Culturally, 2016, (similar to every other year of modern history) has been nothing but a 365 day expanse filled with wretched movie premieres, a fresh set of boosie pop culture trends and an offering of only fairly weak new music. However, my seasoned sense of all things culture has allowed me to scrounge up the few redeeming releases of the year. A sophistication as great as my own is not easily achieved, but the best of 2016 guide I have prepared for my uncultured peers may perhaps be the first step to a taste as refined as yours truly.

Movies

“Zoolander 2,” “Ride Along 2,” “Independence Day: Resurgence.” A year of legendary sequels to say the least. With gods of the silver screen: Ben Stiller, Kevin Hart, Ice Cube and Liam Hemsworth, how could anyone of these films have turned out as anything less than Oscar worthy? Although all of these movies earned themselves fairly horrible reviews, each holding a respectable position on Business Insider’s list of the “25 worst movies of 2016,” I believe them to be … misunderstood. Directed, produced and performed by visionaries with ideas that are simply ahead of their time.

Pop Culture

Reality television is, in my educated opinion, the most relevant aspect of pop culture. The Kardashians, “The Royal family of the U.S.A.,” are my greatest inspiration in every facet of life. Style, class, reputation, beauty. They got it all, I want it all. The hard work each one of them has had to put in to achieve what they are today is, in a word; admirable.They are truly living the American dream.  And I have to say the struggles they have faced this year, from the robbery of Kim to the mental breakdown of Kanye, have been nearly unbearable to my highly sensitive psyche. I feel a connection with this family that is arguably deeper than that which I have with my own “real life” family.

Do not forget, the new president of this great country is an ex-reality star. How could the powerful influence of reality television be better represented than with the fact that our country’s newly elected executive leader has his roots in its art form.

Music

In the realm of music, I owe all that I am to Shawn Mendes. The saving grace of this generation’s ever struggling music industry. Although discovered on Vine, the steamy 18-year-old singer/songwriter did not earn the recognition he deserved until the 2015 release of his hit “Stitches.” A bop for the books. But 2015 was just the beginning for the baby faced Canadian and 2016 ushered in the release of his sophomore album, “Illuminate” featuring the best selling single “Treat You Better,” a terribly insightful song, relatable to angsty teen hearts worldwide.

The concept of 2017 being better than this last year is nearly inconceivable considering the already monstrous cultural developments made in 2016. However, whispers of  a Pentatonix world tour, the summer release of new installments in both the “Transformers” and “Fast and Furious” series and the birth of new found solo artist Camila Cabello (now ex-Fifth Harmony member), have given me a reason to go on living, even with the closure of such a beloved, unforgettable year.