I’m a huge fan of mystery and crime shows on TV. And today I want to share some of my favorites from over the years and ask you to share some of your favorites as well (as mystery lovers are always up for meeting a new sleuth).

Here are ten of the best television mystery and crime shows, based on personal favorites. It would be impossible for me to watch every crime show that has ever been created, so there is of course a subjective nature to this list. These are also English language shows. I highly encourage you to leave a comment below to share your favorite in your own native language. I love international films, and would love to find some good international mystery and crime series as well.

The following mystery and crime TV shows are listed in alphabetical order and include links to videos from the studios releasing them or other licensed sites when possible. Some videos linked to are available legally for free, and others require a subscription (such as Netflix). Where linking to online videos was not possible, I have attempted to find video clips for illustration purposes to give you a better idea of the series.

1. Columbo

This Peter Falk series is a classic detective show. You would think with so many arrests under his belt, criminals would stop underestimating him. But they don’t.

WATCH VIDEOS (Netflix – Paid subscription – Must be logged in to access)

2. Criminal Minds

I consider Criminal Minds to be one of the best-written crime dramas currently on TV. Why? Because it legitimately strikes fear in me when I watch it sometimes — more so than horror movies designed to do just that. It makes the risk feel much more real than other crime shows do.

3. CSI

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation isn’t a show I regularly follow anymore after several cast changes. But you have to give it credit for making a new generation interested in the forensic side of solving crimes.

WATCH VIDEOS (CBS.com – free latest episodes)

4. Dexter

Dexter is a crime show that took me a little while to warm up to. But I couldn’t get over the clever premise of a serial killer who kills other killers. It was unique and turned out to be a great show.

VIDEO PREVIEW

5. Diagnosis Murder

If you like cozy-style mysteries and you watch more modern medical mystery shows (like House), you should give Diagnosis Murder a try. It’s a nice mix of drama and humor, and you really can’t go wrong with Dick Van Dyke.

6. Law and Order

Here’s another classic crime drama, and a recently ended TV series. I’ve always loved the way L&O episodes split their focus between solving the crimes and prosecuting the cases. It’s almost like getting two shows in one.

WATCH FULL EPISODES (Netflix – Paid subscription – Must be logged in to access)

7. Law and Order: Special Victims Unit

This Law and Order spinoff is often referred to as the best series in the Law and Order franchise. Dealing with special victims (such as sex crime and violence against children), this series can be a bit more emotional than most.

WATCH FULL EPISODES (Netflix – Paid subscription – Must be logged in to access)

8. Miss Marple

Any serious mystery lover knows who Agatha Christie is. And her cozies are always fun to watch, and they make for some of the best British mystery shows around. Miss Marple is one popular series based on her books.

Watch Miss Marple: The Pale Horse Preview on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

9. Monk

I loved the character of Monk more than the show. Tony Shaloub plays quirky and obsessive-compulsive detective Adrian Monk in this series.

WATCH FULL EPISODES (Hulu+ – Paid subscription – Must be logged in to access)

10. Murder, She Wrote

Murder, She Wrote, starring Angela Lansbury, is my all-time favorite mystery TV series. That may be because I also earn a living as a writer like her character does (she’s a mystery novelist), and I happen to be branching into writing mystery fiction now myself. That said, it’s just a casual fun mystery series that I can watch over and over again.

WATCH Full Episodes (Netflix – Paid subscription – Must be logged in to access)

11. NCIS

I watched NCIS on the recommendation of family members even though military crime didn’t particularly interest me. And I fell in love with it. It’s a serious, but still fun, series and has a great team of actors on board that keep it interesting.

12. Poirot

The Poirot series is another British mystery series based on Agatha Christie’s novels. They’re slower than a lot of more popular current shows, but if you’re interested in a great story, these shouldn’t be missed.

VIDEO

13. Psych

After Murder, She Wrote, Psych is my favorite crime-related television show. I consider it the best-written modern crime series on TV right now. This one involves more comedy than most and it’s the only show around guaranteed to leave me laughing every time I watch.

WATCH OLDER EPISODES (Netflix – Paid subscription – Must be logged in to access)

*Note: When new episodes resume, you can often watch them for a limited time for free at Hulu.com.

14. Quincy, M.E.

If you like forensic-based shows like CSI, you should definitely check out Quincy, M.E. This was an early show based upon a character that is a medical examiner and without it we might not have some of the similar modern shows we love today.

15. Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks was a short-lived series, but earned both critical acclaim and a cult fan following. If you can’t get enough of the series, they also filmed a prequel movie (although that didn’t go over quite as well with fans).

WATCH OLDER EPISODES (Netflix – Paid subscription – Must be logged in to access)

I know there are countless other mystery and crime shows out there, and I love learning about new ones (or just “new to me” ones). If you’re a fan of the genre, I bet you do too. So why not leave a comment below and tell us about some other great mysteries and crime shows and why you love them?

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Wouldn’t it be great if you could watch your favorite TV shows on your schedule instead of TV networks’ schedules? Wouldn’t it be even better if you could do it legally and not have to worry about things like viruses often associated with illegal downloads and streaming sites (not to mention the prospect of getting caught)? As it turns out there are more places to legally watch TV online on your time than ever before! Today I want to share ten examples, most which are free.

Please note that these are US-specific sites and shows may not be available if you access the sites from outside of the United States. Other countries offer other options (such as the BBC iPlayer), so if you want to share legal sources of online TV from your own country, please feel free to do so in the comments.

Here are ten places where you may be able to watch your favorite shows online, and legally!

1. Hulu

Hulu.com offers legal access to shows across several networks for free. There is also a paid version called Hulu Plus that gives you access to even more episodes of your favorite shows. This is my own first stop for watching TV online. Having shows from several networks here together saves a lot of time over having to visit each network site individually.

2. Netflix

Netflix.com offers a Watch Instantly service now in addition to their DVD rentals through the mail. The service isn’t free, but I’ve found them to have some of the best streaming capabilities and you can find a lot of great older material there. You’ll also find more full seasons of TV shows there, whereas services showing the current season often only show a few episodes at a time — out of luck if you miss them.

3. ABC

If you visit the ABC network’s site you can find free access to full episodes of shows like Private Practice, Modern Family, and Desperate Housewives, in addition to some of their news specials.

4.  NBC

Watching TV online doesn't have to mean sitting in front of a computer screen. - Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

NBC offers a nice selection of full episodes online for free for current shows like 30 Rock and Chuck as well as older shows like The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.

5.  CBS

On the CBS network site you can find full episodes of TV shows including the Late Show, CSI, and CSI: Miami.

6.  FOX

FOX offers full episodes of some of its popular shows for free too — Glee, American Idol, The Simpsons, American Dad, Family Guy, Bones, Fringe, House, and Lie to Me among others.

7.  USA

The USA Network has been one of my favorites for a while now, with regular quality, quirky, and original shows. You can find full episodes to check them out for yourself. Psych, Royal Pains, and Burn Notice are included.

8.  The CW

If you’re interested in popular shows like The Vampire Diaries or America’s Next Top Model, you should check out The CW’s site for full episodes of your favorites.

9.  The WB

The WB’s site could be a good stop for you if you’re interested in older shows like Pushing Daisies or even cartoons from your youth, like Smurfs, The Flinstones, or The Jetsons.

10. Comedy Central

If you enjoy shows like South Park, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart or The Colbert Report, you should check out Comedy Central’s site for the latest full episodes online.

Legal, and in many cases free — how can you go wrong? If you’re tired of being a slave to TV schedules and remembering to record your favorite shows to watch later, try watching them online. Not interested in watching TV on a computer screen? That’s okay. In most cases you can connect your computer to your TV and watch it on the big screen like you would watch TV normally. In my case that means using an HDMI cable to connect my laptop to a TV. Check your computer and TV connection options to figure out what cables you need, and then get watching — when it’s convenient for you!

Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca.

There is nothing I love more than relaxing on a Sunday with a classic movie playing. William Powell and Myrna Loy in one of the Thin Man movies, a noir classic with Humphrey Bogart, a crazy, madcap adventure with Katharine Hepburn, a—wait a minute…why do you look so confused? Are you telling me that you don’t watch classic films? What–does black and white scare you? Does the lack of outrageous explosions and the ever-present, smoldering sensuality bore you? Well, let me convince you to change your ways.

The Benefits of Watching Classic Films

Get a history lesson… recorded live. When you watch classic films, it’s like getting a history lesson while also enjoying an interesting movie. Not sure what the Cold War was? Curious about World War I or II? There are movies that were written and created while these wars and crises were being waged! You can watch the changes in women’s issues, the introduction of Civil Rights, and the start of paparazzi and shock journalism unfold as it did in real life. Without even knowing it, the writers and directors of classic films created time capsules on celluloid that can help give you a three-dimensional understanding of world history.

Silent film great, Charlie Chaplin.

Find out about classic drinks by watching classic movies. If sex on the beach and apple-tinis are about the only drinks you know how to order, then you need to watch some post-prohibition classic films. You can learn about rocks, and no rocks, shaken and stirred, water and no water—club and no club. You can also discover how to look totally cool by ordering interesting, adult drinks like gin and tonic, scotch and water, and rye. Want some rye? ‘Course you do!

Learn quotes that make you sound smarter. “Don’t let’s ask for the moon. We have the stars.” That line, from the Bette Davis movie, Now Voyager, is my favorite quote. I whip it out all the time at parties, clubs, bars, business meetings…whenever I need a little something to make me seem more mysterious, deep and insightful. This quote never fails me—and it’s just one quote. There are many other insightful lines that could work in any situation. You just have to watch some classic films to pick up on them.

Learn a new accent. As much as I love classic films, I still don’t get the accent many of the actors tried to pull off in the days before dialect coaching. It wasn’t quite British…but it also wasn’t quite American…and it was certainly nothing in between. I like to call this the “General Vicinity Accent” because it fits into the general vicinity of many different dialects. Learn it and then use it when you want to sound worldly.

Remember how to be human. In all seriousness, the best thing about classic films is that they remind you how to be human. Sure, they aren’t as gritty or in-your-face as new movies. Instead of coming out and showing steamy sex,

Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in Adam's Rib.

difficult relationships, or the realities of drug abuse and mental illness, they imply them. But they are even more human than new movies in their lack of forthrightness. After all, you don’t air all your dirty laundry, do you? Just like your secrets linger under the surface, so do the secrets in old movies. Reclaim classic principles like tact, privacy and pride by adding a couple of hours of Turner Classic Movies to your day.

Image credit dogmatic

It is much harder than you might think to come up with a short list of the three worst science fiction movie remakes ever. Why? Well, certainly not because there is any dearth of suitable contenders. The number of crappy remakes out there is astounding. The problem is in the rating system. Sure the 1986 version of The Fly sucked, but did it suck in such a way that you want to trash it? For me, no, because I have no particular attachment to the original version—and as it turns out, that’s my hook.

See, I don’t care if someone puts out a crappy remake of a movie that I don’t care about but I do care if I loved the original version. So keep that in mind as you read my list of the three worst science fiction movie remakes ever.

1. Body Snatchers: Body Snatchers is the 1993 remake of the 1956 classic, Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Body Snatchers takes place in a completely different location and has an entirely new protagonist and cast of characters. It’s less a remake than it is a stolen idea executed poorly and without any heart. Sometimes, sci-fi movies are remade simply because new technology makes them uber-impressive. This is not the case with Body Snatchers. In the movie, the alien pods look smaller but still very similar to those in the original movie and the “feelers” that come out of them look like cooked spaghetti. The movie has bad acting, terrible music and is boring but what makes it one of the worst sci-fi remakes is that it lacks heart. In  Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the pod people try to explain how great it is to be a pod person without all the “bad” emotions humans have. The female protagonist, Betty, explains that she doesn’t want, “…to live in a world without love or grief or beauty.” She says it so beautifully and meaningfully that, for just a moment, you understand the greatness of all your bad emotions. In Body Snatchers no one addresses this point of view at all. They just cry and then flash you some full frontal nudity. Boring.

2. I Am Legend: This 2007 remake of Omega Man (which is a 1971 remake of 1964’s The Last Man on Earth) is so lacking in any real emotional draw that it resorts to ridiculous manipulative tactics to make us care about the male protagonist. In Omega Man, the vampire/zombie-like characters are people who were infected from the ammunition used in biological warfare. As a result they can only come out at night and they hate uninfected people–who are in the vast minority. The infected people are similar to religious zealots and they are lead by a character who preaches hatred. They spout their anti-uninfected-people drivel and want to burn everyone who is not infected. Eventually, Charlton Heston (who is the Omega Man) finds other uninfected people, falls in love and starts building relationships that end in tragedy.

In I Am Legend, the infected people are nothing more than monsters with no intelligence and no hierarchical complexity; they kill a dog, and the main character, played by Will Smith, is never allowed to re-form complex human relationships. All the longing and loneliness of Omega Man are missing and instead we’re given dead animal sadness, craziness and monsters. Yawn.

3. Planet of the Apes: Let me start by saying that if I hadn’t seen the original 1968 version I may have liked the 2001 Planet of the Apes remake. But in contrast with the Charlton Heston classic it is violent, jarring, and doesn’t challenge the audience. In the original Planet of the Apes, the society of apes was more similar to a reasonable human society. None of the humans knew how to speak (except Heston), and the ape-lead society is easy for the viewer to identify with—which makes their routine rounding up of humans a struggle that the audience wants to come to terms with because it seems so similar to what our own society does in selling exotic animals as pets.

The ape society featured in the remake is so extreme that the round-up and sale of humans (including those who can talk) is less complex and doesn’t challenge the viewer’s thinking because it’s just so blatantly wrong. The movie continues like this–a crass, under-developed cartoon of what a planet of apes might be like rather than an uncannily similar society with complex characters that make us doubt ourselves just a little.

*Many of the clips below have strong language and adult themes.

Image credit mconnors

1. I Like Killing Flies: This documentary is about New York restaurateur Kenny Shopsin and his family. They own a restaurant called Shopsin’s, a neighborhood institution. The documentary follows them as they change locations for the first time in 33 years.

Why it’ll change your life: Kenny Shopsin is a philosophical treasure trove. His thoughts will make you see things in a completely different light. His philosophies are startlingly profound because of their seeming complexity and actual simplicity. If you are a business owner or just someone who just wants to learn to live the life you’ve got, this documentary could put you on the right track.

Kenny Shopsin on life: “The way I choose to function is to pick an arbitrary, stupid goal, become totally involved in it, and pursue it with vigor. And what happens to you in that pursuit is your life.”

2. Grey Gardens: This is the story of Big and Little Edie Beale, a co-dependent mother-daughter team who happen to be cousins of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The documentary follows them as they live as shut-ins within their formerly glorious Hamptons mansion in the mid-seventies. They have no money, are living in squalor and Little Edie seems mentally unstable. She does nothing but take care of her mother and dream of getting away from the house to pick up her formerly fun and independent life in New York which she recounts with stories the viewer can’t help but doubt the the legitimacy of.

Why it’ll change your life: Watching this documentary gives you a dystopic idea of what it’s like to live your life for someone else instead of yourself. Every frame shows the suffering Little Edie endures because she gave up her life for her mother. You can see her mother’s manipulation and abuse clearly. It also teaches you that even those high up on the financial and social food chain can fall.

Little Edie talking about the concept of time: “It’s very difficult to keep the line between the past and the present. You know what I mean? It’s awfully difficult.”

3. War Dance: War Dance is the story of a northern Uganda refugee camp called Patongo. The children in the camp are all training to enter the country’s national festival of dance and music. The documentary follows three children as they train for and perform in the festival.

Why it’ll change your life: These children are amazing. Many of their parents and siblings have been killed or kidnapped, they are living in an overcrowded refugee camp that is poverty and disease-ridden and yet they still focus on the positive. They have a dream and they work day and night to try and achieve it—and despite everything, they succeed. After watching their struggles, you’ll never look at your own the same way again.

One of the children, Nancy, talks about music and dance: “Songs make me forget about what is happening in the camp… all the disease, no food, people dying… dancing is like closing my eyes and being with friends. It feels like home.”

4. Overnight: Overnight is a documentary that follows Troy Duffy (who wrote the screenplay The Boondog Saints) after he is discovered and becomes famous within the movie industry. It chronicles both his rise as the newest Hollywood darling and his self-induced fall from grace.

Why it’ll change your life: Troy Duffy is the poster boy for the dangers of hubris. Throughout the movie you see Duffy’s insecurity get the better of him and come out as narcissism. He teaches you how not to act when good things happen.

Troy Duffy on Miramax Films co-founder Harvey Weinstein: “Harvey Weinstein is afraid of me.”

5. The King of Kong: a Fistful of Quarters: The King of Kong is a movie about video gamers who are desperate to earn scores that make them world record holders in their chosen game. The video follows newbie gamer Steve Weibe as he attempts to beat video game legend Billy Mitchell’s record score at Donkey Kong—a score that had gone unbeaten for over 20 years.

Why it’ll change your life: Weibe’s determination to not only beat the score but to do so in an honest way is refreshing and reminds the viewer that playing nice is always the best policy—even if it means you get played.

Billy Mitchell on what it takes to make history: “When you want your name written into history, you have to pay the price.”

If you aren’t the drinking type, or if you just want to have something with the spirit of Ireland playing on your television during your St. Patrick’s Day party, then you might want to check out some of the Irish-themed movies available to you. Some of them are funny, some sad, and some… a little scary.

Waking Ned Devine: In Waking Ned Devine, an entire Irish town conspires to get lottery winnings that a newly deceased person won. They work together to fool the claim inspector into thinking that the winner is still alive, all while trying to actually execute his funeral and deal with a potential blackmailer. There is even a little surprise twist at the end. The movie itself is beautiful, the characters charming, and the moral… well, just watch the movie to find out.

Leprechaun: This movie is pretty much a St. Patrick’s Day classic by now. Starring Jennifer Aniston before she was a household name, this scary film is about a violent Leprechaun searching for—what else? His gold. The gold was stolen from him by another resident of the South Dakota home he and Jennifer Aniston’s crew is now inhabiting. A typical gore-fest, Leprechaun is a tongue-in-cheek horror film that can be fun to watch with plenty of Guinness.

Boondock Saints: In the cult favorite Boondock Saints, two Irish brothers work together to clean the streets of Boston by taking vigilante action against those who they deem “evil.” While the movie’s scenery may be in America, its heart is entirely Irish. With a heavy focus on loyalty, family and Irish Catholicism, Boondock Saints is an edgy, violent and interesting watch. It does suffer from an inexperienced director and a gratuitous script, but if you are in the mood for revenge, you might not care.

Ballykissangel: While not actually a movie, the television series Ballykissangel is about a small Irish village and its new English priest. During the six-season series you see what life is like in a small Irish town and enjoy all the drama, trauma and unexpected life events of the residents. This show gives your home great ambiance for St. Patrick’s Day and is great to have on in the background as you are doing other things. It’s an entertaining and endearing show and you can really feel like you are part of the village. Keep in mind, it isn’t always uplifting.

The Matchmaker: Even if you aren’t a fan of the romantic comedy genre, you might just like Janeane Garofalo’s 1997 movie The Matchmaker as part of your St. Patrick’s Day movie marathon. It takes place in Ireland, has a score that is full of Irish tunes and also stars the bitingly funny Denis Leary. This is a sweet movie about an American campaign aide who is in Ireland searching for the family of her boss in order to help his re-election. While she does this, a matchmaking festival is going on which puts her in a series of awkward situations. She unexpectedly falls in love and complications ensue. Between the sardonic humor of Garofalo and the witty black humor of Leary, this film could win over even the staunchest romantic comedy haters.

Believe it or not, not every couple enjoys watching romantic comedies together. While some couples can’t wait to see the latest flick starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, others would rather spend an hour and a half watching Transformers. If you are looking for a different kind of movie with some romance that you and your significant other can both enjoy on date night, here are some suggestions.

Image credit chancaca

Paper Heart (romantic comedy mockumentary): A mockumentary about love, Paper Heart follows comedienne, artist and musician  Charlyne Yi as she tries to figure out whether or not she is capable of love. During the mockumentary filming she meets and (though she won’t admit it) falls in love with Michael Cera. This movie is funny, cute and charming. Not at all like the rote romantic comedies that are usually crammed down the public’s throat.

1984 (science fiction): If you are looking for a little science fiction dystopia with your love story on date night, then 1984 might be for you. It’s a movie based on the George Orwell novel about a society that rewrites history to its own ends, requires full loyalty from its citizens and forbids things like independent thoughts. In this restrictive society, two people break the law and fall in love—at least until they are caught and then tortured into not loving each other anymore.

The Bourne Identity (action): The Bourne Identity is a good ol’ action flick with a little bit of romance thrown in. Jason Bourne (played by Matt Damon) is a highly-trained government weapon that has amnesia. He doesn’t remember this but he recently failed a mission and now the government agency he works with is trying to exterminate him. He meets a woman named Marie and she agrees to drive him to his home in Paris as he evades his would-be killers. Along the way they fall in love. The two characters are thrown into a world of crap together and neither one really knows why. Eventually, they separate but they come together again at the end. Word to the wise—don’t watch the second film, The Bourne Supremacy, because it’ll definitely kill the romance.

Image credit spiralz

True Lies (comedy/action/romance): True Lies is an action film that has great, edge-of-your-seat action but is really more of a comedy. It is focused on the relationship between the two leads played by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. In the movie, Curtis plays Schwarzenegger’s wife, Helen Tasker. She thinks that her husband works a normal job but it turns out he is actually a secret agent for the government. Through some madcap adventures she finds out his true career and they end up working as a team. This movie shows the ups and downs of their relationship as well as the true love the two characters really have for each other.

Fido (satire/spoof/comedy): Fido is the story of the world after an intense zombie attack. The non-zombies are outnumbered after the attack and are forced to settle in to fenced towns that keep out stray zombies. There are some zombies within the fences that have collars that domesticate them. These zombies are used as servants and playthings. One of them is a seemingly sensitive zombie named Fido. Fido’s female owner, Helen Robinson (played by Carrie-Anne Moss) falls in love with him as her husband becomes distant. Their neighbor has also fallen in love with his zombie. This is a fun  movie that shows how love can work through communication barriers and cultural differences—as long as one lover doesn’t eat the other’s brains, that is.

The making of these movies was marred by strange happenings, catastrophes, weather, tragedy, illness or even death.  But most of them managed to do well at the box office.

Apocalypse Now – Francis Ford Coppola, 1979

The amount of trouble and drama that surrounded the making of Apocalypse now is shocking. During the shooting of this film in Philippines, several things happened; including a typhoon that destroyed the sets and illness.  Coppola was driven to a breaking point and the star, Martin Sheen also had a heart attack and he was just 38.

Fitzcarraldo – Werner Herzog, 1982

A dangerous sequence had to be shot, because Herzog didn’t want to use any special effects. It was the story of a music fanatic who wants to construct an opera house in a jungle and Herzog made his cast and crew haul a steamship over the mountain.  He hired local Indians for the feat.  The steamship was huge with a 320-ton weight.  As if this was not enough, heavy rains, casting problems where lead actor Jason Roberts fell ill and had to be replaced with Klaus Kinski, Mick Jagger had to drop out for a Rolling Stones concert and a border war had to break out at that time between Peru and Ecuador.

The Twilight Zone: The Movie – John Landis, 1983

Lead actor Vic Morrow and two child actors, Renee Chen and My-ca Dinh Le were filming a scene where they had to go back in time to the Vietnam War.  In a dangerous special effects explosion for this Vietnam War scene, a helicopter lost control and crashed on them, killing all three.  This tragedy saw Landis and other crew members being charged with involuntary manslaughter; although, they were later acquitted after pleading not guilty.

Cleopatra – Joseph Mankiewicz – 1963

We all know how beautiful Elizabeth Taylor looked in this historical epic.  But what we don’t know is that the shooting went on for years and years with the production being interrupted several times due to Taylor’s illnesses. Once, severe pneumonia almost killed her and she even underwent an emergency tracheotomy.  That’s not all, the affair between Burton and Taylor that mushroomed during the filming was also quiet scandalous. The movie went way over budget and at around $60 million was considered to be one of the most expensive movies ever made.  Finally, it was completed in the hands of a new director.

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote – Terry Gilliam, Not completed

Terry Gilliam was destined to be doomed from day one of shooting. Jean Rochefort, the lead actor fell ill almost as the shooting began and he had to be admitted to hospital.  This was followed by calamities, with a flash flood washing away the complete set in northern Spain.  Johnny Depp, who was also in the film could not wait forever for Rochefort to recover because of other commitments, and that led to Gilliam abandoning the film altogether. In 2002, a documentary named, “Lost in La Mancha” was made chronicling the whole shoot.  However, the director supposedly said that the shooting will begin soon; although, there is no indication of who would star in the film.

The Crow – Alex Proyas, 1994

It is inevitable that Brandon Lee is mentioned when writing about movie set disasters.  He was the lead actor and died during the making of this film.  He was doing a shot where he walks in and finds his girlfriend being attacked.  One of the attackers was to turn and fire a dummy at Lee.  But he was actually shot on the sets by a misloaded prop gun, resulting in his death 12 hours later. The death of the son of Bruce Lee, who himself died in bizarre circumstances, added to the eerie feeling, as the film itself is dark and is about a man who returns from the dead.

Aguirre: The Wrath of God – Werner Herzog, 1972

Herzog is a controversial director and he has encountered several unique and bizarre circumstances during his shootings. While on the location for Aguirre, he threatened to shoot Klaus Kinski, when the actor wanted out of the film.  The story goes that Herzog saw Kinski packing his stuff into a speed boat to escape, when he told him that he would have eight bullets in his head before he reached the next bend of the river.  Although, Herzog denied at that time that he wielded a gun, he did say he had a gun on the sets.

Dancer in the Dark – Lars von Trier, 2000

This director has the dubious reputation of being not too kind to his actors.  This film debus Icelandic singer Bjork, and rumors go that she was so upset that se ate her own cardigan during the shoot.  According to Von Trier, Bjork would say every day that she despised him and spat at him. This experience proved to be so traumatic for Bjork that she never wanted to act again.

Million Dollar Mystery –Richard Fleischer, 1987

Dar Robinson, a famous Hollywood stuntman fell over a cliff and died during the filming of an advertisement for Glad Bags, as the movie was co-financed by Glad and DeLaurentiis Entertainment. Dar, who was a stuntman for 19 years and never suffered a broken bone, sailed over the edge of a cliff while filming a motorcycle drive-by.

Heaven’s Gate – Michael Cimino, 1980

This Western proved to be disastrous with the budget of $8 million ballooning to $36 million. The critics had a field day slamming this film and it went on to bomb at the box office too.  This paved the way for the sale of United Artists to MGM.  This huge failure is considered to be one of the biggest in the history of Hollywood.

To most of us, 3D cinema is synonymous with Elton John style glasses.  We have all enjoyed many wonderful movies made with 3D technology.  Recent blockbuster movies like “Ice Age: Dawn of Dinosaurs,” “G-Force” and “Up” have all been created using the latest stereoscopic 3D technology.

Most of us know that 3D films recreate moving images of the third dimension, creating an illusion of depth which the viewer experiences.  The three-dimensional cinema has been around for a very long time.  Although, 3D films were shown as far back as the 1920s, it was not until the 1950s that they became popular, ever since Arch Oboler had written, directed and produced “Bwana Devil” in 1952, which is based on the true story of the Tsavo maneaters.  The 3D power tucked away in digital projectors has been tapped.

These 3D films allow viewers to see the objects, such as buildings, cars etc. in a larger space and not on a flat surface.  There is a lot of effort behind the beautiful 3D technology, such as stereoscopy, which allows viewers to see different images with the left and right eyes. The stereoscopic effect is created with the use of 3D glasses and different projectors.

Stereoscopic films are also be produced through different methods.  Several systems were hugely popular over the years.  In the 1950’s, when 3D cinema came into its own, it was the anaglyph system, then came the polarization systems, which showed images that are more life-like and caused far less eye strain than the anaglyph system, thus enabling viewers to enjoy longer 3D films without any problems.

Currently, digital 3D format is used widely, and the first films to be made using the digital format are, “Chicken Little” by Walt Disney and Scar3D in 2007.

The three-dimensional cinema experienced its share of rollercoaster rides, ever since its inception, because of technical difficulties.  But frequent technological advances kept reviving 3D over the years.  A lot of credit for the huge success and popularity of 3D goes to the computer-animated films that proved to be a highly popular source of 3D material.  Such films are also easier to produce when compared to live action films.  Today, further advances in technology have given way to the next level of 3D cinema.

Have you heard of the latest 6D cinema?  These 6D films not only offer 3D images but take the viewing pleasure to an entirely new dimension by exposing the audience to the environmental elements; such as rain, wind and smell, similar to what the onscreen characters experience.

A British-based company named Light Cinema, recently launched “6D Cinema” in Bucharest, Romania. They say theirs is the world’s first 6D Cinema.  The chairs in the theater also revolve on cue to provide the viewer an extraordinary experience unlike anything they have seen before.

The technology costs for this new Cineplex with eight screens, are said to be around 600,000 pounds.  This unique theater has a café bar and a foyer.  It can seat up to 40 people and the films it screens are between five minutes and fifteen minutes long.  They play Hollywood blockbusters and alternative films.  They already have plans to open a second light theater in Oradea, Romania in the fall, and have the intention of establishing high-end digital theaters in Europe.

It is only a matter of time before 6D cinema is seen the world over. Adlabs Cinema also launched its first 6D cinema experience in India, employing cutting-edge audio and visual effects that bring to the audience, three-dimensional images, allowing them to experience simultaneous sight, smell, touch, sound, motion and interactivity.

The new 6D technology is expected to take off in a better manner than 3D technology did when it made its entry.  We may see less and less of the regular 3D films in the near future.  But it is left to be seen whether the swirling chairs, the smells and other aspects that are part of 6D cinema have the desired effect and become popular with the audiences.

Vampires may be a hot trend right now because of the Twilight films and the True Blood series, but do the latest incarnations of vampire characters hold up to those of the past? Vampires have transformed from grotesque to romantic characters (and back) over the years. These 13 vampire movies with bite will take you through some of my favorites, which really run the gamut.

13. Dracula, Dead and Loving It

I don’t normally like “stupid” comedies. I don’t often like parody films either. But somehow Mel Brooks always seems to win me over, and his Dracula, Dead and Loving It is no exception. Leslie Nielsen stars as the Count himself, offering up just the right mix of comedy and charm. Brooks co-stars as Van Helsing, determined to slay Dracula. It takes a lot to leave me in stitches, and this duo does it. If scary movies aren’t quite your thing, but you’d still like to check out a vampire movie, Dracula, Dead and Loving It is perfect for you.

Credit: CoverBrowser.com

Leslie Nielsen as Dracula - Credit: Autumnnn (via Flickr)

12. Queen of the Damned

Queen of the Damned is one of those vampire movies people seem to either love or hate. I fall into the “love it” camp. That’s partly because Queen of the Damned is based on Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles series, which I grew up reading. More importantly though, the movie is just stunning visually. A lot of vampire films have more of a “gritty” feel to them, but this one is rich and that really helps to suck me into the fictional world of the story.

On top of that, Queen of the Damned is one of the best vampire movies (to me) because it has a strong female focus. Too many vampire movies focus on the character of Dracula where women are more vulnerable and treated predominantly as objects of lust. This movie turns the tables (to a degree), making Stuart Townsend’s Lestat (probably Anne Rice’s best-loved character) more of the sex object in this film. Overall, it’s just an interesting take on vampire stories. Because of that, it deserves a place on this list.

It’s also interesting to note that Aaliyah (playing the title character) died after the film’s completion, but before it was released. The film was dedicated to her memory.

Queen of the Damned movie poster - Credit: Warner Bros.

Stuart Townsend and Aaliyah - Credit: Warner Bros.

Stuart Townsend as Lestat - Credit: Warner Bros.

11. The Fearless Vampire Killers

I was turned onto The Fearless Vampire Killers by an old friend. I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but Roman Polanski’s 1967 vampire flick charmed me enough to make me recommend it. This is another good vampire movie for people who don’t really like horror films — more humorous than anything else. The settings were beautiful, but it was the way they used color in this film that makes it stand out in my mind still. I believe it was Polanski’s first color film, so that makes its brilliance even more surprising. The only way to describe it is “art.” Funny. Blood-sucking. Art.

Credit: CoverBrowser.com

Screenshot of Sharon Tate in The Fearless Vampire Killers

10. Bram Stoker’s Dracula

I honestly can’t say that Bram Stoker’s Dracula is one of my favorites, but it’s still a must-see for any vampire movie lover. Don’t get me wrong. This is another visually rich film, and normally I’d love that. But the casting killed this vampire movie for me. Keanu Reeves is usually bad enough.

I could have stomached that though. It was Winona Ryder that cinched it. She’s the kind of actress who can be very good or very bad depending on the role. Unfortunately I’d consider most of her acting very bad, and her performance in this film is no exception. I don’t think she has a moment on-screen where she isn’t completely over-acting. Casting her seems a bit too stereotyped, as though they just defaulted to her as a woman to cast in a darker film.

Next time we have a Dracula film come out, how about a little originality — at least in the casting?

Credit: CoverBrowser.com

Screenshot from Bram Stoker's Dracula

9. Dracula: Pages From a Virgin’s Diary

Guy Maddin’s Dracula: Pages From a Virgin’s Diary is unlike other vampire movies. First, it’s a modern-day silent film. It’s also a ballet. I love vampire movies. I love black and white films (I’ve often said I’d love to see someone put together a truly decent old-style film as a throwback to Hollywood’s heyday). I can’t say I’m a fan of ballet though.

Still, I love this. I don’t know if it’s the simple fact that Pages From a Virgin’s Diary is different than other vampire movies or if this was another case of me finding a film visually exciting, but I really do love this. Hats off to Guy Maddin for giving us something unique in the vampire movie genre, even if just in form.

If you enjoy older silent horror films like Nosferatu or The Phantom of the Opera, give this movie a chance. And if not, consider it your loss (and go enjoy another vampire film more suited to your tastes – you can’t really have enough of them!).

Dracula: Pages from a Virgin's Diary - Credit: Zeitgeist Films

Scene from Dracula: Pages from a Virgin's Diary - Credit: Zeitgeist Films

Another Scene from Dracula: Pages from a Virgin's Diary - Credit: Zeitgeist Films

8. Dracula (1931)

No one personifies the character of Dracula in our minds quite like Bela Lugosi in this 1931 Dracula film. When you think of Dracula, what do you see? Forget about previously grotesque representations of vampires like Max Schreck’s Count Orlok in Nosferatu. You probably picture the well put-together, charming gentlemanly figure who just happens to have a thirst for blood.

While that version of Dracula we’ve come to know and love plays up the romantic elements more common (and perhaps over-exaggerated) in some of today’s vampires, I also find that Lugosi makes the character more terrifying.

Everyone can understand being afraid of a hideous monster. But showing that sometimes the monster is concealed in a “pretty” package does a better job of hitting home (similar to how serial killers can seem like such ordinary and also charming men). And it’s the idea that danger can lurk anywhere (and in anyone) that really sets vampire stories apart in the world of monster myths. There’s a certain level of truth to it. Don’t miss this classic.

Dracula (1931) - Credit: CoverBrowser.com

Dracula (1931) - Credit: Ed Fitzgerald (via Wikipedia)

7. Nosferatu

Nosferatu has an interesting story behind it. This grandfather of all vampire films was based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula. But it was never authorized to be made. F.W. Murnau instead thinly veiled his adaptation by changing character names, settings, and other minor details while still ripping heavily from the plot.

Stoker’s widow tried to have the film destroyed due to the violations of copyright, but fortunately for us it still exists. Actually, several versions exist (different cuts and different scores). You can find full versions available online these days because the movie is in the public domain now in the US.

If you’re not into old black and white films, you may not love this. If you don’t enjoy silent films, you may have an even harder time getting into it. Then again, if any silent film is going to keep your attention, it’s probably Nosferatu — the familiar story and haunting imagery are enough to make it a must-see (at least once).

Credit: CoverBrowser.com

Max Schreck Credit: bartholome (via Wikipedia)

Scene from Nosferatu - Credit: DreamGuy (via Wikipedia)

6. Night Watch

Let me start of by saying Night Watch is a fantastic film! The only reason it doesn’t rank higher on my list is that I feel really hard-pressed to even call this a “vampire movie.” Yes, there are vampires. But that’s not the central focus of the film. It’s a film focused more on the balance of good and evil, where those on each “side” are literally responsible for keeping each other in check. It’s an interesting concept.

I’m a big fan of foreign films. Night Watch is a Russian film (you can watch it dubbed in English, but I highly recommend seeing it in its original format — or watch it both ways). I may not have ever come across this film if it weren’t for my old work with musicians. Through my work I came into contact with a Russian band. They were involved in some way on the soundtrack of Night Watch. This was before it was released in the US. One of the band members had just found out that it was picked up for US distribution, and let me know about it. The moment it was available, I had to see it. It was awesome (not a word I like to use, but you get the idea).

If you enjoy Night Watch, you might want to check out the sequel Day Watch as well. I know a few people who prefer the latter, but personally I’m a bigger fan of the first.

Night Watch (Nochoi Dozor) - Credit: CoverBrowser.com

Screenshot of a Scene from Night Watch

5. Near Dark

Vampires and cowboys — could it be true? That’s what you’ll get in this odd (yet intriguing) vampire movie. It’s one part western and two parts horror flick (and not surprisingly, this vampire western comes to us from the 80s). And the vampires’ favorite mode of transportation? Why their RV of course!

It’s really not as corny as it sounds. Okay. Maybe it is. But it’s a great movie nonetheless. What’s great about Near Dark is the fact that we lose the glorification a bit, and go back to vampires as monsters. Sure, they look just like you and me (nothing like Schrek’s portrayal in Nosferatu), but it’s their actions — their ruthlessness — that make these vampires hard core. This is another of those vampire movies that was recommended to me by a friend. Again I didn’t think I’d enjoy it, but I was pleasantly surprised. And now I’m recommending it to you.

Credit: J.D. (via Wikipedia)

Screenshot of a Scene from Near Dark

4. The Lost Boys

Another 80s vampire movie, The Lost Boys has traditionally been one of people’s favorites. It’s no wonder. It has something for everyone. Kiefer Sutherland epitomized the “cool” aspect of being a member of the undead, and girls had the Coreys (Feldman and Heim for those who don’t know).

The Lost Boys isn’t necessarily a great movie by any technical standards, but it’s a whole lot of fun. It has the perfect mix of horror and comedy.

The Lost Boys - Credit: CoverBrowser.com

Screenshot of a Scene from The Lost Boys

Another Screenshot of a Scene from The Lost Boys

3. Let the Right One In

Let the Right One In is another foreign vampire film, and the most recent vampire movie on this list. It’s a Swedish film. Like Night Watch you can watch it dubbed in English if you really want to. However, I found the English voice actors to be absolutely awful for this one, and recommend the original. Reading subtitles won’t kill you.

This movie injects a sense of reality into vampire myths — you almost feel like it could be true. There’s no sex or violence solely for the sake of sex or violence here. The gore really is necessary to the story (the way I feel horror films should always be made). And there’s always something about great child actors in horror movies. They add a whole different dimension to the creepy factor that adult actors just can’t touch. Overall, this is an amazing film, and one no fan of vampire movies should miss.

Credit: latdenrattekommain.se

Credit: WetWebWork (via Flickr)

2. Fright Night

I know I said earlier that I don’t usually like “stupid” comedies (where it feels forced, as if they’re trying too hard). But the vampire movie sub-genre is clearly an exception. Here’s yet another comedy / horror film, this time starring Christopher Sarandon as our leading vamp. This is one of very few movies (of any genre) that I can watch over and over again, and still be amused. If you’ve ever wondered what could happen if a vampire moved in next door, you won’t finish this film disappointed. And if not, well, it’s still good fun.

Fright Night - Credit: CoverBrowser.com

Screenshot of a Scene from Fright Night

Screenshot of Christopher Sarandon in a Scene From Fright Night

1. Interview With the Vampire

I know some vampire movie fans wouldn’t rank Interview With the Vampire anywhere near #1 in their own top picks, but I have to give it credit for a lot of reasons.

First, it’s based on Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles book series (like Queen of the Damned), which I’ve loved for as long as I can remember.

Second, this is another one of those visually intense films that I can’t help but get sucked into.

Third, there’s plenty of eye candy for the female viewers (about time). I’m not a big fan of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in that sense, but Christian Slater and Antonio Banderas (a much younger Banderas have you) more than make up for it. It’s interesting to see the differences in sex appeal in vampire movies more targeted towards women (not the movies as a whole, but the male characters) as opposed to the female sex objects in more male-oriented vampire flicks (read: usually cheap and trashy). Just saying.

Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, this film seemed to bring out the best in actors that I normally don’t enjoy watching (namely Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Kirsten Dunst). In fact, I still hold that this is Dunst’s best role to date. I actually buy Cruise’s intensity in the role of Lestat. And I really believe the emotional struggles of Louis as played by Pitt. I can’t help it. As much as I don’t like them, I love them in this film.

So while many people may not feel Interview with the Vampire is necessarily worthy of a top pick, I do. And today that call is mine to make. But I invite you to leave a comment and share your own favorite vampire movie (and be sure to tell us why you love it)!

Interview with the Vampire - Credit: CoverBrowser.com

Screenshot from Interview With the Vampire

Screenshot from Interview With the Vampire

Screenshot of Tom Cruise as Lestat

Screenshot of Brad Pitt as Louis

Screenshot of Antonio Banderas in Interview With the Vampire

Screenshot of Christian Slater in Interview With the Vampire

Screenshot of Kirsten Dunst in Interview With the Vampire

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