugar and the rest of the Crewniverse were with their planning!
The Cut episodes should be experienced… just not immediately.
But I like to experience everything all the way through, on my first viewing! If you know for a fact your friends are the same way, then great! Marathon the entirety of the first season with them and enjoy! It’s how all three of us got into the show, and how most of you have as well. We simply feel as though many more could join as part of the fandom with this, if only they had a more accessible means. We’re not saying this is The Definitive Way to get into Steven Universe, just that it’s a viable alternative for those friends of yours who have a limited attention span/limited amounts of time/hype backlash/limited interest/different viewing preferences than you.
This does not, of course, make this order perfect.
Things That Appear To Be Problems, And Are Problems
There are a few genuine issues with Flood Order, much as we have tried to minimize them.
Rose’s Room. Remember when we said there was only one irritating Steven moment in the Pacing episodes? This is it, and it’s jarring. Rose’s Room remains, in our opinion, the single biggest issue with our order, and there’s one unavoidable reason: there’s no good place to put it anymore. It ticks off almost every box we checked for what gets an episode Cut, but it’s far too important not to include. At the same time, that checklist is what prevents it from staying pre-Mirror Gem. It does nothing to entice a new viewer, and without much of the deferred content around it, feels out-of-place no matter where one tries to include it. It’s hard to imagine Steven having such an immature reaction to the Gems after Ocean Gem’s maturing, which we could accommodate only by putting it as close as possible afterwards. It’s made worse because the viewer will likely know they’re out-of-order, too. It can be explained as Steven being stressed by the events of Mirror Gem/Ocean Gem/House Guest, which makes it palatable, but… it’s weird. There’s no way around it.
Pearl’s outfit changes back and forth between her original look and her regeneration look. Put simply, yeah, there was no way to avoid this whilst rearranging the episodes around Steven the Sword Fighter. As long as they know they’re watching the show a little out-of-order, it should be easily-explainable. (Thanks to @candalable for pointing this out!)
Particularly-adept first-time viewers may be confused by Steven’s voice/the ending theme. Both of these tend to be missed the first time through, but they are present: Steven’s voice slowly deepens in pitch throughout the show, and the ending theme changes at the end of almost every episode. The episodes are all close enough that his voice changes are near-imperceptible unless you’re listening closely, and as it takes until Season 2 for the ending theme to work in lyrics, there’s no part of it that immediately jumps out as being in the wrong order. Still, they are there, they are important details for fan analysis—one of the things this show runs on—and there are undoubtedly some who will catch them. This is reasonably easy to alleviate, however: congratulate them on being smart and observant enough to catch them! They’ll feel good about noticing it. It turns an error into a moment of pride, which is more than worth it.
Flashbacks in Ocean Gem show monsters they’ll fight in the future. Unavoidable when rearranging episodes around it. The flashbacks are quick enough that, again, most new viewers won’t remember them by the time some come back around in the Pacing episodes, but if they do, the solution is the same as the last entry.
In Summary
Give it a shot, if you remain skeptical. Watch those ten episodes in order, doing your best to do so with “fresh eyes.” It works better than you might be thinking. If you agree, and you have friends who have remained resistant to recruitment that may instead be swayed by “feature-length movie with spin-off TV show”… it may just end up helping you find one more friend to fan-out with.
[Steven Universe and all named characters and episodes are copyright Cartoon Network and Rebecca Sugar, all rights reserved. The entirety of this post’s original content is CC BY-SA 4.0.]
Cinephilia Vol 1: Beginnings (1902-1931)
by Ajam