2024 was the first year since 2019 that felt somewhat normal. No shutdowns, no mass panic, and no widespread illness. Despite that, I didn’t consume as much media as I once did. Still, I kept up my tradition of creating a “Best Of” list. While music and TV had standout years, movies and video games felt like they fell short in delivering top-tier entertainment. Take a look at my list below, and let me know what your “Best Of” picks for 2024 are!
Read more: The Best Of: 2024Best Movie
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
The long-awaited sequel to one of my favorite childhood movies finally came to life. While the story wasn’t perfect, it gave me everything I hoped for—a chance to revisit the world of Beetlejuice. It also happened to be the only movie I saw in theaters this year, during a date night with my wife while my sister watched our 1.5-year-old. Rumor has it there’s another installment in the works, and you can bet I’ll be first in line to see it!
BeetleJuice Beetlejuice Movie
Runners-up: The Instigators, The 4:30 Movie
Best TV Show
From
One of the most underrated streaming shows currently airing is From. It stands out in today’s binge-watch era by sticking to a weekly release schedule, reminiscent of traditional TV. This approach builds anticipation and keeps viewers engaged week after week, adding to the show’s unique appeal. With Season 3 now complete, the show seems to be gaining more momentum and recognition, but it still feels like a hidden gem. Unfortunately, like all great TV series, fans are left with a long wait for the next season, which only adds to the suspense and excitement. Part of its under-the-radar status likely comes from its home on MGM+, a relatively obscure streaming service that many people overlook. But make no mistake—this is a show worth seeking out. If you haven’t discovered From yet, now is the perfect time to dive into this gripping series and see what the buzz is all about.
From TV Show
Runners-up: Landman, Silo
Best Music Album
Post Malone – F-1Trillion
In a move that surprised the world, Post Malone ventured into country music with the release of his first country album—and unlike the attempts of some other pop stars, this one is genuinely great. Seamlessly blending his signature style with the rich sounds of Texas country, Post delivered an album that feels both authentic and innovative. The project features collaborations with several established country heavyweights, adding depth and credibility to the album while still letting Posty’s unique sound shine through. It’s a refreshing take on the genre, packed with tracks that feel like instant classics. As if the original release wasn’t enough, the extended version, Long Bed, includes a collection of solo songs that showcase Post’s versatility and storytelling prowess even further. These additional tracks prove he’s not just dabbling in country but genuinely understands and respects the craft. Fans are already speculating about what’s next for Post Malone—whether he’ll continue exploring the country scene or venture into yet another unexpected genre. Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure: Posty knows how to keep us guessing, and we’re all here for the ride.
Post Malone F-1 Trillion: Long Bed Album
Runners-up: Muscadine Bloodline – The Coastal Plain, Quinn XCII – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Best Song
I Had Some Help – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
F-1 Trillion delivered a collection of undeniable hits, but the standout track of the summer was undoubtedly “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen. This collaboration brought together two chart-topping powerhouses to create a timeless anthem that perfectly captures the genre. The blend of Post Malone’s signature style and Wallen’s country grit resulted in a genre-defying masterpiece that resonated across audiences. The lyrics hit home with heartfelt storytelling, while the infectious melody made it impossible not to sing along. It’s the kind of song that feels just as fresh on a summer road trip as it does on a quiet night under the stars. With both artists at the top of their game, “I Had Some Help” feels like an instant classic, the kind of track you’ll be revisiting for years. It’s a testament to their ability to push boundaries and create something truly memorable. If this song is any indication of what’s to come from either artist, the future of music looks incredibly bright.
I Had Some Help – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen Song
Runners-up: 10-90 – Muscadine Bloodline, Little Love – Joe Samba
Best Video Game
College Football 2025
With the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, College Football 2025 marks a groundbreaking return to form for the franchise, finally allowing real players’ names, likenesses, and personalities to shine rather than just faceless numbers. For fans of the old NCAA Football games, this isn’t just a nostalgic trip—it’s a full-fledged revival. What sets College Football 2025 apart is that it’s not simply a rebranded version of Madden. The game has its own distinct vibe, capturing the passion, unpredictability, and traditions of college football. From the electrifying atmosphere of campus stadiums to unique playbooks tailored to college programs, it’s a refreshing alternative to the polished but often formulaic Madden series. In fact, I find myself preferring it to Madden’s 2025 entry, as it feels more dynamic and less constrained. The game does an excellent job of honoring its legacy while incorporating modern gameplay mechanics, making it a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers. It’s a return to what made the series so beloved in the early 2000s, with updated visuals and deeper immersion. This first new installment in years has set the stage for what could become a staple in sports gaming once again. Here’s hoping EA keeps the momentum going and continues to build on this solid foundation for future seasons. College football fans finally have the game they’ve been waiting for, and it was worth the wait.
College Football 2025 Video Game
Runners-up: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Best Mobile Game
Balatro
One of the most unexpected gaming successes of the year was Balatro, a game that, if someone had described it to me, I would have never imagined playing. Yet, after hearing glowing recommendations from fellow gamers, I decided to give it a shot—and once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Balatro is a unique take on the roguelike genre, blending it with the strategy of a card game. The twist? It’s built entirely around draw poker, using standard poker cards as its foundation. But it’s far from your average poker game. You build your deck as you play, factoring in thousands of possible modifiers, upgrades, and synergies that completely change how each round unfolds. Every session feels fresh, unpredictable, and endlessly replayable. What truly pushed Balatro into the spotlight was its release on iOS and Android later in the year, making it more accessible than ever. With the portability of mobile gaming added to the experience, it’s become a go-to game whether I’m at home or on the move. In fact, I’ve played Balatro on no less than four platforms this year, and each one brings its own unique charm to the game. What makes Balatro so special isn’t just its innovative concept, but the way it draws you in with simple mechanics that quickly reveal layers of strategic depth. It’s the kind of game that hooks you for hours at a time without you even realizing it. For a game I initially thought I’d never touch, it’s easily become one of my favorites of the year.
Balatro Video Game
Runners-up: NYT Games, Vampire Survivors
Best iOS App
HerePix
Self-Promotion Alert:
This September, I hit a big milestone—I released my very first iOS app, HerePix! The app is designed to let you easily see the photos you’ve taken at your current location. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite spot, reminiscing about past trips, or simply curious about what moments you’ve captured nearby, HerePix brings those memories right to your fingertips. Creating HerePix has been an incredible learning experience. As a developer, I built this app primarily for myself to solve a problem I often had, but it turns out it’s something others find useful too. And honestly, I have no shame in plugging it here—it’s a project I’m genuinely proud of! What makes HerePix special to me is that it perfectly blends function with nostalgia. It’s incredibly rewarding to open the app and instantly reconnect with photos tied to specific places. Plus, seeing other people enjoy and benefit from something I created has been just as fulfilling as the development process itself. Even though it’s my own creation, HerePix is hands down my favorite app of the year. If you’re an iOS user, I’d love for you to check it out—who knows, it might become one of your favorites too! Here’s to the start of many more exciting projects ahead.
HerePix.app
Runners-up: Overcast, Untappd
Best Podcast
Upgrade
If you’re an Apple enthusiast or just love keeping up with the latest tech, Upgrade is a must-listen weekly podcast hosted by two people I always enjoy hearing from, Myke Hurley and Jason Snell. The show dives deep into everything happening in the world of Apple, covering new product releases, software updates, and the latest industry trends coming out of Cupertino. What sets Upgrade apart is its thoughtful structure. With regular segments like “Snell Talk” and “Ask Upgrade,” plus breaking news and occasional insider insights, Myke and Jason strike the perfect balance between informative and entertaining. Their chemistry and shared passion for the subject make even the most technical discussions engaging and approachable. One of my favorite aspects of the show is their annual “best of the year” episode, the Upgradies, where they celebrate the best Apple products, apps, and even broader categories like movies and TV. It’s a fun, insightful way to reflect on the year in tech and culture. In fact, their approach to the Upgradies inspired my own yearly “Best Of” list—it’s a tradition I look forward to every year. If you’re into Apple or tech in general, Upgrade is the perfect way to stay informed and entertained while getting perspectives from two seasoned experts.
Upgrade Podcast
Runners-up: Reconcilable Differences, Connected
Best Tech Product
Ray-Ban Meta
Smart glasses have arrived—well, sort of. Meta recently released a sleek pair of glasses (or sunglasses) that can do it all: talk to AI, snap pictures, and even play music. In short, they’re pretty impressive. With their blend of style and functionality, these glasses are poised to become the next big thing. They’ve already made a splash as one of the hottest holiday gifts this year, and it’s only a matter of time before you start seeing them everywhere. Read my review for more!
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Runners-up: Meta Quest 3s, reMarkable Paper Pro
Best New Apple Product
Mac mini M4 Pro
Apple redesigned the Mac mini for the first time since 2008. It got a lot smaller, faster, and better overall. Coinciding with the release of the M4 CPU, the Mac mini also gets the Pro version of the chip making it the current fastest desktop computer you can buy. I replaced my M2 Max Mac Studio with this tiny little guy and have been loving it ever since.
https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/
Runners-up: iPhone 16 Pro Max, AirPods 4
