You:rated - Best Of 2021

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It’s the end of the year, so it’s time for the annual round up of your favourite things! We asked what your favourite film and TV shows, music, and games have been in 2021, and here’s what you picked…

FILM AND TV

SQUID GAME

Undoubtedly the biggest show in the world this year, within two months of being released, Squid Game became Netflix’s most-watched series, and the top-viewed programme in 94 countries. More than 142 million households tuned in, getting 1.65 billion (!) viewing hours in four weeks. Woah! If you haven’t seen it already, Squid Game tells the story of 465 players who compete for a huge sum of money through a series of twisted children’s games. Director Hwang Dong-Hyuk wrote the show based on his own experiences and observations on capitalism and economic class struggles in South Korea. You’ll definitely be glued to your seat for all nine episodes!

The BBFC have awarded Squid Game a 15 rating in the UK and states that the material is “suitable only for 15 years and over” with no concession for accompanying adults. (And just for total transparency, we (NCS) don’t agree with the messaging/themes/content in some of these TV shows, but we’re here to share what you’re watching).

VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE

Tom Hardy is back in this sequel to the 2018 film, Venom. In Let There Be Carnage, Eddie Brock struggles to adjust to his new life as the host of Venom. He attempts to reignite his career by interviewing serial killer Cletus Kasady, who becomes the host of Carnage, and escapes prison after a failed execution. Whew! Eddie and Venom have to work together to basically save the world and stop the terror that Carnage brings. All in a day’s work then. This is a Marvel movie so you know you’re in store for some explosions, some over the top saving the world, and a general comic book feeling fun. 

MUSIC (ALBUM)

ADELE - 30

Of course when Adele comes back into the music world, she tops every chart. And with good reason! Adele’s new album 30 is a deep dive into the feelings she had whilst going through a divorce. And while that’s a sad thing, it really does make for good music. Sweeping melodies, insane vocals, sad through to happy back to sad and then to hopeful, she just knows how to do it. It’s the kind of music that’ll have you belting along and then feeling confident in yourself. 

JLS - 2.0

It’s been eight years since JLS last released an album, but you’re happy they’re back and loving their album 2.0! Written, recorded and produced during lockdown, this album is said to be a new musical chapter and sound for the band. It’s a continuation of the feel good energy JLS used to have, but with a new, grown feel too. And their first single from the album - Eternal Love - was written by Ed Sheeran!

GAMES

MINECRAFT

With over 238 million copies sold, Minecraft is literally one of the best selling games in the world. And every year it lands on your best of roundup! Maybe that’s because it’s so accessible. Minecraft Bedrock Edition is available on basically every platform for playing games imaginable. And then there’s Java Edition - the legacy version that only exists on PC, macOS, and Linux - which gives players thousands of ways to play the game exactly how they want to. Not to mention all the partnerships and collaborations (like Minecraft Dungeons), appearances in pop culture, and endless amounts of merch. It’s impossible to get away from and impossible not to love!