As we find ourselves closer to the end of a challenging year, we at Fandom Spotlite can’t help but look back on the year. Rather than focusing on what’s been bad, we have gathered to share the best of 2020! I’m sure it’s hard to imagine anything good happening in 2020. We have narrowed it down to four categories: Film, TV, Video Games, and Books.
The Best Films in 2020
Sonic The Hedgehog – Mae’s Pick
“It was a really fun and wholesome movie; with a great soundtrack. Even people who don’t know the source material could enjoy it.”
Tenet – Mike’s Pick
“This Christopher Nolan flick was incredibly wild. As usual with his films, you must pay attention to every word and every scene to appreciate it. The artistry that went into this mind-bending and epically visual roller coaster knock me out of my chair. The ending was one of the best in film in years.”
The Lovebirds – Rachel’s Pick
“I’ve been a long-time fan of Issa Rae from her days starring in the web series Awkward Black Girl. I thought this was a good “movie night” film that is action-packed and full of laughs. Issa Rae and Nanjiani had great on-screen chemistry.”
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War – Peak’s Pick
“I think my favorite movie this year has to be Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. This entry held no punches and delivered a heartfelt and gripping story that is almost similar to Avengers Endgame. None of the characters really have happy endings, which makes it great, because you’re able to see a slightly different side to them.”
Promising Young Woman – Yali’s Pick
“This film came in at the end of the year but my god was it something! Brilliant acting all around, a compelling and timely story. The ending was downright surprising and yet powerful. It is a must-watch for sure!”
The Best TV Series in 2020
The Boys Season 2 – Mae’s Pick
“S2 of The Boys was the opposite of wholesome, but it was nice seeing fascists suffer! 
The team behind it is reliably good.”
The Mandalorian Season 2 – Mike’s Pick
“A Star Wars adventure like no other. This exciting ride was non-stop throughout the entire season. A well-written series with great acting and even better directing every episode left me wanting more including the finale.”
The Walking Dead – Peak’s Choice
” The Walking Dead remains my favorite show, though some viewers have slowly pushed it aside. These last two seasons have been the best in years and I’m sad, so sad to see that it will be ending soon. However, I’m excited about the spin-offs and to see where my favorite characters will ultimately find themselves.”
Julie & The Phantoms – Rachel’s Pick
“A feel-good musical show that warmed my heart and gave me a little bit of 90’s nostalgia. I love the story and the songs were so catchy they stayed in my head!”
Sweet Home – Yali’s Pick
“Another one that snuck in at the end of 2020. This series is based on a webtoon I enjoy, however, the show really kicks it up a notch. The monsters are terrifying! The characters are all diverse. This is binge-able content.”
The Best Books in 2020
Ready Player Two – Mike’s Pick
“The sequel to one of my favorite books ever did not let me down. I was hooked from chapter one as Cline’s fluid description style picked up right where the previous story ended. I am such a sucker for the 80s references and how well he tells a story. It’s almost like you are reading a video game you will never get to play but can’t help enjoying it anyway.”
The Vanishing Half – Rachel’s Pick
“Bennett is such a fantastic writer and I love her lyrical writing style that has such depth. She packs a lot into this novel and it has some themes of self-discovery that are incredibly deep.”
A Promised Land – Peak’s Pick
“I don’t consider myself an avid reader, but my favorite book has to be President Barack Obama’s, A Promise Land. I’m still at the beginning of the book, but find it so fascinating to learn about family and the Whitehouse. ”
Trixie and Katya’s Guide to Modern Womanhood – Yali’s Pick
“This book really made me laugh…a lot! It really feels like you’re talking to two good friends as you read. It truly about just embracing who you are and not caring what others think. It’s self-help without the BS feeling of reading a Dr.Phil book.”
The Best Video Games of 2020
The Last of Us 2 – Peak’s Pick
“Although it didn’t completely live up to my expectations, my favorite game (which I am currently replaying) has to be The Last of Us 2. I love the storytelling and I still enjoy the characters. The gameplay is fun and in some cases unique. It remains an ambitious title and I’m waiting to hear about a third entry.”
Ghost of Tsushima – Yali’s Pick
“I can honestly say that 2020 was a great year for video games! While I loved Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the Final Fantasy 7 remake, I have to give it to Ghost of Tsushima. No other game does what this game did. It’s an original game, with fantastic graphics, an intricate story, and a smooth combat system. Even it’s photo mode is worth playing with. We will still be talking about the Ghost of Tsushima for years to come!”
That completes our roundup of the best of 2020! What are your standouts of the year? What are you looking forward to in 2021. Share with us your picks in the comments or online on our social media! Happy New Year!
