BEST OF 2021 Illustrations by Maria Chimishkyan The 10 Best Films of 2021 Movies that affirm the vitality of the medium, no matter the size of the screen By David Sims The 16 Best TV Shows of 2021 The year’s most distinct and worthwhile series By Sophie Gilbert, Megan Garber, and Shirley Li The 10 Best Albums of 2021 The most memorable music made during a disorienting year, from Lorde, Arca, Jazmine Sullivan, and more By Spencer Kornhaber The 20 Best Books of 2021 The novels, nonfiction, and memoirs that stood out most The Atlantic Culture Desk The 50 Best Podcasts of 2021 The shows that kept listeners refreshing their apps this year Laura Jane Standley and Eric McQuade