7 Film Series Maltese People Absolutely Lose Their Shit Over
Do you sometimes wish you could forget films and their twists, only to be able to re-watch them afresh? With some films having such a cultural and social effect on us, it’s no surprise that Maltese pack cinemas, buy DVDs, and (illegally) download loads of films.
Not all films are created equally though, and there are some series of popular hits that regularly have the whole island losing their shit over.
Selling out cinemas and having all of us talking for weeks, here are some of the the film series that Maltese people just can’t get enough of. And while they’re all internationally famous, there’s just something about these particular series that simply resonates with Malta on a deeper level.
1. Every Marvel Movie
We don’t know what it is about Marvel movies and Maltese (maybe the alliteration?), but you know whenever a new superhero movie comes out, everybody here just goes ape shit.
On the opening day, cinemas are usually packed with teens, fans, comic-nerds, couples and even our parents, all of us going crazy for our favourite super heroes fighting each other.
2. The Lord Of The Rings
At the time when The Lord Of The Rings films were hitting our cinemas, every boy between 12-25 was literally going nuts.
Everyone who watched the movies instantly fell in love with them, and the One Ring quickly became an accessory, wrapped around the necks of kids at school. The series took fantasy movies to the next level, blowing our minds with the special effects, incredible fight scenes, and lovable characters.
For additional fun – and with typical Maltese fashion – drinking games became implemented into the films for our inebriated enjoyment. This masterpiece should be re-watched at least once a year, and it is by most locals (the extended version, of course).
It came to us, our own, our love, our precious.
3. Star Wars
The force is strong with this one. It’s back baby!
With the first trilogy coming to the big screens back between 1977 and 1983, the second hitting theatres between 1999 and 2005, and recently the newest of the trilogy which is currently making us lose our shit, this franchise has been with us our whole lives.
We don’t think there’s a person alive who doesn’t know what Star Wars is, and with good reason. And when it comes to Malta, there are thousands of collectors and superfans who frequently boast their endless merchandise collection and quote it at you at any possible opportunity.
Admit it; ever since you were young, you wish you could have owned a lightsaber and maybe even tried to use the force once or twice.
4. Harry Potter
Growing up alongside the actors and knowing year after year that we all had another Harry Potter film to look forward to is a magical memory many Maltese people share.
The series still inspires many kids and teens to read the books and dress up as their favourite characters come Halloween and carnival. With the new Fantastic Beasts spinoff based in the Harry potter universe, hype for this timeless franchise is hitting the island all over again.
5. James Bond
Bond, James Bond. One for the parents.
With the action and ladies for the guys and the main man keeping the women interested, James Bond has something for the whole family. We already know the plot before we enter the movie, but we don’t care.
Spy movies will always be awesome. Also, if that intro music doesn’t get you going, we don’t know what will. Throw in countless cover versions of popular James Bond theme songs by Maltese bands at pubs all over the island, and the series’ popularity among Maltese people is still very clear.
6. Pirates of the Caribbean
It might be our own island lifestyle shining through, but there’s not a single person in this country who watched Pirates Of The Caribbean and did not immediately fall in love with Capitan Jack Sparrow.
The amazing musical soundtrack, quirky-fun characters, and insane plot all kept us going enough to be awed by super sword fights. With Disney hinting at more films in the franchise to be released, they’ll always be a special place for the greatest pirate who ever lived in our hearts. Here’s hoping future instalments don’t disappoint.
7. The Fast and The Furious
Super cars, beautiful women, built bros, action galore and saving the world. In other words, Malta’s alter-ego in a nutshell.
With more of these movies than Kardashians (and just as popular), you just know come the next one the cinemas – and your Instagram feed – will be as packed as ever. The only issue with this film’s popularity with Maltese people is that after it, some of us start driving the part.
