Last year, I made a list of my favorite books I read in 2024. This year, I want to expand the scope a bit to a few other categories: movies, music, video games, and the other media selections I enjoyed most this year.

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Best Book: Empire of the Vampire, Jay Kristoff

I didn’t read as much as I wanted to this year because I’ve been doing more writing than reading. But I did make time to finish Empire of the Vampire which had been on my TBR list for a while. This book was dark and gut-wrenching, yet still brimming with humor, hope, and love. I was consumed by the characters and the story, and continually impressed by the way Jay Kristoff’s writing sings off the page. It made me want to be a better writer. The next two books are high on my reading list for 2026.

Honorable Mentions:

• I Wrote This For Attention, Lukas Gage
• The Little Witcher, CD Projekt Red
• Stay True, Hua Hsu
• The Language of the Night, Ursula K. Le Guin

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Best Album: Music for People Who Believe in Love, Joe Jonas

People really slept on the Joe Jonas solo album this year. It could easily stand on its own among the pop music nominees at the 2026 Grammys. This is Joe’s first solo album since 2011, and it’s a major departure from his previous music. It’s heartfelt, introspective, creative, and uniquely catchy. Some highlights from the track list include “What This Could Be,” “Only Love,” “Heart by Heart,” “Parachute,” and “Constellation.”

Honorable Mentions:

• Lonesome Drifter, Charley Crockett
• SWAG, Justin Bieber
• Something Beautiful, Miley Cyrus
• Mayhem, Lady Gaga

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Best Song: “Changes” — Charlie Puth

I was blessed with the opportunity to sit in the front row of Charlie’s residency at the Blue Note Los Angeles and hear this song in person. I am a huge fan of the 1980s vibes of his new music, and I can’t wait to hear the rest of his album early next year. I already know it will be one of his best. (Also sending him congrats and good vibes on becoming a dad soon!)

Honorable Mentions:

• “Bleed” — Malcolm Todd feat. Omar Apollo
• “How Bad Do U Want Me” — Lady Gaga
• “Love Me to Heaven” — Jonas Brothers
• “past life” — Ariana Grande

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Best Movie: Sinners

I guess 2025 was the year of the vampire for me. I am not an avid fan of horror films, so I don’t have many in my memory bank for comparisons. Regardless, this one is definitely among the best I’ve ever seen. I was on the edge of my seat, as they say. The plot and themes had me hooked from start to finish. And the dazzling performances from Michael B. Jordan and the rest of the cast elevated an already stellar movie to a new level.

Honorable Mentions:

• Wicked: For Good
• Superman
• The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep
• The Fantastic 4: First Steps

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Best TV Show: The Witcher

As a longtime fan of the Witcher books and games (if you haven’t read them, you should do that), I was thrilled when it was first adapted by Netflix a few years back with Henry Cavill as Geralt. And while it’s no secret that the show went off the rails in the last season with some far-fetched invented plotlines that strayed too far from the canon. Henry’s exit from the titular role was also controversial, leading many to swear off the show altogether. That said, the new season was relatively true to the books—and Liam Hemsworth’s portrayal of the White Wolf grew on me. Mostly, I enjoyed spending another season in the world of the Witcher.

Honorable Mentions:

• Chief of War
• Pokémon Concierge
• Overcompensating
• Dancing with the Stars

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Best Video Game: Stardew Valley

I’m not ashamed to admit that my favorite game I played in 2025 was released way back in 2016. I’ve heard about this game over the years, of course, but only gave it a chance recently. I quickly became obsessed with living the cozy farm life and getting to know the neighbors in the game. And the game feels so deep that I have only barely scratched the surface.

Honorable Mentions:

• Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
• Mario Kart World
• AEW: Fight Forever
• It Takes Two

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Best Podcast: Legends Only

I’ve been listening to T. Kyle and Bradley for years, starting with their 2018 It’s Britney, Bitch! podcast celebrating 20 years of Britney Spears. Legends Only, their podcast covering pop girlies, TikTok trends, music, and fashion is responsible for about 90% of my pop culture knowledge these days. And it doesn’t hurt that I laugh my ass off at every episode.

Honorable Mentions:

• Pod Save America
• Colorado Today
• I’ve Had It
• Las Culturistas

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Best YouTube Channel: Fantasy News (Daniel Greene)

From his exhaustive updates on the latest in fantasy books and films to hours-long deep dives into the plot and characters of the Wheel of Time series, Daniel is one YouTuber I think every fantasy fan should watch. He is also a talented fantasy author himself with several books to his credit.

Honorable Mentions:

• Yes Theory
• Lofi Girl
• BeatEmUps
• Brandon Sanderson

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What were some of your favorite things this year? Let me know below!

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Follow me on social media for more about what I’ll be enjoying in 2026:

Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | Instagram

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