I Watched Dozens of Essays in April 2025 and These 10 Hit the Hardest

I watch a ridiculous amount of video essays so you don’t have to. Each month, I pull together the ones that actually made me pause, think, or want to share. Here are the 10 that stood out in April 2025 — worth your time, trust me.

1. Why is Marvel so Gray? (It Wasn't Always) (23 min)

This one made me pause. On the surface it’s about washed-out Marvel movies, but underneath it’s really about how creativity gets dulled when you over-optimize. Marvel stopped chasing wonder and started chasing workflow. And eventually, that shows. It reminded me how easy it is to let systems flatten your style if you’re not paying attention. Creative drift is real.

Video essay by: Pin Pop Productions

2. You're Witnessing The Death Of American Consumerism (11 min)

This one really made me think. Transformations in shopping behaviors represent only the surface of an underlying shift in our fundamental values. Traditional consumerism is declining due to reasons that extend beyond mere economic influences according to the video analysis. The unfolding cultural evolution is fascinating to examine through such clear analysis.

Video essay by: Fads

3. Design Philosophy of the Nintendo Switch 2 (it’s very Japanese)(9 min)

Loved this look into Nintendo’s subtle genius. This video essay isn’t just about hardware—it’s about the culture embedded in every design choice. The Switch 2 feels uniquely Japanese because it prioritizes quiet efficiency and thoughtful minimalism. A solid reminder that when you design with clear cultural intention, it resonates deeper.

Video essay by: The Shuckmeister

4. Elite Athletes See a Different World - A Visual & "Quiet" Analysis (20 min)

It's not just about sports; it's about perception. The video breaks down how elite athletes process the world differently, and it's fascinating to see how their heightened awareness translates into performance. It reminded me that sometimes, seeing the world differently is what sets the greats apart.

Video essay by: Michael MacKelvie

5. Why The Dark Knight is Still the BEST Comic Book Movie of All Time (44 min)

The film not only exists on its own but also transformed how we understand its genre. The video essay examines how The Dark Knight established new storytelling norms for comic book movies while demonstrating the film's lasting impact. The work demonstrated how one piece of art has the power to transform the entire field.

Video essay by: FilmSpeak

6. How Trying Became Cool Again (10 min)

I gotta say, this one caught me off guard. Effort turned into the latest flex! This video essay traces how we went from mocking hustle culture to wearing burnout like a badge of honor, and it made me wonder if we’re celebrating genuine hustle or just buying into a trend. It’s a solid reminder that real progress isn’t about the optics; it’s about what actually moves the needle.

Video essay by: Nathan Zed

7. The Importance of Ending Stories (49 min)

Endings matter more than we think. This one walks through why sticking the landing is so hard and why it’s everything. Whether it’s a film, a show, or even a phase of your life, the final note reframes the whole thing. It left me thinking about how often we drift into the next thing without giving proper weight to the close. A quiet but powerful essay.

Video essay by: Friendly Space Ninja

8. The Epidemic of Escapism (35 min)

Escapism isn’t new. But the way we’re leaning on it now feels different. This essay digs into how entertainment has quietly shifted from occasional relief to emotional survival tool. It’s not judging that, just unpacking it. Left me asking where the line is between healthy distraction and hiding from your life entirely. Thoughtful and quietly urgent.

Video essay by: Nicky Reardon

9. Why Unfinished Games Are Everywhere (18 min)

This one gets under the surface of what’s really going on in the game industry. It’s not just laziness or bad management. It’s structural. Tight deadlines, hype cycles, and early access culture have rewired how studios build and release games. Makes you wonder if “finished” even means anything anymore. A sharp look at a system that keeps rewarding the incomplete.

Video essay by: DX

10. The Mystery of the Ice Mummy (12 min)

There’s something haunting about this one. Not in a horror sense, more in how it frames time. It’s less about the mummy and more about what survival looks like across centuries. Fern doesn’t just narrate the facts. They build a mood. One that makes you feel the weight of being remembered versus being preserved. It’s quiet, eerie, and beautifully done.

Video essay by: Fern