As the year draws to a close, the culture and lifestyle team reflects on 2025's most memorable moments in art and entertainment. Editor Melissa Kirsch encourages readers to slow down and savor the season by catching up on acclaimed movies, books, and music. Highlights include top films recommended by critics, standout novels and nonfiction, and curated playlists of the year's best music. The article also features unique, reader-submitted favorites and points to additional best-of lists covering comedy, travel, poetry, and more. With the new year approaching, the abundance of cultural discoveries serves as both a celebration of the past and an invitation to explore what's next.