My middle name probably should be “chronically late to movies and tv,” but luckily my parents stuck to something sane instead.

However, I think I did a better job watching new movies and tv than I did last year! I tend to get stuck in rewatching things (or getting distracted by books), but this year I made time to watch quite a few new things. And this year’s media MVP for me was definitely Guillermo del Toro, though a close second goes to Leonard Nimoy. I wanted to finally acquaint myself with the former’s works in preparation for my most anticipated film release in the last couple years (see below), so you’re about to see a lot of del Toro’s name. I get the hype now. As for Nimoy, well. We all know I’m an insufferable Trekkie now.

BTW, this is all media that was new to me this year, even if it came out in years before.

Music

5. There’s Always More That I Could Say by Sigrid

Is this as good as her debut album? No, but it’s still fun, and I like her voice. It’s just a feel-good album with solid production, lyrics, and vocals. I’d love to see her live someday, but considering she lives very far away from me, it’s not likely. Oh, well. I’ll content myself with the studio versions in the meantime.

Favorite tracks: “Eternal Sunshine,” “Two Years,” “Fort Knox,” “Hush Baby Hurry Slowly,” and “Jellyfish”

4. Unearthed Undying Unending by Hozier

I love this man’s voice. And his lyrics, OMG. This album felt like the gift that kept on giving, as each subsequent installment was increasingly wonderful. I love the whole thing so so much. I’m going to bitter for a while that I missed his concert nearby my town this year, but maybe I’ll see him live someday. I can dream.

Favorite tracks: “Nobody’s Soldier,” “Empire Now,” “Francesca,” “I, Carrion,” “Eat Your Young,” and “Butchered Tongue” (probably the most devastating one)

3. KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack

It was inevitable that this ended up on my Spotify Wrapped this year, because these songs are insanely catchy! I’ve not been much of a K-pop fan, but I can completely see the appeal after listening to these songs. This was my summer soundtrack; it’s so fun!

Favorite tracks: “Your Idol,” “How It’s Done,” “What It Sounds Like,” “Takedown,” and “Free”

2. From the Pyre by The Last Dinner Party

If this album had come out earlier, I can guarantee that “The Scythe” would be one of my top three songs on Spotify for this year. Really, there are no skips (well, maybe “Rifle” but even that sounds better to me than most other music I hear on the radio). In general, I just love their sound—and I get to see them live next year! I cannot wait!

Favorite tracks: “The Scythe,” “Second Best,” “Count the Ways,” “Sail Away,” and “This Is the Killer Speaking”

1. “Defying Gravity” cover by Josh Ramsey

I screamed—multiple times, in fact—while watching this for the first time. I firmly believe that I had never truly understood the word “exhilaration” until I watched this. It is my favorite cover of “Defying Gravity” and probably my favorite cover of any song ever. HE SANG IT IN THE ORIGINAL KEY, THE ABSOLUTE MADMAN (affectionate). I’ve loved Marianas Trench for around 13 years, but my love has now soared to new heights. I highly recommend the full video showing the process of creating this cover because, oh yeah, it was completed in a single day! Utter insanity, and yet it turned out as one of the finest vocal performances I’ve ever heard. Ramsey is PHENOMENAL. Listening over and over isn’t enough; I want to live inside of this song.

Honorable mentions:

• Griff (especially her EP Vertigo and song “Last Night’s mascara”)
• Lola Young

Movies

5. Pacific Rim (2013, dir. Guillermo del Toro)

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect much of this based on the description. I thought it’d be like the Transformers movies, which never did much for me. So… I’d like to issue a sincere apology to the universe, because I actually loved this. The action and the character-centered moments are so balanced and blended so well, the concept is intriguing, and the breakneck plot manages to be both intense and really fun!

4. KPop Demon Hunters (2025, dir. Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans)

From the first verse of “How It’s Done,” I knew this was something special. The story is clearly so meaningful to the director Kang, it’s hard not to love it. The music is amazing, and Rumi’s character arc is great. I wish the third act didn’t feel so rushed (this should have been a longer movie, and reeks of corporate interference re: the runtime), but it’s lovely to see there’s at least one animation studio in America still letting creative, clever people make art. I hope it lasts.

3. a three-way Star Trek tie because I’m ridiculous

Okay, I genuinely cannot decide which Star Trek movie to put here: either The Wrath of Khan, The Voyage Home, or The Undiscovered Country. Yes, the even numbered ones, and yes, I’m annoyed with myself for falling into the Trekkie stereotype, but I can’t help what’s true. All of these are so good, and have so many strengths. Khan is devastating, Voyage is hilarious, Country is brilliant. I love them all so much, so they all get to share third place!

2. Frankenstein (2025, dir. Guillermo del Toro)

V. E. Schwab said it well: “Was it a faithful adaptation? No! Did I love it? YES.” I’m someone who owns ten different editions of the novel, which I’ve read multiple times, and yet I still loved this movie. The visuals are stunning, the acting is excellent, and the story is so gripping. Of course, del Toro has clearly taken a side, downplaying and even eliminating any wrongdoing on the Creature’s part, and making Victor far more maliciously villainous than ever. But even this more straightforward, far less nuanced take is still very emotional, and I like it for what it is. (The book is better, but that’s hardly news.)

1. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006, dir. Guillermo del Toro)

I’ve been absolutely kicking myself for never watching this movie before, because it is SPECTACULAR. I fully understand why it’s so beloved. The story, a dark fairy tale with a real historical backdrop, is easy to become invested in. The characters and acting are amazing. I couldn’t stop thinking about this movie for days after watching it for the first time. It’s quite simply del Toro’s magnum opus, 10/10.

Honorable mentions:

• Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
• Hellboy
• The Shape of Water

Television

5. Agatha All Along (mini-series)

This was clever and fun, and I loved the first seven episodes. The last two were definitely weaker, and made some narrative choices I didn’t like as much. Also, I really wanted more backstory on the relationship between Agatha and Rio, so it’s disappointing that I didn’t get it. However, the sets and practical effects are amazing, and I really liked everyone’s performances. I don’t know that I’ll ever rewatch this, but I’m glad that I’ve seen it!

4. WandaVision (mini-series)

I only watched this so that I could watch its successor, Agatha, but this was much more enjoyable than I expected! The premise is intriguing, and I loved watching how things developed. It gets surprisingly deep and devastating, and while it’s very steeped in Marvel lore, I still liked it a lot. But also, between this and Agatha, it’s clear that witches need therapy.

3. Schitt’s Creek (seasons 4-6)

This show is so funny and sweet, and I really love it. The characters are so endearing, and their growth over the course of the whole series has been amazing. And while David and Patrick’s love story is incredibly adorable, I also loved to see Alexis’s growth as a person. Of course, Moira and John are amazing too, and ALL the cast are bringing their A game. This is definitely a show I’ll rewatch from time to time. We need more shows like this in the world.

2. Stranger Things (season 5)

Unless they REALLY fumble the finale episode in a few days, this is definitely number two on my list. It’s an intense and violent season, but is shaping up to be a brilliant and satisfying conclusion to a show I’ve been invested in since the beginning. There have been some fantastic action sequences, as well as wonderful quieter moments between these characters we know so well. (And wow, I hope this mini review ages well, but I guess I’ll find out on New Years.)

1. Star Trek: The Original Series (seasons 2-3)

Sure, this is a cheesy show with some episodes that are a slog to watch. But there’s also such an earnestness in this, and a sense of hope and adventure that’s infectious. The characters are fantastic, and so many of the episodes are enjoyable, thought-provoking, and exciting. I love this show so much, and Spock is the best character. I will not accept another answer. No one can compete with him.

Honorable mentions:

• Wheel of Time (season 3)
• Cobra Kai (season 6)
• What We Do in the Shadows (season 6)

Youtube

5. Project Hail Mary trailer #1

This may be a slightly weird inclusion on this list overall, but I swear nothing I watched this entire year made me feel more pure elation than this three minute trailer (except Ramsey’s “Defying Gravity;” see above). I am fully prepared for this movie to become my entire personality next year, if it’s even half as good as The Martian’s adaptation. March cannot come soon enough!

4. VHS Christmas Carol

I love StarKid, and I love Christmas Carol, so why on earth did I take three years to watch this?! I have no idea. But WOW this is so fun! The 80s aesthetic, the insanely catchy songs, and the succinct musical version of the classic tale are all stellar! The performances, the writing, and the music are basically perfect. I’ve definitely found a new Christmas tradition!

3. The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel

This four-hour vacation vlog/documentary/video essay/investigation by Jenny Nicholson is, simply put, a masterpiece. It’s a thorough examination of something I’d never heard of, and neither care much about theme parks/cruises or the Star Wars universe, but this video had me riveted. It is just so entertaining, and also infuriating, and certainly brought Disney as a corporation down in my estimation (and they’re already on thin ice with me). However, Nicholson herself is a delight to watch, especially with all her costume changes throughout the video, and her casually biting criticism and deadpan delivery. If I ever wanted to create a theme park, I’d hire her as a consultant in a heartbeat.

2. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

There are adaptations that translate a story into a new format/setting/etc., and then there are adaptations that enhance the story. This is absolutely the latter. The characters and their interpersonal dynamics feel more nuanced than the original, and the themes of sisterhood and learning not to judge people without truly knowing them are so strong. It starts as a lighthearted fun modern take on Pride & Prejudice and evolves into something devastatingly emotional. It is completely brilliant. Dear high school me, I’m sorry for not watching this when I was your age, because you’d have been obnoxiously obsessed with this. At least I watched it now though, right?

1. Cinderella’s Castle

This is one of the best versions of Cinderella I’ve ever encountered. It’s clever and dark and funny, striking a balance between magical whimsy, adult humor, and Grimm-esque elements. It has all the hallmarks of what makes both fairy tale retellings and StarKid so good. The costuming and staging is awesome, the music is excellent, and the casting is spot on. I adore everyone’s performances, but Bryce Charles OWNS it as the lead! She’s incredible! Also, I would die for Sir Hop-a-Lot.

Honorable mentions:

• “The Subway” music video by Chappell Roan
• Star Trek Unification by OTOY
• Evermore: The Theme Park That Wasn’t by Jenny Nicholson (mostly because I can’t get this sentence out of my head: “Surely even Utahans are within their right to file lawsuits if their children are immolated by a warlock.”)
• Kid Vampire by Mummy Joe

That’s a wrap!

I want to give a shout out to this article, as it perfectly sums up my current feelings about Percy Jackson.

There are still so many movies and tv shows on my to-be-watched list, but that’s okay; it just means I have things to look forward to next year! And I’m currently in the midst of a couple shows, which weren’t included on the above list: Star Trek The Next Generation (season 1) and Percy Jackson and the Olympians (season 2). I’m really enjoying both of them!

Hopefully I’ll watch just as many amazing works in 2026. My highest hopes are for, naturally, Project Hail Mary and also The Odyssey. And I might even catch up on Doctor Who (even though I got a major spoiler for the latest season; mea culpa)… Fingers crossed!