This past year has been a huge one for the entertainment industry. From blockbusters like F1: The Movie and Wicked: For Good, to top albums like So Close to What by Tate McRae and Hurry Up Tomorrow from The Weeknd, Schreiber students have been kept busy keeping up with the media. This month, Schreiber Times staff members were polled on their top artists, albums, songs, movies, and TV shows, creating their own yearly list of music and entertainment preferences.
“One thing I like about Spotify Wrapped is that it shows me my past favorite songs, bringing back memories from the whole year,” said sophomore Emma Banks.
For movies, there were multiple top contenders, with Wicked: For Good, which continues Elphaba and Glinda’s story leading up to events in The Wizard of Oz, coming out at number one. The film came out on Nov. 21, and was directed by Jon M. Chu. It received amazing reviews from critics and Schreiber students alike.
“I thought it was such a good continuation of the first movie, and it did justice to the musical in my opinion,” says sophomore Ana Dilos.
Some other popular movies included Superman starring David Corenswet, Regretting You, starring Mason Thames and McKenna Grace, and F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt. F1: The Movie was one of the biggest films of the summer, getting rave reviews from critics and viewers alike. It received an eighty-two percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critic Jeffery Lyles calling it “the best sports film of the year.” The new Superman movie was also a huge summer hit, receiving an eighty-three percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
“I thought the Superman movie had a great storyline. I liked how it kept the original story intact while adding some new elements,” said sophomore Jessica Li.
For music albums, So Close to What by Tate McRae and The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift came out on top with a tie. These were highly anticipated albums by students this year, with many attending release parties for Taylor Swift’s new album. Tate McRae’s So Close to What was one of the most loved albums by Schreiber this year, with many students attending her album tour at Madison Square Garden in September and October.
“I enjoyed Tate’s concert because she’s very talented and has high energy performances, with amazing vocals and impressive dancing,” said sophomore Harley Langston.
Hurry Up Tomorrow by The Weeknd was also a favorite with many Schreiber students that went to his Metlife Stadium concert in June, with songs including “Sāo Paulo” and “Cry for Me” on repeat.
“I’d say The Weeknd concert was definitely one of the most exhilarating things I have ever been to. I thought the setlist was amazing, and there was just so much energy. I loved it!” said sophomore Stella Mei.
Stranger Things Season 5 came at number one for favorite television shows of the year, with many students feeling bittersweet because of its ending.
“I’m really excited for the finale and to see what’s going to happen to Will and Vecna, but it’s really sad to see the show that I grew up with come to an end,” says sophomore Gael Lucas.
The first few episodes of the season were full of clues and information about what the ending might be. Students have been talking incessantly about what might happen, and their theories about the finale.
“I like how they brought up references, clues, and jokes from the old seasons. I also think Eleven’s sister, Eight, is going to have a big role in the last couple episodes,” said sophomore Maia Lucas.
The final season is coming out ten years after the show premiered on July 15, 2016. Many students are reminiscing about which was the best, or most nostalgic season of the series. The final episodes of the season are coming out on Christmas day at 8 p.m. ET, and the two hour finale is coming out New Year’s Eve at 8 p.m. ET. The producers of the show, The Duffer Brothers, have said the finale will “bring the story full circle.”
The top songs this year were “Everywhere, Everything” by Noah Kahan ft. Gracie Abrams, and “Ruin the Friendship” by Taylor Swift, from her new album The Life of a Showgirl. Noah Kahan and Gracie Abrams’s duet came out in Dec. 2023, but still won the most students’ votes for their top song. Some runner ups included “Sports Car” by Tate McRae and “Nangs” by Tame Impala.
Schreiber’s favorite artists this year were Drake, Taylor Swift, Laufey, Olivia Dean, and Travis Scott, with Taylor Swift and Olivia Dean topping the list by a landslide. Olivia Dean is one of 2025’s newest breakout artists, with her album The Art of Loving hitting Top 10 on the UK’s Spotify charts and gaining a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Her hits include Man I Need, Nice to Each Other and So Easy.
Overall, Schreiber’s students watched and listened to a wide variety of movies, television shows, albums and artists. 2025 was a great year for entertainment, and although this end feels bittersweet, students can’t wait for what 2026 will bring.