What is the single best science fiction or fantasy franchise?

[Parmandur]

His wife died, leading to decades of alcohol and drug abuse and near homelessness. He really spiralled and didn't get the help he needed for a very long time.

Interesting historical note there, it seems the lifeline that helped him get back to sobriety and out of poverty were royalty checks from TSR for AD&D Lankhmar.

 

[Dioltach]

Interesting historical note there, it seems the lifeline that helped him get back to sobriety and out of poverty were royalty checks from TSR for AD&D Lankhmar.

It makes me happy that at least a tiny portion of the vast sums I've spent on RPGs down the decades might have done some good.

 

[Mad_Jack]

Highlander.

It's the best franchise ever because it was perfect and they stopped at just one.

 

[Clint_L]

Highlander.

It's the best franchise ever because it was perfect and they stopped at just one.

I have some terrible news for you...

 

[GreyLord]

I have some terrible news for you...

They were going to make a remake...but aren't going to anymore??

 

[Zardnaar]

Highlander.

It's the best franchise ever because it was perfect and they stopped at just one.

Kinda same as the Matrix. Thankfully they only made one.

 

[GreyLord]

On the topic, I'd say my default would be to say Lord of the Rings/Middle-Earth is obvious.

Others have already mentioned it repeatedly.

So...I started to think if there could be a greater Fantasy franchise which has had a greater impact on history, writing, and works than Tolkien's works?

Then it struck me...yes...there are actually a few. Then I also thought, if I mention them as a fantasy or science fiction or anything like that...it will not be seen positively and people would lynch me.

So...then I thought of how to put one of these in a way where most would not be offended...and maybe even laugh??

So...in trying to top the Lord of the Rings on relavance and impact...I'd say...Greek Mythology.

It has to be the single greatest fantasy (and it was a group effort) ever created and has had the greatest impact of all various types of fantasy on WESTERN culture (not as great an impact on other cultures). Modified and utilized by the Romans, that counts as a variant of the Greek Mythology still in my mind and opinion (though one could argue the Egyptian mythos is either a precursor, and adaptation, or a separate branch from the same tree as well) and all their impacts that they've had.

Norse Mythology also has had an impact, but I'd say Greek Mythology solidly stands above it.

 

[Parmandur]

On the topic, I'd say my default would be to say Lord of the Rings/Middle-Earth is obvious.

Others have already mentioned it repeatedly.

So...I started to think if there could be a greater Fantasy franchise which has had a greater impact on history, writing, and works than Tolkien's works?

Then it struck me...yes...there are actually a few. Then I also thought, if I mention them as a fantasy or science fiction or anything like that...it will not be seen positively and people would lynch me.

So...then I thought of how to put one of these in a way where most would not be offended...and maybe even laugh??

So...in trying to top the Lord of the Rings on relavance and impact...I'd say...Greek Mythology.

It has to be the single greatest fantasy (and it was a group effort) ever created and has had the greatest impact of all various types of fantasy on WESTERN culture (not as great an impact on other cultures). Modified and utilized by the Romans, that counts as a variant of the Greek Mythology still in my mind and opinion (though one could argue the Egyptian mythos is either a precursor, and adaptation, or a separate branch from the same tree as well) and all their impacts that they've had.

Norse Mythology also has had an impact, but I'd say Greek Mythology solidly stands above it.

Greek mythology as a public domain "media franchise" does make a lot of sense.

 

[Adeptus7]

I think that through the ages impact of the Greek Mythology was much, much bigger than Norse one, but nowadays it evened out slightly. Mostly because modern fantasy is mostly based on Tolkien, which was based in gig poart on Norse mythology.

 

[Mannahnin]

Greek mythology as a public domain "media franchise" does make a lot of sense.

I think it's outside the remit of the thread. Though an interesting digression.