It’s the end of the semester and the end of the year, which means it’s time to do a round-up of my favorite movies I watched for the first time. There were so many good ones to choose from, and I hope you enjoy reading about them!
- Set It Up (2018)
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Even before he was an A-list movie star, Glen Powell showed off his comedic chops in this romcom inspired by the plot of Cyrano de Bergerac. I am not one to gravitate towards romcoms, but this was genuinely funny, very sweet, and actually smart. It’s a shame more people don’t talk about this!
- Sinners (2025)
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Shocker, the musical fan hasn’t talked about this film yet! I was excited to watch the vampire horror/action film going into the summer, and I was floored. Every aspect of this film is firing on all cylinders, from the music to the performances to the symbolism, making for an entertaining and unique viewing experience. I am manifesting the Oscar nominations for this!
- Pride and Prejudice (2004)
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I honestly can’t believe it’s taken me this long to watch this one. The beloved Jane Austen adaptation lived up to expectations: it is as romantic and gorgeous on all fronts. I was swooning and gushing the whole time while watching, and I’m happy I finally got to check this one out after receiving recommendations for it for so long!
- Whiplash (2014)
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Another one from my summer watchlist, Whiplash, did not disappoint. An intense story about a drummer’s abusive relationship with his mentor, there is not a moment of calm or time to breathe. The jazz music is bombastic, the performances are fitting, and this is just an absolute classic to come out in recent years.
- Bad Times At The El Royale (2018)
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I already wrote an article about this film, but TLDR: this was a huge surprise to me, even if it’s a little too long. I highly encourage everyone to check it out (especially Wicked fans looking for more movies with Cynthia Erivo singing).
- Thunderbolts* (2025)
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Again, I wrote an article a little while ago, TLDR: this is the best movie Marvel has put out in years. It had so many excellent depictions of mental health while remaining artistic and entertaining.
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
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While arguably a more fall-centric film, I watched the Wes Anderson hit for the first time this past summer and had the best time! Based on the Roald Dahl book, the stop motion used here is impressive and so charming, and the humor is perfect for both kids and adults. Go check it out if you haven’t and have a good cussin’ time!
- Conclave (2023)
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This is the last film that I wrote an article about, and for the longest time, I swore this would remain unchallenged. It’s excellently shot, incredibly acted, moving, and sharp in all the right ways. It still is incredible; there are just two that stuck with me a bit more deeply.
- Death Becomes Her (1992)
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As a comedian, I judge comedy very harshly, having my own things that I find funny and entertaining. Death Becomes Her has the best comedic timing and editing I have ever seen in a film. Performances are iconic, jokes are on point, and the message about aging is genuinely profound, the best I’ve seen in any comedy!
- Women Talking (2022)
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Oh, how I’ve been waiting to talk about this one, even though no words could ever accurately capture how excellent this film is.
Women Talking follows the women in an isolated religious colony and their debate about whether to flee or fight in the aftermath of major sexual assaults committed against them. It is so simple in concept and style (it really is just dialogue the entire runtime), and yet that dialogue is so compelling and thought-provoking, helped in large part by the incredible performances. Each character has their own story to tell and their own opinion on the matter. And, as a woman, I appreciated seeing these portrayals. I am inspired by their courage to discuss such topics.
Can’t wait to see more movies next year!
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