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Best of 2021 lists: top movies, TV shows, music, books, games Making art wasn't always easy in 2021, but on screens, across pages and in our ears, creators delivered. Dive into the best TV, music, books and games you may have missed this year.
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Can't miss listens of 2021

The best movies, TV, music, books and games of 2021

Books and headphones
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Grace Widyatmadja/NPR
Books and headphones
Grace Widyatmadja/NPR

Making art wasn't always easy in 2021, but on screens, across pages and in our ears, creators delivered.

Dive into the best pop culture and entertainment you may have missed this year.

Jump to: Movies, TV, Music, Books, Games

Movies

TV

The best TV shows about race in 2021

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1065794099/1066928726" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Music

Poll results: NPR listeners pick the top albums of 2021

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1065794099/1066930745" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Lil Nas X on 'MONTERO,' NPR Music's song of the year

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1065794099/1066932942" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

The best songs and albums we missed in 2021

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1065794099/1066933832" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

This year's best songs come from some of the youngest — and oldest — artists

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1065794099/1066935903" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Alt.Latino looks back at the best albums of 2021

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1065794099/1066934724" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Books

Here are the books we loved in 2021

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1065794099/1066937983" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Looking for a laugh? Here are some of NPR's favorite funny books of 2021

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1065794099/1066940189" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

2021 was rough, but books about love gave us life. Here are 13 recommendations

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1065794099/1066941612" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

End the year on a sweet or savory note with chef Kathy Gunst's favorite cookbooks of 2021

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1065794099/1066942939" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Games

Looking for more can't-miss listens? Check out this year's moments of joy and tips for keeping your New Year's resolutions.

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Special Series

Can't miss listens of 2021