Top Ten List: The 10 Greatest Works of Joss Whedon

If you don't know who Joss Whedon is, you are really missing out. He is one of the greatest talents in film, television and comic books (Buffy, Angel, Firefly/Serenity, Astonishing X-Men). Joss is also a true visionary, in his own way, he is changing the world. Whether it be from his outspoken feminism/support of the charity Equality Now, or his attempt at changing how we view art, or, of course, his actual art, he is making a difference. With the release of his newest film, Dr. Horrible's Sing A-Long Blog this week and his next TV show, Dollhouse, coming next year, I thought it a good time to take a look at Joss's best work.


10. Fray
Joss Whedon's first foray into comics remains one of his most memorable. A brilliant graphic novel set in the "Buffyverse", but in the future, starring a slayer known as Fray.

9. Angel Season 3 Episode 13 "Waiting In The Wings"
One of the best episodes Angel has to offer. Angel and the gang decide to go out to see a ballet Angel once saw in the 1800s. When they get there, Angel realizes it is literally the same ballet he saw long ago. Featuring unforgettable, key character moments for all the main players, as well as a great guest role by Summer Glau, who would go on to play River in Firefly/Serenity.

8. Firefly Episode 14 "Objects In Space"
The very last episode of Firefly, which actually didn't air on television, is the best, along with "The Message", which was written but not directed by Joss (hence no inclusion on the list). It features a peculiar bounty hunter named Early as he attempts to kidnap Simon and River. Having much to do with existentialism and River's unique perspective, which seem to go hand in hand, Objects In Space is one of Joss's richer episodes.

7. Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 8 Issue #5 "The Chain"
The Chain is the best issue and/or story arc so far in Joss's Season 8. It is actually the best comic book issue I've ever read. Profoundly moving and important, The Chain is a masterpiece of the medium.

6. Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog
Joss Whedon's latest film was a 42 minute musical released on the internet for free, inspired by the recent writer's strike. Self funded with virtually no middle man, Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog is a milestone in film/TV distribution, and Joss will be remembered as a true pioneer for the industry. It helps that the actual piece is absolutely brilliant.

5. Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 4 Episode 22 "Restless"
Restless remains one of the better, if not best, films/episodes that portray dreams. The Scoobies do battle in their heads with a mysterious foe as they all sleep in Buffy's living room. Almost entirely shrouded in metaphor, Restless may be the most daring season finale in TV history.

4. Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 4 Episode 10 "Hush"
Hush stands as one of the most revered episodes of Buffy as well as TV in general. Nearly a completely silent episode, as the "Gentlemen" steal all the voices in Sunnydale. Far scarier than TV can usually accomplish and often hilarious.

3. Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 5 Episode 16 "The Body"Perhaps the best examination of losing a loved one in TV history. The episode contains no music at all and some of the most heartbreaking moments in BTVS's 7 year run.

2. SerenityThe big screen continuation of the unfairly canceled Firefly, Serenity proved Joss's talents translate to motion pictures just as well as TV. This may be the best example of Joss's incredible writing and certainly his best job of directing ever. Look for the incredible long take "oner" early on that begins at one end of the spaceship and ends at the other, all the while introducing each member of the crew.

1. Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 6 Episode 7 "Once More With Feeling"
The best episode of the best TV show ever, Once More With Feeling is a masterpiece. Combining his great dialog, his bold ideas and a secret talent for writing great songs, Joss crafts one of the more memorable musicals in screen history. The soundtrack never gets old, and neither does the episode. Fans all over the world now gather at group sing-a-longs (myself included), celebrating something remarkably special.