10 Films That Are Better The Less You Know Going In

10. Serenity

Saying you shouldn't know too much about the movie adaptation of a beloved TV show might seem like sacrilege, but bear with me.

Despite only airing for 14 episodes back in 2002, the Firefly ‘franchise’ is one of the most critically revered sci-fi properties in terms of its rabid cult status. Poor viewing figures (and perceived mismanagement of the series by network Fox) led to its premature cancellation, so fans were understandably overjoyed when a movie continuation was brought to theatres in 2005.

Following the crew of the Firefly class starship Serenity, the series was billed as a ‘space western’, showing the crew of outlaws working con jobs and heists in an attempt to survive against the authoritarian Alliance and the feral, cannibalistic Reavers. The film picks up where the series left off, and has the crew chasing an Alliance conspiracy after refugee crewmate River Tam unlocks memories from her time as a human experiment.

Coming into the film purely based on curiosity or a love of sci-fi, it delivers an inventive and engaging two hours of action, comedy, suspense and even a little horror. Fans cannot help but look upon this film with a bittersweet sting however. As great as it was to see their adored characters on screen again, the sudden deaths of Hoban Washburne and Shepherd Book were like a knife through the heart and, with the film only just covering its cost at the box office, the promise of that much needed revival was likely scuppered for the last time.

The general consensus is that Firefly fans don't really look too kindly on Serenity - similar to how some Twin Peaks fans resent that TV's show's movie adaptation Fire Walk With Me - so it might be better going in fresh to avoid disappointment.