2024 was a year of uncertainty. It wasn't clear which games would dominate the conversation, a slate of blockbuster movies didn't seem to kick into gear until mid-summer, and there was constant will-they-won't-they regarding the announcement of Nintendo's Switch. 2. Despite the best efforts of the Big N, however, a lot of information has come out about the Nintendo Switch successor, but it is for 2025.
As far as the past 365 days are concerned, it was full of exciting media to consume, tech to play around with, and events to keep us guessing. As Game Rant's editor-in-chief, I do my best to stay up-to-date on what's new, latest, and greatest, but that's always a fool's errand. Still, 2024 had a lot to excite me. Here are my favorite things from 2024.
My favorite video games of 2024
My tastes change from year to year, but there's always a through line when it comes to franchises I grew up with and titles with engaging-yet-challenging combat. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to sample many different games from different genres. A good story can carry a game far, but sometimes I can get addicted to a game with a good open world bridge or an attractive art style.
However, there are only so many hours in a year, and sometimes that means skipping games that didn't click with me out of the gate but that I want to return to. Is that 2025 looming large? Probably not, but there's still time to clear the backlog before next year's onslaught of titles begins. I would also like to add that. Alden Ring: Shadow of Erdtree One of the best DLCs I've ever played, and it fully deserves its nod at this year's Game Awards.
Black Myth Wukong It caught my attention in a way I didn't expect. It started with a hands-on preview at Summer Game Fest and continued until I got to play the finished product. The game is beautiful to look at, but it's the variety of bosses and the challenge they present that captivated me from start to finish.
It was a great year for video games. There were such pleasant experiences Astro Bot and An echo of wisdom To keep the child in me alive, while titles like Final fantasy 7 rebirth and Neva I was left with questions to ponder (in different ways) long after the credits rolled. It's always hard to narrow down my video game choices because there are so many that I enjoy for different reasons. If I didn't have friends to jump with, for example, I don't think I would have as much love Hell Diver 2.
My Favorite Movies of 2024
Video games are my professional passion, but movies are my personal one. I try to make it out to the movies at least once a week, and I'm always on the lookout for the next interesting voice in filmmaking. Don't get me wrong, I love a good popcorn flick too, as my list should reflect, but I'm looking forward to the next one. The Avengers As much as I flick another Paul Thomas Anderson.
Dunes: Part 2 and Deadpool and Wolverine I was granted the glasses I needed this year, two sides of the same coin. I've been a huge fan of Sean Baker over the years and am very excited to see him win the Palme d'Or. Anora. Brutalist It was a favorite epic that we don't see very often. And horror/suspense continues to thrive thanks to films like the heretic and What's inside it?.
I don't think there was any film this year that completely blew me away, but there were several that thoroughly entertained me, and some that left me pondering some tough questions. As with video games, I'm always looking for a good story, but the core parts of a movie, like cinematography and unforgettable performances, can also keep me engaged.
My Favorite TV Shows of 2024
Between video games and movies, TV doesn't get as much love from me year after year but this year saw the release of some pretty stellar shows. The landscape of TV continues to change, thanks to competing movies with its long-term narrative potential and actors' willingness to take a closer look at every project that comes their way. Colin Farrell, for example, saw the potential in streaming and was part of two fantastic series.
Thanks to artists like him and studios that take some risks, the types of TV available to us are richer and more diverse than ever. Yes, there's a lot of fluff to choose from, but sometimes fluff can become your favorite show.
A good hook goes a long way for me and my TV viewing. If the first episode can grab you with a compelling or unique premise, I'm willing to give it more of a chance than if the show starts late, but word of mouth says it improves over time. Usually those simmering series end up being one of my favorites, but everywhere you look there are tons of great shows and tons of streaming series to subscribe to.
I love that we got another stellar video game adaptation TV series result. It did not copy the formula it created The last of us A breakthrough, but one that embraces what makes Bethesda games great without feeling generic or hokey. Shogun It was full of amazing performances and takes us to a time period and setting that video games use a lot, but is perfect for a TV series. 3 Physical problems The show had a most interesting start, but I'm worried I may not have the legs to watch it. I hope so – because the concept is so bold.
My favorite tech of 2024
I use many gadgets and gizmos in my daily life. If it makes it easier for me to do that, I'm willing to look at it, but I try not to turn my nose up at anything. Often it is technology that initially does not reveal its usefulness that becomes necessary. I couldn't see the appeal of a PC gaming handheld at first, but now I can't imagine going anywhere without one always nearby. Other times, it's just about improving on the tried-and-true. If something is better than its competitors or the best I've ever used, then it gets added to the rotation very quickly.
I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to experiment with many different techniques. I love finding my next favorite controller as much as the next great mouse, keyboard, or headset. Audeze Maxwell and Scuf are now among my favorites in their respective categories, and the ROG Ally X is currently the handheld to beat when it comes to performance vs. battery life.
But I don't want to overlook the small technical features either. The Anker MagGo travels with me everywhere and is especially handy on high-use days like visiting Disneyland. And some of the items on my tech list this year will help us bring better content to 2025. I also want to give a shout out to the Corsair Platform:6 desk for giving me even more space to display my collection and toys. .
My favorite collectibles and toys of 2024
Speaking of which, I love collecting. Call it Peter Pan Syndrome or whatever you like, but I find it hard to pass up an opportunity to relive the nostalgia of my youth by displaying high-quality toys that represent my favorite qualities of yesteryear. Growing up I was exposed to a lot of media and so my list of “favorites” is as deep as it is broad. And a growing number of companies are also seeing value in giving new life to properties both vast and obscure. It hurts the wallet but it warms the soul.
Behold, the making of Mattel Street Sharks Adding digits and LEGO to the end a The Legend of Zelda The set was enough to make my year. Mondo (and parent company Funko) continues to operate at a high level, releasing so many exciting toys, collectibles, and memorabilia that it's hard to keep up. I took the risk Elden Ring Collector's Edition Hoping that Malenia would be a memorable boss and not disappointed, I couldn't resist adding Mesmer to my collection.
I also have a son so my interests are now informed by his interests. I took a deep dive Minecraft I've learned a lot about the game over the last year and so, but it's also exciting to see my favorite things become his favorite things without being pressured into any possessions. Being a dad has changed my life in so many ways, but my favorite part is that it allows me to be a kid again and experience a sense of wonder through him.
Almost everything I experience now has a new context and I take new things from it that I didn't before. My list of favorite things is unique to me, but my experience is very different from what it was a few years ago. I don't expect that to change in 2025 and I look forward to seeing what new things excite me. I know Nintendo Switch 2, Grand Theft Auto 6And that new Paul Thomas Anderson is high on my most anticipated list, but it's the video games, movies, TV, tech, and collectibles that I don't know that keep me curious and eager to try new things.
Black Myth: Wukong
