My Favorites of 2024

It’s a long time coming, but here is my list of favorite finds/rediscoveries this last year! I’ll later do a top-five favorite list for everything. Enjoy and I hope you find something new to watch, read, or listen to!

Books

A Heart Worth Stealing by Joanna Barker (2023)

Joanna Barker sometimes writes really great romances. This is one of them! I felt the main female and male leads were fleshed out and interesting, and their romance wasn’t the absolute main focus of the story. I guessed who the villain was fairly quickly but I barely noticed my disappointment. May I find romance books like this more often in the future!

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950)

This is actually a slot for the entire Chronicles of Narnia. Every book was a lovely gem with different narrators, main characters, and lessons that didn’t feel contrived or forced. It’s too bad the series isn’t longer than it is! It also inspired me to read his other nonfiction works. (Not his Scifi series though. I’ve read the first book and that. . . was an experience and a half).

The Graveyard Book (2008)

Another lovely surprise for me, The Graveyard Book was an introspective look into life after death, familial connections, remembering history, and facing the future. Coraline (2001) used to be my favorite book by Neil Gaiman but after reading this I changed my mind. I also want to name one of my kids Silas in the future because of this book.

Fablehaven (2006)

This is still a fantastic series! I think I read it about 5 years ago and I had a blast. I might have read all five books within two weeks this summer. No regrets! What sets this book series apart from others I read as a teenager is its world-building. It is a fairytale that isn’t really girly. In fact, there are a lot of mythology easter eggs I wanted to look up for fun! I also really loved the characters and locations, especially the one in Arizona.

The Little Book of Lykke (2017) and The Little Book of Hygge (2016)

These books made me want to go on a biking trip throughout Europe. Specifically Denmark. It also made me rethink how I make and keep goals! I want to Hygge my way through every still moment of my life! I also want to collect and create beeswax candles, put on big sweaters, and read books.

Whispering Pines (2020)

I normally don’t go for true horror books or series, but I have a soft spot for children’s horror. This series felt like Stanger Things, X-Files, or a darker version of the TV show Gravity Falls. The creature was truly horrifying! (Don’t steal my eyes and make me a zombie trapped in the netherworld!) Anyway, I also really like the characters, especially Caden.

Sabriel (1995)

Another surprise for me was revisiting this book from my young, vulnerable teenage years. I must have read this when I was. . . 13 or 14 and I loved it! I avoided it since then because I realized I hate zombie stories and this story is all about Necromancy and laying the living dead to rest. My fears had no foundation really, because I apparently still love this story! Tim Curry is also a great narrator. He should narrate more books.

Comics

Machida-Kun No Sekai (2015)

Wow, I wish this series was a lot longer. Machida is a wonderful, kind character and I wish they could make an anime for this story. It is the perfect length for a 12-episode show! I like slice-of-life series without a lot of conflict and I’ve binged this series a lot because its characters and situations match many things I’ve been going through.

One Punch Man by ONE, Drawn by Murata Yusuke (2012)

Man, Murata is a fantastic artist! I truly enjoyed re-reading this series, looking at its great art, and waiting for Saitama to come and punch the bad guys. The one downside to this series, which keeps me from buying it, is the fanart sexualizing the characters. It never gets really bad but it is somewhat uncomfortable.

He Can’t Be This Dumb by Pop and Navi (2021)

The more I read this series, the more I appreciate it! It isn’t overly sexualized, the characters actually TALK to each other, and the main conflict resolves itself without bloodshed or vilifying anyone. I’m not a big fan of toxic, gushy, or soap opera-y love stories so the straightforward relationship between the main characters was nice for me.

Overprotective Lady (2020)

Now, I still think this story is MEH. However, I had a blast reading it! The male lead was ironically hilarious as he barrelled his way against the female lead’s family for LOVE. Plus, I liked how it addressed facing sexual harassment and trauma. Overall, this is a CANDY read. I don’t take it too seriously.

Roots of the Heart (2024)

I like stories about teenagers that don’t hyperfocus just on romance. I like the setting in the countryside, the characters going through and facing various circumstances, and the poignant examples of toxic relationships. I’m looking forward to where this series eventually goes.

Movies

The Wild Robot (2024)

I didn’t give this movie a 10 now because I’ve only seen it once and I need some time to process it thoroughly. My initial experience watching this film in theaters was truly wonderful! The robot’s animation was intricate and fascinating, the interactive backgrounds were GORGEOUS and the soundtrack emotionally resonant.

IF (2024)

I don’t get the hate or apathy for this movie. I had a wonderful time watching it in theaters with my family and I may or may not have cried several times. I think this falls into the Secret Life of Walter Mitty category where you need to be in the right time of your life to truly appreciate it. Kind of like Pixar’s Soul as well.

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

Welcome to the surprise masterpiece I wasn’t expecting WHATSOEVER. The soundtrack is fantastic. The acting is fantastic. The characters are fantastic. (Their stories made me FEEL THINGS). GODZILLA is fantastic. The action scenes are fantastic.

In essence, THIS FILM IS FANTASTIC. Go and watch it, not just as a monster film but as a period drama showcasing truly emotional stories showcasing post-WWII Japan.

Mulan (1998)

Goodness, this is a really well-paced film! The art direction was fun to study from a distance and I remembered anew how expansive and forward-thinking this story truly is! It is funny to me how this animated film did more to promote feminism than the garbage remake Disney recently made with its overpowerful female lead. It goes to show you need characters who GROW and change. It isn’t about FORCING/HAVING a message. It’s about telling an important story.

The Mummy (1999)

I stand by this choice! The Mummy and its sequel are so much fun to watch! Is it historically accurate? Sort of. Is the story groundbreaking? Not really. But, is it a fun film with an engaging story and great characters? ABSOLUTELY. I loved watching it with teenagers who aren’t good at sitting through full films! They asked so many pointless questions. After a while, I looked at them and told them, “Just sit back and enjoy the cheesy story.”

Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

I haven’t seen this movie for quite a while and I thoroughly enjoyed the refresh! I’m glad this is still one of my favorite films and think I’d like to dissect and review it soon in the future. This isn’t a very loud film but it has the kind of message that sits in your BONES. I saw this with the high schoolers I teach and had a great discussion about perspective, guilt, justice, and mercy. If you are a fan of old films or love learning about the aftermath of World War II, please look for this film!

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920)

This isn’t the BEST silent psychological thriller I’ve ever seen but it is the best version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde I’ve come across. Maybe it’s because I think John Barrymore is SUPER handsome or I’m biased when it comes to silent films, but I enjoyed this more than the classic Horror classics I finally watched like The Invisible Man and The Mummy.

I wouldn’t be surprised if some German Expressionist filmmakers or set designers were involved with this film at some point. It has the same feel I’ve had watching things like The Man Who Laughs, though not as well made.

I liked the transformation scene the most while watching this film. The dramatic romance wasn’t particularly interesting. . . it made the film feel more like The Picture of Dorian Gray in a campy sort of way.

Shows

Move to Heaven (2021)

I cried watching this show. . . I have a special place in my heart for any stories that address autism and how friends and family handle their quirks. What truly impressed me about. this show was how it portrayed and handled death. It felt more like a SACRED experience. Plus, this show taught me about the adoption crisis in South Korea in the 1990s and 2000s. I actually hope there is a second season for this show!

Hey Arnold! (1996)

This year, I reconnected to this show on a personal level. It is calming and oh-so nostalgic! I’ve gushed about this show. . . probably too much so I’ll leave it at that! If you’d like to read my review of the show click HERE.

Teen Titans (2003)

I guess you could say I’ve rekindled my love for this show in the last few months. Although not all the episodes are solid, I think Cartoon Network had something truly special when they made this show. It is meticulously animated and has engaging battle sequences compared to many other action shows. I’ll do a blip on my favorite episodes sometime just for fun!

Hilda Season 3 (2023)

I’m always up for more Hilda! I liked exploring the fairy world, meeting Hilda’s dad, and seeing how Hilda’s family grows by the end of the season. This is another show I just can’t get enough of! I often put this show on if I need to relax.

Summer Strike (2022)

Surprisingly, I’ve seen this show almost three times since I found it earlier this year. I think I connect well with its message of enjoying simple beautiful things, and not letting myself become swallowed up by all the busy stuff piled on me throughout the year. If I could move to the countryside and read all day I would TOTALLY do it.

I’m also a big fan of the romance in this story. It isn’t very dramatic or steamy, but it is HEALTHY and ORGANIC.

Daily Dose of Sunshine (2023)

I rewatched this show this year and honestly, it might be my favorite Korean drama! I’ve pondered a lot about mental health these past few years because of the different struggles my family members, coworkers, and students face. I don’t want to spoil anything but it is a wonderful show that doesn’t glorify or oversimplify the struggles those who have mental illness face. I hope someday there will be another season!

Assassination Classroom (2015)

This was a big surprise for me! I picked this show up several years ago and kind of forgot about it. This has some of the best action animations I’ve seen in a LONG time. Its one deficit was its more sexual jokes. I know they are middle schoolers facing puberty and stuff but. . . it was still annoying to sit through sometimes.

Bluey (2018)

I boarded the Bluey fandom train and I have no regrets! This is one of the best-crafted shows I’ve seen in a while. It doesn’t talk down to its audience or ignore hard subjects. But what really makes it wonderful is its overall feeling of childhood love and wonder! Several times this year, when I faced difficult events I turned this show on and found myself calming down and finding peace. I think everyone needs a safe space to go to like this show.

Special Mentions

Once Upon a Studio (2023)

I don’t really like most things Disney has made in the last. . . five or so years. (Stop with all the lame, amoral “live-action” sequels, prequels, and sequels already!) This is one of the few side projects I thoroughly enjoyed watching! I actually teared up near the end when they started singing “When You Wish Upon a Star”. It’s amazing how many wonderful characters and stories Disney’s creators have made over the last century!

Traditional Mickey Mouse Cartoons 1930s

These cartoons are a riot to watch! My brother and I went through maybe. . . twenty of these and I understand now why so many people liked Mickey Mouse! I’ll continue exploring them and make a list sometime of some of my favorites.

“Big and Loud” from Cats Don’t Dance (1997)

The movie was fine, but man. Lindsay Ridgeway can SING. I’ve listened to this song on a loop several times in the last few months and understand why some would consider this movie a hidden gem.

What made this song stand out to me, besides Riddgeway’s stunning vocals, was its pacing and design. I’ve seen many of the classic late 1920s and 1930s musicals and this truly has some of their glamour and pomp.

“Welcome to My Show” from Teen Titans (2003)

Speaking of glamour and pomp, this sudden musical number sung by Tom Kenny (think Ice King and Spongebob) blew me out of the water! What stood out for me wasn’t necessarily Kenny’s beautiful voice but the staging and setup for this song. It was reminiscent of something like “Pink Elephants on Parade” or Disney’s Alice and Wonderland (1950) with its more cartoonish imagery. Too bad Mumbo Jumbo didn’t show up much after this episode.

Poster For The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)

Now, Hitchcock wasn’t as great a filmmaker in the 1930s. I thought this film was BLAND. I’m glad Hitchcock decided to remake it in 1956 with Doris Day and Jimmy Stewart. What the new film DIDN’T have was Austrian-born actor Peter Lorre, who’s featured on this poster.

I LOVE this poster! The red, green, and blue tints give it a sick feeling and it honestly makes the movie seem cooler than it actually is. Too bad it didn’t live up to the hype of films like M (1931) or later film noirs.

The Mummy (1932), 5/10 for the movie but 10/10 for Boris Karloff

Speaking of bland movies, The Mummy from 1931 almost made me fall asleep at times! However, Boris Karloff is an under-appreciated film star. Every time he was on screen he stole the show. The shot above will someday adorn my wall in my classroom!

I know Lon Chaney is the man of a 1000 faces, but I think Karloff had a more magnetic stage presence overall. I’ll explore some of his other movies this year and see if he stayed consistent.

MASHLE: Magic and Muscles (2023) Opening Season 2

Creepy Nuts is a pretty popular band in Japan right now. I kind of get it after listening to this song! Now, season two for MASHL: Magic and Muscles was a mixed experience. Most of the animation was basic at best, the monologuing for some characters was infuriating, and the pacing was all over the place. What immediately became one of my favorite songs and openings of the year was “Bling Bang Bang Born”.

If the ENTIRE show had as much charisma and energy as this opening I would have had a much better experience. In fact, if I listen to this song it gets stuck in my head ALL DAY.

Suspense Radio (1940s-1960s)

What a profoundly wonderful find CBS’s Suspense Radio has been! I’ve listened to about 40 episodes and have barely scratched the surface of the many great radio performances and stories created by this studio. I’ll talk about some of my favorite episodes at a different time but some of my FAVORITE vocal performances include: