With the 2010s coming to an end, I decided to go through the last 10 years and pick some of my favorite things! From games to movies, books to musicals, there were many great things from this decade to celebrate.
Video Games
Armello
If you’ve been around my blog for a while, this is definitely not news in the slightest. Armello is definitely one of my top games of the decade, and really ever. And it is the game that got me more into gaming.
Gris
It is also not a secret how much I adore Gris. It is beautiful and powerful and I am still in awe of it. Plus I am slightly obsessed with its soundtrack because it is stunning.
Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods is a fascinating game. It is the first game that I got both a first look and a full review on the blog. And it’s the theme of mental health is down very well. And it is full of surprises.
Honorable Mentions: Dead by Daylight, Megaquarium, Monster Prom
Board Games
Tokaido
Tokaido is definitely the game that got me into board gaming more during this decade. And it helped me define my favorite kinds of games, being those where your strategy is more about how you help yourself versus hurting others.
Fire in the Library
One of the first games I Kickstarted ever, Fire in the Library has a special place in my heart since I also demoed it at PAX Unplugged in 2018. That was truly a unique experience that I will enjoy forever. And the game is really great too.
Unstable Unicorns
Also one of the first games I Kickstarted, Unstable Unicorns has exploded. It is cool to see it stocked in Walmart and becoming a widely popular game. And it is a fun one too that I use as a gateway game all of the time.
Musicals
Hamilton
Let’s be honest, Hamilton is one of the top if not the top musical of the decade. And I definitely fell in love with it hard and still really enjoy it. Plus it really is a revolutionary (hehe get it?) show from Broadway.
Hadestown
Hadestown is also a great musical that I fell in love with at its off-broadway soundtrack. It is also revolutionary in its own way with the folk opera style of music and the Great Depression-era inspired post-apocalyptic setting.
Come From Away
I just recently listened to the OBC album of Come From Away, and it gave me chills. How the setup this show and explain the confusion and fear of these people in the aftermath of 9/11 was really impactful. One listen made me add this to my top favorites list.
Honorable Mentions: The Band’s Visit, In The Heights, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Movies
Knives Out
Being fresh at the end of the decade, Knives Out is now one of my favorite films ever. I found it very witty and fun with an overall complex storyline. You can read my spoiler-free review of the movie for more.
Inside Out
Choosing a Disney or Pixar film for this was nearly impossible. I ended up choosing Inside Out because I found it a powerful film about growing up and mental health. I cried when I watched Inside Out so that has to count for something, right?
The Great Gatsby
This is probably a huge curveball, but I do really love the Baz Luhrmann adaptation of The Great Gatsby. It is visually stunning and I do think it is a good adaptation of the book.
Honorable Mentions: Moana, Bohemian Rhapsody, Big Hero 6, Les Misérables, The Help
Miscellaneous Favorites
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
Throughout my sporadic reading, Milk and Honey is definitely a favorite amongst them all. I really connected with her work in this particular collection.
Attack on Titan
While I just started watching it in 2019, Attack on Titan is incredible. The characters and story are complex and captivating. It is my first anime and I am excited to see how this story ends in the final season next year.
What were your favorite things in the 2010s? Let me know in a comment below!
Inside Out is a movie for the ages. It definitely gets at fundamental truths about growing up and being human. It is no wonder it made you cry. Great pick! And Knives Out. There’s a movie that clearly had a ton of thought put into it.
This is such a great roundup! I also really love love love Attack on Titan, definitely hoping for good things in the final season. How fun that it’s your first anime! Are there any others that have caught your interest?
I haven’t taken much of a look elsewhere. Been so busy since I finished AoT