10 Greatest Directorial Debut Sci-Fi Movies
2. Serenity
Although he'd already had some directing experience in TV with his own shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, it was with 2005's Serenity that Joss Whedon dipped his toe in the world of feature directing.
Taking place a few months after the last episode of critically-acclaimed yet unjustly cancelled space western Firefly, Serenity is a great sci-fi romp that not only ties up loose ends for fans of the show, but also manages to be a great starting point for those that haven't seen its predecessor.
Following a ragtag crew of smugglers who were on the losing side of a civil war, Whedon does what he does best, showcasing a cast of lovable characters with smart, snappy dialogue and exciting set pieces. Nathan Fillion shines once again as the quick-witted Captain Mal, playing opposite a truly menacing Chiwetel Ejiofor as the ruthless villain known only as the Operative.
Whedon wouldn't direct another feature film until 2012 with The Avengers, and it's clear watching both films that the man has a knack for balancing a large cast of characters, with each one given time to breathe.