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I was just thinking about the movie Legend of the Tsunami Warrior. The movie is filled with awesome, but one thing that makes it fun is that there are all sorts of little details and big ideas that you can use in my games. Want sea ninjas vs. giant Dutch cannonry vs. sonic shout masters? Watch this film.
I call that minability.
A minable piece doesn't even necessarily have to be top notch entertainment. For example, the anime Darker Than Black is, in my opinion, only so-so as far as stories go, with a few design drawbacks (the whole idea that the show's super-heroes, or Contractors, have muted emotional states), but they're full of all sorts of bizarre powers, and the whole idea that using a special power carries a price in the form of some action later that is completely unrelated to the power is very flavorful and useful in games.
So, what out there have you seen, heard, experienced, that's chock full of ideas that make for a good game?
Mine tend to source more from console gaming than movies and TV. That being said...
1. Sengoku Basara - because some days ridiculous levels of over the top melee action is just what the doctor ordered.
2. Silent Mobius - because magic, technology, and such come together in a beautiful way.
3. The Disgaea series - because Prinnies, d00d.
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I actually mine song lyrics for ideas. Sometimes, even just a single line in a song will give me an idea for a whole adventure. Some of the songs I've used:
"Tower of Strength" (The Mission UK) - I pulled ideas from the song for a location in one my games, though I pulled a "Jewel of the Nile" and had the real tower turn out to be one of the PCs.
"Lady of the Valley" (White Lion) - This song about a man's quest to bring his dead brother back to life became a major NPC and location.
"Carry On" (Manowar) - This inspired an awesome prolonged gun battle for a Wild West-themed game, pitting the PCs against the U.S. Cavalry.
"Ride the Lightning" (Metallica) - I used the whole album as a D&D campaign.