Not a Book Bingo 2025 Card | r/Fantasy Bingo 2025

Not a Book Bingo 2025 Card | r/Fantasy Bingo 2025 | Ronit J

Not a Book Bingo 2025 Card – my submission for r/Fantasy’s Bingo 2025.

In 2025, r/Fantasy decided to include a square called “Not a Book”. The idea was encourage Redditors to experience SFF in a format other than books. You could watch a movie, a season of TV, play a video game, or do something entirely different. Since I watch so many films and shows every year, I didn’t want to just pick one.

Almost immediately after I saw the “Not a Book” square, the idea struck me to use the regular Bingo Card template, but for films. I decided to slowly build my way through. In case I failed in my challenge, I would still have plenty of options for the square. But if I succeeded, that’d be quite an epic achievement. About 10.5 months later, I’m done with my card! With alternatives to some of these squares in case something doesn’t work out.

I did make some minor adjustments to the squares to accommodate the change in format. I’ve tried to stay as true to the original square as possible, with some very minor leeways here and there.

Lastly, I didn’t just want this to be films, but a mix of films, shows, and games. That is exactly what I ended up achieving. So, before I start listing out my mini-reviews, here’s what my “Not a Book” card looks like:

Now for the mini reviews:

Knights and Paladins: Fallout Season 2 – ★★★1/2

Maximus being a knight of the Brotherhood of the Steel, I thought this’d be a good title to include for this square. I was honestly quite pumped for Season 2, because I really loved season 1. Despite some interesting developments, there were several dull plot points that diminished my overall enjoyment. And no, I haven’t played the games. So, I don’t have the disappointment that fans of the video games felt. Yet, I felt disappointed. Not bad, but not as good as Season 1.

Note: the alternate for this was A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, but the last episode isn’t out yet.

Hidden Gem: Crayon Shin-chan Spin-Off (4 volumes) – ★★★

With only 134 ratings on IMDb, the only other alternative I found for this square was a short film. I didn’t want to add a separate square for a single short when there’s already a square for 5. So, I ended up watching Shin-chan mostly for the square, but partly also for comfort. And honestly, I ended up having a good time. I’m assuming it’s mostly my nostalgia for Shin-chan. To see this kid go about his shenanigans, but this time in absurd settings like an alien spaceship, was quite comforting and entertaining. Not the best thing I’ve watched, but I personally really enjoyed it.

Published Released in the 80s: Bad Taste (1987) – ★★★1/2

For those of you who don’t know, before he made the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Peter Jackson made this absurd, low-budget action-horror-black comedy film that’s just insanely creative. It’s pretty crass and it reminded me of The Evil Dead. I know this film isn’t for everyone, but it was good enough for the Tolkien Estate to give Peter Jackson the rights to make the LOTR films. As a filmmaker myself, I found Bad Taste quite inspiring, and I genuinely believe all aspiring filmmakers should give this one a watch.

High Fashion: Last Night in Soho (2021) – ★★★1/2

I love Edgar Wright’s work, but I found this one a tad disappointing. As a regular mystery-thriller with fantastical elements, this was quite a watch. However, as an Edgar Wright film, this one left a lot to be desired. I loved the flashback/dream sequences, and appreciated many of Wright’s wacky aesthetic choices. Yet, the film felt more generic than one would expect from this filmmaker.

Down With the System: Common Side Effects Season 1 – ★★★★

An animated show featuring a magical blue mushroom that can cure pretty much everything? Big Pharma doing everything in its power to suppress it? Co-created by Joe Bennett (Scavenger’s Reign) and Mike Judge serving as EP, I had high (pun intended) hopes for this one. And I really enjoyed this show start to finish. There were some dull moments, and the ending left something to be desired. Yet, I would recommend this show for its insane visuals, style and interesting plot. Can’t wait for season 2.

Impossible Places: Superman (2025) – ★★★1/2

After all the recent MCU disappointments, it was quite refreshing to see a superhero film that really understand what makes the genre so fun and entertaining. Plus all the not-so-subtle commentary was an icing on the cake. Certainly not Gunn’s best film, nor would I add this to my list of best superhero films. Yet, it was really entertaining, and scratched that superhero itch perfectly.

A Book Film in Parts: Predator: Killer of Killers (2025) – ★★★1/2

I’m loving whatever Dan Trachtenberg is doing with the Predator franchise. I had no idea this film was being produced. It just randomly appeared on my feed, and I was looking for a mindless entertainer to watch that weekend. From the animation, to the storytelling, everything worked wonders in this film. It doesn’t break the mould, and yet feels fresh and entertaining. Of the three parts, I loved the first one with the viking raid the best. However, I do appreciate the creativity of the other two parts as well. I also loved how the three parts tied in with the climax and finale.

Gods and Pantheons: God of War (2016) – ★★★★

I played a majority of this game after April 1st, so this one definitely counts. I started playing God of War in 2023, but life got in the way and had to stop even before completing “Path to the Mountain”. Also, I was busy playing Elden Ring and other games. Anyway, what I loved most about God of War (2016) was the way the game treats Kratos. His relationship with Atreus felt more personal and better developed than the earlier games (whatever I remember of those). From the visuals to the storytelling, to just the overall emotional experience of starting with collecting wood for a pyre to spreading Kratos’ wife’s ashes, this was quite an epic journey.

Last in a Series: Stranger Things Season 5 – ★★★

I don’t know what to say about this show. The first two seasons were epic. The third was good. The fourth was good, but dull. The fifth was such a mixed bag. In theory, almost every character arc ends perfectly, but the season also felt so damn generic. Almost as if the writers used ChatGPT prompts to wrap up their arcs. It wasn’t nearly as bad as GoT season 8, but the drastic dip in quality was more than apparent. I rated it 3 stars because I didn’t hate the whole season. The show did have its positives. However, it’s ultimately a product of the ‘second-screen-friendly’ Netflix content phenomenon. Also, the show seemed to have forgotten what made the earlier seasons so unique and interesting. This finale was bound to be underwhelming.

Book Club or Readalong Book “Adaptation”: Frankenstein (2025) – ★★★1/2

Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic was one of my most anticipated releases of 2025. I genuinely believe that Pan’s Labyrinth is one of the best fantasy films ever made, and I wanted to see a more loyal adaptation of Shelley’s work. As much as I loved the art direction and character development, the overall aesthetics felt a little too glossy. The end especially felt oversimplified. Almost as if Netflix demanded these aesthetic changes and del Toro obliged. Still a pretty good adaptation, especially when you compare it to the stupid monster flicks that Hollywood made that I see as an insult Mary Shelley’s masterpiece.

Parent Protagonist: Weapons (2025) – ★★★★

I really enjoyed Barbarian. So, when people started hyping up Weapons, and I saw that Zach Cregger was directing, I knew I had to watch it. While the story itself is simple and straightforward, the way the narrative unfolds made this a much more engaging watch. Plus, the more I reflect upon what Weapons could actually mean, the more I realise how relevant this film is to our current times. Despite a few small complaints, I’d call this a must watch.

Epistolary: Murderbot Season 1 – ★★★★

I was sceptical about counting this title. However, the entirety of the season does have Murderbot narrating in an audio-diary format. Plus, VO in the entire finale/denouement sequence is a direct letter to Dr Mensah. So, I decided to count it. While it’s a little different from the novellas, I absolutely enjoyed watching this version of Murderbot. Plus, Martha Wells was involved in the making, so if she approves, who am I to question the changes? It’s not perfect, but it was a delightfully comfy watch, especially as a Murderbot fan.

Published Released in the 2025: Mickey 17 (2025) – ★★★★

I haven’t read the book, Mickey 7, so I can’t comment about the changes and original story. However, I will say this: I love Bong Joon Ho. I fell in love with his work when I watched Memories of Murder a long time ago, and have been following his work ever since. His vision for this sci-fi black comedy was quite stellar, if you ask me. I especially loved Mark Ruffalo’s and Toni Collette’s performances. I enjoyed every minute of Mickey 17, and it almost made me want to read the book. If you’ve read the book and watched the movie, let me know which you found better. I’m genuinely curious.

Author Filmmaker of Color: Sinners (2025) – ★★★★1/2

One of the best films of last year, Sinners deserves every bit of credit and acclaim it gets. That one musical sequence that transcends time is one of the finest cinematic masterpieces I’ve seen in a very long time from a mainstream movie. I went in expecting a lot, and the film still managed to surpass all the hype. Honestly, if I have to rank the 25 titles in this card, Sinners is tied for first place with another title that I’ll mention shortly. However, if I have to pick, I’d pick that other one over Sinners.

Small Press or Self Published Indie Film: Good Boy (2025) – ★★★1/2

I’m a dog parent. So, this film was an extra special watch for me. I could easily imagine my own dog in all these situations, and the reactions that Indy gives were so damn accurate. Props to the filmmakers for being patient and creative enough to make this film. As a horror film, it’s meh. But as an indie film told entirely from the dog’s perspective, it’s a masterpiece. Also, the ending and how that reinterprets the film actually makes it quite a bittersweet watch.

Biopunk: Black Mirror Season 7 – ★★★1/2

Black Mirror is way past its prime, if you ask me. Especially since Netflix acquired it. However, it still has a gem or two every season, and makes for a decent weekend binge. Season 7 was no exception. Some hits, some misses, but overall a nice familiar watch. The “Common People” episode was by far my favourite of the lot. Even the “USS Callister: Into Infinity” episode was decent, but I felt it was a tad unnecessary.

Elves and/or Dwarves: Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (2023) – ★★★1/2

I did not expect this film to be this damn fun. I expected DnD to be just another cheap cash-grab trying to capitalise on a popular franchise. What I saw, instead, was a genuinely heartwarming film with good interpersonal relationships, character moments, humour, creative visuals, and most important, a damn entertaining story. I’ve never played DnD, but I used to watch the animated show. Watching this film really feels like a bunch of people figuring out a campaign along the way, and makes me want to play DnD so bad.

LGBTQIA Protagonist: Pluribus Season 1 – ★★★★1/2

You probably would expect this to be my other ‘number 1’, but it’s not. I loved Gilligan’s vision for a pleasant dystopia where a hive-mind alien microorganism integrates all but 12 human beings. It’s exactly the kind of profound sci-fi series you’d expect from the makers of Breaking Bad & Better Call Sall. Rhea Seehorn & Carlos-Manuel Vesga’s performances were outstanding. And yes, I know some folks complain about how slow it is, but that’s part of the charm of this show. the slow, meditative visuals are an aesthetic choice that worked in favour of the show. Plus, that ending really makes me crave season 2 so bad.

Five SFF Short Stories: Love, Death + Robots Season 4 – ★★★

More misses than hits, Love, Death + Robots was an average binge for me. I didn’t have high expectations, and yet it disappointed me in more than half the shorts. That first short, which was essentially a music video, felt so pointless, especially for someone who isn’t a RHCP fan. The two shorts I really liked were both adaptations of John Scalzi’s shorts. I guess that’s my sign to finally pick up a Scalzi book.

Stranger in a Strange Land: Takopi’s Original Sin – ★★★★1/2

This right here is my number one pick out of the 25 titles on this card. It’s tied with Sinners for first place, but is a smidge above in my opinion. Takopi’s Original Sin broke me in ways that even Bojack Horseman and Grave of the Fireflies didn’t. The 6 episode anime features Takopi, a ‘Happian’, who comes to earth to spread happiness. However, Takopi fails to make Shizuka happy. Why? Watch the anime—if you have the stomach for it—and you’ll know why. It was gut-wrenchingly, soul-crushingly heartbreaking. Don’t let the whimsical art style fool you, this one is—as I mentioned in my original review—a real patchwork quilt of pathos.

Recycle a Bingo Square (Multi POV): Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) – ★★★1/2

I got this one for a massive discount during the End of Year sale, and in less than a month, I finished the story mode, as well as performed all fatalities. How do I rate this one, honestly? The over-the-top, sometimes comedic violence was exactly as fun and therapeutic as expected. The story was okay, and the gameplay nothing special. But overall, a fun experience. I still play the Towers once in a while.

Cozy SFF: My Neighbor Totoro (1988) – ★★★★

The only rewatch on this card, I watched My Neighbor Totoro just a day after I moved apartments. This was the perfect watch for the headspace I was in, and I still enjoyed it as much as I did the first time I watched it. A beautifully comforting film with all of Hayao Miyazaki’s trademark Ghibli style.

Generic Title: Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025) – ★★★1/2

I enjoyed this film way more than I expected to. I remember watching the last part in the theatres a long time ago, and it was dumb fun. Final Destination: Bloodlines was also dumb fun, but with a little better storytelling and heart. The fact that this one’s the best rated title in the franchise is a testament to the better writing, I believe. Not much to say, except that it’s a must watch for fans. Also, fairly stand-alone, so a decent entry point, if you want to skip the earlier titles.

Not a Book Fiction Film: Indie Author (2026) – ★★★1/2

I wasn’t sure what I’d watch/play for this square. However, when I saw that this documentary was released on YouTube for free, and that it featured some of my favourite indie fantasy authors, I thought it’d make for the perfect watch for a square like this. It’s not a fiction story like others, and yet it features enough of SFF to count for r/Fantasy’s bingo (at least in my opinion). It’s not a documentary for everyone, though. If you’re interested in indie or self publishing, definitely give it a shot.

Pirates: One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island (2005) – ★★★★

I watched the first five One Piece movies all the way back in 2022. I watched the remaining in 2025. While I can review either one of those, I chose to review the one that I personally found to be the best of the 15. Baron Omatsuri & the Secret Island felt like the closest thing to canon One Piece. The story had so much heart, and the visuals were among the best of all the films. Of course, the films don’t come close to the brilliance of the original manga/anime. Yet, Baron Omatsuri almost achieved that feat.

That’s it. What do you think of my “Not a Book” Bingo card? I know I overdid it a little. However, I had a lot of fun watching all those films & shows, and playing those two games. Thank you r/Fantasy for being a constant presence in my life, regularly giving this lurker ample recommendations and interesting discussions to peruse through in my free time. I’m almost done with the Book Bingo card as well, which I’ll post about soon.

If you have any recommendations based on the titles I’ve included here, feel free to drop them in the comments below. Thank you for anyone who read the whole thing. Wishing you all happy reading and happy watching!

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Until next time!

ronitjauthor

February 18, 2026

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Fantasy bingo, Reviews, Ronit J

Ronit J