More Steampunk in your life? YES PLEASE!

So you like Steampunk?

I often want to say Steampunk as a genre is akin to Owl City. A quirky, unique, and slightly odd but also cozy and fun thing that has existed for quite some time, and while many people know about it, many don't really understand or go into the logistics of it...yet a vast amount of people are all about it.

So yes! To fill you in, if unaware, Steampunk is basically Victorian (OR Edwardian) Sci-Fi or simply put, Neo-Victorian or Neo-Edwardian. Most Steampunk is based upon late Victorian(around the 1860s to the 1890s)...well, everything! The tools, the aesthetics, the lingo, the names, the motifs, hats, hairstyles, and of course, the fashion. As a side note, contrary to popular accusation, Steampunk does NOT have to include the color brown/gold/sepia/copper nor a top hat with goggles, as these things are optional, about 20 years overplayed, and frankly just uncreative.

So for any of you Steampunks out there looking for something Steampunk to watch, hear, or just look at, never fear! I am here with all the Steampunk (and Steampunk-esque) media that I have come to know over the years and could find on my digital scavenger hunts! 

That being said, I probably have left a lot of stuff out... but these are the ones I have found and seen/heard and personally count as Steampunk! Feel free to mention another or argue if one is or isn't.

Let's get started, shall we Ladies and Gents?

STEAMPUNK MOVIES

Live-Action

• The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen(2003)

The sort of classic Steampunk movie. In fact, this was one of the first I had ever seen(while knowing what Stemapunk was). Big adventure, bigger explosions, famous characters, good humor, and Sean Connery...what more do you need? Also there is a great vampire vs Dorian Grey lover's quarrel scene if that helps.

• Around the World In 80 Days (2004)

One of my all-time favorite movies, in the entire world, I can't say much that wouldn't be biased. If you're someone who hates bad puns and creative history re-writing then you'd probably hate this movie. A favorite scene happening when a man named Lord Salisbury says something which helps the villain's even plan, to which the villain replies, "Well done, Salisbury! I shall name a beef-based entrée after you in your honor."  If that quip doesn't sell you on the movie, I dunno what would.

• Hugo(2011)

I'll admit. I was quite apprehensive about watching this movie because others considered it a Steampunk movie, but since it is set in the 1930s, this really confused me. However, after watching it, everything became clear. Of course the automaton itself in the film could be considered Steampunk alone, the plot centers around a story taking place in the Victorian era, which is when the little robot was made...making Hugo a true Steampunk movie! 

• Back to the Future (Part III) (1990)

I have seen this trilogy so much in my life, I cannot remember the first time I seen it...but I was probably about 3 or 4. Anyway, this particular movie had a really profound effect on me, helping to start my interest in the Victorian, and in turn, Steampunk genre! While not conventionally Steampunk in aesthetics, because Doc has to use his future techniques and intelligence to make/pimp out Victorian era things, it's Steampunk! Also the train time machine at the end is pretty much dripping 80s Steampunk. Of course you don't have to watch the first 2 to watch this one, but it would help with story continuation. As a side note, just watching this trailer... man you gotta miss that ol' 90's corniness.

• The Adventurer: Curse of the Midas Box (2014)

A film discovered on a late-night Netflix search, I was pleasantly surprised. I am not a big reader (or one at all really) so I was not aware of this novel series, but I desperately wish and hope they make more of these movies! A young (and very...aesthetically pleasing) son of two Victorian era spies must save himself, his little brother, love interest, and family while fighting to find a mystical item called the Midas Box in a hotel. All I can say is every time I think of this movie, I crave to see more of it... so I'd say it's pretty good. 

• The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec/Les aventures extraordinaires d'Adèle Blanc-Sec(2010)

If you hate reading sub-titles then you'll probably not like this one. Unless of course.. you speak/understand French. Even if you don't, I'd still recommend this movie. Of all the great, solidly true Steampunk movies in this world, this is one of the best. All I am going to say is: pterodactyl. 'Nuff said.

• Secret of Moonacre(2008)

Okay, okay, this movie isn't exactly Steampunk...at all really. BUT it is Neo-Victorian with Steamgoth elements (and yes Steamgoth is exactly what it sounds like). Another British movie I just sort of found on Netflix, I was yet again pleasantly surprised. If you aren't into a big magical/Beauty and the Beast/romantical/Disney-esque type movies, this probably shouldn't be on your list any time soon. Of course, lover of romantic fantasy movies or not, let me just say, if you watch this movie for nothing else, let it be for the FASHION.

• A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) 

Alright, in keeping the pattern going with the prior movie, here is another one that could be (and often is) considered Steamgoth. Most of you have probably seen this. I'll just leave it here.

• The Mirrormask(2005)

An odd, quirky, vaguely creepy, but also pleasant little film that I really adore. This is the story of girl going inside of her own drawings with a goofy performer as a traveling companion and that was enough to sell me on it. While it is not Steampunk in fashion or real life location, it does happen to include a lot of Steampunk-esque creatures, architecture, and a lot of Steamgothness going on as well. Basically, if you like Tim Burton and Henry Selick films you'd love this.

BONUS:

• Murdoch Mysteries/The Artful Detective

No...this is not a movie, but a tv show! For us Americans this show is known and aired as The Artful Detective, but to Canada(and everywhere else) it is Murdoch Mysteries. Okay... take the tv show Bones... inject it into the late Victorian era and add in some Steampunk and more tea and you get this show... being honest I'd actually rank this above Bones, but that might just be my biased showing again. Anyway...a fun, lively, creative, and clever show about an even more clever detective who invents steampunky devices to make his job (and life) easier. 

Animated 

• Treasure Planet(2002)

Okay, you wanna talk about bias? Because this is probably my favorite animated movie in all of history (and animated movies rank higher on my list than live-action actually). Okay, my personal issues aside, this is a wonderful, underrated, beautifully designed, groundbreaking movie that is dripping in Steampunk aesthetics and imagery. Steampunk lover or not, just do yourself a favor and go watch this piece of cinematic brilliance right now(after you finish reading this post of course, winky wink)!

• Atlantis: The Lost Empire(2001)

Ahhhh Atlantis. One of the rare, precious, nuggets of Edwardian-based Steampunk that I know of. One of the best things about this movie is it's visuals and design. The character designs, setting designs, even clothing and texture designs are just beautifully rendered and skillful done. The animation is beautiful, with character that showcase expressions and body language of Hellenistic proportion and perfect acting to match. Not to mention, all the females are bad-a mofos who hold their own and then some. Throw in a bunch of Steampunk machines and motifs, along with classic Edwardian elements and you've got yourself a Steampunk movie.

• Howl's Moving Castle(2004)

Sure, I'm not big on anime, but I grew up watching Studio Ghibli movies and this was definitely one I watched a lot. Much like most of these movies, it wasn't until I was middle school age that I learned they all connected via Neo-Victorianism (that's actually a word, apparently). While the characters and visual setting aren't particularly Steampunk, the Moving Castle is, and being set in a sort of alternative Victorian-esque world, it still counts!

• Jack And The Cuckoo Clock Heart(2013)

Per the norm, I gotta be honest. Not my favorite movie of the bunch, but still a good one, nonetheless. Admittedly, the acting, songs, and story are a bit dry and everything seems a bit half-asleep, but the animation and character design is absolutely beautiful and extremely well done. What this movie lacks in livelihood, it makes up for in eyecandy.

STEAMPUNK MUSIC

Unlike many genres (ie, gothic or punk) that span over fashion, music, literature, and other arts, thankfully Steampunk music does not have a definite sound. It could be folk music, rock music, electronic, classical, even rap probably or some unholy combination... what matters is subject and/or theme.

Artists

• Lindsey Stirling 

A brilliant violenst, Lindsey Stirling also seems to have a real soft spot for Steampunk themes in her music. Here are two where the theme is most prevalent. I could of also added Master of Tides but whatever. True, not all of her songs are Steampunk, but when I listen to any of her music, I can visualize a grand Steampunk adventure going on and that's the important part. 

• Steam Powered Giraffe

Well with a name like that, you'd have to be missing a few bolts to not figure this is a steampunk band(hurrhurr) but....actually they aren't. They are a Steamgoth band. In annnny case, it counts.Old or new, their music is really fun, creative, and spans a good variety of styles. The unique thing about this band is that each member plays a character, a band of Victorian robots on the verge of malfunctioning, created by a brilliant scientist in an attempt to serenade and win the heart of his true love. Over the years the band has had to swap a member and other big changes, but their style, story, and steampunkness have never changed or waned!

• The Cog Is Dead

Being honest, I don't know much about this band...I've just found and listened to a number of their songs over the past few years without asking questions. That aside, however, if I were to animate and create my own Steampunk animated film, I would probably hire and cast these guys as the voices for a band in the movie. Their music is so animated and lively it begs to be paired with fitting animation!

Also I really dig the whole cowboy, western, Johnny Cash, talk-the-lyrics approach to the songs... adds a sort of Wild West element to the group.

• Abney Park

Personally, this band always stuck out to me for the vaguely 80s rock sound....and of course the Steampunk! As with the previous band, I don't know much about Abney Park either, but that they make some dang fine music. A bit dark at times but still nice. If you aren't a fan of  someone with the essence of The Pet Shop Boys or Billy Idol then you might not like these guys much.

SPECIFIC SONGS

• London 1856 - A Steampunk Orchestra

A particular favorite of mine. This is an instrumental song that pretty much embodies a whole Steampunk adventure to 3:42 seconds with no words.

• Croft Manor Theme

Nope! Not inherently Steampunk...not Steampunk at all actually. STILL I keep this around and in my Steampunk Youtube playlist, because it captures the feel and atmosphere of what Steampunk adventure feels like to me. So you may disagree, but I happen to think this song sounds very Steampunk.

• The Wretched Automatons - NieR

I believe this is from an anime...an anime I've never seen or really heard of, even. I have no idea if it is even a Steampunk anime. That aside, a friend showed me this song and I just fell in love with it. With it's mechanical clanks and clinks and 'automatons' in the title, I couldn't help but associate it with Steampunk. 

OTHER STEAMPUNK/STEAMPUNK-ESQUE SOUNDING SONGS

(most likely they AREN'T even close, but they still have elements that remind me of Steampunk and going on Steampunk adventures)

• MYYM - Kate Havnevik
• Regina Spektor - Machine
• Two Steps From Hell - Mmm Chicken 
• Adam Young - Feeder
• Disobey - Kate Havnevik
• Scroll - Shingu Nakamura 

BONUS 2:

Video Games

• Assassin's Creed Syndicate
• The Order: 1886
• Bioshock: Infinite 

ALLLLRIGHTY

So that's about it! Hopefully you will have some new Steampunk-esque and Steamgoth movies to enjoy now. Naturally, Steampunk beginning as a literary genre, I would of listed great Steampunk books and novels....but I dont' actually know a lot of them. I am not a big reader, as I said, so unfortunately if you want the books you'll have to either check another list, or make your own! 

And with that... I'm out.