Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2023

2023 brought several important shifts to the movie industry. Superhero films, which have dominated for years now, had many critical and financial struggles, despite the year being filled with many superhero offerings in theaters. In a year featuring 3 movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, 4 from DC, and a Sony Spider-Man film, only Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse managed to find both critical and financial success. Other franchises also struggled to find the reliable success and audiences they once had.

The biggest success of the year was “Barbenheimer,” the name given to the phenomenon that emerged as the drastically different but boldly original Barbie and Oppenheimer released on the same day. Both movies were critical hits and smashed box office records left and right, with Barbie’s existential crisis and a biopic about the inventor of the atomic bomb becoming the biggest movies of 2023.

Of course, the other significant shift was the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes calling for fairer compensation, better working conditions, and ensuring ethical use of artificial intelligence. The strikes led to positive industry-wide changes that have already begun to make an impact.

Throughout this game-changing year, many entertaining and moving films were released. Of the movies released in 2023 that I saw, these are the 10 that were my favorites, the ones that proved to be most enjoyable and that left an impact long after I left the theaters or turned off my TV.

10. Leave the World Behind

Through Sam Esmail’s direction, Leave the World Behind is a masterclass in building tension. The haunting cinematography, Mac Quayle’s ominous musical score, and the slow burn of increasingly bizarre and disturbing events all contribute to the palpable tension that makes the story riveting to watch.

With the exact details of escalating doom shrouded in mystery, the film is grounded by its characters and their feelings of desperation and helplessness, captured by a stellar cast featuring Mahershala Ali, Julia Roberts, and Ethan Hawke. The dynamics between these trapped characters becomes a microcosm of the panic, paranoia, and glimmers of hope that manifest during widespread disaster.

As the creator, writer, and a director of Mr. Robot, Esmail sprinkles in several Easter eggs that reference the Rami Malek-led show. They are exactly as Easter eggs should be, there if you notice them, but not so overt or distracting that they detract from the pacing or plot of the movie. Leave the World Behind‘s themes have many parallels to Mr. Robot, although the movie’s themes are ultimately bleaker than that of the USA Network series.

9. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Instead of focusing on setting up future stories in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 focuses on providing a satisfying conclusion for its characters and the story of the Guardians that began in 2014. Rocket Raccoon has always felt like the heart of the team, so it feels fitting that the end of the trilogy revolves around him and his backstory.

The movie effectively balances the flashbacks to Rocket’s past with the present narrative. The audience knows the flashbacks have to end in heartbreak, but that doesn’t make them any less difficult to watch. That heartbreak occurs because of the High Evolutionary, a villain who doesn’t have a tragic backstory or justifiable motivation and is simply pure evil, a refreshing change of pace from the overabundance of sympathetic villains in recent years.

Directed and written by James Gunn, it’s no surprise that the movie has a superb soundtrack, top-tier action, and offbeat comedy. The Guardians go out in style as a family and each individual member finds their purpose and a path moving forward. It’s a strong conclusion for what is arguably the MCU’s best trilogy.

8. Barbie

Barbie brought important conversations about feminism, gender inequality, and the patriarchy into the mainstream through a fun, clever, and visually dazzling story. The production design alone makes Barbie one of the most impressive movies of the year, with Barbieland flawlessly bringing the vibrant and plastic aesthetic of the Mattel toys into a live-action setting.

Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling fully own their roles as Stereotypical Barbie and Stereotypical Ken, as do all the supporting actors playing Barbies and Kens, including Kate McKinnon and Simu Liu. Meanwhile, the monologue from Gloria (America Ferrera) about the impossible expectations thrust on women is powerful and is given further weight by her words becoming the key to saving the day.

Barbie‘s message about feminism is an important one, showing that it’s not just about making women feel empowered, but making sure that everyone can feel empowered and have agency and opportunities that makes them feel valued and appreciated. There is also a great message about not defining one’s worth through the validation of others.

Some of the humor is hit or miss for me, but a joke about men explaining The Godfather, poking fun at Zack Snyder’s Justice League, and Gosling’s over-the-top “I’m Just Ken” performance juxtaposed with the Kens’ beach battle work well.

Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, Robbie, and the rest of the creative team fully commit to their vision that makes Barbie a unique and meaningful movie.

7. Elemental

Pixar proves that they haven’t lost their touch as they tell an original and family-friendly story that explores the hardships of the immigrant experience. Taking place in Element City, the setting is a diverse metropolis for sentient elements who have immigrated from across the world. Simmering beneath and on the surface of the city filled with beauty and opportunity are ingrained prejudices between certain elements and generational trauma.

For Ember, who is a second-generation immigrant, this means struggling to balance what her family and community want and expect from her alongside her own desires and ambitions. The contrast between what she shares and displays on the outside versus what she feels on the inside is all too relatable, creating compelling internal and external conflict.

The relationship she forms with Wade feels more touching and genuine than one might anticipate. Fire and water are literally and figuratively not supposed to mix, but Ember and Wade’s relationship and individual journeys challenge this notion, along with challenging some of the ingrained prejudices between the various element communities and their generational trauma.

This all may sound overly heavy, but Pixar makes these themes accessible through a story that can be enjoyed and understood by both children and adults. The animation and the world of Element City is visually stunning, incredibly creative, and there’s plenty of delightful comedy as well.

6. Past Lives

Past Lives follows the lives of two individuals, Na Young and Hae Sung, over the course of 24 years. Their journey begins as close childhood friends in South Korea, but their relationship comes to a screeching halt when Na Young (who takes on the name Nora Moon) immigrates to the United States with her family. It is not until two different points of adulthood that Nora and Hae Sung reconnect and reflect on the different directions their lives could’ve taken under different circumstances.

Given this premise, Past Lives has the setup to be a cliché romance about childhood sweethearts who were separated and who fulfill their love story when they meet again years later. Instead, Past Lives tells a much more profound and contemplative story of people grappling with their identities while exploring and even mourning other versions of their lives.

In Celine Song’s directorial debut, she crafts an understated story and overall tone that makes the movie a comfortably intimate experience for the audience. Past Lives is light on plot and instead leans on the strengths of its characters and the honest vulnerability expressed in their conversations. This is not only the case for Nora and Hae Sung, but for Nora’s husband Arthur who transcends the role of a jealous partner standing in the way of true love.

Even after the movie reaches its conclusion, it stays with you, leaving you to wonder about your own past lives.

5. Landscape with Invisible Hand

Landscape with Invisible Hand takes the concept of alien occupation in a different direction. The aliens known as the Vuvv have taken over Earth not through brute destruction or invasion, but through controlling the economy. The Vuvv’s visual aesthetic and their form of communication makes them distinct from the aliens in other science-fiction stories.

While the Vuvv prosper, most humans are left fighting over scraps on Earth. In order to get by, some humans resort to desperate measures that capitalize on the novelty of romantic relationships as romance is one thing the Vuvv can’t experience or understand. This leads to live-streaming romantic relationships through what is known as a courtship podcast and even a faux marriage to a Vuvv.

The story that ensues is weird and manages to be both funny and quite bleak, yet there is a running thread of hope and resiliency. In the true spirit of science-fiction, elements of the genre are used to explore real-world issues, including socioeconomic disparity, the power of genuine art, and the negative toll of performative relationships shared for public validation.

This is not a story of humans rebelling against their tyrannical alien overlords. It’s a story of people trying to survive as their jobs and sense of community are erased and as they try to retain what it means to be human in an increasingly alien world.

4. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

As a fan of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes novel, I wasn’t sure the film adaptation would do the story justice. The novel is told entirely through the perspective of young Coriolanus Snow and being inside his mind is key to understanding his evolution as a character. I should’ve had more faith as not only does the movie do the book justice, but it’s also by far the best adaptation of any Hunger Games novel.

Part of the reason the movie works so well is its casting. Tom Blyth is excellent as Snow and effectively conveys the character’s conflicted and ambitious nature. Rachel Zegler’s musical and acting talents make her the perfect choice for Lucy Gray Baird, a survivor who shows strength in ways that are different from Katniss Everdeen. Josh Rivera makes Sejanus Plinth just as tragic as in the book. Viola Davis brings a maniacal glee mixed with expert manipulation to the role of Dr. Volumnia Gaul. Peter Dinklage succeeds in making Dean Casca Highbottom different than the man we think he is. Jason Schwartzman brings showmanship and much-needed comic relief as Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman.

As for the story, the movie is evenly paced, split into three sections that feature the lead-up to the 10th Hunger Games, showing the Games, and the aftermath of the Games when Snow is in District 12. Even after the brutal Games conclude, the movie doesn’t lose steam, with the third act in District 12 being just as compelling. The plot is faithful to the book and all the best moments from the source material are perfectly brought to life, along with many smaller details that enrich the story.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes stands well on its own while also adding new layers to the original Hunger Games trilogy. Snow’s gradual descent into villainy is cleverly interwoven with the evolution of the Hunger Games into a spectacle and his eventual understanding of the true purpose that the Games serve.

3. Killers of the Flower Moon

The Osage murders is a horrific chapter in American history and a tragic story that was overlooked for far too long. While this story does involve the Bureau of Investigation (what becomes the FBI) investigating the murders, the movie is not told through their perspectives. It is primarily told through the perspectives of Mollie Kyle, a member of the Osage tribe, and Ernest Burkhart, Mollie’s white husband who commits several of the murders at the behest of his ruthless uncle William Hale.

This ensures that the movie focuses on the victims and the perpetrators and does not become yet another white savior narrative. In fact, it is quite a ways into the movie before the Bureau of Investigation officers make their first appearances.

Lily Gladstone delivers a phenomenal performance as Mollie, bringing a quiet strength to the role and serving as the heart of the story. Leonardo DiCaprio excels as the gullible and greedy Ernest who makes increasingly destructive choices. Robert De Niro is chilling as William Hale, the seemingly generous friend of the Osage community secretly orchestrating their murders.

The three and a half hour runtime is justified as the tragedy and bottomless greed gradually unfold and ultimately culminate in a reckoning for justice. It’s well-paced and despite the lengthy runtime, it never drags. At many points it is a difficult story to watch, but certainly an important one to experience and understand.

2. Oppenheimer

Only Christopher Nolan could turn a historical biopic filled with extensive discussions of nuclear physics into a harrowing drama, an intimate character study, and a blockbuster told on an epic visual scale. Oppenheimer is seamlessly able to accomplish all of these feats over the course of a three-hour runtime that is engaging from beginning to end.

Nolan’s penchant for nonlinear storytelling works better in Oppenheimer than it does in some of his previous films, moving naturally between the time before and after the Trinity Test and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The narrative structure also works well as every scene without exception is presented from the perspective of J. Robert Oppenheimer or Lewis Strauss. This is why the movie doesn’t show the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as neither Oppenheimer nor Strauss witnessed these atrocities firsthand.

After playing a supporting role in numerous Nolan movies, Cillian Murphy takes on the leading role of Oppenheimer, brilliantly portraying this deeply complex individual whose ambition and genius lead to the world’s deadliest weapon, and whose regrets forever torment him in the aftermath of his creation. The rest of the cast is brilliant as well, including Robert Downey Jr. as the vindictive Strauss, Florence Pugh as the tragic Jean Tatlock, and David Krumholtz as Isidor Isaac Rabi who serves as the film’s voice of reason.

Oppenheimer explores how people often decide whether they can do something before deciding whether they should do it, along with the consequences that follow. This makes the movie feel timeless as it not only applies to the atomic bomb, but to humanity’s hubris that continues to prioritize over whether we can instead of whether we should.

1. Linoleum

Linoleum seems like it is the story of a man going through a midlife crisis as Cameron Edwin (Jim Gaffigan) faces an impending divorce and losing his job as the host of a children’s science television show. While dealing with these issues, things get increasingly surreal for Cameron as part of a rocket crashes into his backyard and a younger and better-looking version of himself literally falls out of the sky.

What the movie actually ends up being about is much more profound and heartfelt than the story of a midlife crisis. Just when it seems like the story is getting incomprehensibly strange, everything ties together in a beautiful way that speaks to how every part of one’s life, for better and for worse, matters in the end. It’s a story celebrating what makes each person extraordinary, and how even the ordinary parts of our lives are extraordinary.

Gaffigan brings an endearing sincerity to Cameron and an unlikable arrogance to Cameron’s doppelganger Kent Armstrong. Better Call Saul‘s Rhea Seehorn is superb in the role of Cameron’s wife Erin Edwin, with her journey being just as important to the overall themes.

This surreal, surprising, and ultimately hopeful story about dreamers who feel stuck in their current lives is the movie that resonated with me the most in 2023.

What were your favorite movies of 2023? Let me know in the comments!

Top 10 Favorite TV Shows of 2023

From the long-awaited debuts or returns of high-profile series to the emergence of unexpected gems, 2023 was filled with compelling television. With the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, it was also an important year for television that forced the industry to change for the better, and create better working conditions and fairer compensation.

Of the shows that released new and complete seasons in 2023, these are my 10 favorites. Whether I binge-watched or tuned in each week, these are the 10 series that elicited strong emotions, told captivating stories, and that stuck with me the most.

10. Star Wars: The Mandalorian

While not as strong as seasons 1 and 2, The Mandalorian season 3 continued to be a joy to watch. Few television series are as consistently fun and entertaining, and season 3 was no exception as every single episode was a blast to watch.

Season 1, season 2, and The Book of Boba Fett gradually revealed more information about what happened to Mandalore, along with introducing new Mandalorians with conflicting ideals and deep disagreements about what it means to be a true Mandalorian. Season 3 tackles this story head-on as Din Djarin, Grogu, and Bo-Katan Kryze trigger events that lead to various factions of Mandalorians finally uniting and working together to reclaim Mandalore.

The bond that develops between Din and Bo-Katan this season is beautiful, best demonstrated in episode 7 when Bo-Katan shares her fears and worries with Din, and he tells her “Your song is not yet written. I will serve you until it is.” Having Bo-Katan in every episode and as a consistent presence enriches the overall series and the stories of Din and Grogu as well.

As someone interested in Star Wars canon and this particular time period, I really enjoyed getting more insight into the New Republic, especially during episodes 3 and 5. This season also gives the best look yet at the Imperial Remnant beyond Moff Gideon, who continues to be a threat. Perhaps the best canon reveal (and arguably the best moment of the whole season) is Ahmed Best (the actor who played Jar Jar Binks) reprising the role of Jedi Kelleran Beq in an unexpected and deeply satisfying way connected to Grogu.

9. Gen V

Any doubts I had about The Boys‘ first live-action spinoff series were quickly assuaged as Gen V wasted no time cleverly expanding the universe while establishing its own identity. Only a few scenes in, I found myself just as invested in Marie Moreau, Jordan Li, and Emma Meyer as I am by Starlight/Annie January, Hughie Campbell, and Mother’s Milk in The Boys, with Gen V‘s new characters and their relationships serving as the heart of the series.

Just because it’s focusing on younger characters doesn’t mean that Gen V pulls any punches, with the series being just as gory and unhinged as The Boys. Through the lens of college-aged superheroes facing a great deal of pressure internally and externally, the series also explores many social issues with nuance, including Emma’s powers serving as an allegory for an eating disorder, and using Jordan to explore issues of gender identity.

The mystery of “The Woods” and why the main characters keep blacking out when they get close to discovering the truth provides plenty of intrigue and suspense as well. Gen V tells its own story and has its original characters undergo fulfilling arcs. At the same time, it further enhances The Boys universe and considerably raises the stakes for The Boys season 4 and Gen V season 2.

8. Schmigadoon!

Schmigadoon! remains one of the most creative and delightful shows on television. After parodying the golden age of musicals in the town of Schmigadoon in season 1, season 2 goes to Schmicago, inspired by the darker musicals of the 1960s and 1970s.

With Chicago, Pippin, Company, Annie, Hair, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street among this season’s inspirations, the comedy and musical homages take on a completely different tone from season 1. While Cecily Strong and Keegan Michael-Key continue to play Melissa and Josh from season 1, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming, and the rest of the returning cast members play completely new characters.

Chenoweth and Cumming are particularly impressive and unrecognizable from their season 1 characters. Cumming’s Dooley Blight is clearly inspired by Sweeney Todd while Chenoweth’s Miss Codwell is a composite of Annie‘s Miss Hannigan and Sweeney Todd‘s Mrs. Lovett. Their song “Good Enough to Eat” is the best song of the season and maybe even in the entire series, a truly hilarious song that fully leans into the darker comedy of season 2.

Plenty of other actors deserve praise as well. Series newcomer Patrick Page is perfectly creepy and menacing as Octavius Kratt, a fitting villain when parodying this age of musicals. Jane Krakowski steals the show in episode 2 with her “Bells and Whistles” song. Strong’s comedy and her dynamic with Key are still great, though she also gets a chance to shine more musically with “Maybe It’s My Turn Now.”

Schmigadoon! season 2 has a happy and complete ending, but given the format of the show, there is still room for future seasons to tackle more musical ages. Here’s hoping that there will soon be news of a season 3 renewal.

7. Star Wars: Visions

As an animated anthology series that exists outside of Star Wars canon, Star Wars: Visions is unlike any other series in the franchise. Created by animation studios from across the globe, the studios have practically unlimited creative freedom. It is fascinating to see the different visual and narrative interpretations of Star Wars, along with the thematic parallels that manifest despite different studios working on the various episodes.

Anthology series are often hit or miss and one’s enjoyment can vary wildly between episodes. In season 1, there was only one episode that really resonated with me. In Visions season 2, I adored the majority of the episodes. “Screecher’s Reach” is one of the best Star Wars stories ever told, as what begins as an adventure between friends turns into an unforgettable horror story.

“The Spy Dancer,” “The Bandits of Golak,” “Aau’s Song,” and “Sith” all resonated with me as well, with each episode featuring a distinct animation style and unique story that encapsulates many of Star Wars‘ core themes. Made by studios from Spain, Ireland, Chile, England, South Korea, France, India, Japan, and South Africa, Visions season 2 is truly a diverse and beautiful celebration of Star Wars.

6. The Crowded Room

When Danny Sullivan is arrested for a shooting that takes place in broad daylight at Rockefeller Center, it seems like a straightforward case for the authorities. However, as the series explores Danny’s past and his mind, it quickly becomes clear that this is anything but a straightforward case.

Through his portrayal of Danny, The Crowded Room demonstrates Tom Holland’s incredible range as an actor, proving that what audiences saw from him as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is only a fraction of his acting capabilities. Danny is a deeply complex and tragic character, and Holland manifests every facet of that complexity and tragedy with perfect precision.

The series is a mystery and becomes a courtroom drama in later episodes, but it is ultimately an intimate character study. Along with Holland’s acting, part of what makes this character study work is the eye-opening way that the series depicts the inner workings of Danny’s mind.

The progress Danny makes wouldn’t be possible without Amanda Seyfried’s character Rya Goodwin. She is a compassionate and perceptive individual who is unafraid to challenge societal assumptions and precedent in order to help Danny. While Danny is the show’s focus, Rya has her own satisfying arc that makes her work with Danny even more meaningful.

5. Silo

Silo seamlessly blends dystopian science-fiction, political thriller, and procedural mystery into one series. Along with this engaging multi-genre approach, Silo quickly establishes that no one is safe, with many prominent characters dying in just the first few episodes.

I watched season 1 after all the episodes had been released and binge-watched it all in nearly 24 hours. It is a truly addicting show with tantalizing cliffhangers that keep you guessing and wanting to immediately discover what happens next, which makes the wait for Silo season 2 more difficult than that of most shows.

One of the show’s greatest strengths is its world-building as the 144-level underground silo is a world unto itself. Getting to see the various sections of the silo, how humanity has adapted to living underground, and the social divide among these communities is fascinating and abundant with real-world commentary. And that’s only the silo, with the toxic wasteland outside the silo being its own mystery.

Season 1 culminates in a finale that answers several crucial questions and pays off small details in a major way, all while setting up the next season in a mind-blowing new direction.

4. From

Many shows have tried to capture the magic that was the ABC series Lost and most have failed. From is the best Lost successor show as it doesn’t lose sight of its characters while introducing and gradually answering its various mysteries surrounding the characters trapped in a town that won’t let them leave. Season 2 feels even more character-driven than season 1, going into more depth and more of the characters’ internal conflict, especially with Boyd Stevens, Tabitha Matthews, Kenny Liu, and Victor.

From is also the best Lost successor because while it has certain narrative parallels, it forges its own identity, especially with how it fully embraces the horror genre. The horror in season 2 becomes more psychological and arguably more terrifying. This shift challenges the characters in new and unpredictable ways, especially when they are forced to deal with seemingly intangible threats that are even more sinister than the monsters that come out every night.

Lost fans will recognize Harold Perrineau, who played Michael in Lost, as Boyd in this show. Perrineau delivers a powerhouse performance in every episode and is supported by other great performances, including the vulnerability Scott McCord brings to Victor. In addition to the season 1 characters, season 2 introduces many new characters who take the series in exciting new directions.

By answering some major questions, keeping others unresolved, and introducing brand-new questions, From handles its mystery box approach well and much better than other series. The finale provides closure for many of the season’s storylines while ending on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger poised to reshape the entire series.

3. Lucky Hank

Even without Better Call Saul, a series starring Bob Odenkirk still manages to be one of the year’s best shows. Odenkirk plays Hank Devereaux Jr., a deeply self-loathing and self-aware chairman of Railton College’s English department. In the hands of a different actor, Hank’s attitude and his outlook on life might make him an unpleasant and unlikable character to watch.

In the hands of Odenkirk, he makes Hank nuanced and relatable, channeling the universal experiences of feeling stuck, of being disappointed by life, and of still being affected by unresolved issues from childhood. Between Hank’s experiences as a college professor and the experiences of his wife Lily as a high school guidance counselor, many educators will relate to their respective frustrations, much of which is rooted in pointless bureaucracy. This includes the impending budget cuts at Railton College, which throws the English department and its colorful cast of characters into disarray.

There is something refreshingly mundane about Lucky Hank and its exploration of everyday people dealing with everyday issues at work and at home. There are some outlandish situations that arise, such as Hank wanting to box a goose, but these situations always fit well with the series’ offbeat comedy. The relatively mundane nature of the show does lull the audience into a false sense of security and makes a particular episode all the more impactful and even devastating.

2. Star Wars: The Bad Batch

The Republic’s clone soldiers were created for Order 66, a directive to kill all the Jedi. But what happens to the clones after Order 66 and once the Empire has no more use for them?

The Bad Batch season 2 continues to explore these difficult and tragic questions as it follows Clone Force 99 and other clones throughout the galaxy. Season 1 was a solid start for the animated series, but season 2 makes the show truly phenomenal, cementing itself as one of the all-time best seasons of Star Wars television and one of the best seasons of television in 2023.

Omega and Hunter received the most focus and character development in season 1. Season 2 spreads the focus and character development more evenly, giving the audience ample time and a deeper understanding of other characters, especially Tech, Crosshair, and Echo.

The Bad Batch season 2 has everything you could want out of a season of television. There are serious and dramatic episodes like “The Solitary Clone” and “The Outpost” that are true masterpieces. There are lighter and more fun episodes like “Faster” that bring important character development while providing important foreshadowing. There’s the conspiracy thriller of the midseason event episodes “The Clone Conspiracy” and “Truth and Consequences.”

Characters get time to transition and process difficult change in “The Crossing,” which also features a scene with Tech and Omega that provides important neurodivergent representation. There’s Indiana Jones-style treasure hunts in the two-episode season premiere “Spoils of War” and “Ruins of War,” along with the episode “Entombed.” “Metamorphosis” introduces a calculated and cunning new villain while a familiar monster makes its return. And to top it all off, the finale will leave you devastated and desperate for the next season (I gasped, my jaw dropped , and I almost started shouting as I watched the finale on the train).

With 16 episodes, The Bad Batch season 2 is a reminder of the breathing room and narrative pacing that is now missing from the increasingly shorter seasons of television. Season 3 will hopefully have just as many episodes. It also goes without saying that the animation in every episode is truly stunning.

1. The Last of Us

As someone who never played The Last of Us, I didn’t know exactly what to expect from the television adaptation. I knew the games were popular, the trailers looked good, and I enjoyed the performances of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in other series, so I gave it a shot.

What I did not expect was a deeply moving story that would leave me heartbroken after multiple episodes. The Last of Us takes place in a post-apocalyptic world crawling with zombie-like creatures known as in the infected, but the infected are only shown sparingly. Instead the series smartly focuses on the human drama and human relationships as Joel tries to safely escort Ellie across the United States.

Pascal and Ramsey’s individual performances and their shared chemistry are stellar. Their relationship begins purely as one of necessity and is filled with tension, but gradually develops into the father-daughter relationship that they both sorely need.

The evolution of their relationship is heavily influenced by the show’s various supporting characters and guest stars. Even though many of these characters are only in an episode or two, they will steal your heart and make you completely invested in them, all while contributing to the development of Joel and Ellie.

Episodes 3, 5, and 7 are the standout episodes for me, and where Joel, Ellie, and certain supporting characters all get a chance to shine. “Long, Long Time” may be the best episode of any show in 2023, with “Endure and Survive” and “Left Behind” also among the best of the year.

What were your favorite television shows of 2023? Let me know in the comments!

Top 10 Favorite Movies Of 2022

2022 was the most “normal” year for movies since 2019. Movie theaters remained open throughout the year and offered a variety of content, from long-awaited blockbusters, to more niche offerings, some of which went on to be surprise hits. Of course, streaming services still continued to play an important role in the release of new movies as well, including movies that were exclusively available on streaming services, along with those that went to streaming during or after their theatrical releases.

Of the movies released in 2022 that I saw in 2022, these are my 10 favorites. My favorite movies this year were the ones that stuck with me the most, the ones that struck a genuine emotional chord while having something meaningful to say.

10. Lightyear

As a lifelong Toy Story fan, I knew I needed to see this movie, even though it seemed like it might just be an unnecessary spinoff film. Other than some text at the beginning telling the audience that this was Andy’s favorite movie when he was a kid, and fun nods to some of Buzz Lightyear’s famous lines and his space ranger suit, Lightyear doesn’t have that much to do with the Toy Story franchise and works really well as its own movie.

Like other Pixar movies, Lightyear is accessible and enjoyable for children and adults. Its emotional beats hit much harder than you expect as the movie explores grappling with failure and self-doubt, the danger of completing a goal at any cost, and the importance of working together. This Buzz Lightyear is a cool science-fiction hero, but he’s also a flawed character whose arc teaches valuable lessons, making it clear why he would resonate with Andy and other children. Supporting characters like Izzy and Mo also have great arcs and the robot cat Sox is a pure delight.

It is unfortunate that discussions of poor box office performance and bigots complaining about a gay couple being in a Disney movie dominated the discourse surrounding Lightyear. It is a good animated science-fiction movie that tells a heartfelt story. The science-fiction universe that it creates is intriguing and I wish it could be further explored in sequels that probably won’t happen now.

9. Where the Crawdads Sing

Based on the popular novel by Delia Owens, Where the Crawdads Sing is an empowering story of an outsider persevering despite tremendous adversity. That adversity comes in many forms for Kya, including abandonment, abuse, being ostracized by her community, and having to raise and support herself. It becomes a story of resilience as Kya learns not only to survive, but how to thrive in a world that continually tries to tear her down.

Daisy Edgar-Jones plays the role of Kya so well that it is impossible not to be invested in her journey, while David Strathairn is great casting for Tom Milton, the lawyer who represents Kya and wants to give her a fighting chance in court when the town has already made up its mind that Kya is guilty of murder.

I love how well-developed the marsh setting is and how it practically becomes a character in its own right as Kya grows up in it and makes it her home. Kya’s deep connection with the setting is always present, all the way to the deeply satisfying ending of the story.

8. The Woman King

As one of today’s greatest actors, it is exciting to see Viola Davis become an action hero in The Woman King, especially with her playing one of the women warriors known as the Agojie. It is inspiring to see this group of all women warriors defending their kingdom of Dahomey and fighting against slavery and colonialism. There is even more weight behind this with knowing that the Agojie and the West African kingdom of Dahomey were real.

Viola Davis is the perfect actor to play General Nanisca as she is fierce and strong, but she also needs to be emotionally vulnerable in certain parts of the story, particularly when dealing with unresolved trauma from her past that comes back into her life in more than one way. No one strikes a balance of emotional strength and vulnerability as well as Davis does. She is the star, but the other actors also do an excellent job of bringing their characters to life, with Lashana Lynch and Thuso Mbedu being the other standouts.

The pacing of the movie can be uneven at times, but this one issue matters little next to what the movie achieves with its performances and gripping action while bringing an inspiring and long overdue story to life.

7. Nope

I did not like Nope as much as Jordan Peele’s previous movies Get Out and Us. However, the more I thought about this movie and the longer I sat with it, the more I liked it.

I appreciate what this movie has to say about spectacle and society’s desperation to capture spectacle, especially in today’s day and age of social media. I appreciate how treating animals kindly and with respect plays a role in what the movie has to say about spectacle, along with the danger of what happens when people choose to exploit animals or forces they do not understand or respect.

The big plot twist doesn’t land for me quite as well as the big plot twists did in Get Out or Us, but it is still genuinely surprising, works perfectly with the movie’s themes, and is a clever subversion of tropes from the science-fiction and horror genres. The aftermath of the twist is executed really well, leading to truly breathtaking cinematography and a thrilling third act that has everyone on the edge of their seat.

To no one’s surprise, Daniel Kaluuya is great in this movie, as is Keke Palmer, with their sibling relationship being the heart of the story. Along with Peele’s writing and direction, Kaluuya and Palmer are the key to bringing the “tonality of genre” and “Black joy” that Peele said he wanted to bring to the film when speaking with Essence Magazine.

Despite not being my favorite Jordan Peele movie, Nope is still one of my favorite movies of 2022 for all these reasons and because it is the kind of movie I want to see more of–an original blockbuster that dares to be weird and wild, can stand on its own without a franchise, and have something meaningful and timely to say.

6. The Banshees of Inisherin

What would happen if your best friend suddenly decided they don’t want to be friends with you anymore and they don’t want to speak to you again? The Banshees of Inisherin takes this seemingly straightforward premise and turns it into a darkly funny and tragic story that is a metaphor for the Irish Civil War.

This movie might have made me genuinely laugh out loud more than any other I watched in 2022, but it also filled me with despair, all while Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, and Barry Keoghan ground the story with excellent performances against the backdrop of gorgeous cinematography.

The Banshees of Inisherin is all at once one of the funniest, bleakest, and most thought-provoking movies of the year.

5. The Fabelmans

From Schindler’s List to Jurassic Park, Steven Spielberg is one of the most well-known and influential directors in the history of cinema. The Fabelmans is one of Spielberg’s most personal movies yet, with the story heavily influenced by the events of his life and his family.

The Fabelmans does a beautiful job of capturing the spark of imagination that ignites young Sammy Fabelman’s passion for filmmaking. Seeing how that spark evolves in his journey as a filmmaker is one of the best elements of the movie, from filming his train set crashing and making mummy movies with all the toilet paper in the house, to the war films and senior Ditch Day movie he makes as a teenager.

The Fabelmans is a love letter to the magic of making movies and how movies can capture life’s most beautiful moments. Yet, the film doesn’t just show making movies as a glamorous thing. Making movies is what accidentally uncovers the truth that forever changes the life of the Fabelman family as they knew it. Movies can be used to manipulate the truth and to make the public believe in a false narrative as shown with what Sammy achieves in his Ditch Day movie. The movie also doesn’t shy away from how difficult it is for Sammy to try and get his foot in the door of the film industry.

Of course, The Fabelmans is about more than just making movies, but about the family and the divorce that shape Sammy and that shaped Spielberg. Michelle Williams and Paul Dano are superb as Sammy’s mother and father. Both of them love Sammy unconditionally, and impact him in different ways, between his mother’s idealism and love of imagination and art, and his father’s engineer brain and his belief that anything can be fixed.

The hopeful conclusion of The Fabelmans feels more like a beginning than an ending in some ways, but it works because the audience has all of Spielberg’s other movies to tell us how the rest of the story goes.

4. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

When I saw the trailer for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, I thought it looked like a clever, funny, and cute movie. It is all of these things, but what I did not expect was for it to be such a heartwarming and touching story.

The blend of stop-motion animation told through the style of a documentary is delightful to watch. It creates an unexpectedly rich sense of world-building as the audience sees a regular house and yard as the vast world that the one-inch shell Marcel and his grandmother shell Nanna Connie have made home for themselves. For Marcel, Nanna Connie, and the human filmmaker Dean who moves into the house and befriends them, the ordinary continually becomes the extraordinary in countless ways.

The relationship between Marcel and Nanna Connie is genuinely sweet, as is the friendship between Marcel and Dean and how they help each other in unexpected ways. There is thoughtful exploration of the important differences between an audience and a community, a lesson that is more important than ever in an age of social media. The movie also explores the importance of opening up to the possibility of change and risk, even when it’s scary, and finding a balance between being around others and being with yourself.

3. Everything Everywhere All at Once

The multiverse is a popular concept in today’s world of entertainment, but Everything Everywhere All at Once is one of the few modern stories that feels like it does the multiverse justice. In this movie, every universe feels distinct and the multiverse feels truly infinite. From rocks with googly eyes to hot dog fingers, the multiverse in this movie is a visual feast that delights the imagination.

Like most good stories, it is the characters that make the story work. Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and the rest of the cast play multiple versions of their characters throughout the multiverse and make each version feel unique and believable. The evolution of their characters is filled with unexpected heart, humor, and growth that makes the audience deeply invested and emotionally affected by each turn of unexpected events in this story, no matter how bizarre things get.

The critical and financial success of Everything Everywhere All at Once proves that audiences are still hungry for original storytelling and that many audiences still want to be challenged with stories as weird and wonderful as this.

2. The Fallout

The Fallout focuses on the survivors of a school shooting and follows them in the aftermath of the trauma they endured. The movie does an admirable job of showing everything through the lens and the voices of the survivors, from the shooting itself, to the aftermath that takes up the majority of the story. It is a vital reminder of who is most impacted by these shootings, making it about the survivors and their loved ones instead of the shooter or the pundits and politicians who comment and do nothing in the aftermath.

One of the greatest strengths of The Fallout is how it shows grief and trauma impacting all of the characters in profoundly different ways and with all of them responding differently. The movie is a genuine exploration of grief and trauma and I appreciate that it did not tie everything into a neat “everything is fixed” bow at the end as that is not the reality we live in, especially when it comes to gun violence and school shootings.

I also want to applaud Jenna Ortega’s performance as Vada Cavell. Ortega is being widely recognized for her stellar performance as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s hit series Wednesday (and rightly so), but she delivered an amazing performance in The Fallout. A particular scene with Vada and her younger sister Lumi hits really hard and will stay with me for years to come.

1. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an empowering and deeply emotional story that also serves as a moving tribute to Chadwick Boseman and the character of T’Challa. Both times that I saw this film, I was blown away by how seamlessly it strikes this balance, beautifully honoring Boseman and T’Challa while moving forward with a gripping story about the future of Wakanda.

True to real life, Wakanda Forever shows its characters grappling with grief and sudden loss in vastly different ways. For characters like Shuri, Queen Ramonda, Nakia, and Okoye, this loss is particularly complex as they not only lost their king and their protector, but they lost one of the people they knew and loved most in the world.

Angela Bassett delivers an incredibly powerful performance as Ramonda and she more than deserves the Golden Globe nomination she received for it. Letitia Wright is excellent as Shuri and pours her heart and soul into every scene. Dominique Thorne also makes a compelling MCU debut as Riri Williams, an endearing, brilliant, and witty character who perfectly complements the stories of Ramonda and Shuri. It is inspiring to see all of these Black women at the forefront of a movie, let alone a superhero movie.

Namor has been referred to as the villain of the movie, but the true villain is the U.S. government and the governments around the world who will do anything to obtain and exploit vibranium. The greed and ruthless desperation of these governments is the source of the conflict between the people of Wakanda and the people of Talokan. The way this conflict plays out and the backstory of Namor communicate clear messages of anti-colonialism, which is a natural theme considering the real villain of the story.

While a lot of the MCU content feels mediocre these days, the Black Panther part of the universe feels like it is in another echelon entirely. There is a richness to the culture and setting of Wakanda, in the cinematography, the themes, the character arcs, and the music that is unparalleled.

Top 10 Favorite TV Shows Of 2022

2022 was a fantastic year for television. From January to December, there was always at least one (and often more) shows on that captivated me.

These shows not only engaged me when when watching the newest episode, but they helped me get through each week as I reflected on the actors’ performances, mind-blowing plot twists, tantalizing cliffhangers, thought-provoking questions, and speculation on what new episodes would bring. Discussing these shows with others, writing about them for Dork Side of the Force and Screen Rant, and reading what others had to say elevated these shows beyond the time actually spent watching each individual episode.

Out of all the shows I watched, there were 10 that proved to be my favorites. These specific shows stuck with me for the emotions they elicited, the enjoyment I got from them, and what they mean to me personally and in the larger context of television entertainment.

Warning: There are SPOILERS ahead for each of the following television series.

10. Peacemaker

Only James Gunn could take one of the most unlikable and seemingly one-dimensional characters from one of his movies, give that character a TV show, and make the character nuanced and even sympathetic. Peacemaker provides an opportunity to explore why Christopher Smith has the twisted belief that he should be willing to kill any man, woman, or child for peace.

His character is tested in the most perfect way possible when he has to choose between this mission he’s dedicated his life to, or the band of misfits who’ve given him a second chance and embraced him in a way no one else ever has before. Peacemaker is outrageous in its humor and its gore, but like any other James Gunn project, there is enough heart and quality storytelling to make it all work.

John Cena brings a depth and sensitivity to this role I did not expect while Danielle Brooks, Chukwudi Iwuji, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, and Steve Agee also deliver excellent performances, with each member of the team undergoing their own meaningful arc alongside Peacemaker.

If The Suicide Squad and this show are any indicator of what the future of DC looks like under James Gunn, I am very excited for it.

9. Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett

In the fourth episode of this series, Boba Fett says to Fennec Shand, “You can only get so far without a tribe.” The Book of Boba Fett captures this lesson perfectly with Boba, who learns this lesson during his time with a Tusken tribe.

“The Tribes of Tatooine” is a truly beautiful episode that develops the Tuskens like never before and even incorporates authentic elements of Māori culture (Temuera Morrison who plays Boba is Māori). After tragically losing his found family, Boba gradually builds a new tribe made up of individuals who are also in need of a tribe such as Fennec Shand, Black Krrsantan, and Din Djarin.

There are many valid criticisms of this series, but it is thematically consistent from beginning to end, and makes the character of Boba Fett more compelling than just a badass-looking bounty hunter. Meanwhile, “Return of the Mandalorian” is arguably the best singular episode about Din Djarin (even better than any individual episode of The Mandalorian), there is nothing as cool or satisfying as seeing Boba riding a rancor, and Cad Bane’s entrance in the series is truly chilling.

8. Grace and Frankie

Few stories are as funny, genuine, and moving as Grace and Frankie. The final 12 episodes released in 2022 were no exception to this, with the first half of episodes being mostly hilarious, and the last half of episodes being particularly emotional.

Right up until the end, Grace and Frankie continued to explore real-world issues that older adults and their families face, unafraid to highlight some of the more uncomfortable aspects of these issues. Grace, Frankie, Robert, and Sol have always been at the forefront of the show, making the older adults the unquestionable stars of the series, and showing them as complex people, and not just the butt of tired ageist jokes.

All the character development and twists and turns of Grace and Frankie’s unlikely and heartwarming friendship, and the marriage of Robert and Sol, are all honored in the final episodes, ending on a bittersweet note that is simultaneously sad and hopeful, a realistic ending that feels earned.

While the show has never primarily been about Brianna, Mallory, Coyote, or Bud, they also have mostly satisfying arcs that feel consistent with their characters. I particularly appreciated Brianna’s arc and still hope to see a Brianna spinoff series.

With many streaming shows being cancelled after just a couple of seasons these days, it was refreshing to see Grace and Frankie run for 7 seasons and 94 episodes, making it the longest-running series in Netflix history.

7. Westworld

While many people gave up on Westworld, those who stuck around were rewarded with a riveting fourth season. The plot twists in season 4 were arguably the best since the show’s critically acclaimed first season, revitalizing the mind-blowing excitement that captured the audience’s imagination in the first place.

After being largely relegated to the sidelines in season 3, Thandiwe Newton, Jeffrey Wright, and Ed Harris all got ample opportunity to have their characters take center-stage again, and remind us of how insanely talented they are. The character of Caleb didn’t always work for me in season 3, but this season made me care deeply about Caleb and his newly introduced family from the start. This is a testament to the writing and Aaron Paul’s performance (Caleb and Maeve made a great team, with Paul and Newton having excellent chemistry).

Tessa Thompson and Evan Rachel Wood continued to shine in their leading roles, with Evan Rachel Wood once again playing an almost entirely different version of the character she’s played before, and pulling it off seamlessly. While these talented actors delivered incredible performances, Westworld asked fascinating questions about the future of humanity, artificial intelligence, and sentience, culminating in a game-changing finale that paved the way for a fascinating fifth and final season.

Unfortunately, the series has since been cancelled and the entire series has even been pulled off of HBO Max. It is an incredibly disappointing outcome and an unceremonious treatment of the series, especially considering that season 1 was HBO’s most-watched original series at one point. The season 4 finale can serve as a series finale in some ways, but hopefully the story of the final season will still be told some day.

Between all its highs and lows, Westworld was always truly thought-provoking and cinematic television. It will be missed and I am glad that the show went out on such a high.

6. Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi

Ever since rumors began about an Obi-Wan Kenobi movie, I was skeptical. There is only so much that can happen given that Obi-Wan is still living on Tatooine and watching over Luke Skywalker from afar by the time of A New Hope. Other canon stories have already pushed this with Obi-Wan having a final confrontation on Tatooine with Darth Maul in Star Wars Rebels and Obi-Wan saving a young Luke from Jabba the Hutt’s thugs in Star Wars comics.

The Obi-Wan Kenobi television series finds an elegant answer to this problem by having most of the series take place away from Tatooine and to have it mostly be about Obi-Wan protecting a young Leia instead of a young Luke. It is a practical solution that opens the door for a new and meaningful story. It is heartwarming to see a broken and beaten Obi-Wan finding himself again through his journey to protect Leia and to see the sweet bond they form with each other.

Vivien Lyra Blair embodies all of the fierce intelligence, curiosity, courage, and kindness that feels natural for a young Leia. Ewan McGregor flawlessly slips back into the role of Obi-Wan, delivering a performance that feels like a perfect midpoint between prequel-era Obi-Wan and the Alec Guinness Obi-Wan of A New Hope. Hayden Christensen also gets his much-deserved return to Star Wars and encapsulates both Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader exceptionally well. After all the mistreatment these actors endured when the prequels were coming out and in the years afterward, it is lovely to now see them being embraced by fans. Thanks to them (along with the writing and direction), all the Obi-Wan and Anakin/Vader scenes in this series live in your mind rent-free long after you finish watching.

The series also introduces some of the best new characters in Star Wars television, including Kumail Nanjiani as Haja Estree, Indira Varma as Tala Durith, and Moses Ingram as Inquisitor Reva/the Third Sister. Reva particularly elevates this story about trauma, grief, revenge, regret, and healing with her unexpectedly personal connection to Anakin and Obi-Wan.

5. Severance

Severance has the original and compelling premise of what would happen if a company severed its employees’ brains. This means there is a work self known as an “innie” who only has memories of life at work and an “outie” who only has memories of life outside of work.

It is a surprisingly relatable series as many people struggle with work/life balance and feel as though they lead completely different lives at work vs. outside of work. The show works well as a workplace comedy and as a thriller about corrupt corporations, all while providing relatable commentary about workplace culture, especially in a corporate setting.

The show has a strong premise, but it only works because of the stellar execution. It is funny, intriguing, suspenseful, and wild in all the best ways, anchored by superb writing, striking cinematography, and multi-layered acting, with many of the actors portraying the subtle but essential differences between their “innies” and their “outies.” The show is masterful at building tension and makes all the payoff extremely satisfying.

Severance is easily my favorite show of the year that is not connected to any existing franchise or IP. If the second season is anything like the first, I cannot wait to see where it goes next.

4. The Boys

If you’re frustrated and tired of a broken political system, a culture that worships celebrities, and the corporate machine, The Boys is the perfect series for you. It satirizes all of these issues and more in ways that are hilarious, outrageous, and timely in a fictional universe where superheroes are treated like gods, politicians, and celebrities, while most of them are in reality horrible people.

Season 3 is probably my favorite season yet because of how hard it leans into the divisive politics of today. Antony Starr is scarier than ever as Homelander in season 3 as he realizes he doesn’t have to hide his “true self” any longer and can say and do whatever he wants and be seen as a hero by his base, regardless of how many people he hurts, endangers, or misleads with his words and actions.

A-Train’s story hits much harder this season as he tries to use his platform to create awareness and positive change only for it to backfire horribly. Just as the series explored when Maeve was outed in season 2, Vought (and many corporations in the real world) only engage and support activism in a performative sense.

Just like the people fighting so hard to create meaningful change in the real world, the Boys are tired, desperate, and nearly at their breaking point this season. The introduction of Temporary V is brilliant as it gives characters like Billy Butcher and Hughie Campbell the opportunity to have the kind of power they’ve been fighting against since the beginning. While they nearly destroy themselves, Annie January refuses to let the system destroy her and renounces her membership in the Seven and her identity as Starlight, realizing that some systems are so broken that they cannot be changed from the inside.

As many of the characters wrestle with their traumatic pasts, made even more challenging with the introduction of Jensen Ackles’ character Soldier Boy, season 3 features some of the best characters arcs in the series so far. The Boys never has a single dull moment and this season continues to raise the bar.

3. His Dark Materials

The Amber Spyglass is by far the most ambitious and difficult story to adapt from Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. Despite these challenges, the television series pulls off a beautiful and deeply emotional adaptation that honors the source material in all the most important ways.

The third and final season nails all the biggest emotional beats from the book, including when Lyra separates from Pantalaimon in the Land of Dead, the ultimate sacrifices that Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel make, and a certain scene on a bench with Lyra and Will. Lyra separating from Pan nearly had me on tears while watching the scene when I was taking the train home from work. The entire series and this season in particular does a wonderful job illustrating the deep bond between humans and their daemons.

The acting in this series is unparalleled and in certain cases even elevates the characters further. Even though I knew from the book what Mrs. Coulter was going to do when she confronts Metatron, Ruth Wilson’s acting is so convincing that she nearly had me fooled. Meanwhile, James McAvoy brings a sense of inner torment, conflict, and self-doubt that I never fully got from Asriel in the books, making Asriel’s sacrifice and the culmination of his character development even more rewarding. All the Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel scenes are absolutely captivating to watch.

Ruth Wilson and James McAvoy aren’t the only ones who deserves accolades, though. Dafne Keen already showed her talent to the world with her unforgettable performance in Logan and demonstrated even more talent through her portrayal of Lyra throughout the series. Amir Wilson is also magnificent as Will Keen, as is the chemistry he and Dafne Keen share. The series finale in particular would not have worked without their shared chemistry and making the audience believe in the depth of Lyra and Will’s relationship. Simone Kirby is also delightful again as Mary Malone.

Not only did the actors honor and at times even elevate the characters from the books, the same can be said for the writing as well. Philip Pullman discussed on Twitter how he loved the changes made to the story of Ogunwe, saying that “When someone takes a story of yours and adds passages that fit perfectly, the result is enormously pleasing. The Ogunwe/daughter thread in HDM, and the acting of Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, is a perfect example. Well done all round.”

The Amber Spyglass is also the most visually ambitious of the books, yet this season was still quite visually impressive, from the Mulefa and their world, to the Clouded Mountain. It is not a perfect adaptation (nothing ever is), but it was true to the soul of the book in all the ways that really mattered.

2. Star Wars: Andor

The quality of writing, direction, cinematography, and acting in Andor makes it more than just a good Star Wars show–Andor is just damn good television. As a Star Wars fan who loved Rogue One, I expected that I would enjoy this series. What I did not expect is that I would be continually blown away by it and that every single episode and arc would somehow be even stronger than what came before it. Rarely have I seen a show start so strong and then continue to raise the bar every week that followed.

Andor is a grounded story that explores the gradual rise of fascism and asks difficult questions about how far one needs to go to rebel against such oppression. It shows how everyday people suffer and are impacted by both fascism and revolution, from local communities, to the prison infrastructure, to the political arena. From Cassian Andor, to Luthen Rael, to Mon Mothma, to the Aldhani heist team, to the prisoners, and to the people of Ferrix, the audience sees that rebellion is far more complex and far more costly than just being a group of plucky heroes who will always come out on top despite insurmountable odds.

The acting in this series is among the best that has ever been seen in 40+ years of Star Wars. Andy Serkis, Stellan Skarsgård, and Fiona Shaw all deliver unforgettable and moving monologues that I have listened to more times than I can count, monologues that feel like natural culminations of their characters’ choices. Diego Luna makes Cassian one of the most nuanced and intriguing protagonists in all of Star Wars. Denise Gough makes you root for Dedra Meero before reminding you that she is a fascist and a terrifying villain who feels all too real. Each individual performance and every character interaction feels like a delicious meal and you never want to stop eating it all up.

It is not just the characters that are well-developed, but the settings as well. Ferrix and Aldhani in particular are developed with such a deep sense of culture and pride among their respective people. It makes these planets and their people feel authentic and distinct, all while underscoring the importance of community in standing up against tyranny.

Each arc works so well because it takes the time for the audience to care about the characters, the settings, and the stakes. Having this investment makes the payoff at the end of each arc all the more rewarding, exciting, and at times, heartbreaking.

Andor is currently the gold standard of live-action Star Wars and among the gold standard of all television.

1. Better Call Saul

Better Call Saul certainly won’t be the last prequel series made following another popular series. Yet, it does feel like the end of an era, and not just for the Breaking Bad universe. In today’s day and age where most shows don’t seem to last more than a couple of seasons, it seems unlikely that we will get another show like Better Call Saul that is largely a slow-burn character study. Fewer and fewer television series feel like they are able to take their time and tell a story with such methodical precision.

Better Call Saul proved it could do this to the very end with an in-depth character study of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, with all of the slow burn paying off in glorious fashion. Both the writers and Bob Odenkirk took the character to another level this season as the gradual transformation into Saul Goodman became complete in unexpected fashion, along with the post-Breaking Bad timeline that asks who Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman/Gene Takovic even is at this point and what he deserves for everything he has done. The masterstroke of the final season is that it is not only a satisfying ending to a prequel, but it is a satisfying ending as a sequel and conclusion for the entire Breaking Bad universe.

Rhea Seehorn is also at the top of her game in this final season, proving once and for all that Better Call Saul is just as much about Jimmy/Saul as it is about the development of Kim Wexler and her relationship with Jimmy. Kim is delightfully complex and Seehorn plays every aspect of the character to perfection.

The use of Howard Hamlin in the final season is ingenious, making the worlds of Jimmy McGill and Saul Goodman collide in a perfect storm, all while making me feel things I never thought I’d feel about Howard. I can’t remember the last time an episode of television made my heart race like “Plan and Execution” did; it is simply a perfectly executed episode of television.

So much happens in this season that it’s taken me this long to even mention Nacho Varga, Gus Fring, Mike Ehrmantraut, and Lalo Salamanca, with all their stories being handled with the care and emotion they deserved, all while putting them where they need to be before catching up with the Breaking Bad timeline.

I can’t say enough good things about the series, so I will leave you with this:

This is probably the only show that will ever have me on the edge of my seat watching a mall security guarding eating a Cinnabon. It may seem dumb, but taking something so mundane and making it feel extraordinary is one of the many things that Better Call Saul did so well and what makes it one of the greatest shows not just of 2022, but of all time.

Top 10 Favorite TV Shows of 2025

2025 was a strong year for new and returning television shows. My favorites stuck with me long after I finished watching for the ways they entertained, explored real-world issues, or pushed the boundaries of storytelling. In order to be eligible for this list, all episodes of the season needed to be released in 2025.

10. Stranger Things

After nine years and becoming an unprecedented popular culture phenomenon, Stranger Things concludes with an emotional and mostly satisfying final season. Long-running mysteries about the Upside Down and Vecna/Henry Creel (Jamie Campbell Bower) are answered, paying off earlier setup and recontextualizing prior seasons in fascinating ways.

There’s also tremendous payoff for many of the character arcs, especially where Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) and Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) are concerned. Their development is helped by becoming close with characters they haven’t spent much time with previously, from Will and Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke) to Max and Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher). Will, Max, and other characters get emotional and authentic moments that have been years in the making.

At times, the final season feels overly crowded, leaving some characters inevitably shortchanged, and the plot can also be too safe and familiar. It’s not one of Stranger Things‘ best seasons, but season 5 overall sticks the landing.

9. Death by Lightning

Death by Lightning tells the story of President James Garfield and the man who will assassinate him, Charles Guiteau. Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen are perfectly cast in their respective roles as the well-intentioned politician and deluded opportunist. The rest of the cast is also superb, including Betty Gilpin delivering a particularly impactful scene in her portrayal of Lucretia Garfield.

Other than knowing that President Garfield was assassinated, I admittedly knew very little about him or the events that led to his death. As such, Death by Lightning ended up being an eye-opening journey for me into a critical turning point in American history. The show is not only bolstered by terrific performances, but also by phenomenal production and costume design that brings the time period to life.

There’s a sense of inevitability and tragedy that hangs over the series, despite the hope Garfield offers and the progress that he and his political allies are working toward. What’s lost feels even more tragic given the current state of U.S. political affairs, which makes the story quite timely.

Death by Lightning is an excellent miniseries, with the only drawback being that it’s only four episodes.

8. Paradise

This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman and star Sterling K. Brown reunite in Paradise, a political thriller with no shortage of jaw-dropping plot twists. The show was marketed with the premise of the Secret Service’s Xavier Collins (Brown) investigating the mysterious death of President Cal Bradford (James Marsden). The marketing cleverly conceals an integral piece of the show, which is revealed at the end of the pilot episode.

Paradise is worthwhile for the captivating twists and turns, but episode 7 “The Day” proves that this show is more than its surprises. “The Day” is easily one of 2025’s best episodes of television, a devastating and hopeful installment that works well on its own while also elevating the entire series.

After the highs of episode 7, the season 1 finale feels slightly underwhelming, although it does answer who killed President Bradford and sets up a game-changing second season.

7. Yellowjackets

After a slightly uneven second season, Yellowjackets makes a triumphant comeback with season 3. This is largely due to the effective balance that is once again struck between the past and present timelines, as groundbreaking and traumatic developments in the wilderness comes back to haunt the adult survivors.

By the end of the season, Yellowjackets answers several major mysteries, some of which have been lingering since the very first episode. This is especially satisfying in the past timeline as the teenage survivors simultaneously reach their darkest point yet and make rescue a tangible reality.

Yellowjackets continues to be one of TV’s best mystery box shows that is anchored by a ridiculously talented cast. Christina Ricci, Melanie Lynskey, Samantha Hanratty, Sophie Nélisse, Sophie Thatcher, and Steven Krueger are among some of the particular standouts this season.

The show occasionally risks wasting character development for the sake of shock value, but the season 3 finale also proves that the series has not lost sight of the endgame ahead of the fourth and final season.

6. Squid Game

Squid Game season 3 received a lot of hate, much of which felt overblown. It opens with Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) at his lowest point after the failed rebellion and execution of his best friend at the end of season 2.

Of course, there are brutal new games in store for Gi-hun and the remaining players, with Hide-and-Seek being particularly disturbing to watch. While Squid Game continues to show humanity at its worst, season 3 also shows humanity at its best as Gi-hun finds a new purpose and a reason to keep fighting.

The hit Netflix series is a reminder that as selfish and destructive as people can be, there are also those who are still working to create a better future, even if they won’t get to experience it for themselves.

Regardless of the ending’s divisive reception, I found it to be a moving and satisfying conclusion for the series. The only blemish on the season is a jarring cameo in the final moments.

5. Peacemaker

Peacemaker season 1 was great, but season 2 is even better. When Christopher Smith/Peacemaker (John Cena) discovers an alternate dimension where his father (Robert Patrick) and brother (David Denman) are still alive, he is tempted to stay there and leave all his real-world problems behind.

With Chris being torn between his two worlds, Cena delivers a career-best performance and brings new depth to the character. This also applies to Jennifer Holland, who does her best work yet by bringing further complexity to Emilia Harcourt.

The entire season seamlessly weaves between absurd comedy, heartfelt drama, shocking plot twists, and important political commentary. Episodes 6 and 7 are particular standouts, as Chris and the audience learn the truth about the alternate dimension.

Much like Superman, James Gunn ensures that Peacemaker season 2 is more focused on telling its own story than prioritizing the future of the DC Universe, despite some inevitable setup. The only time that doesn’t feel true is in the finale’s cliffhanger, which Gunn has explained will be addressed in a different DCU project instead of a season 3.

4. Pluribus

Following the success of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Vince Gilligan tackles a completely different kind of show with Pluribus. It’s an ambitious series that sees all but 13 individuals across the globe killed or transformed into part of a hive mind. One of these 13 individuals is the protagonist, cynical romance novelist Carol Sturka, played by Better Call Saul star Rhea Seehorn.

The narrative challenge of this premise is that Carol spends much of the series alone or solely in the company of the hive mind. There are many reasons why this shouldn’t work, but Gilligan’s creative vision and Seehorn’s riveting performance ensures that it does, as Carol grapples with trying to find a way to undo the virus while having her own existential crisis.

Pluribus depicts loneliness in a way that feels honest and refreshing, along with posing many thought-provoking questions about identity, free will, and what it means to be human. The show can be slow at times, but there is always rewarding payoff that makes the pacing feel earned.

3. Severance

After the success of season 1, Severance season 2 thankfully does not play it safe and continues to take creative risks. This includes multiple episodes that break season 1’s status quo of the Innies working at Lumon. In season 2, the show dives deeper into the lives of the Outies, takes the Innies on a winter retreat to the great outdoors, and even spends a whole episode following Harmony Cobel (Patricia Arquette) as she returns to her hometown.

Not all of the season’s creative swings work, but most of them pay off. This is largely thanks to Adam Scott and the rest of the cast who play severed characters, as they continue to deliver incredibly distinct and impressive dual performances. At the same time, the non-severed Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) consistently steals the show, even long before the season finale’s marching band scene.

While there are still plenty of mysteries in play, season 2 does provide crucial answers and satisfying characters arcs, all while raising new questions and leaving the audience wanting more.

2. IT: Welcome to Derry

IT: Welcome to Derry is a prequel that builds on the interlude chapters from the original Stephen King novel. The series gets off to a compelling start, from the deeply disturbing opening sequence to brutally proving that no character is safe. The scares are inventive and IT feels more unhinged and menacing than ever before.

At the same time, the scariest part of the show is the systemic racism and casual cruelty in Derry, which culminates in the horrific tragedy that occurs at the Black Spot. By largely focusing on and fleshing out characters of color, the show helps ensure that this exploration feels more meaningful than exploitative.

With such a large cast, not every character is done justice, but there are several standouts, including a younger version of The Shining‘s Dick Hallorann (Chris Chalk). All the child actors are phenomenal, with Arian S. Cartaya’s portrayal of Rich Santos being particularly memorable.

Of course, Bill Skarsgård continues to be excellent as Pennywise. His performance, and the show having much of the same creative team as the 2017 and 2019 movies, help make Welcome to Derry feel like a seamless prequel. The show stands on its own merits while also establishing fascinating new connections with the movies and overall lore.

1. Andor

Andor season 2 cements the series as one of my all-time favorite TV shows. Season 1 was a masterpiece on nearly every level, and despite the accelerated pace of season 2’s timeline, it also proves to be just as much of a masterpiece.

The writing continues to be remarkable, and this was rightfully recognized with Dan Gilroy winning the Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. I’ve listened to the speech that Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) delivers at least 30 times at this point. It’s a deeply rewarding scene that captures fundamental truths not only about Star Wars, but about the real world.

Mon’s speech is in the “Welcome to the Rebellion” episode, which highlights that every act of resistance against injustice matters, no matter how small it may seem. This is an inspiring lesson that holds true throughout the entire season.

“Who Are You?” and “Welcome to the Rebellion” have already become two of my all-time favorite episodes of television, with the first being utterly devastating and the second providing much-needed hope. Such devastation and hope are essential to capture in a story about the rise of fascism and the fight against it.

Along with O’Reilly, there are unforgettable performances from Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, Stellan Skarsgård as Luthen Rael, Elizabeth Dulau as Kleya Marki, Adria Arjona as Bix Caleen, Denise Gough as Dedra Meero, Kyle Soller as Syril Karn, Forest Whitaker as Saw Gerrera, and Alan Tudyk as K-2SO.

There is an endless amount of praise that I could heap on Andor, and what I’ve said here barely scratches the surface. It’s a gift that such an artfully crafted, moving, and important streaming series exists, especially within a major IP. Andor is also a testament to what Star Wars can achieve when it doesn’t only rely on the familiar and sets out to achieve something truly new and meaningful.

Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2025

As the year comes to an end, I take a look back at my top 10 favorite new movies, which entertained, inspired, and provided valuable real-world commentary. In order to be eligible, the movie needed to be released in theaters or via streaming in 2025. Inevitably, there are many enjoyable and well-made films I saw this year that are not on this list, but these are my 10 favorites.

10. Mickey 17

After the award-winning success of Parasite, Bong Joon Ho returns with the darkly satirical science-fiction story of Mickey 17. Based on Edward Ashton’s Mickey7 novel, the film features Robert Pattinson as the titular character, an “Expendable” who is assigned life-threatening work and cloned every time he dies. Things go awry when Mickey 18 is created while Mickey 17 still lives, which leads to the authorities trying to hunt down and kill them both.

While it’s not the masterpiece that Parasite is, Mickey 17 is a delightfully outlandish and absurd movie that has powerful commentary about classism, identity, and the difference between a community and a cult. Pattinson’s dual performance is my favorite from his career so far, as he makes both Mickey 17 and 18 feel like fully distinct and complex individuals.

The rest of the cast is strong as well, including Mark Ruffalo’s depiction of Kenneth Marshall, a narcissist and failed politician who exploits the Expendables for the sake of his own vanity. I would’ve liked to see some of the other characters, especially Nasha Barridge (Naomi Ackie), receive more development, but this doesn’t diminish the rest of what the movie does so well.

9. Frankenstein

The first half of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein makes for a good movie, but it’s the second half that solidifies it as a great one. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) first presents his side of the story, with a tragic childhood leading to a dangerous obsession to cure death itself. This is done well, but the movie hits its stride in the second half when it switches to the perspective of the Creature (Jacob Elordi).

Elordi imbues the Creature with a compelling balance of innocence, curiosity, rage, and loneliness. While there are seemingly endless iterations of Mary Shelley’s classic novel at this point, I have never found a depiction of the Creature to be as moving as what Elordi, del Toro, and the rest of the movie’s remarkable creative team are able to achieve here.

Despite being a deeply tragic story for Frankenstein, the Creature, and almost every character who crosses their paths, the film ends up being surprisingly hopeful as well.

8. Kiss of the Spider Woman

While there have been many Kiss of the Spider Woman adaptations, the 2025 version was my first time experiencing the story, and I was taken by surprise with how much it affected me. The film sees Luis Molina (Tonatiuh) imprisoned with Valentin Arregui (Diego Luna), a revolutionary being tortured for information. To escape their grim situation, Molina brings to life their favorite movie, the musical The Kiss of the Spider Woman.

The film deftly intertwines Molina and Valentin’s dark reality with the brightly colored musical starring Jennifer Lopez. Tonatiuh and Luna playing characters in the musical helps make this possible, as Molina and Valentin’s relationship grows into something unexpected and beautiful. The only issue is that I was so drawn in by what was happening in the prison cell that I sometimes wanted to spend more time there than in the world of the musical.

I love what the movie has to say about the power of art, human compassion, and how important they can be in fighting against fascism. Between this and Andor season 2, Luna delivers two of this year’s most impressive and important performances.

7. Wicked: For Good

Wicked: For Good doesn’t live up to the heights of the first film, but it is still one of my favorites of the year. Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, and the rest of the cast continue to deliver exceptional performances as actors and singers, with Erivo’s “No Good Deed” being particularly stirring.

Wicked: For Good is faithful to the Broadway source material while also making changes that further enhance the musical. This includes the changes to the story of Nessarose Thropp (Marissa Bode), bringing back Dulcibear (Sharon D. Clarke) from the first movie, flashbacks to Glinda’s childhood, and adding Glinda to “Wonderful.”

There are some pacing issues in this installment, and the two new songs are underwhelming, but Wicked: For Good still brings a triumphant conclusion to my all-time favorite Broadway musical.

6. Superman

James Gunn’s Superman is hopeful, uplifting, and unafraid to be political. In a world that seems to be increasingly dominated by cruelty, greed, cowardice, and cynicism, Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel and the DC Universe feels incredibly refreshing.

Even with all his unparalleled powers, Superman highlights that the hero’s real strength is his kindness and determination to save people and animals from danger. The movie also celebrates the importance of quality journalism and treating animals well, with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Krypto the Superdog playing active roles.

Unlike so many superhero movies, which have become too focused on setting up future projects, Superman is fully committed to the present story that it is telling. The end result is that it leaves me both satisfied and more eager than I anticipated for all upcoming movies and shows in the DCU.

5. One Battle After Another

One Battle After Another quickly became my all-time favorite Paul Thomas Anderson movie. It’s a surprisingly effective mix of action, political thriller, stoner comedy, and heartfelt storytelling.

The plot revolves around a former revolutionary, now going by the name Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is thrust back into his old life when his daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti), is hunted by the ruthless Colonel Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn).

DiCaprio, Infiniti, and Penn put on Academy Award-worthy performances, as do Benicio del Toro as Sergio St. Carlos, Regina Hall as Deandra, and Teyana Taylor as Perfidia Beverly Hills. Lockjaw and the other villains are a bit cartoonish, but this feels fitting given the cartoonish nature of real-world villains in 2025.

Despite a nearly three-hour runtime, the movie never loses momentum thanks to an exhilarating pace, deeply personal stakes, and genuinely hilarious comedy. As indicated by the numerous awards it’s already won, One Battle After Another is arguably the best movie of the year–it just didn’t resonate with me on a personal level as much as some of this year’s other films did.

4. Thunderbolts*

Mental health isn’t just a feature of Thunderbolts*–it’s what the entire movie is about. Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), and the rest of the team members are all struggling with their mental health in ways that are not fully apparent to an outside observer. These struggles are further heightened by the powers of Bob (Lewis Pullman), who is wrestling with his own internal battle.

From the Guardians of the Galaxy movies to The Suicide Squad, a group of misfits coming together to save the world and becoming a found family in the process is familiar territory. How Thunderbolts* approaches mental health and makes each character feel vulnerable is what sets it apart and makes it truly special.

Yelena and Alexei’s relationship is particularly moving, and Yelena’s dialogue during one of their scenes makes me feel seen in a way that has rarely happened before. At the same time, there is plenty of great humor throughout the film as well.

Even though Yelena, Alexei, and many of the other characters were introduced in previous Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and shows, you do not need to have seen any of them to understand and appreciate Thunderbolts*. This is yet another strength in what is the best superhero movie in years.

3. Sinners

From Ryan Coogler’s directing and writing to Michael B. Jordan’s dual performance, Sinners is a movie that’s in a class of its own. The premise involves twin brothers Stack and Smoke (Jordan) returning home to Mississippi in the 1930s to open a juke joint, only for their plan to be upended by Remmick (Jack O’Connell) and his fellow vampires.

Jordan’s acting is arguably the best of 2025 while Miles Caton (in his film debut) is the year’s breakout star as aspiring blues musician Sammie Moore. Their performances are among the many elements that make Sinners a gripping movie to watch, especially once night falls for the characters.

An incredibly innovative music scene, an evil that is worse than the vampires, the exploration of what real freedom is, and the characters’ ultimate fates make this a film that is original, entertaining, thought-provoking, and able to stay with its audience long after the credits roll.

2. The Life of Chuck

The Life of Chuck is one of the best page-to-screen adaptations I’ve ever seen. Based on the Stephen King short story of the same name, it explores the life of Charles “Chuck” Krantz in reverse. Mike Flanagan once again proves he is the master of adapting King’s work by perfectly translating the story to the screen.

The beautiful dance scene from the short story is done justice, with the performances, choreography, music, and cinematography all working in sync to create a truly wonderful cinematic moment. Tom Hiddleston is captivating to watch as Chuck at this stage of his life, while Cody Flanagan, Benjamin Pajak, and Jacob Tremblay flesh out the character in his younger years. Mark Hamill is phenomenal as Chuck’s grandfather as well.

I usually walk away from adaptations of stories I’ve read at least a little disappointed by something it failed to get right. There is none of that here, with The Life of Chuck being a movie that fully understands what the creatively ambitious source material has to say about life and death.

1. The Assessment

The Assessment takes place in a dystopian society where eligible couples have to pass a seven-day test in order to have children. Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel) play the central couple who are assessed by Virginia (Alicia Vikander).

From Virginia acting like a child throwing a temper tantrum to giving Mia and Aaryan an overly complicated toy structure to build, each day presents increasingly unpredictable and absurd tasks that pushes the couple to their breaking point. All three of the main actors are outstanding, with Vikander being unnerving in how she transitions between acting like an immature child to a stoic government official.

The premise works as a highly effective ticking clock, as Mia and Aaryan feel like they are running out of time to prove they are worthy of raising a child. The movie brilliantly highlights the impossible expectations that society places on parents and the individual feeling that one will never be good enough.

While the story is mostly restricted to Mia and Aaryan’s home, there is still enough information to flesh out the mysteries of this larger dystopian world and how the government assessments factor into the larger picture. All of these threads pay off with a rewarding ending in what became my favorite movie of the year.

Top 10 Favorite TV Shows of 2024

In 2024, television continued to serve as an escape and as powerful commentary about the world. When narrowing down my favorites of the year, I only included shows that aired seasons in their entirety. I am thoroughly enjoying Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and Silo season 2, but both are still releasing new episodes, and are therefore ineligible for this list.

The following ten shows are not necessarily the best of 2024. Instead, they are the shows that I enjoyed the most in terms of entertainment, their ability to explore timely themes, and by sticking with me long after I finished watching.

10. Nobody Wants This

Streaming on Netflix

I’m not often a fan of romantic comedies, but Nobody Wants This quickly won me over with the charming chemistry between Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. Bell plays Joanne, who hosts a sex and dating podcast with her sister, Morgan (Justine Lupe), while Brody plays a young charismatic rabbi named Noah Roklov. While I’ve missed The Good Place, Nobody Wants This made me realize how much I’ve missed a show led by Bell.

At a time when antisemitism is on the rise, I was overjoyed to see a show that celebrates Judaism and puts it at the forefront of the story, and am thrilled to see how popular the series has become. Some of the humor will be most appreciated by those who are Jewish, but the series feels accessible to all audiences. Between this and how invested the series makes me in Joanne and Noah’s relationship, I am eager for the confirmed second season.

9. Kaos

Streaming on Netflix

As a modernized and darkly comical iteration of Greek mythology, Kaos feels like Percy Jackson and the Olympians for adults. Jeff Goldblum plays the arrogant and deeply insecure Zeus, who is threatened by a prophecy involving three humans that may be his undoing. Kaos is an incredibly creative take on Greek mythology that showcases the pettiness and dangerous consequences of the Olympians’ infighting and that champions humanity’s free will.

Despite these strengths, and the series being in Netflix’s Top 10 for several weeks, Netflix canceled Kaos. The series should have been renewed, but even with Kaos‘ unanswered questions, it is still well worth watching. Goldblum, Aurora Perrineau, Janet McTeer, Misia Butler, Stephen Dillane, and the entire cast are phenomenal. Not since reading the original Percy Jackson books have I been this interested in Greek mythology with the clever and timely ways that Kaos tackles it.

8. Star Wars: The Acolyte

Streaming on Disney+

As someone who has been reading The High Republic books and comics since 2021, I was thrilled to see this era come to life in live-action for the first time. About 100 years before The Phantom Menace, a new dark side threat emerges as specific Jedi are hunted down and killed, leading to an intricate web of mystery and deceit that must be untangled. The Acolyte is an unprecedented exploration of the dark side and of the Jedi that asks difficult questions.

I enjoyed being challenged and receiving perspectives that have never been at the forefront of a Star Wars television series or movie before. Every member of the ensemble cast is excellent, but Squid Game‘s Lee Jung-jae was the standout for me in his portrayal of Jedi Master Sol, a wise individual who had me hanging on his every word, even though he carried a dark secret.

The Acolyte does not justify the dark side, but it made me understand better than any Star Wars story ever has about how one could be swayed to choose it over the light side. While I enjoyed the entire season, The Acolyte‘s hopeless finale strayed too far from the core tenets of Star Wars for my tastes. I was eager to see how this would be followed up on season 2, but unfortunately, a cancelation has prevented that from happening.

7. House of the Dragon

Streaming on Max

I feel as though I may be the only person who liked House of the Dragon season 2 more than season 1. In season 1, I struggled with the many time jumps between episodes that skipped over significant moments in the characters’ lives. It was jarring to see characters recast between episodes as they grew older. Other than Paddy Considine’s King Viserys Targaryen, I was also not invested in most of the characters during season 1.

That changed in season 2, which benefitted from tighter pacing, and spending enough time with the characters that I became fully invested in them. While it proved to be divisive for many viewers, I greatly enjoyed the Harrenhal story for Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) and found the culmination of that arc and his dynamic with Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) to be deeply satisfying. The tragedy of Rhaenyra and Alicent Hightower’s (Olivia Cooke) relationship also worked better for me this season.

Largely due to the buildup of the Dragonseed storyline, season 2 showed more of the everyday folk in King’s Landing. While there was disappointment about House of the Dragon season 2’s ending not featuring the Battle of the Gullet, which is being saved for season 3, this did not ruin the season for me, and I was content with the season 2 finale’s rewarding character development.

6. Shrinking

Streaming on Apple TV+

Shrinking season 2 continues its story of Jimmy (Jason Segel), a therapist who takes an unconventional and hands-on approach in helping his patients as he continues to grieve his wife’s death. Season 2 continues to walk a fine line between comedy and drama, a balance that it pulls off exceptionally well. Segel’s performance continues to be outstanding, as is Harrison Ford as Jimmy’s mentor and colleague, Dr. Paul Rhoades.

Shrinking continues to be an ensemble series and dives deeper into its characters, from the delightful and easygoing Derek (Ted McGinley) to Brett Goldstein’s new character, Louis, who is revealed to be the drunk driver involved in the accident that killed Jimmy’s wife. Introducing this character could have gone terribly wrong, but Goldstein brings sensitivity to Louis that makes him work well.

Season 2 focuses on the importance of forgiveness, the power of community, and the gradual, sometimes painstaking process of working on self-improvement. Each episode provides plenty of laughs while also being moving, and one particular episode ending even moved me to tears.

5. The Boys

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

The Boys continues to be unsubtle in its darkly satirical take on a world where superheroes abuse their power while being treated like gods, celebrities, and politicians. Season 4 begins with an upcoming presidential election, Homelander (Antony Starr) on trial for a horrific crime he committed in broad daylight, and the right-wing extremist Firecracker (Valorie Curry) receiving a larger platform.

As for the titular Boys, the battle for Billy Butcher’s (Karl Urban) soul continues, and is made more complicated when an old acquaintance, Joe Kessler (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), reenters Butcher’s life and encourages his worst impulses. Meanwhile, Annie (Erin Moriarty) works to figure out who she is now that is no longer Starlight and a member of the Seven.

The Boys season 4 ending is devastating and makes the stakes higher than ever heading into the fifth and final season. While many popular series lose steam as they progress, The Boys continues to be one of the best ongoing television shows, and is poised to end on a triumphant note.

4. From

Streaming on MGM+

From continues to be the only series that is a worthy successor to Lost. Season 3 pushes From‘s characters further to their breaking points as the monsters and the Town find new ways to torment them, and the residents become increasingly desperate to escape the Town and find answers. While there are plenty of intriguing mysteries, there are also many game-changing answers provided, especially during From season 3’s ending.

From continues to effectively balance its overarching mysteries with keeping the audiences deeply invested in the characters’ emotional journeys. The entire cast is fantastic, but Harold Perrineau, Scott McCord, and Catalina Sandino Moreno get to shine the most as they take Boyd, Victor, and Tabitha to new heights.

The danger feels real in season 3 as major characters are killed and the dark truths about the Town and its history begins to become clearer. With so much to unpack in each episode, I’m glad that From is a series that releases episodes weekly instead of all at once. As someone who has been watching the series since it debuted, it has been rewarding to see it gain increasingly more recognition, which will continue into the confirmed season 4.

3. Star Wars: The Bad Batch

Streaming on Disney+

Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 3 brings a satisfying conclusion to one of the best stories in the franchise’s history. Dee Bradley Baker’s voice acting remains unparalleled as he voices every member of the titular Bad Batch, except for Omega (Michelle Ang), and every single male clone trooper. Season 3 continues to explore the importance of found family while also becoming more of a coming-of-age story for Omega, with Ang’s voice performance perfectly capturing all the beats in Omega’s journey.

Much of the season revolves around the search for Mount Tantiss in order to save the clones from the Empire. While the story remains accessible to younger viewers, it does not shy away from displaying the Empire’s cruelty. Much of this is thanks to the villainous Dr. Hemlock and Jimmi Simpson’s chilling voice acting.

There are no shortage of great Bad Batch season 3 episodes, but many of the best ones focus on Crosshair. It is refreshing to see a redemption story where the individual is not simply redeemed in an act of self-sacrifice. Crosshair instead has to live with the choices he has made and must do the difficult work of trying to become a better person.

2. Shōgun

Streaming on Hulu

It took me an episode or two to get hooked, but Shōgun proved to be a masterpiece on every level. The production design, directing, writing, and acting are all top-tier and make for an immersive viewing experience. Based on the 1975 Shōgun novel by James Clavell, the historical fiction series follows the English sailor, John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), after he is shipwrecked in Japan in the year 1600 at a time of considerable political crisis and upheaval.

Jarvis is excellent as Blackthorne, who forms a complex relationship with Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada). Between Lost, Westworld, and a brief role in Avengers: Endgame, Sanada is an actor that I have seen in various projects over the years, but it was not until Shōgun that I was blown away by his acting. However, the ultimate standout of the series is Lady Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), the translator between Toranaga and Blackthorne, who is the heart and soul of the story. Sawai deserves all the awards recognition that she has received.

Shōgun did not end the way I expected, but it ended in a manner that was far more compelling than I could have possibly imagined. If not for seasons 2 and 3 being greenlit, it would have been one of the greatest television miniseries of all time.

1. 3 Body Problem

Streaming on Netflix

Adapted from Liu Cixin’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past book trilogy, 3 Body Problem begins during China’s Cultural Revolution, where Ye Wenjie (Zine Tseng) watches her father publicly humiliated and murdered. This horrific injustice leads to a chain of events in which an alien species known as the San-Ti are contacted and begin heading to Earth.

Between this science-fiction premise rooted in real history, the mystery of why scientists are dying, and an advanced virtual reality game that emerges, 3 Body Problem captured my imagination in a way that few series have been able to in recent years. With the San-Ti centuries away from arriving, the focus remains on humanity and how they respond to an existential threat that has already begun.

David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo are 3 Body Problem‘s showrunners. It is the first series that Benioff and Weiss have worked on since Game of Thrones ended and the brilliance of season 1 proves that they have not lost their touch when it comes to adapting intricate source material with high production value. Fortunately, Netflix has committed to seasons 2 and 3, ensuring that the novels will be adapted in their entirety.

If you enjoyed reading this, please check out more of my writing at ScreenRant and Dork Side of the Force.

Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2024

From long-awaited blockbusters to independent films, 2024 was a great year in cinema. As I look back at my favorite movies released this year, they are the movies I enjoyed the most, the ones that stuck with me, and that left the strongest impression. In order to be eligible, each movie needed to be released in theaters or via streaming in 2024. There are many movies released this year I enjoyed that are not on this list, but these are the 10 that I enjoyed the most.

10. Young Woman and the Sea

Streaming on Disney+

Young Woman and the Sea tells the inspiring true story of Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel. Young Woman and the Sea is not only a good underdog story, but offers insights into the sexism that women have historically faced in sports.

From beginning to end, family is also at the heart of this story, and it is heartwarming to see the journey Trudy’s family goes on alongside her. Daisy Ridley brings a joy and determination to her performance that makes it easy to root for Trudy, all while making her remarkable story more widely known.

9. Trap

Streaming on Max

M. Night Shyamalan’s latest movie takes place at a pop star’s concert that the authorities use in an attempt to entrap a serial killer. The unique premise was enough to hook me and it ultimately works because of Josh Hartnett’s performance, it fully embraces a campy tone, and avoids a common pitfall from other Shyamalan movies. Hartnett seamlessly transitions between being Cooper, a kind father who likes spending time with his teenage daughter, and the ruthless serial killer known as the Butcher.

While there are plot twists, they do not completely change or undermine the entire story, which in the past has done a disservice to some of Shyamalan’s movies. Trap is better because of this, as it is able to remain focused on Cooper’s dilemma. Shyamalan’s daughter, Saleka Shyamalan, plays the movie’s pop star, Lady Raven, showcasing her impressive vocal and acting talents in a role that ends up having a surprising amount of agency in the story.

8. I Saw the TV Glow

Streaming on Max

I Saw the TV Glow revolves around two teenagers, Owen (Justice Smith) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine), who bond over a Buffy the Vampire Slayer-esque television series called The Pink Opaque. The series contributes to Owen and Maddy questioning what is real and who they are meant to be. As a film that serves as an allegory for being transgender, along with exploring media obsession and the dangers of nostalgia, I Saw the TV Glow is a thought-provoking work of art that is beautifully directed and written by Jane Schoenbrun.

When I initially left the theater, I felt unsatisfied by the way the story progressed and how it ended. However, the more I thought about it, the more it resonated with me. I Saw the TV Glow has stuck with me and caused me to reflect more than nearly any other movie in 2024.

7. His Three Daughters

Streaming on Netflix

In His Three Daughters, the three titular daughters, Christina, Katie, and Rachel, are reunited when their father is on his deathbed. Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon, and Natasha Lyonne all deliver Academy Award-worthy performances as their estranged characters reopen old wounds and struggle to deal with their father’s imminent death.

Olsen, Coon, and Lyonne make each daughter feel distinct and equally compelling to watch. The family dynamics and the history behind them feel real. His Three Daughters does not shy away from the difficulties of having to say goodbye to a loved one before they have passed away or the absurdity of having to deal with bureaucracy during such an emotional time. It is a deeply moving story that works because of the phenomenal leading performances.

6. A Quiet Place: Day One

Streaming on Paramount+

A Quiet Place: Day One reveals what happened in the first days of the franchise’s apocalypse. While it is intriguing to see how it all started, especially in New York City where there is an abundance of sounds and people, this is not the movie’s greatest strength. A Quiet Place: Day One particularly excels in the beautiful friendship that forms between Sam (Lupita Nyong’o) and Eric (Joseph Quinn).

Even though it is an apocalyptic horror movie, the terminally ill Sam is most focused on getting pizza one last time at Patsy’s and on making sure that her cat, Frodo, is safe. I became deeply invested in Sam, Frodo, and Eric’s journey in a story that is far more heartfelt than I ever expected it to be. On top of this, the bittersweet ending is immensely satisfying.

5. Thelma

Streaming on Hulu

After 93-year-old Thelma Post (June Squibb) is scammed out of $10,000, and with the police unable to help her, she takes matters into her own hands in order to track down the scammer and get her money back. Thelma teams up with an old friend, Ben (Richard Roundtree), and they use his two-person scooter to embark on their quest.

Thelma proves to be a thrilling and hilarious story, where riding a scooter and signing into an online bank account can feel surprisingly gripping. The film provides positive representation for older adults, not only with each other, but in their family relationships. Thelma is made even better with it being the first leading role in the film career of Squibb, who is now 95 years old.

4. Sing Sing

Not streaming currently

Sing Sing is based on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility. The movie follows John “Divine G” Whitfield (Colman Domingo) and other incarcerated men involved in the program as they put on an original play called Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code. Meanwhile, Divine G is also determined to prove that he is innocent and to leave prison as a free man.

While Domingo is the face of the film, every member of Sing Sing‘s cast delivers a stellar performance. Other than Domingo, nearly the entire cast is comprised of men who were previously incarcerated and who participated in the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. This adds further authenticity to the entire movie and its exploration of an unjust world where art is more important than ever.

3. A Real Pain

Still playing in select theaters and available for digital purchase on December 31 via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango at Home

Jesse Eisenberg directs, writes, produces, and stars in A Real Pain. Eisenberg plays David, who goes on a Holocaust tour of Poland with his cousin, Benji (Kieran Culkin). Their late grandmother was a Holocaust survivor and they go on the tour to honor her and to explore their familial roots. A Real Pain asks difficult questions and does not provide easy answers in its delicate balance between drama and comedy.

The introverted and anxious David, and the free-spirited, charming, yet troubled Benji have a dynamic that proves to be equally comedic and heartbreaking. I related strongly to David and a certain scene led to some extensive self-reflection. A Real Pain‘s supporting cast of characters in their tour group also enhance the movie, especially Kurt Egyiawan, who is the secret star of 2024.

2. Wicked

Still playing in theaters and available for digital purchase on December 31 via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango at Home

With Wicked being my all-time favorite musical, this is a movie that I had been looking forward to for years. As an incredibly faithful adaptation of the Broadway musical that even enhances certain elements from the stage show, Wicked was definitely worth the wait. The decision to cast Broadway and West End stars works well as they do the music justice. Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, and Jonathan Bailey are perfect as Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero.

Demonsrating that Animals were the first to show Elphaba kindness after she was born, and that they helped raise her, is a change from the Broadway musical that adds more weight to Elphaba’s determination to help the Animals when she grows older. The persecution of the Animals feels even more relevant given the current state of the world. These injustices are even more jarring against the vibrant colors of an Oz that hides sinister secrets.

The pacing of a movie is inherently different from the pacing of a stage musical, and while this took some getting used to during my first viewing, it all felt perfectly paced during my second time seeing it. Important story developments get room to breathe because the movie only adapts the musical’s first act. In this and many other ways, Wicked earns every second of its 2 hour and 40 minute runtime.

1. Dune: Part Two

Streaming on Max

Dune: Part Two is a cinematic masterpiece on every level. It is the rare adaptation that not only does justice to a beloved book, but makes it even better. This is most apparent with Chani (Zendaya), who has more agency and is an even more tragic character than in Frank Herbert’s novel. Largely through Chani, Dune: Part Two dives deeper into the world of Arrakis and the culture of the Fremen, much of which is also anchored through Javier Bardem’s portrayal of Stilgar. With Chani, Stilgar, and many other elements, payoff is provided for all the setup in Dune.

Timothée Chalamet gives his best performance yet in his already impressive career as Paul Atreides. Unfortunately, Paul’s arc, and a story about the dangers of religious zealotry, are all too relevant in 2024, which makes the ending hit even harder.

Denis Villeneuve’s direction and the cinematography are unparalleled and breathtaking, from the deserts of Arrakis to the world of Giedi Prime depicted in black and white. Hans Zimmer’s score makes the emotional beats feel palpable and captures the epic scale of Dune‘s universe.

Dune: Part Two is not only my favorite movie of 2024, but has become one of my favorite movies of all time.

If you enjoyed reading this, please check out more of my writing at ScreenRant and Dork Side of the Force.

Top 10 Favorite Movies Of 2021

2020 saw movie theaters closed for most of the year, many movie releases delayed, and production grinding to a halt for much of the year. The movie industry saw a resurgence in 2021 with theaters reopening, long-delayed movies getting their releases, and production fully ramping up again.

From shivas to superheroes, out of all the movies released in 2021, these were my top 10 favorites. A few of them were released at film festivals in early 2020. Due to the pandemic, they were not available in theaters or for most of the public until 2021 and are therefore eligible for this list. The following movies are not necessarily the best of 2021, but they are the ones I enjoyed the most and the ones that stuck with me.

Warning: There are some minor spoilers about each of the following movies.

10. Eternals

Eternals received a lot of negative reviews and was torn apart by many on social media. While it definitely has its flaws, there are a lot of things I liked about this movie. The movie has an epic scale that incorporates the Eternals into the rich history and mythology of Earth’s past.

I really like stories where characters learn dark secrets that upend the beliefs and identity that guided their lives. This happens in Eternals as they learn that their mission over thousands of years has not been to protect the people of Earth from the Deviants after all. One of the most interesting things about Eternals is seeing how the characters grapple with and respond to learning that the truth of their existence is a lie.

Kumail Nanjiani is hilarious as Kingo, Don Lee is really likable as Gilgamesh, while Lauren Ridloff as Makkari and Barry Keoghan as Druig have an unexpectedly cute dynamic. Angelina Jolie is also great as Thena, a character whose journey does a surprisingly good job of emphasizing the importance of mental health. This cast has rich ethnic diversity, along with the MCU’s first openly gay hero Phastos and first deaf superhero Makkari.

The biggest issues with the movie is that some of the character arcs don’t feel earned and the ending feels more concerned with setting up future MCU stories than it is with concluding the story it’s telling. This is particularly glaring with the character arcs of Sprite and Sersi. The ending feels abrupt and is more focused on cliffhangers than closure.

9. Luca

Luca is a heartwarming coming-of-age tale about friendship, identity, and adventure. The Luca-Alberto-Julia trio is the heart of the film. Seeing these friends being able to maintain their strong bond while also pursuing their individual dreams was beautiful to see. It teaches an important lesson about the importance of connection and the importance of being an individual.

It is never an explicitly LGBTQ story, but it definitely feels queer coded, and the movie is actually more thought-provoking and emotional through this lens. Alberto has spent his life trying to hide his real identity and Luca is forced to do the same when he leaves the ocean. At one point, Luca is tempted to continue hiding his identity so he can be accepted by others.

Despite the prejudice that the townspeople feel toward the creatures from the sea, they are ultimately loving and accepting of Alberto and Luca “coming out” and this even prompts a few of the townspeople to reveal that they have also been creatures of the sea all along. This excellent article from Polygon goes into more depth about Luca being a queer coded metaphor for coming out.

From a visual standpoint, Pixar’s animation is as gorgeous as ever and is a perfect fit for a story taking place during a summer in Italy.

While the themes and animation are strong, the individual characters are not as memorable or compelling as they often are in Pixar movies, nor is the plot itself.

8. Stillwater

Stillwater was marketed as a crime drama and a mystery. The movie isn’t really either of these things, though. It is an in-depth character study that explores whether people can ever really change.

Matt Damon is excellent as Southern oil-rig worker Bill Baker. Baker seems like he is going to be a Southern redneck stereotype, but proves to be much more nuanced. He works hard to become a better man and better father. This is especially apparent in the sweet relationship and fatherly role he takes on for Virginie’s daughter Maya.

The movie seems like it is a redemption story that proves anyone can change for the better. The end takes an unexpected and thought-provoking turn when it becomes clear that Baker and another character will never really change and that they cannot amend the grievous mistakes they made in the past. It becomes a story about the difficult importance of acceptance.

This is a more interesting ending than what it seemed to be building toward, but the ending does feel very abrupt. The overall pacing of the movie often feels inconsistent as well.

7. Zack Snyder’s Justice League

The 2017 Justice League movie is generic and forgettable for the most part. Zack Snyder’s Justice League has its own issues, but at least it is a movie with a distinct vision and originality that has a lot of heart.

Cyborg’s story is this movie’s greatest strength. He is the heart of the story and delivers the movie’s most emotional moment that occurs is a satisfying culmination of his character development. After seeing this version of Cyborg’s story, it is astounding that the 2017 version did so little with his character.

Things are much better on the villainous side as well with Steppenwolf becoming a tragic character with personal stakes instead of being a generic CGI villain. Incorporating Darkseid into the story also works well as there is an ominous sense of doom hanging over the whole story, even after defeating Steppenwolf.

The Knightmare scenes are consistent with Snyder’s earlier DCEU movies and a part of this building dread. The last Knightmare scene is particularly chilling and I found myself rewatching it frequently in the weeks after I first watched the movie.

I’d never seen such an unlikely group of heroes and villains working together as the group presented in the final Knightmare scene. Their dynamics were already fascinating and the scene left the audience with so many questions and possibilities, even if there is never another DC movie that follows Synder’s plan. I also like that this bleak vision of the future wasn’t the very last scene and that the final scene in the movie–the one with Bruce Wayne and Martian Manhunter–is a scene filled with hope and optimism.

Despite these strengths, some of 2017 Justice League‘s issues remain and new issues arise. Superman being resurrected in the next movie after Batman v. Superman still cheapens his death in that movie. I’m still not a big fan of Ben Affleck’s Batman or Henry Cavill’s Superman.

The Snyder Cut’s main issue is that it is overlong and at certain points feel bloated. There are definitely some scenes that could’ve been cut, such as the one with the woman sniffing Aquaman’s clothes.

However, these issues pale in comparison to the overall merits of the movie. Especially when knowing of all the behind-the-scenes tragedy and drama, it is heartwarming to know that Zack Snyder and his wife Deborah Snyder finally got to make the movie they wanted to make in honor of their daughter.

6. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the best superhero origin story movie in a long time. In addition to well-received representation and top-tier action, what really makes the story so strong is that is grounded in family. This makes the conflict between Shang-Chi and his father Xu Wewnu much more personal and emotional.

The film is partially an exploration of identity as Shang-Chi and his sister Xialing run away from the past and from their family to try and forge new identities. When they are forced back into the world they left, they must confront and reconcile with their family’s identity from their father’s side of the family and their mother’s side of the family.

Shang-Chi, Xialing, and Wenwu aren’t the only great characters, though. Awkwafina’s character Katy Chen is refreshing as she is hilarious, but she’s not just comic relief as she has actual character growth. Her friendship with Shang-Chi is wonderful as they are supportive and also unafraid to mess around with each other. I’m really glad the movie didn’t try to force a romance between them and kept the friendship platonic.

Despite the Ten Rings organization being part of the MCU since Iron Man, most of the movie feels like it could take place outside of the MCU in its own fantastical universe. The movie is all the better for it as it makes the audience care about these new characters and world-building before connecting back to the larger MCU at the very end and in the post-credits scenes.

After all the excellent character work and world-building, it is a little underwhelming to have the third act largely be a battle against a CGI monster–the Dweller-in-Darkness–but the character development that occurs during the battle makes it worth it in the end.

5. The Courier

The Courier is based on a fascinating true story. During the Cold War, MI6 has British businessman Greville Wynne conduct business in the Soviet Union to gather intelligence about the Soviet Union’s nuclear missile program. Wynne engages in a business contract with Oleg Penkovsky, a Soviet military intelligence officer who provides the intelligence to Wynne.

It may sound corny, but this story shows how anyone can change the world. Wynne is technically a spy, but he’s no James Bond with an array of gadgets. He’s just an ordinary businessman who uses his unassuming career and personality to gain information that ultimately helps end the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Wynne and Penkovsky were brave and made incredible sacrifices that saved countless lives. Their relationship is the emotional crux of the film brought to life through strong performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Merab Ninidze. They were heroes, but the movie doesn’t try to make them seem perfect and explores their flaws, especially when it comes to Wynne.

4. The Suicide Squad

Other than 2017’s Wonder Woman, the bizarre, hilarious, and action-packed The Suicide Squad is the best movie yet in the DCEU. The glut of characters featured in the marketing made it seem like the movie might struggle with some of the same issues as its poorly-received predecessor.

This is rectified very quickly as most of the Suicide Squad is brutally murdered in the first 15 minutes of this movie. With so few characters left, the movie is able to take the time to carefully develop and make the audience invested in this eclectic group of core characters.

Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn continues on the empowering, yet still delightfully insane character trajectory from Birds of Prey. King Shark is a funny character who fans can’t help but feel bad for. Idris Elba’s Bloodsport becomes a father and leader that his daughter can be proud of and look up to. Daniela Melchior’s Ratcatcher 2 is lovable and in many ways is the heart of the movie.

In addition to the characters, the movie has compelling themes. The dark truths about Starro and why Amanda Waller really sent the Suicide Squad on their mission offers surprisingly relevant and thoughtful criticism of American colonialism and interventionism.

The band of misfits and rejects coming together to save the world–and unexpectedly becoming a family along the way–might feel a little similar to the Guardians of the Galaxy films, but is still done incredibly well. This theme is best communicated through the flashbacks with Ratcatcher 2 and her father.

3. Shiva Baby

Shiva Baby is an anxiety-inducing, coming-of-age comedy that works so well because it fully immerses the audience in the anxiety that Danielle is experiencing.

The tension and awkwardness is palpable as she attends a shiva with her family. The shiva’s attendees also include Danielle’s ex-girlfriend, the last man Danielle slept with during her sex work, that man’s wife and child, and a series of old ladies who are intent on grilling her about what she’s doing with her life.

As soon as Danielle escapes one uncomfortable situation, she is immediately thrust into another as the discomfort and anxiety gradually builds.

There are many genuinely funny moments, although some of these moments might resonate more strongly with Jewish audiences.

After all of this, the movie ends on a scene that is still uncomfortable, yet it is filled with hope and optimism for the future.

2. The Father

Anthony Hopkins delivers one of the strongest performances in his career in this heartbreaking film. The Father is about a man named Anthony who is living with progressing dementia and the effects this has on Anthony and his family.

By showing the entire movie from Anthony’s perspective, the audience gains a better understanding of what it is like to live with dementia. The movie often feels disorienting and unsettling and this is done intentionally to better communicate the experience of living with this disease.

In some moments, Anthony seems at ease and everything make sense with his memories and with reality. In other moments, he is deeply troubled and nothing seems to make sense with his memories and the reality he is living in.

Olivia Colman also deserves praise for her performance as Anthony’s daughter Anne. It is clear how much she loves her father. She tries to be so patient with him while giving him the help he needs, but even she is pushed to her limits by the difficult situation, especially as it means putting her own life and ambitions on hold.

The ending scene is particularly heartbreaking and will stay with audiences long after they finish watching the movie.

1. Spider-Man: No Way Home

Spider-Man: No Way Home manages to live up to and exceed the hype surrounding it. Following the game-changing ending of Spider-Man: Far From Home, Tom Holland’s Peter Parker has to contend with the whole world knowing that he is Spider-Man and the negative effects this has on those closest to him.

How he responds to this challenge brings in many familiar characters and will forever change the fabric of the MCU. While each of these familiar characters shine in their own way, they never take over the story, as Tom Holland’s Spider-Man remains firmly at the center and heart of everything.

It is intriguing to see these familiar characters entering and interacting with the MCU. More importantly, many of these familiar characters get the proper closure that they never received in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy or in The Amazing Spider-Man movies.

Willem Dafoe’s Norman Osborn/Green Goblin is arguably the most enthralling villain. He pushes and hurts Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in ways he’s never been pushed or hurt before. Willem Dafoe is equally convincing as the tragic Norman Osborn as he is as the maniacal Green Goblin. The destruction of the Green Goblin mask early in the movie is one of the best things to happen as it allows the audience to see Dafoe’s facial expressions in all their glory.

Through all the comedy, tragedy, action, and heartfelt moments, Tom Holland’s Spider-Man makes a sacrifice that proves how much he has matured and how he truly understands what it means to be Spider-Man.

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What were your favorite movies of 2021? Let me know in the comments!

If you’d like to check out more of my writing, head over to my pages on Screen Rant and Dork Side of the Force.

Top 10 Favorite TV Shows Of 2021

2021 was a big year for television as it delivered many highly anticipated shows that were delayed due to the pandemic. This included the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) shows on Disney+ and the final season of Money Heist on Netflix.

The following are my top 10 favorite shows of 2021. In order to be eligible, a show needed to have released all or most of a season during 2021. These are not necessarily the best shows of the year, but they are the ones I enjoyed the most and the ones that stuck with me.

10. Manifest

Just when it seemed like Manifest was getting stale, season 3 delivered some game-changing twists that upended the status quo and raised the stakes like never before. The “lifeboat” twist, the brutal death of a major character, and the disappearance and reappearance of another major character–who is now 5 years older than when the audience last saw him–redefined the show. The end of the season left fans hungry for more, with the overarching mysteries more intriguing than ever.

It was incredibly disappointing to see NBC cancel the show at this point and it was exhilarating to see the show eventually being saved by Netflix for a super-sized fourth and final season. Manifest‘s characters and some of the acting are still lacking, but the show’s ominous mysteries, the stakes, and plot twists make it a show still worth watching.

9. Schmigadoon!

This musical comedy is a clever and hilarious series that was released at the perfect time. With Broadway closed for a year and a half and live theater grinded to a halt all over the world, Schmigadoon! was a much-needed dose of musical delight. The show paid homage to many classical musicals while also making fun of and subverting classic musical tropes. Schmigadoon! was always fun and never took itself too seriously.

With Broadway stars like Kristin Chenoweth and Saturday Night Live stars like Cecily Strong, the talented cast made the show captivating and fun to watch from start to finish. The only drawback of the show is that it feels too brief and certain characters and storylines feel underserved, such as Aaron Tveit’s character Danny Bailey. This was an unfortunate consequence of the show being cut to 6 episodes instead of 8.

8. Star Wars: The Bad Batch

The Bad Batch quickly made it clear that the series was far more than a Clone Wars spinoff. It was a story about found family and broken family, a story exploring how clones–especially those who didn’t participate in Order 66–moved forward after the purpose they were created for had been fulfilled.

Omega is the heart of the show and elevates the story of the other Bad Batch members. In addition to these strengths, The Bad Batch offered one of the best looks yet at how the galaxy changed during the early days of the Empire.

Some fans complained about the show being too much about the “cameo of the week.” This criticism made no sense as familiar characters like Cad Bane, Hera Syndulla, or Rex would show up for entire episodes and weren’t just brief cameos. Also, all of these characters served a clear purpose in the development of the themes, plot, and main characters, and it made sense for these specific characters to appear as the galaxy transitioned from the Republic to the Empire.

Some episodes were significantly stronger than others, but that is pretty standard for animated Star Wars television series, especially in the first season or two.

7. Hawkeye

Despite being an important character in many MCU movies over the course of the last decade, many fans did not feel particularly invested in Hawkeye. This changed in his Disney+ television series as it gave Hawkeye more development and nuance than he ever got in any of the movies. The show was also aware of how Hawkeye was one of the least popular and impressive Avengers and frequently made fun of this fact.

It wasn’t just for laughs, though, as Hawkeye was ultimately about how anyone can be a hero. Part of what makes Hawkeye so special–and what the movies often failed to capture–is that he chose to risk his life and be a hero over and over again even though he is just a normal guy with no superpowers and nothing but a bow and arrow.

In addition to Hawkeye, the show did a fabulous job of introducing Kate Bishop and Maya Lopez. Like Hawkeye, both of them embody that anyone can be a hero. They are already two of the most compelling characters in Phase 4 of the MCU and Maya’s Disney+ series Echo cannot come soon enough.

To top it all off, the show did a better job honoring Natasha Romanoff and providing closure for her death than Avengers: Endgame or Black Widow did. This is incorporated throughout the entire show and pays off in the final confrontation between Hawkeye and Yelena Belova.

The only flaw of the show is that some of the supporting characters ultimately feel underdeveloped. This is particularly an issue with Eleanor Bishop as the big plot twist about her doesn’t resonate as strongly as it could have given the lack of individual character development and lack of development in her relationship with Kate.

6. Only Murders in the Building

Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez have incredible chemistry in this series. They play off each perfectly in every moment of comedy and drama. Their individual performances and their shared dynamic is what really makes the show.

As stated in an article published by Vox, “The vibes are immaculate” and “It just wants you to vibe, and as a result, it over-delivers where its peers underdeliver.”

This is a concise and effective way of saying that Only Murders in the Building is more about the vibe than its characters or plot. The murder mystery plot is engaging enough, but is not the most interesting part of the show. The best thing about the show is the consistency of vibes brought to life through the acting, the costumes, the cinematography, and the music.

Part of this vibe is the amusingly meta nature of the show as each episode follows the making of a new episode for the main characters’ true crime podcast. There are many funny lines about what makes a good story and how to keep the audience invested, some that practically break the fourth wall.

Only Murders in the Building also needs to be recognized for its seventh episode that only contains a single line of dialogue and is primarily told through the perspective of a deaf character. In addition to providing important representation, the episode was arguably the best of the season as it told the story through a new and important perspective and lent more weight to story elements other than dialogue.

5. Money Heist

Money Heist delivered a satisfying final season that gave most of the characters fitting endings and answered all of the major questions. The first half of the season became a bit bogged down in a never-ending cascade of gunfire and action. However, this all paid off with Tokyo’s dramatic sacrifice and an abundance of quieter character moments in the second half of the season.

This heist seemed like it was doomed to end in a bloodbath, but the genius of the Professor and the commitment from the rest of the gang ensured that they found a way to get out of the Bank of Spain alive and with the gold. Surviving and succeeding in the way that they did provides thought-provoking commentary on how the value of money and wealth is more symbolic than anything else, a truth that the Professor brilliantly uses to his advantage.

4. Loki

This series found a meaningful way for Tom Hiddleston to reprise the role of fan-favorite Loki without undermining or undoing the character’s redemption and death in Avengers: Infinity War. Tom Hiddleston continues to be brilliant in this role and took the character of Loki to new heights of complexity and tragedy. The exploration of free will vs. fate is fascinating through the lens of a character who is clever and manipulative but almost always defeated by his enemies.

Even though the series deals with weighty themes and some major pieces of MCU world-building, it remains a focused character study of Loki, particularly through the main variant played by Tom Hiddleston and through the female variant Sylvie played by Sophia Di Martino.

The series is perfect until the season finale that is more concerned with exposition and setting up multiverse chaos than it is on the character development of the Lokis. That being said, there is still a heartbreaking and major moment of character development for the Lokis in the finale, and their actions are arguably more consequential than anything that has happened so far in Phase 4 of the MCU.

3. Squid Game

Squid Game is a dark and twisted indictment of capitalism and the corrupt elite who benefit from and abuse this system. The contrast between the colorful, childish games and the violent brutality is shocking, visually stunning to behold, and fits with the show’s commentary. Other elements like the music and the distinctive costumes further reinforce the show’s unique and disturbing aesthetic and tone.

The horrific results of the games leave fans devastated because of the work that the show puts into developing its characters. This is particularly true in the sixth episode, which is the first piece of fiction in many years that made me cry.

While the show’s biggest twist is thematically perfect, it is a bit frustrating because it somewhat cheapens the emotional ending of the sixth episode. The show does do an excellent job of cleverly foreshadowing this twist, though.

The most frustrating thing about Squid Game is not the show itself, but how it is being treated by many in the real world. Children in elementary and middle schools are pretending to play the violent games, some people talk about how they want to play the games for real, and there were disturbing TikTok trends related to it. No children should’ve been watching this show. For those that did watch the show, too many people somehow missed the show’s very unsubtle commentary and the whole point of the story, with their only takeaways being that the games seem fun and that violence is cool.

2. Shadow and Bone

While I frequently engage with fictional universes like Star Wars and the MCU, it has been a long time since a new fictional universe has hooked me in the way that the Grishaverse did in Shadow and Bone. In only 8 episodes, the show does a tremendous amount of world-building that makes Ravka and the rest of the Grishaverse feel like a lived-in fantasy universe. The Shadow Fold, epic magical abilities, complex politics, daring heists, and a thriving criminal underworld all contribute to this world-building.

Some of the setup and character relationships feel all too familiar, yet the show does a great job of ultimately subverting tropes in the fantasy genre. This is most evident in the final scene between Alina Starkov and the Darkling in the season finale, a moment that is incredibly empowering and rewarding.

Alina and the Darkling are fascinating characters, but the best characters are the trio of Kaz, Inej, and Jesper. They have excellent chemistry, are the most fun, and in many ways feel like the heart of the show. This is why I chose to read Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom before diving into the novels focused on Alina, Mal, and the Darkling.

1. WandaVision

WandaVision is not only my favorite TV show of 2021, but it is my all-time favorite story to date in the MCU, even when compared to the likes of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. It is a profound and emotional exploration of grief and trauma through the lens of sitcoms through the decades. It is a highly creative and captivating story with depth to it. It seamlessly navigates between being hilarious and wholesome to being unsettling and heartbreaking.

Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany are remarkably talented actors who never got to showcase their full capabilities in the MCU movies. In WandaVision, they excel in all of their comedic and dramatic glory through each iteration of sitcoms. MCU newcomer Kathryn Hahn also perfectly navigates the various sitcom decades with a performance of exaggerated comedy, an unforgettable musical number, and a surprisingly sinister side to her.

Teyonah Parris’ debut as Monica Rambeau also deserves praise. She nailed it as an individual trapped in a sitcom reality and as a fierce individual dealing with the grief and trauma of her mother’s death. It was important that the show not only explore grief and trauma through Wanda’s perspective. Monica’s character was inspiring and WandaVision left me excited to get more of her character in the 2023 MCU movie The Marvels.

When each episode was released, it felt like an event as everyone was desperate to see what the next evolution of homage to sitcoms would hold and how it would further unravel the mystery of what was really happening with Wanda and the town of Westview. This is a rare feat that very few shows are able to pull off in today’s day and age of streaming services and binge-watching.

As the first MCU Disney+ show and the first story in Phase 4, WandaVision set the bar incredibly high. Even outside of the MCU, no other shows were able to top it in 2021.

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What was your favorite TV show of 2021? Let me know in the comments!

If you’d like to check out more of my writing, head over to my pages on Screen Rant and Dork Side of the Force.