I'm one of those rare people who enjoyed the film and the television program. They share the same name and initial storyline, but the similarities end there. The film was an entirely different brand of humor that worked on its own level, although I like the series more. Neither makes my top ten, but Joss Wheaton created a quite unique show in Buffy.
It took Buffy to reach syndication for me to take the television series seriously. It's easy for outsiders to see the show as tacky or trite, but once you view several episodes, you are hooked on the characters. That's what the show is really about. It's one of the few series where the cast actually grows and changes. That is precisely why it's lasted so long.
I hear there will be another spin off. I'm not sure how they'll do it without the core characters. I stopped watching the episodes when Dawn received more screen time. I can't stand Michelle Tractenberg (the mousy girl from "Harriet the Spy". She's a terrible actress with a voice like fingernails on a chalkboard. I hope she's not the star of the new series.
So anyway, I have only seen about half of the Buffy episodes, probably more, and I'm excited about the finale. I actually think the show has more life in it, but it's best to quit while they're ahead.
BTW, do Allison and Sarah really hate each other? I'd find that unfrotunate. They are both so good in the show.