My Favorite Stories
And the importance of ranking. Updated: 1/24/2024
UPDATED: 4/27/2024
This will be a continuously-updated six-part article. This first section covers the importance of ranking and an overall cumulative list. There will be an individual article for each category explaining why they are ranked the way they are, coming soon.
These stories are dear to me regardless of how I uplift or tear them down. They changed the way I view the world, gave me new insights, taught me life lessons, and helped me train my craft to be a better author.
So, why would I rank them if they are all my favorites? Why not just allow them to be favorites without comparison?
Comparing and contrasting stories is critical to growing as an author myself. We learn nothing but through adversity, whether it's ours or someone else's is irrelevant. New information is only gained through adversity. Looking at what makes a story good and what can be improved upon helps us be better authors and see how we can improve our work.
Comparing strengthens all of us as storytellers, finding out what each story does well and poorly generates better stories in the future. Ranking and comparing stories is important. I encourage everyone to do the same with their favorite stories, rank them however you wish and explain your ranking. It is often through teaching others that we gain a deeper understanding ourselves. One of the best ways to study for a test is to tutor someone else. Both individuals are teachers and students in their own way, and as storytellers, we are all forever students in an endless craft.
Unlike talents, storytelling is a craft. Anybody can learn how to tell stories, anybody can learn how to write. Like a blacksmith forging weapons, you train as an apprentice under a master: you learn, grow, and eventually find your own signature. After graduating from the apprentice stage, you travel around and look at the weapons other people have crafted. Learning techniques from others often times means your own unique style becomes stronger itself. This is why, though I love every story on this list, I choose to compare and rank them.
Without further ado, here is my ranking. The highest honor I can bestow to a story is: legendary stories (1), followed by incredible stories (2), followed by amazing stories (3), then stunning stories (4), then, stories that I don't consider good stories, but ones that I love anyways (x).
LEGENDARY STORIES (1):
Movies:
The Lord of the Rings (all movies) directed by Peter Jackson
Stardust by Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman
Your Name by Makoto Shinkai
Howl's Moving Castle, movie by Hayao Miyazaki
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind by Hayao Miyazaki
Anime/Manga/Webtoons/Web Novels:
One Piece by Eiichiro Oda
Death Note written by Tsugumi Ohba, illustrated by Takeshi Obata
Blood of the Butterfly by Remin
UnOrdinary by Chelsey Han (Uru-Chan)
T.V. Shows:
The Haunting of Hill House by Mike Flanagan
Books:
Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson
The Lord of the Rings by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
The Hobbit by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Howl's Moving Castle, book by Diana Wynne Jones
Video games/other games:
X-Com Series by Firaxis Games, 2K Games
Short stories/poems:
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas
Engine by Madoka Mori
Logos by Madoka Mori
Children's stories:
(none yet)
Music/Rock Operas:
(none yet)
INCREDIBLE STORIES (2):
Movies:
Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki
Suzume by Makoto Shinkai
Anime/Manga/Webtoon/Web Novels:
Siren's Lament by instantmiso
Demon Slayer by Koyoharu Gotouge
Vivy: Fluorite Eyes by Tappei Nagatsuki
The Ancient Magus' Bride by Kore Yamazaki
Seraph of the End by Takaya Kagami and illustrated by yamato Yamamoto
D. Gray Man by Katsura Hoshino
Naruto by Mashashi Kishimoto
The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn by Tri Vuong
Wished You Were Dead by JINSEO
Tower of God by Lee Jong-Hui (S.I.U., Slave in Utero)
Noragami by Adachitoka
Assassination Classroom by Yusei Matsui
T.V. Shows:
(none yet)
Books:
The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Video Games:
The Mass Effect Trilogy by BioWare
Short Stories/Poems:
(none yet)
Children's stories:
Avatar: The Last Airbender by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko
Music/Rock Opera:
The Hazards of Love by the Decemberists
AMAZING STORIES (3):
Movies:
The Sound of Voice (A Silent Voice) by Yoshitoki Ōima
Weathering with You by Makoto Shinkai
Double Jeopardy by David Weisberg Douglas Cook, directed by Bruce Beresford
Anime/Manga/Webtoon/Webnovels:
Moriarty the Patriot by Ryosuke Takeuchi, illustrated by Hikaru Miyoshi
Seducing the Monster Duke by Ellianyang, illustrated by Capu
91 Days by Hiro Kabura and Taku Kishimoto
The Remarried Empress by Alphatart
Suitor Armor by Purpah
Ghost Wife/Half Ghost by Sejung
Cursed Princess Club by LambCat
Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
ID: Invaded directed by Ei Aoki and written by Ōtarō Maijō
T.V. Shows:
Community by Dan Harmon
Books:
In the Time of Dragon Moon by Janet Lee Carey
Video Games:
League of Legends by Riot Games
SubNautica by Unknown Worlds Entertainment and Panic Button Games
The Witch's House by Fummy
Oblivion by Bethesda
Short Stories/Poems:
(none yet)
Children's Stories:
Code: Lyoko by Thomas Romain and Tania Palumbo
Music/Rock Opera:
Interstellar 555 by Daft Punk
STUNNING STORIES (4):
Movies:
(none yet)
Anime/Manga/Webtoon/Webnovels:
See You in my 19th Life Kim Soon-ok
Men of the Harem by Alphatart
Tales of Zestiria the X by Hikaru Kondo, Ufotable Studio
Finding Camellia by Soye Jin
Baroness Goes on Strike by Billibilli comics
Winter Moon by Merryweather
My Husband, My Sister, and I by Muso and PISTACHIO
The Adventures of a Demon King's Daughter by Eumnin (art) and Yeowool (story)
T.V. Shows:
Lost by Jeffre Lieber, J.J. Abrams, and Damon Lindelof
Books:
(none yet)
Video Games:
They Are Billions by Numantian Games
Short Stories/Poems:
(none yet)
Children's Stories:
(none yet)
Music/Rock Opera:
(none yet)
POOR STORIES THAT STOLE MY HEART (X):
Movies:
(none yet)
Anime/Manga/Webtoon/Webnovels:
RWBY by Rooster Teeth
T.V. Shows:
(none yet)
Books:
(none yet)
Video Games:
Skyrim by Bethesda
Short Stories/Poems:
(none yet)
Children's Stories:
Yu-Gi-Oh! by Kazuki Takahashi
Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's by Kazuki Takahashi
Acceleracers by Mark Edens Ian Richter
Music/Rock Opera:
(none yet)
This list will be updated as time passes and more stories are collected. Many stories that I love, books, and so forth, I need to re-read or review again before adding them in. They will be added in eventually.
About the Creator
Monique Hardt
Monique Hardt is a longtime lover of the fantastical and the impossible, crafting works of both poetry and fictional prose. She began writing books at the age of ten and has been diligently practicing her craft ever since.
Keep reading
More stories from Monique Hardt and writers in Writers and other communities.
OF MOTHERHOOD.
Dear mother-to-be, I wanted to let you know how very, very special I think you are. I don't think there can be any job that is more meaningful than the one you are about to begin, that of being a mom. You are the most important person in the world to your precious unborn baby, and you will be for many years.
By Catherine Nyomenda3 days ago in Writers
Embrace Serenity: 13 Charming Baby Blue Flowers for Your Garden
Dreaming of a tranquil garden oasis adorned with delicate hues of baby blue? Look no further! We've curated a delightful selection of 13 enchanting baby blue flowers that are sure to add a touch of serenity to your outdoor sanctuary.
By Ashley Scott6 days ago in Writers
Peanuts and Crackerjack
Bottom of the ninth inning. The game is tied with two outs, two strikes and a man on second. I tap the bat on home plate. The rigid vibrations it creates reminds my aching digits that this isn't over. The practice swing only adds to the heft of mental burnout... Man on second, willing to chance it. Pitcher eyes him but doesn't give in to the dangerous bluff. I kick up dust, readying the peculiar stance I've had since the days of little league. The bat lays stiff upon my cramping shoulder. Pain has no reason to be acknowledged; it's a fleeting afterthought. The sun sits passed high noon, but the stadium lights are on anyway. They trick my brain into believing they are the cause of this sweltering heat. Sporadic clouds are motionless, they too, don't want to miss this exhilarating predicament. Anticipating the next pitch, intensifying roars from the crowd rumble the stadium... Behind me, the crafty catcher adjusts his stance and spits to the dry dirt. Behind him, the staunch umpire doesn't flinch or even blink; he knows how important his call will be. The pitcher winds up, his grip tells me its gonna curve. The release is fierce! Beads of sweat from his hair and face disperse in every direction as the force of his might is unfailing. My left leg lifts—an instinctual move that will increase the power of my swing. It's all down to my two, bloodshot eyes. They lock onto the speeding, white dot as it instantly becomes the target I intend to destroy. The swing is late, but I manage a solid tip. The ball is taking a fast bounce toward the pitcher who is recovering from the almighty throw! Man on second leaves in a desperate rush! I fling the bat to the side with a sense of urgency and make a mad sprint to the only destination I have—first base. Three defenders race inward to be the first to retrieve the skidding ball. Man is almost on third! I watch the open glove of my adversary, wondering if I’ve done enough to win this race. I switch my attention to his eyes, looking for a clue, some kind of reaction that tells me the ball is in the air and heading his way. All I see is frustration. The deafening roar of the crowd spikes! Something happens that I can’t see! My opponent abandons his post right as my left stride touches the bag. I waste no time turning my head to see the pitcher laying on his stomach, pounding the mound with an open glove. He misses the opportunity to out me and the ball has quickly bounced past him. Excitement grows! This isn’t over yet... It's become an imperative fight to tag out the runner heading homeward. The catcher falls to his knees in obvious despair as he watches my teammate make the run of his life. He knows it’s going to be close when he sees the shortstop fumble the ball a second too long. I jump up and down with no plans on leaving first base. All my chips are on the speed and agility of the active runner. His cleats dig into the dirt, trailing a dust-filled cyclone from the rapid and strenuous strides. With a thrusting dive and an outstretched arm, he lands on his chest to begin the crucial slide to home plate. The shortstop fires the ball to the catcher! It immediately begins closing the gap! Nail-biting doesn't begin to describe the anxious vibe permeating the stadium. The bench begins to celebrate even before he reaches the plate. Forty thousand cheering fans reach maximum crescendo, filling the air with a glorious sound. Everyone knows how this story will end… My teammate is met by the entire bench as his fingers inch across home plate, instantly followed by the unmistakable motion of the catcher's glove attempting to tag him out—its milliseconds too late. The ump swings his arms outward, officially calling him safe.
By Lamar Wiggins3 days ago in Fiction
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.