The end of the school year means I become a writing machine! I like to write things for myself, and especially enjoy making lists to organize my thoughts. Although I will be writing some film essays soon, first I want to get through all the posts I’ve been putting on the back burner since. . . January. Wow, I’ve been busy.
Anyway, here are my favorite things from 2025! I didn’t bother separating them into categories since this post is late anyway. Maybe you’ll find something you want to read/watch! Now let’s kick off with some honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions
Special Mention: Exploring the Wallace and Gromit films
I couldn’t pinpoint a FAVORITE Wallace and Gromit film, but I did enjoy purusing all the films that have come out over the years. Much like The Peanuts, Garfield, or Winnie the Pooh, these films became their own “vibe”. They don’t feel like anything else out there, and that is enjoyable to explore! I still need to get into Shawn the Sheep, too, but at the very least, I could relax and laugh while watching these movies.
Carnival of Souls (1962), 8.5/10
Although this wasn’t my favorite movie this year, I thought it was definitely an underrated classic horror film. I want to own the poster, and the creepy ending has been looping in and out of my mind ever since I saw this last summer. The ONE thing that would have tipped this film up would be if it were SILENT. That seems strange to say, but I honestly think the overall tone would have worked better without spoken dialogue. The horror would have sunk in more.
Now, here is my top THIRTY! This list is longer than my last because, luckily, I enjoyed more books/movies/shows than I hated this year!
30. True Irish Ghost Stories (1926) 8/10
At first, when I read this book, I didn’t think I would finish. Seymour didn’t separate the stories well, and the paragraphs suffered from pre-paragraph formatting syndrome prevalent even into the 1910s. BUUUUUUT as I continued reading the stories, the more intrigued I became. These weren’t fabricated tales for fiction. They were testimonials from real people. Do I believe that everything written was paranormal? No. But it was intriguing to think some of them WERE.
29. The Divorcees’ Dessert Cafe (2023), 8/10
Behold, a webcomic that didn’t have sloppy AI art, stupid, generic plot holes, or an equally toxic male lead. The art was quite beautiful, and the slow-burn romance was very satisfying to follow over a year or so. What I appreciated the most was that everything did not just MAGICALLY work out for the female lead once she decided to divorce her husband. She struggled and worked with competent people to gain her “happily-ever-after”.
28. Never Die (2019), 9/10
Although this was self-published, I was impressed with how well this story flowed. The characters felt raw and real, and the twist ending was extraordinarily satisfying. I’m a big fan of Japanese spiritualist stories like Natsume’s Book of Friends and Mushishi, so this story was right up my alley. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes films like Rashomon and The Seven Samurai.
27. Uncle From Another World, 2022 (8/10)
The sad thing is, I am almost the same age as the Uncle in this show now. Oh, how time flies! The good thing is, I can relate to so many of the things the poor man was feeling. I tried to watch a similar isekai like this one, where a young “ugly” hero has to suffer his way through his journey, but it lacked. . . basically everything. This one is WAAAY funnier and has some of the best faces I’ve ever seen.
26. Persuasion (1817), 8/10
Lo and behold, I still like Jane Austen, although I still can’t listen to the audiobooks. This particular story hit home a little TOO deep because I understand how Anne felt as her “diminishing youth” left her feeling displaced in society. Her family also took advantage of her good nature and naivety when she was younger, leading to her cutting herself off from Wentworth, whom she loved quite dearly.
What really set this book apart for me was Captain Wentworth’s letter. Good lord, it was one of the most romantic things I’ve read in a while.
I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in
F. W.
I must go, uncertain of my fate; but I shall return hither, or follow your party, as soon as possible. A word, a look, will be enough to decide whether I enter your father’s house this evening or never.
Be still my beating heart. Normally, I would think letters like this are corny, but if I honestly got a letter like this from a man, I might just marry him that day.
25. Press Play, Sami (2025) 8/10
Romance wasn’t really the focal point for this story, but it was there just enough to make the story and its characters’ interactions meaningful. I think what stood out to me the most was how this story confronted PTSD, guilt, and trauma. It also got me into listening to cassette tapes again, which has been a blast from the past, let me tell you!
24. Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill Season 2 (2025), 9/10
This show doesn’t do anything particularly monumental. Rather, it’s like a COZY fantasy world you can easily go to without worrying about the hero blowing up or going through hell. There are also NOOOOO harem elements, unless you count the ever increasing creatures following Makoda around because his food tastes good.
23. The Warrior’s Path (1980), 9/10
I like historical fiction if I actually learn something new about history that feels MEANINGFUL. This story opened my eyes to the forgotten white slave trade prevalent in the Americas. When I learned about it, I did my research, as I do, and found out that between 1 million and 1.25 million Europeans were captured by Barbary pirates and sold as slaves in North Africa and the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. Good gravy.
What I love about Lamour is that he doesn’t brush over or oversimplify what happened in history. He pointed out the various perspectives on this and other issues, leaving many motives and events open to interpretation. I liked Kin Sackett, just like the others, and found his courage and insight inspiring.
22. Regular Show (2010), 8/10
This is indeed the bro-est show to ever bro. If ever I wanted an insider’s look into how men think, this is the place to go. I overlooked this show for a while because, honestly, it wasn’t made for me. My brothers love this show, and I can see why. I haven’t QUITE finished it yet, but I found many of the stories and episodes insightful and surprisingly emotional. My favorite thing is how Rigby and Eileen just casually start dating, and it is the most non-dramatic relationship in the show.
21. Sakamoto Days Season 2 (2025), 8/10
This show has some GREAT action. Plus, Sakamoto has some fascinating moves . . . like what he can do with a pen. My favorite moment was probably when Takamura, the crazy old swordsman, splits a building in half and just leaves without saying anything coherent. I wouldn’t say this story is groundbreaking in storytelling, but it was pleasant to watch. What can I say, I like strong guys showing off fancy moves.
20. Strange Magic (2025), 6/10 for quality, 8/10 for enjoyment
I don’t know what George Lucas was thinking when he wrote this movie. It has so many issues in tone, characterization, world building. . . animation. . . . music. . . . Actually, nothing worked well for this movie. BUUUUUUUUUT because it was so awfully made, it was absolutely HILARIOUS to watch. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it so much because so many people hate it. The only thing cringy was the SONGS. UGH. . .
19. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse (2024), 9/10
Behold, the movie that changed my life in 50 minutes! Tonally, it reminded me of Winnie the Pooh and The Little Prince. So many of the lines and relationships were touching, and I wish it were longer!
18. Dial M For Murder (1954), 9/10
Alfred Hitchcock is a hit-or-miss director for me. Some, like Marne, I hated because of their sexual nuance. Others, like Rebecca, are my favorite films of all time! This movie falls into the “liked better than I thought” category. There is still the titular blond being pushed around by toxic men in her life, but the ending is SUPER satisfying. It felt like one of those great mystery stage plays you don’t see too often anymore.
17. Salaam With Love (2022) 9/10
I’m always a fan of books that help me understand different religions better! This story is about a Muslim family living in New York. I’ve lived in areas that celebrate Ramadan and have always been interested in what it looks like for regular everyday people. Overall, this was a sweet romance and a great story about family and living your faith.
16. The Hedgewitch of Foxhall (2024) 8/10
I had a great time listening to this book! The Welsh actors and actresses gave the characters fantastic personalities and emotionality. This story felt like an old fairytale with more modern dialogue. I’ve listened to this book twice now, and I don’t mind some of the strange character decisions. Also, this is my favorite book cover from this year! It’s like an old medieval tapestry.
15. The Princess and the Goblin/The Princess and Curdie (1872, 1883), 8/10
Speaking of fairytales, I didn’t expect to love these books so much! I remember growing up with the animated movie from 1991, and over the years I’ve realized. . . it isn’t too great. (It is still ironically funny at times, though.) Now the original books feel like the Chronicles of Narnia, and I thought they were quite insightful. I appreciate fantasy with nuanced messages more than I do the ones with overly hyped power systems.
14. Kokuou Kizoku to Moukinzuma no Yukiguni Karigurashi/The Snow Country Hunting Life of the Northern Nobleman and the Raptor Wife (2018), 10/10
Behold the first 10/10 on this list! This is actually a re-read for me, and I appreciated it more this last time. I like slice-of-life manga, especially if they have some sort of historical background. This story takes place in Norway, and I secretly want to move there now because of how peaceful it looks. (I also love this underappreciated manga called Blissful Land, set in Tibet for the same reason.)
The art in this is particularly beautiful, and the relationships feel grounded. The food also looks absolutely fantastic, especially the bread.
13. Piranesi (2020) 9/10
I hated this book the last time I read it. I was probably not in the right headspace for it and might have skipped over parts because I felt so frustrated. This last time I read it on the plane back from Greece and Italy, and its messages on self, memory, and belonging impressed me. After I finished it, I sat for a while and pondered what it means to retain our sense of self and not lose important memories as we grow older.
I also loved how many rooms and statues the author described throughout the novel. I wondered about the symbolism behind them and why they were in certain rooms. It’s actually pretty hard to describe, so if you are interested, I’d give it a look.
12. Comstock Lode (1981), 9/10
If you couldn’t tell, I love Louis L’Amour novels. This isn’t because I grew up in the west (in fact, I actively AVOIDED his books because they were “westerns”). No, L’Amour has a way of making historical landscapes come to life! It does help that Val Trevallion was a great male lead. The romance in this one was also quite lovely to follow.
11. The Count of Monte Cristo (2024), 9/10
I heard about this movie when it came out and wondered vaguely if it could be better than the one that came out in 2002. Fun fact, I HATED that version. I made the mistake of watching it after I read the book and. . . ugh. ANYWAY, this version is WAAAAAAAAAAAY better. Plus, it is lovingly FRENCH. I think Pierre Niney did an especially wonderful job as Edmund Dantes. Also, the costuming and staging for this movie were BREATHTAKING! Out of any of the movies that have come out recently, this has impressed me the most.
10. Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity (2025), 10/10
I’ve watched this anime twice now since it came out, and I truly appreciate how respectfully it portrays a male perspective on relationships. There aren’t crazy misunderstandings or toxic relationship vibes. Honestly, Rintaro and Kaoruko have one of the healthiest blossoming coming-togethers I’ve read in a long time. I also thought the animation and English voice acting were peak! Anyway, I’ll probably watch this again sometime soon and am looking forward to future seasons.
9. The Amazing Digital Circus (2023), 9/10
The hype for this show is entirely warranted. I’ve rewatched the episodes several times, and the more I learn, the more impressed I am. As an animation geek, I’ve loved how technically innovative this is and how creative the character movement is. They truly play into how a regular person would feel stuck in a cartoonish body. My favorite characters are probably. . . 1. Kinger, 2. Jax, and 3. Pomni. We’ll see how this ends this month, and then I’ll have my official review and final score out.
8. Delicious in Dungeon (2024), 9/10
Here is a fantasy anime I NEVER thought I would be into. I don’t really get into fantasy shows and stuff unless I’m practically thrown into them, but if I DOOOOO get into them, I tend to go all in. I watched this twice last year, and I couldn’t get over how well the animation team at Trigger could implement characterization, especially in the character’s FACES. (The more you study animation, the more you will appreciate what I just said.)
7. K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025), 9.5/10
Wow, would you look at that. I liked this movie. You must be shocked. I wouldn’t put it in my top 50 animated movies of all time, but I have fallen into the “listening to the soundtrack too much” club. I do think this is one of the best musicals I’ve seen in a LOOOONG time, and I enjoyed picking the animation apart like the nerd I am. If you are wondering, my favorite songs from this movie are as follows:
- Free
- Your Idol
- How It’s Done
- Soda Pop
- Golden
- What It Sounds Like
- Takedown
6. The Most Powerful Characters in the World are Obsessed With Me (9/10)
Yep, this webcomic has a stupidly long title. However, it is one of the few webcomics with GREAT art, character building, romance, and worldbuilding. I’m always a fan of stories where it’s not just about getting revenge or sticking it to ex-husbands/fiancés. This story is more about healing and belonging. Plus, Dahlia and Cedrick’s relationship doesn’t just HAPPEN because hot people are hot. It hasn’t quite finished, so my score isn’t higher.
5. From Far Away (1993) 10/10
Lo and behold, this series has come up yet again! It comes up every once in a while, and it still sits as one of my favorite manga. If you’ve never heard my diatribe about this story, here is my review I wrote once upon a time.
4. Flipped (2010) 8/10, Flipped (2001)
What stood out to me the most about this book/movie was how it showcased people growing into who they WANT to become. I think they said it as looking at the whole package. I’m also always for stories where the guy/girl “flips” so to say, from hating someone to loving them because they get to know them. I thought a lot about my grandparents as I watched it and did a bit of soul-searching. . .
3. Sugar Apple Fairy Tale (2023) 9/10, Sugar Apple Fairy Tale (2010) 9/10
Behold another shocking find from last year I never expected! I’m actually thinking of re-reading/watching this to feed my weak romantic heart. Jokes aside, it’s been a while since I’ve come across such a genuine story. There is romance, of course, but it’s also about family legacy, dreams, and pursuing passion. This story also delves deep. into the unfair slave master relationship between humans and fairies, and how you can literally own a fairy’s will if you take their wings (which are kind of like their soul). Anyway, I super like it and look forward to finishing the light novel series.
2. Clean With Passion For Now (2025), 8/10
Don’t ask me why I like this story so much! It is a true mystery to me. Maybe it’s because it was written and drawn by one of my favorite webtoon writers, Aengo, who also wrote Your Smile is a Trap. She does an awesome job with faces and using body language to convey personality and emotion. This story stood out to me, probably because the male lead is the one who “flips” and falls in love with her after insisting he hates her for so long.
1. Pluto (2024), 10/10
Last but not least, here is one of only TWO new things on my list that I gave an unequivocal 10/10. Honestly, this series has some of the best storytelling, worldbuilding, and characterization I’ve ever seen. It was written by Urasawa Naoki (aka, the man who wrote the infamous psychological drama Monster (1994) ) as a homage to Tezuka Osamu‘s manga Astro Boy (1951).
How do I describe my experience? It was like having an in-depth look at the horrors of modern warfare and how it scars those drawn into it, while taking a speculative look at what truly makes us human. Whether it was a human or an android, I felt drawn into this world and thought deeply about my experiences watching wars in Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan from afar since I was a child. My worldview partially depended on which “enemy” we were against as a country at a time.
Anyway, I wanted to buy the manga the moment I finished the anime, and I think it is a crying shame people don’t talk about it more.
Thank you for reading! I’ll keep plowing through my lists of backed-up posts and work my way toward some film and book essays I’ve been meaning to get to.
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 