After a crazy year, 2016 has officially come to an end. One of my favorite parts of a new year is having new pop culture to look forward to: TV, movies, books, music, and more. This year, there are a number of media to check out throughout the year, and I can’t wait to experience them. Here are 10 of my most anticipated pop culture releases of 2017!

1. Hidden Figures

Release Date: January 7th

Based on a true story, "Hidden Figures" follows three black women who were vital to launching the first American into space. History is filled with women who made brilliant contributions that are still unrecognized, and it's always inspiring and gratifying to see these stories being told. The fact that the film follows three women of color excelling at math and science only makes "Hidden Figures" more exciting.

2. A Series of Unfortunate Events

Release Date: January 13th (Netflix)

A staple in many childhoods, "A Series of Unfortunate Events" follows the Baudelaire orphans (Violet, Klaus, and Sunny), as they attempt to outwit and escape their evil new guardian (Count Olaf). I can't wait to get back into the dark, funny, and clever world of Lemony Snicket, and I hope that Netflix does the series justice. Also, the show is being released on Friday the 13th, and Neil Patrick Harris playing the villain? I'm in.

3. Beauty and the Beast

Release Date: March 17th

After a year full of largely hit or miss revivals and reboots, it's easy to be cautious about a live-action remake of one of Disney's most beloved films. However, there's something special about seeing iconic scenes from "Beauty and the Beast" translated from animation to reality. I'm excited to relive my childhood through a movie that hopefully lives up to and fulfills the original.

4. The Handmaid's Tale

Release Date: April 26th (Hulu)

Set in a dystopian future where women's bodies are owned and controlled for reproductive purposes, "The Handmaid's Tale" is unsettlingly timely in our current society. When I read the book by Margaret Atwood in December, I was struck by just how relevant many passages felt, not only in regards to women's issues, but in regards to our current social and political climate as a whole. Led by actresses such as Elizabeth Moss ("Mad Men") and Samira Wiley ("Orange is the New Black"), "The Handmaid's Tale" has great potential for communicating messages which many of us need right now.

5. The Circle

Release Date: April 28th

"The Circle" is set in the near future, at an Apple-like company that proposes constant surveillance in an effort to deplete crime and secrecy. Based on the book by Dave Eggers, the source material does an excellent job of examining relevant technological issues without appearing pretentious or condescending. The plot is chilling and exciting, and some scenes make you wonder if some of these issues might be possible only a little bit down the road. The film stars Emma Watson, John Boyega ("Star Wars"), and Tom Hanks.

6. Wonder Woman

Release Date: June 2nd

Superhero movies have been a major component in pop culture for decades, but this summer's "Wonder Woman" is the first major film in recent pop culture to feature a female protagonist. The movie explores the origins of iconic superhero Wonder Woman (a.k.a. Diana Prince). Although D.C.'s most recent films have had rocky receptions, Wonder Woman was a scene-stealer in "Batman vs. Superman," and it's exciting to finally have a mainstream female superhero-led story who young women can look up to.

7. Star Wars Episode VIII

You would be hard pressed to find a list of 2017 pop culture releases that doesn't include this. After proving that they can craft a successful stand-alone with December's "Rogue One", the franchise is returning to its episodic trilogy format with Episode 8.

In the sequel to "The Force Awakens", we can look forward to being reunited with new heroes like Rey, Finn, and Poe, as well as old favorites (Luke and Leia, whose appearance will undoubtedly be emotional after Carrie Fisher's death).

There are answers to look forward to in the new episode as well: who are Rey's parents? What else is behind Kylo Ren's fall to the dark side? Are BB-8 and R2D2 tight? Whatever happens, "Star Wars: Episode VIII" is shaping up to be one of the biggest pop culture events of the year.

8. American Gods

How would mythology be affected by modern American culture and values? A sort of adult version of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson," the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel will explore that question and many others. Starring "The 100" alum Ricky Whittle, the new show looks at how old gods, spiritual figures, and current societal values (one new goddess, Media, is based around our culture's obsession with their screens and technology) find their place in 21st century America.

With cultural values and notions of humanity and belief changing, "American Gods" offers the promise of an interesting story and reflection of modern times.

9. Annihilation

Release Date: 2017

The newest film from "Ex Machina" director, Alex Garland, follows a female team of scientists as they enter Area X, a secluded zone where the laws of nature often don't apply. The team finds that there are hidden dangers and secrets in the area and among themselves, and the main character works to find out what is happening before it's too late.

"Annihilation" features a diverse, exciting cast including Natalie Portman, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, and Oscar Isaac. I don't know of hardly any female-led sci-fi films that also feature women in science. The story is interesting, the cast is talented, and I can't wait to learn more!

10. Lorde's New Music

Release Date: 2017

It's been almost four years since Lorde took the music world by storm with her single, "Royals," and debut album. After a relatively lengthy hiatus, Lorde celebrated her 20th birthday in November with the promise of new music in 2017. "The big day is not tomorrow, or even next month realistically, but soon," she said in a Facebook post. "The party is about to start. I am about to show you a new world."

As someone who is a huge fan of Lorde's music, I can't wait to see how she's grown since her debut, and what she has in store for this year.

Happy New Year! What are some of your most anticipated releases?