2014 was a big year! Political and racial upheaval in the Middle East and Ferguson, infamous Oscar selfies, and the Sochi Olympics were only some of the major events that occurred in 2014. It was a big year for media, as well. We’ve seen some of the best movies, books, and songs yet, and the most popular of 2014 are listed below, click on the images to find out more.

Highest Grossing Movies of 2014

“Guardians of the Galaxy” has been the Number 1 box office movie in America for two weeks. Released on Aug. 1, 2014, the Marvel comics based movie has made over $772.1 million. Vin Diesel and Chris Pratt star in the film and are a part of the superhero team that protects the universe from threats all across space.

The name says it all. A LEGO figurine sets out to conquer the world and save his LEGO friends from an evil villain, played by Will Ferrell. Emmet, the main hero, soon finds out that he is not capable of completing such a challenge, but tries his best to save the world. The movie is expected to come out on DVD on June 17, 2015 and was the Number 3 movie in America during the release month.

Katniss Everdeen, after being rescued from the Hunger Games arena, awakens to find District 12 destroyed. Everdeen now teams up with survivors from her District to overthrow President Snow. “Mockingjay Part 1” was released on Nov. 21, 2014 and has made over $275 million in the global opening.

Despite the reviews, “Captain America: Winter Soldier” was one of the top movies of 2014, Earning 85.7 million on the opening weekend. The movie also set the record for highest earning movie of April 2014. Stars Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans join forces with other superheros to adjust to a modern life. However, the team has to fight an expected enemy midway through the movie.

Being the fourth movie in the transformers saga, it did not disappoint. “Age of Extinction” made $1 billion worldwide and now is the record holder of the highest- grossing film ever to screen in China. Director Michael Bay is now a part of the movie that was the first to earn one billion dollars in 2014.

Bestselling Books of 2014

The sequel to “If I Stay”, “Where She Went” tells the story of how Mia’s life has changed since leaving Adam, her boyfriend, and how she recovered from a car accident. Author Gayle Forman explores the idea of how time apart only strengthens a young relationship. “Where She Went” is a tale about chance and hope and was a top seller for 2014.

Based on a true story, “Unbroken” was named “Los Angeles Times” nonfiction book of the year. “Unbroken” tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a promising Olympian, who was called to service during World War II. Upon his departure, Zamperini is held prisoner in a Japan prison.

John Green has been capturing the hearts of teenagers worldwide for years. “The Fault in our Stars” is no exception. Young adults fell in love with characters Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters, who fall in love after meeting at a cancer support group. Selling over 10.7 million copies, Green has remained on the “New York Times” bestseller list for 78 weeks straight.

Author Gayle Forman’s love story in “If I Stay”, is like no other. Mia Hall, a cellist, falls in love with guitar player Adam. Mia’s family is struck by an oncoming truck, and Mia is the only survivor. “If I Stay”, starring Chloe Grace Moretz, is now on DVD.

John Green once again writes a bestseller that inspires teenagers everywhere. “Paper Towns” is a story about a group of people who become good friends with a girl named Margo, and decide to go on a road trip to find her when she disappears. The release date for the movie is expected to be June 5, 2015.

Top Songs of 2014

Meghan Trainor has been living in the spotlight since her song, “All About that Bass”, first played. Trainor’s song has held the Number 1 spot for eight weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. It is difficult not to get up and dance to the catchy lyrics and smooth beat. The song is known worldwide and has been nominated for Single of the Year at the 2015 Grammy Awards.

Maroon 5’s album, “V”, is full of songs about relationships and heartbreak. “Animals” is an example of just that. With guitars and the simple chorus, it is difficult not to fall in love with the band. Adam Levine, the main singer of the band, sings about falling in love and never looking back.

Bruno Mars did it again, “Uptown Funk” is a song that is impossible not to dance to. Mars and Mark Ronson, an English DJ and producer, worked together to create a fun song that anyone would want to buy. The song allowed for Ronson to have his first UK Number 1 track.

Time’s Person of the Year Taylor Swift debuted her album “1989”; and received instant praise. Swift’s song “Blank Space” has been on the Top five singles list for iTunes for weeks and sings about being cheated on. Most can relate to the song, for Swift brings in the aspect of feeling betrayed. Moral of the story is: don’t cheat or else Swift will throw a tantrum and ruin your life forever.

“Take Me to Church” is not your typical 2014 single. Put aside the pop, country and Rock’n’Roll to find Hozier’s song. The Indie Alternative track talks about love and sin. Hozier wrote the song after his breakup with his first girlfriend. The track has been sitting on the 33 to 39 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

Compiled by Megan Brawner, Sports Editor

Junior Megan Brawner is Sports Editor for the 2014-2015 Colonel. She serves as Secretary for the Junior Class, is a lead runner on the track and cross country teams, and takes pictures for Inner Visions and Teen Ink.