This Year in Videos – A Spotlight on the Favorites of 2010

The thing I most look forward to as 2010 winds down is not the fire-roasted chestnuts and marshmallow-topped hot chocolates with loved ones, nor the opening of the multitude of gorgeously-wrapped goodies Santa leaves under the tree—it’s the end of the year lists!

December is not only an occasion of holiday cheer, it also the time to collect and announce the year’s best of the best (or worst). While many are subjective, I absolutely love reading all of them.

Last week, YouTube released their list of the Top Ten Most Watched Videos of 2010. The compilation of video includes several internet sensations that hit the worldwide web with a bang such as Gaga-belting talent of sixth-grader Greyson Chance and Paul Vasquez’s euphoric reaction to seeing a double rainbow at Yosemite National Park.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUzLhHH7gHg

Of course topping 2010’s most watched videos is the Gregory Brothers’ R&B hit remix of Antoine Dodson’s news interview about a Lincoln Park bed intruder. In addition to inspiring one of this year’s best Halloween costumes,  the “Bed Intruder Song” earned Dodson a performance during this year’s BET Awards and enough money to move his family out of the projects.

The YouTube list reminded me of some of the year’s great moments and introduced me to some that I hadn’t previously viewed. So in the spirit of December, I am going to share five of my own favorite videos from the past twelve months.

1. 3-year-old recited poem, “Litany” by Billy Collins

This kid is amazing. I can only hope my future offspring will share a quarter of the passion this little one has for reciting and memorizing poetry. At just three years old he easily recites Billy Collin’s “Litany” all the while playing with his toys. Plus, check out his awesome lizard shirt.

2. OK Go – End Love – Official Video

The 2010 YouTube Rewind listed OK Go’s at #7 with their video for the song “This Too Shall Pass.” Although it is a great one, my favorite OK Go music video and song from this past year was “End Love,” a time lapse/stop motion work of art directed by the members of the music group along with Eric Gunther and Jeff Lieberman.

3. Bana Nah Nah Nah – The Banana Rap Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDlQm5jFL50

This may be a bit of a cheat since the video is technically from 2008, but I didn’t see it until my roommate posted it on my Facebook wall back in May. It’s sort of just a guilty pleasure and my housemates’ theme song. Sure, the animation is far from amazing, but how can you legitimately hate on a rapping banana? I sure can’t. Indulge me.

4. Landline Digital Short

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J4RhJYLAk0

The comedic geniuses behind The Lonely Island—Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer—have made a name for themselves by bringing a multitude of hilarious Digital Shorts to the Saturday Night Live line-up for the past couple of years. With the 2006 Emmy-winning sensation “Dick in a Box” starring Justin Timberlake to last year’s Grammy-nominated single “I’m On a Boat” featuring T-Pain, the satirical trio were sure to garner a few parodies of their own. Enter the “Comically Relevant” talents from Landline TV in January as they premiered their own take of the creative process of Lonely Island member Andy Samberg.

5. Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: Steve Carell

One of my favorite comedies from this year was Dinner for Schmucks starring Steve Carell and Paul Rudd. Carell sits down to discuss the movie with comedian Zach Galifianakis, who is also featured in the film, on the Funny or Die web series Between Two Ferns. Awkward hilarity ensues.

Hopefully you’ve found some of my favorite videos from this past year entertaining. Feel free to share your own choices in the comments below. Celebrate the close of a wonderful year and revisit some great moments by checking out other 2010 lists. Happy Holidays!

As a bonus, here is a little Christmas message from 2010 star Antoine Dodson:

2010 photo courtesy of jeff_golden via Flickr.