Fall leaves and Spotify Wrapped have dropped in tandem, two clear signs that the year is coming to a close. 2025 has been an interesting year in media, too unremarkable to be called truly special, but not unenjoyable in the content it has produced. Yes, there was no Barbenheimer, no Eras Tour, no all-encompassing, year-defining cultural phenomenon to represent the year as a whole, but that’s not to say that 2025 lacked special moments in the arts and entertainment sphere.
There were Beyoncé concerts and Coldplay concerts and Katy Perry concerts in space. There was a Fantastic Four movie, a Superman movie and a KPop Demon Hunters movie –– bad, middling and strangely good, respectively. There were winter Sundays when Kendrick Lamar dissed Drake to 100 million people, and summer Wednesdays where viewers gathered around screens in eager, or reluctant, anticipation of Belly Conklin’s latest misstep.
Though 2025 may not go down in history as a cultural behemoth, some of its products might. From page to screen, sound to socials, three A&E writers sat down to share their superlative picks from the year in media.
Best Movie of 2025
Caroline Lee, Senior Writer: “Sinners” dir. Ryan Coogler
Set in 1930s Mississippi and telling the story of one fateful night at a juke joint, “Sinners” is a masterclass in original storytelling. Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, twice, “Sinners” sets up its world and characters with beautiful care, before transforming –– much like a vampire –– into an entirely different type of story. The film’s second hour is riveting, a largely continuous sequence that showcases exceptional performances from a strong supporting cast, most notably newcomer Miles Caton. “Sinners” is as much of an examination of culture and identity as it is a thrilling display of vampiric horror, and Coogler’s love and passion for his craft truly shines off the screen.
Amelia Lucien, Senior Writer: “One Battle After Another” dir. Paul Thomas Anderson
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, “One Battle After Another” tackles the complexities of fighting for progress with a sharp commentary on racism and immigration, using absurdism to reveal the harsh reality of current events. The film follows ex-revolutionary Pat, forced to come out of hiding to rescue his daughter, Willa, from the clutches of Sgt. Lockjaw — an old enemy from Pat’s past who had a complicated relationship with Willa’s mother. The film deals with difficult issues, balancing suspense and violence with a surprising amount of humor and heart. The stunning cinematography, portrayal of father-daughter relationships and fearless political messaging make “One Battle After Another” more than your typical action film.
Bridget Baile, Staff Writer: “Bugonia” dir. Yorgos Lanthimos
“Bugonia” may be Yorgos Lanthimos’s most accessible film to date, but anyone familiar with the Greek director’s idiosyncratic style knows that this hardly promises a conventional viewing experience. The black comedy follows a conspiracy-obsessed man and his neurodivergent cousin as they kidnap a powerful CEO, believing she is an alien. The film satirizes corporate soullessness and conspiracy culture, but does so through sympathetic characters with understandable motivations, a rarity among Lanthimos’s films, which typically feature stiff and emotionless performances. Relevant and thought-provoking, “Bugonia” sticks the landing with a creative ending that’s sure to be divisive — but definitely not forgettable.
Best Album of 2025
CL: “eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead” by Ariana Grande
A beautiful extension of “eternal sunshine,” Ariana Grande’s deluxe album subtitled “brighter days ahead” adds six new songs to the singer’s emotional journey from hurt to healing. Like the film that inspired its title, “eternal sunshine” is centered around memory, but where the original 13 tracks deal more with heartbreak, the deluxe opens up new avenues for acceptance, with subtle and elegant pop production that showcases Grande’s vocals and storytelling. “Not that I miss you, I don’t / sometimes I just can’t believe you happened,” Grande sings on the standout “twilight zone,” exemplifying the tone shift from reckoning to reflection –– not a picture perfect resolution, but a peaceful realism that some days are better than others.
AL: “Getting Killed” by Geese
Following lead singer Cameron Winter's standout solo debut in 2024, Geese’s “Getting Killed” delivers a much needed indie-grunge revival. The Brooklyn band takes their more traditional rock sound in a new direction, blending experimental instrumentals with Winter's melancholic vocals. With the help of influential rap producer Kenny Beats, the composition of “Getting Killed” transcends the boundaries of traditional genres. Steeped in angst, religious symbolism and American mythology, Winter’s painfully beautiful lyricism steals the spotlight. Tracks like “Au Pays Du Cocaine” and “Taxes” blend heartbreak with grit and edge, while “Trinidad” and "Getting Killed” embrace an experimentally dissonant style. Geese is one of the most exciting bands on the scene right now, ushering in an exciting new era of rock.
BB: “Addison” by Addison Rae
From Tiktoker to pop princess, Addison Rae’s trajectory post-Hype House fame has been fascinating. Her debut album “Addison,” released over the summer, was preceded by five singles — including her breakout hit “Diet Pepsi.” “Addison” is a strong debut, diverting from Rae’s earlier work to favor synth-heavy production and airy vocals. The album blends modern technology with Y2K pop influences, alternating between high-energy tracks like “Fame is a Gun” and “New York” and dreamier reflections like “Times Like These” and “Aquamarine.” Imperfect but impressive, “Addison” showcases Rae’s promise and interestingly, her ambition. Now that she’s got a taste of the glamorous life, she’s not letting fame go anytime soon.
Best Book of 2025
CL: “Notes to John” by Joan Didion
Shortly following Joan Didion’s death in 2021, her editors discovered a journal in her Manhattan apartment, whose contents have since been compiled and released with 2025’s “Notes to John.” The compilation shares 46 entries chronicling Didion’s therapy sessions between 1999 and 2002, providing a unique perspective into the inner life of the celebrated essayist, and her turmoil on everything from her work to her mental health to her relationship with her daughter. In contrast to the refined elegance of her classic essays, “Notes to John” presents a more human and less polished version of Didion, enhancing the posthumous memoir’s power and honesty.
AL: “Deep Cuts” by Holly Brickley
Lit-fic novel “Deep Cuts” by Holly Brickley lovingly navigates the 2000s music scene through the ever-evolving relationship of Percy, an opinionated music writer, and Joe, an aspiring musician. After meeting one night in a college bar, Percy and Joe embark on a musical partnership filled with angst, tension, love and every messy thing in between. The novel follows the pair into adulthood as they navigate complex relationships, explore their sexuality and make their way in the music industry. Soundtracked with the best of indie rock, from the Strokes to LCD Soundsystem to Modest Mouse, the use of songs both real and imagined as a narrative device makes “Deep Cuts” an exciting read for music lovers.
BB: “Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins
“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins was one of the most anticipated books released in 2025, and it more than delivered on sky-high expectations. The book — a prequel to the “Hunger Games” series — is an origin story for Katniss’s gruff yet loveable mentor Haymitch Abernathy and an account of his victory in the 50th Hunger Games. The book smartly builds upon the established world of Panem, while still providing a fresh take that feels uniquely heart-breaking. Both die-hard “Hunger Games” fans and casual readers are sure to be satisfied by this tightly-paced, intriguing thriller.
Best Pop Cultural Phenomenon of 2025
CL: Timothée Chalamet’s media presence
Timothée Chalamet has been everywhere this year. From his unwavering enthusiasm in supporting the New York Knicks on their June playoff run, to his bold and aspirational speech at the 2025 SAG Awards, to, most recently, his unique brand of chaos in marketing his upcoming film “Marty Supreme,” the actor has demonstrated a distinct ability to capture audiences both on and off the screen. More broadly, the past year has cemented Chalamet as a bonafide movie star truly deserving of his rapidly accelerating celebrity, and with “Marty Supreme” and “Dune: Part Three” on the horizon, fans can rest assured that this onslaught of media will continue well into 2026. Integrate. Culminate. Fruitionize.
AL: Charli XCX’s Letterboxd account
Grammy-winning singer, DJ and Brat summer pioneer Charli XCX’s Letterboxd account may have been leaked, but thrusting her movie diary into the public eye hasn’t stopped her from leaving her signature witty-yet-honest reviews on plenty of films this year. With over 230 films watched so far in 2025, Charli is a true cinema connoisseur. Her favorites include “Phantom Thread” and “Céline and Julie Go Boating,” and her tastes seem to span every genre and decade. Plus, Charli gave “Bugonia” five stars and said in a review posted Oct. 8 that she thought “One Battle After Another” was “super cool” — so if you don’t want to take our word for it, take hers.
BB: Trisha Paytas’s third pregnancy
Trisha Paytas, 37-year-old singer, actress and general LA legend, has made a name for herself through a tumultuous Youtube career. Paytas has always leaned into camp — her daughters are named Malibu Barbie and Elvis — so when she announced her third pregnancy, fans immediately began speculating names online. When Paytas hinted that the name was related to water, top guesses included Trident and Poseidon. Always one to defy convention, Paytas went a different route, and on July 12, Aquaman Paytas-Hacmon was born. Not only was a new Paytas-Hacmon added to the clan, chronically-online trios everywhere were provided with a perfect 2025 Halloween costume.
While it is impossible to capture every piece of media that shaped the past year, these selections serve as a concentrated snapshot of the cultural landscape that defined 2025’s arts and entertainment scene. They represent not only the content that audiences consumed, but the shifting tastes and conversations that influenced such consumption.
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