My Top 3 Picks of 2024: Stories, Games, and Books

Here’s a roundup of my Top 3 Recommendations for Videogames, Books, Movies, TV Shows, and Comic Books from 2024. Some are new, some are old favorites revisited, but all have earned their spot on this list for the joy, thought, or inspiration they brought to my year. Let’s dive in!

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Top 3 Videogames of 2024

1. Tiny Glade

Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and Tiny Glade embodies this idea perfectly. This peaceful, meditative building game invites you to create lush landscapes dotted with castles, arches, and glades, all at your own pace. With no timers, objectives, or pressure, it’s the perfect antidote to the hustle of everyday life.

What sets Tiny Glade apart is its intuitive mechanics and gorgeous hand-drawn aesthetic. Every structure you build feels like a page out of a fairy tale, and the dynamic nature of the world—where walls morph as you shape them—makes the creative process feel alive. Paired with a tranquil, minimalist soundtrack, the game creates a deeply relaxing atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere.

Despite its simplicity, the game offers layers of creative freedom. You can lose hours experimenting with different designs, tweaking tiny details to make your dream landscape come alive. It’s a game that’s as much about the journey as it is the destination. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape that reignites your imagination, Tiny Glade is a must-play.

2. Planet of Lana

Planet of Lana is not just a game—it’s an artful, emotional journey that lingers in your heart. This cinematic platformer pairs breathtaking, hand-painted visuals with a poignant narrative that explores themes of friendship, survival, and the natural world.

You play as Lana, accompanied by her adorable companion Mui, navigating a richly imagined world under siege by mysterious mechanical invaders. The bond between Lana and Mui is the emotional core of the game, with clever puzzle mechanics that leverage their unique abilities. Mui’s ability to distract enemies or reach inaccessible areas creates moments of teamwork that feel truly rewarding.

The gameplay seamlessly balances exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth, keeping you immersed throughout. The art direction deserves special mention, with every frame looking like a masterpiece. Combined with a moving orchestral score, Planet of Lana creates an experience that’s both intimate and epic.

If you loved narrative-driven games like Inside or Ori and the Blind Forest, this one’s for you. It’s not just a game—it’s a celebration of the beauty of storytelling and art.

3. Mortal Kombat 1

As a lifelong Mortal Kombat enthusiast, Mortal Kombat 1 felt like a fresh breath of air while staying true to its roots. This reboot reimagines the franchise with a bold new approach, revitalizing the story, gameplay mechanics, and competitive scene.

The story mode—a cinematic masterpiece—is packed with jaw-dropping twists and moments of sheer spectacle. It’s like watching a blockbuster unfold, where iconic characters are reintroduced with unexpected relationships and dynamics. Liu Kang as the Keeper of Time rewrites the universe, and the narrative seamlessly combines nostalgia with innovation, making it a treat for both newcomers and long-time fans.

On the gameplay front, Mortal Kombat 1 introduces a new Kameo Fighter system that fundamentally changes the flow of combat. These assist-style fighters bring an extra layer of strategy and creativity to battles, letting you chain devastating combos and unique moves that were impossible in previous entries. This feature alone makes the game feel distinct from Mortal Kombat 11, which leaned more on grounded gameplay and neutral-based combat.

Multiplayer and Competitive Play take center stage with vastly improved online netcode and ranked matchmaking. Mortal Kombat 1 fosters a thriving competitive scene, thanks to its balanced roster and the depth offered by its Kameo mechanics. Each fighter feels meticulously crafted, allowing players to explore their unique strengths and playstyles while strategizing around their assists.

In terms of fighting mechanics, Mortal Kombat 1 focuses on accessibility without sacrificing complexity. Newcomers can jump into the action without feeling overwhelmed, while veterans can master advanced mechanics like flawless blocks, frame traps, and custom combo routes. The pacing is faster compared to MK11, with a renewed emphasis on fluidity and aggressive playstyles, reminiscent of earlier classics in the franchise.

Whether you're looking for cinematic storytelling, adrenaline-pumping online matches, or the thrill of mastering a deep combat system, Mortal Kombat 1 delivers an unparalleled experience. It’s not just a reboot; it’s a bold step forward for the franchise.

Top 3 Books of 2024

1. Principles by Ray Dalio

Principles is no ordinary book—it’s a manual for navigating the complexities of life, relationships, and work. This time around, it struck me how much its lessons apply to the unique challenges I’m currently facing. Ray Dalio’s emphasis on radical transparency and learning from failures hit closer to home than ever, encouraging me to see setbacks not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth.

The beauty of this book lies in its universality. Whether you’re managing a team, balancing personal relationships, or contemplating a career shift, Dalio’s principles provide a compass. His anecdotes, drawn from decades of experience, felt more relatable this time—like advice from a wise mentor who understands the chaos of the real world.

2. Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

Joseph Campbell’s Hero with a Thousand Faces is nothing short of a revelation. While I’ve always appreciated its exploration of the hero’s journey, this year it felt especially profound. Perhaps it’s because, like so many of us, I’ve found myself on my own journey—grappling with change, growth, and the inevitable challenges that life throws our way.

Campbell’s universal framework of the hero’s journey—departure, initiation, and return—offered a lens through which I could view my own experiences. Suddenly, the trials and tribulations I’ve faced didn’t feel random or insurmountable. Instead, they became part of a larger narrative, one that connected me to the countless myths and stories that Campbell so brilliantly dissects.

This time, the book felt less academic and more personal. The parallels between mythology and modern life became strikingly clear, reminding me that we’re all heroes in our own stories. Campbell’s exploration of archetypes and symbolism offered a new level of self-awareness, helping me find meaning in the most unexpected places.

3. The Trouble with Being Born by Emil Cioran

This is not a book for the faint of heart. Emil Cioran’s The Trouble with Being Born is a raw, unflinching exploration of the human condition, brimming with existential reflections that are as unsettling as they are profound.

Cioran’s writing cuts straight to the core, challenging the illusions we cling to about life, purpose, and existence. It’s not the kind of book that offers comfort or resolution; instead, it lays bare the absurdity and futility of life in a way that feels both liberating and disarming.

What sets this book apart is its brutal honesty. Cioran doesn’t shy away from the darker corners of the human psyche, and his aphoristic style packs a punch with every sentence. While reading, you may find yourself nodding in reluctant agreement or wincing at truths you’d rather ignore.

The Trouble with Being Born isn’t a book you read for enjoyment. It’s a mirror, a challenge, and, ultimately, a deeply moving reflection on the beauty and tragedy of simply being alive. If you’re ready for a book that leaves you pondering long after you’ve turned the final page, this is it.

Top 3 TV Shows of 2024

1. The Agency

The Agency is espionage storytelling at its absolute finest. Starring Michael Fassbender in a career-defining performance, this gripping thriller masterfully weaves betrayal, international intrigue, and deeply human storytelling into a show that’s as cerebral as it is thrilling.

Fassbender shines as a morally conflicted operative navigating the shadowy world of global intelligence. His portrayal is equal parts vulnerable and commanding, drawing you into the emotional weight of his choices while keeping you on edge with his every move. The supporting cast delivers equally compelling performances, creating a rich tapestry of characters who blur the lines between ally and adversary.

The cinematography and production design are breathtaking, capturing the tension and elegance of the espionage world. From shadowy safehouses to glitzy international locales, every scene is visually stunning and steeped in atmosphere.

If you’re a fan of shows like The Americans or Homeland, The Agency is a must-watch. It’s a rollercoaster of suspense and emotion that keeps you guessing until the very last frame. This isn’t just another spy thriller—it’s a masterclass in storytelling, and a standout of 2024.

2. Ted

Who could’ve guessed that a talking teddy bear could deliver one of the most heartwarming and hilarious shows of 2024? The Ted TV Show brings back the beloved character from the films, but this time with a deeper, more layered narrative.

While the humor remains sharp and irreverent, the show introduces poignant moments that tug at your heartstrings. Ted’s relationship with his best friend, John, evolves in unexpected ways, and the series explores themes of growing up without losing your sense of wonder.

The mix of laugh-out-loud comedy and tender, introspective moments makes Ted a standout. Whether you’re in it for the jokes or the emotional payoff, this show delivers in spades. It’s the perfect balance of nostalgia and fresh storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans old and new.

3. Three-Body Problem

Adapting Liu Cixin’s Three-Body Problem was always going to be a monumental challenge, but the 2024 series rises to the occasion with stunning results. This sci-fi epic explores humanity’s first contact with an alien civilization, blending hard science with deeply philosophical questions about trust, survival, and the nature of existence.

The series shines with its visual grandeur and intellectual depth. Each episode feels like a work of art, with meticulous attention to detail in its depiction of alien technology and the vast cosmos. The narrative weaves between past and present, slowly unraveling mysteries that keep you hooked.

What sets Three-Body Problem apart is its commitment to the source material’s complexity. It doesn’t shy away from the big ideas, making it a show that rewards attentive, thoughtful viewers. For fans of thought-provoking sci-fi like Arrival or Interstellar, this series is an absolute must-watch.

Top 3 Movies of 2024

1. Dune: Part Two

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two cements the saga as one of the greatest cinematic adaptations of all time. Picking up where the first film left off, the sequel dives deeper into the political intrigue, family legacy, and epic battles of Frank Herbert’s legendary universe.

The visual effects are nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the vastness of Arrakis with stunning detail. Villeneuve’s ability to blend spectacle with intimate storytelling is unparalleled, making every frame a work of art.

Whether you’re a fan of the book or a newcomer to the series, Dune: Part Two offers a cinematic experience that is both grand and deeply personal.

2. Inside Out 2

Pixar strikes gold once again with Inside Out 2, a sequel that expands on the emotional brilliance of the original. This time, the story ventures into the tumultuous world of adolescence, introducing new emotions and challenges that resonate with audiences of all ages.

The film’s clever humor and heartfelt storytelling make it an emotional rollercoaster. Joy, Sadness, and the gang are joined by new characters representing emotions like Envy and Apathy, bringing fresh dynamics to the story. The exploration of how emotions evolve as we grow up is both insightful and deeply relatable.

3. The Wild Robot

Adapting Peter Brown’s beloved children’s book, The Wild Robot is a beautifully animated tale of survival, connection, and self-discovery. The story follows Roz, a robot who finds herself stranded on a remote island, learning to coexist with its wildlife inhabitants.

What makes this film stand out is its emotional depth. Roz’s journey of finding her place in the natural world is a touching exploration of identity, resilience, and the bond between humans, nature, and technology. The animation is lush and vibrant, perfectly capturing the intersection of the mechanical and the organic.

Whether you’re a fan of the book or discovering the story for the first time, The Wild Robot is a heartfelt film that appeals to audiences of all ages. Its themes of environmental stewardship and community feel especially timely, making it a standout movie of 2024.

Top 3 Comics of 2024

1. Daytripper

Few comics manage to be as poignant and thought-provoking as Daytripper. This masterpiece by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá is a meditation on life’s fleeting moments, told through the lens of Brás de Oliva Domingos, an obituary writer reflecting on the milestones that define a life.

Each chapter presents a different “ending” to Brás’ life, offering a unique perspective on the choices, relationships, and serendipities that shape us. The artwork is stunning, with a vibrant color palette that beautifully complements the emotional weight of the narrative.

Reading Daytripper feels like a journey through your own memories and dreams. It’s a comic that doesn’t just entertain—it makes you pause and reflect on what truly matters.

2. Y: The Last Man

Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra’s Y: The Last Man remains as relevant and impactful as ever. This post-apocalyptic saga follows Yorick Brown, the last surviving man on Earth, as he navigates a world completely transformed by gender imbalance and societal collapse.

What sets this comic apart is its nuanced storytelling. It explores themes of identity, survival, and the fragility of human relationships, all while delivering gripping action and unexpected twists. The characters are richly developed, making every interaction feel authentic and emotionally resonant.

If you’re looking for a comic that’s equal parts thought-provoking and thrilling, Y: The Last Man is a timeless masterpiece that’s impossible to put down.

3. The Ice Cream Man

The Ice Cream Man is a surreal anthology series that blends horror, philosophy, and the bizarre into a chilling tapestry of standalone stories. Each issue introduces new characters and scenarios, all connected by the enigmatic and unsettling Ice Cream Man.

The storytelling is unparalleled, diving into existential themes and psychological horror with an almost poetic touch. The art shifts to match the tone of each tale, creating a dynamic and immersive reading experience.

What makes The Ice Cream Man so captivating is its ability to challenge conventions. It’s not just a comic—it’s a deep, unsettling exploration of the human condition that will leave you questioning reality long after you’ve closed the book.

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What were your top picks of 2024? I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments below. Let’s make 2025 another year of amazing stories and adventures!