50 Wonderful Things: Celebrating the Best of Pop Culture in 2025
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the list of 50 Wonderful Things, featuring a diverse selection of TV shows, movies, games, books, and other pop culture gems discovered throughout the year. These selections are not necessarily the best of 2025 but rather stand out as wonderful in their own right. The list is not exhaustive, as there were many more delightful finds beyond the 50 highlighted items.
The HBO film "Mountainhead" introduces a tech mogul in a humorous scene that sets the tone for the character's absurdity and the sycophantic environment around him. The series "The Pitt" on HBO Max features a standout moment with charge nurse Dana breaking up a fight in a Pittsburgh emergency department, showcasing the character's no-nonsense attitude. Apple TV's "Pluribus" cleverly casts a soap icon as part of a hive mind, adding a unique twist to the sci-fi narrative.
Actress Sarah Snook shines in the Peacock thriller series "All Her Fault," delivering a memorable performance as a rich mom involved in a satisfying crime. Colman Domingo's portrayal of a flashy showman in Edgar Wright's adaptation of "The Running Man" adds depth to the character beyond the surface. "Fight or Flight," a thriller starring Josh Hartnett, offers entertaining moments, including a revealing bottle label.
"The Hunting Wives," a show that found success on Netflix after its original airing on Starz, features a captivating performance by Malin Akerman as a magnetic manipulator. The third Knives Out mystery, "Wake Up Dead Man," delivers a humorous church organ joke, adding a light touch to the film. "Jay Kelly" explores themes of regret and friendship, with George Clooney and Adam Sandler delivering poignant performances.
Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of "Frankenstein" showcases visually stunning scenes, including a classic shot featuring Victor's mother in a vibrant red dress. Richard Linklater's "Blue Moon" features Ethan Hawke as lyricist Lorenz Hart, with Andrew Scott delivering a nuanced performance as Richard Rodgers. Keanu Reeves stars in "Good Fortune" as a guardian angel, exploring themes of wealth and its limitations.
The Paul Greengrass thriller "The Lost Bus" offers strong performances from Matthew McConaughey and Ashlie Atkinson, highlighting their characters' emotional journey. Ethan Hawke's roles in "Blue Moon" and FX's "The Lowdown" demonstrate his versatility as an actor. Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show" receives well-deserved recognition at the Emmy Awards, showcasing the show's impact and legacy.
"Lurker" explores a complex relationship between a pop singer and a hanger-on, delving into dark and unnerving moments. "Weapons," a film blending horror and comedy, delivers chaotic and entertaining sequences, culminating in a memorable chase scene. Alison Brie and Dave Franco star in "Together," a dark comedy about identity and relationships, featuring visually striking visuals and dark humor.
The documentary "My Mom Jayne" offers a compassionate look at the life of Jayne Mansfield, exploring family dynamics and personal relationships. "The Bear" features a chaotic family gathering, with heartwarming moments between characters. "Pee-wee as Himself" delves into the life of Paul Reubens, offering insights into his career and personal struggles.
"Final Destination Bloodlines" balances horror and comedy, culminating in a touching final scene featuring Tony Todd. "Sinners" showcases Michael B. Jordan's dual roles in a compelling and visually striking narrative. "You Had To Be There" tells the story of the Toronto Godspell production, featuring a talented cast and magical moments.
Overall, the list of 50 Wonderful Things from 2025 celebrates the diversity and creativity of pop culture offerings throughout the year, highlighting standout performances, captivating narratives, and memorable moments across various mediums.