Captain Jack is looking for his rum–seen it? Photo: Synthetic D, sxc.hu; Royalty-free image.

First comes the movie, then comes the tribute or parody–that’s how it works. YouTube has enhanced this phenomenon by providing a platform for fans to share their work. The ability to love a fandom is only half of being a true geek fan of certain movies and shows–to really be a fan, you have to know the inside jokes and when to make fun of your very favorite show.

Enjoy this list of my five favorites, including references to Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Star Wars (John Williams is the Man) ‘a capella’ Tribute Medley by Moosbutter: This seamless vocal medley mix includes multiple John Williams movie score themes and leitmotifs from all the best, including Jaws, Jurassic Park and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. This is the catch–the entire medley contains lyrics about Star Wars. It’s just that awesome.

Aside from the fact that Moosebutter masters lyrics and intonation, John Williams is a worthy tribute subject. His music has created an appreciation for movie scores, soundtracks and classical music that might be otherwise lost on some members of my generation. Williams’ mastery also helps us appreciate the importance of a dramatic score in video games.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGYAPr6UKhs&feature=related

The Picard Song: Every Star Trek: The Next Generation fan has to appreciate this song. It’s Captain Picard’s most profound and memorable moments–set to a techno beat for dancing. Highlights include his insistence that “there are FOUR LIGHTS!” and his time as Locutus of Borg. Picard fans (like my mom–hi Mom!) will enjoy this video’s inclusion of shirtless Picard and smooth-dancing Picard.

And yes–Picard does woo Lwaxana Troi in this video. It’s so hilarious, the way he does it–especially knowing that Patrick Stewart is an accomplished Shakespearean actor in real life.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6oUz1v17Uo

Po-ta-toes LOTR Spoof Song: “What’s taters, Precious?” Well, let dear Samwise repetitively explain what to do with potatoes and how to cook them. Sam is, after all, a gardener, and Gollum is, after all, so annoying I probably would have smashed his head to a rock and fed him to some orcs.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCScchHXK_Y&feature=related

Why is the Rum Gone – Pirates of the Caribbean Song: The most fundamental question ever posed in a Disney movie is obviously “Why is the rum gone?” If you like Jack Sparrow’s expression of alcoholic need and overall devilishness, this is the song for you. It uses a techno remix included on one of the movie’s soundtracks, but also includes beats made from the movie (such as Will striking the iron).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JImcvtJzIK8&feature=related

They’re Taking the Hobbits To Isengard: WoW and LOTR: Originally, there was one video–the one on the right. Then, there was a WoW (World of Warcraft) spoof, which pretty closely matches the original. With this awesome video, you can view them both together. The video is mixed from Legolas’ melodramatic realization: “They’re taking the hobbits to Isengard!”

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivHBdQkA0So&feature=watch_response

Do you have other favorites? Post the links in the comment box below!