Key Takeaways:
- Top Film Picks: Bestselling author Rebecca Yarros named Superman her favorite movie of the year, praising its uplifting message of kindness.
- Must-Read Books: Her reading list included John Green’s Everything Is Tuberculosis, Kamala Harris’s election memoir 107 Days, and Ali Hazelwood’s Problematic Summer Romance.
- Streaming Favorites: On television, Yarros was captivated by the phenomenal storytelling in We Were Liars and the powerful acting in Adolescence.
- Quitting TikTok: The author revealed she quit TikTok, citing the platform’s negativity and how “the algorithm dines on hot takes and vitriol.”
Rebecca Yarros, the undisputed champion of the “romantasy” genre, has had a landmark year. Following the massive success of Iron Flame, her latest novel, Onyx Storm, became the fastest-selling adult novel in two decades, cementing her status as a publishing powerhouse.
Now, as part of Vulture’s “Culturati 50,” Yarros is giving readers a peek into the media that captivated her this year, from superhero blockbusters to riveting political memoirs.
A Superhero Movie with a Message
When it came to the big screen, Yarros’s top pick was Superman, a film she described as “an uplifting reminder that kindness is punk during a time when our nation needs it most.” As a mother to teenage boys, she noted that the movie’s great messaging resonated with her whole family.
She also praised the genre-bending thriller Sinners, which she said “had me hooked from the beginning,” highlighting its incredible acting and cinematography.
From Political Memoirs to Beach Reads
Yarros’s reading list was just as varied as her pop culture palate. She named Kamala Harris’s 107 Days an “eye-opening look at the 2024 election that kept me riveted.” Also on her list was John Green’s “absolutely fascinating” book, Everything Is Tuberculosis.
For a lighter read, Yarros recommended Ali Hazelwood’s Problematic Summer Romance, calling it a “perfect beach read” that had her rooting for the characters.
Must-Watch TV and Nostalgic Music
On the small screen, Yarros was hooked by the “phenomenal storytelling with a heartbreaking twist” in We Were Liars. She was also deeply impressed by the series Adolescence, giving special praise to young actor Owen Cooper for his “astounding talent.”
Music plays a key role in her writing process, and this year’s soundtrack included Sombr’s “I Barely Know Her” and Hayley Williams’s “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.” A major concert highlight was seeing the Oasis reunion show in Cardiff, an experience she called “a momentous, unexpected gift.”
Why She Stepped Away From TikTok
In the rapid-fire section of the interview, Yarros revealed she quit one major social media app this year: TikTok. Explaining her decision, she cited the pervasive negativity on the platform.
“We’ve monetized hatred like never before,” she stated, “and the algorithm dines on hot takes and vitriol.”
Her insights offer a glimpse into the cultural landscape that inspires one of today’s most influential storytellers, whose own work continues to shape the world of modern fiction.
Image Referance: https://www.vulture.com/article/culturati-50-2025-rebecca-yarros-interview-questionnaire.html