Well SweetJackers, another year has come and gone. And, (gasp!) the world did not end Dec. 21. Here, we take a light-hearted look at 2012 and highlight the top musical acts, movies and people from the last 12 months. Here’s to a stellar 2013!

Blockbuster Blow-out: Biggest Flicks of the Year

Marvel’s The Avengers: The star power of super hits Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor and Captain America combine for this larger-than-life action flick. Starring big-namers Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson.

The Dark Knight Rises: Christian Bale reprises his Batman role alongside a cat-suit wearing Anne Hathaway in an action-packed, emotionally charged superhero flick.

The Hunger Games: Suzanne Collins’s popular apocalyptic young adult series made it to the big screen with Jennifer Lawrence rising as its reigning star.

The Amazing Spiderman: In its latest installment, Spidey takes a deeper look into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of his parents. Starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone.

Brave: Little girls everywhere delighted at Pixar’s updated take on the princess role with the bold, brave and fiery Princess Merida.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2: K-Stew and Rob Pattinson return to steam up the big screen with the final Twilight flick. This time, Stewart’s a smoldering vampire. See our review of it here.

Skyfall: The best Daniel Craig James Bond flick yet. Starring a demented Javier Bardem, a slew of fast-paced car chases, an updated Q and a closer look at Bond’s past. See our review of it here.

Ted: Starring a raunchy, fast-talking teddy bear, Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis…what’s not to love?

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted: The gang is still trying to find their way back to NYC, but end up in Europe and join the circus.

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax: A young boy searches for something to help capture the love of a girl. He finds the Lorax.

Dj Turn it Up, Up: Music Chart-Toppers for 2012

Justin Bieber
There’s still no cure for Bieber fever! This year, his hit single, “Boyfriend” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 list, and he snagged Artist of the Year and Favorite Male Artist at the American Music Awards.

Rihanna
2012 pushed Rihanna back into the spotlight. With five songs on the Billboard Hot 100 list; her song “Diamonds” currently listed at No. 1.; and her album Unapologetic topping 310,000 records in its first week; she’s been cranking up the momentum. Plus, GQ just named her their “Obsession of the Year.” Not too shabby.

One Direction
Do we smell a resurgence in boy bands? If this UK supergroup is any indicator, then yes we do! Huffington Post declared 2012 “The Year of One Direction”, and considering the whole-hearted enthusiasm of tweenage girls, that certainly seems like the case. Also nominated as new artist of the year at the American Music Awards, albums Take Me Home and Up All Night both went platinum in the last 12 months.

Taylor Swift
This all-American crooner released her fourth studio album, Red and sold over one million copies within the first week. Nominated for the GRAMMY for Record of the Year, she brought home Favorite Country Female Artist at the American Music Awards.

Drake
This hip-hop phenom blew through records this year, cranking out the most successful hip-hop tour of 2012 (grossing over $42 million!) and surpassing Jay-Z as the hip-hop/R&B artist with the most No. 1 songs (he has 12) ever. His sophomore effort Take Care debuted at No. 1 and sold over two million records.

Usher
He’s back and better than ever with three songs on the Billboard Hot 100 list and his album Looking 4 Myself debuting at No. 1 (and staying on the charts for 23 weeks). The hunky vocalist and Bieber mentor brought home Favorite Male Artist and was nominated for Favorite Album for Soul/R&B at the American Music Awards.

Carly Rae Jepsen
Her hit song, “Call Me Maybe” was stuck in your head for half (if not more) than 2012. Spawning various YouTube renditions of the tune (including one starring the Olympic swim team), “Call Me Maybe” gained 1.8 million people in cumulative audience, was named Billboard’s “Song of Summer” and was nominated for Song of the Year. Contrary to popular belief, Jepson isn’t a one-hit wonder. She actually had two songs on the Billboard Hot 100 list this year—the other being “Good Time” with Owl City.

fun.
What a year for fun.! Nominated for six GRAMMYs, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist, their anthems, “We Are Young” and “Some Nights” are undoubtedly being shouted at high school graduations everywhere. The album Some Nights is expected to reach platinum by the end of the year.

Goyte
“Somebody That I Used To Know”’s catchy loop has earned it a place on the Billboard Hot 100 list for 50 weeks in a row. The Aussie’s ballad has also been nominated for three GRAMMY awards and two American Music Awards.

Frank Ocean
This enigmatic songbird’s rising star soared high in the last year, with six GRAMMY nominations, and hit “Thinkin’ About You” on the Billboard Hot 100 list for 21 weeks.

People of 2012: The biggest names in pop culture

Jef Holm
This twinkly eyed loverboy stole the hearts of Emily Maynard, her daughter Ricki and just about every girl in America with his romantic, gentle demeanor and fun-loving role on The Bachelorette.

Rihanna
From her tell-all interview with Oprah to her Vicky’s Secret show-stopping performance, this hard-bodied rasta-pop singer proved one thing in 2012–don’t mess with bad gal Riri.

One Direction
“Directioners” across the globe went into teenage-hormone-induced psychosis when these guys stepped on the scene. Move over, Biebs.

Lance Armstrong
After countless allegations and even a federal inquiry, Armstrong got caught doping–a disappointment for fans and cycling enthusiasts around the world.

Kate Middleton
After 2011’s royal wedding, Middleton’s become a constant presence in the media with her fashion-forward style and winning smile. Now, she’s England’s most cherished mum to be, and is expecting her first child in early 2013.

E.L. James
Whether you’re a fan of the 50 Shades trilogy or not is beside the point—this self-made author just experienced the most successful year of her life.

Adele
Racking up six GRAMMY awards last Feb., this crooning queen’s so endearing, America didn’t mind when she had “a bit of snot” on stage.

Whitney Houston
Early 2012 brought the loss of one of the greatest singers of all time. We’ll always love you, too, Whit.

Ryan Lochte
This hunky Olympic swim champ became a poster boy for the London games—and a heartthrob for countless female fans.

Honey Boo Boo
An instant TV phenomenon, America couldn’t quit watching this loud-mouthed, Go-Go-juicing, pint-sized pageant princess who stole our attention… and our hearts.

For more of the year’s most famous faces, check out Time’s 100 Most Influential People of the Year.