One of my favorite things to do at the end of each year is reflect on my favorite art from that year. Sometimes, it’s specifically new projects, things that came out in 2025, such as movies. Other times, it’s things that are new to me, and that’s my books category. So a little bit of old, a little bit of new, and a clean slate coming soon.

I also put out a couple new books this year: The Band and The Empty Room! Check those out and recommend to a friend. I think you’d enjoy both. And last year, I detailed my favorite 2024 movies, and there were so many good ones so check out the list. Add a couple to watch!

Without any more stalling, as we tick closer to New Year 2026, let’s get into it!

Best of: Movies

I had a lot of movies I loved this year, but I’ve narrowed it to five. These are the five which I think will stand out for years. Looking back in a decade, I think I’ll remember the first time I watched all of these (and plan to dive in again and again until then.)

First, Superman. This was my movie of the summer. My favorite superhero movies in literal years. I’m so glad we got this before the DCU re-expands into bland TV shows and overcooked movies. At least for this moment in time, the perfect superhero story existed. It’s hopeful! It’s emotional! It makes you earnestly wish Superman was real. And isn’t that what superhero movies used to be?

Secondly, a couple horror movies. Sinners was the #1 movie in the world for a while. It’s not necessarily scary, but it’s so well-done. It’s a beautiful, sensual, rocking two hours with a touch of tragedy. Next, Weapons was my favorite horror movie of the year thanks to its unique storytelling, irresistible humor, and strange characters. I loved every bit of it.

Lastly, two movies that blew me away for very different reasons. Train Dreams was a lovely watch and a really interesting, albeit slow adaptation of the Denis Johnson novel. And of course, Hamnet, a Shakespeare biography with some supernatural sprinkles told in the style of a Shakespeare tragedy. Without a doubt, it’s my favorite movie of 2025. Read more of my thoughts on it here.

Best Of: Books

I also have five awesome books, but these aren’t necessarily new. All were new to me, but not all released in 2025. A couple of the newest ones, though, are by indie authors! That would be Whalers by Kyle Farnworth and The Cottage at Prince Lake by Evan Myers. Though very different, both novels are humorous, captivating, and culminate in two distinct, wonderful endings that will stick with you for months.

Apart from these indie recs — and you better check them out! — I have three other mentions. I actually read over 40 books this year, so I can’t get to them all. I did it by reading mostly before bed and on vacations. It is possible! Everyone, more than ever, needs to be reading in this day and age, to counteract our phones, our tech, all of it. So find a way to do it, whether that’s Kindle, paperback, audiobook, or whatever. Just do it! Okay. Rant over.

I always love Denis Johnson, and I finally read his last-ever work: The Largesse of the Sea Maiden. It was breathtaking and wonderful. I’m currently reading Angels, his first book, and I love to see the contrast between the start and end of such a talented and unique author.

I also read a couple books by Ernest Hemingway, including The Sun Also Rises. It was one of my favorite classic literature books I’ve ever read. Highly recommend!

And last, my favorite book of the whole year: Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. This book has everything: romance, tragedy, action, and some of the most gorgeous writing that ever existed or ever will. It’s my #1 book of the year, though I’m over 10 years late on reading it. If you haven’t, you should. It’s unbelievably good.

Best Of: (Specifically My Taste In) Music

Does anybody really care about my favorite albums? Am I known as a wonderful chooser, even a connoisseur, of music? A firm “no” to both of these questions.

But hey, it’s my blog! And I want to name a few of my favorite albums. I’ll be very quick. These are new releases, so only 2025 music counts for this. (I didn’t listen to as much this year, sadly.)

Man’s Best Friend– Sabrina Carpenter

Getting Killed — Geese

Moisturizer– Wet Leg

Double Infinity– Big Thief

If That Makes Sense– Spacey Jane

Let me know in the comment section: What were your favorite movies from the past year? What about books and music? And of course, have an amazing start to 2026!