Outside of the obvious Game of Thrones, what movies and television shows do you cite as inspirational to your gaming?
I'm watching Last Knights right now. I thought it was another "warrior comes home from the Medieval Crusades" movie. I'm surprised to find it's a movie based on a fictional Empire equivalent to the late medieval period. No cheesy costumes or weapons; it's a high quality production. The Empire seems to be populated by 3 cultures integrated under 1 rule: a Caucasian-like people, an Asian-like people, and a scattering of black people.
The Caucasian people seem to predominate with a look that feels somewhere between Medieval Italian and Medieval Spanish with Moorish influence. There's some obvious Chinese-inspired Asian aspects as well.
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Television:
The Borgias. Showtime in particular, but Starz too.
Black Sails is really good for plot digging and character motivation.
Basically anything with politics and intrigue, though I know lot of folks prefer that stuff to be chucked at the door.
Films:
Star Wars. Races functioning together in a familiar but also alien way.
I know SW is sci-fi film but its good for getting into a new world mindset IMO.
Video Games:
Mass Effect is probably one of the best all around experiences for inspiration for world building.
Thief. (PC over reboot) The game is dripping with atmosphere and the world is never fully explained. Its mysterious and foreign and totally inspiring.
(I know you didn't ask about video games but I think ME and Thief are great examples.)
Angel still has that classic line.
He opens up a weapons cabinet full of midieval implements of death and destruction.
"Should I arrange these by name, or by how much damage they do?"
@Rub-Eta
Seven Samurai was fantastic. Akira Kurosawa was a genius.
I didn't realize Deadwood was that well-made. What in particular do you find inspiring?
@Pan
I've looked at the Borgias but never watched any episodes. I guess I'll have to breakdown and get invested in another series.
Inclusiveness in Star Wars is a great concept handled well. Also "The Hero's Journey" is told very well in that series.
I hadn't though video games since my exposure has been limited. But inspiration is inspiration, so that's cool by me.
My inspirational Sci-Fi includes Babylon 5 for it's long running storytelling ability. It's an entire epic campaign in 5 seasons.
@Drahliana Moonrunner
Both Angel and Buffy have amazing world-building/background concepts and character ideas throughout their seasons. A lot of good stuff can be pulled out of there.