Happy New Year! The end of the semester and the end of the year gave me the opportunity to delve into new music and new movies. I am an avid Spotify user and my Netflix never has a day without use. I’ve had a lot of time to go down and listen to some wonderful new music and open up some of the music people keep recommending to me. The things that are on this list may not be new, but they’re some discoveries that I have found and loved this month. Here are some movies and music that I have discovered in December 2017 that I absolutely love!

1. Movie: Rebel in The Rye — Nicholas Hoult, Sarah Paulson, Kevin Spacey, Zoey Deutch

J.D Salinger was always one of my favorite writers and this film delves deep into the life and career of the famously reclusive writer. I’ve been hoping to see this movie since its release in September of last year. This bio-pic doesn’t water itself down with cold hard facts, it keeps an interesting story about the subject of J.D Salinger. Hoult brings all that he has into the role of the enigmatic writer and it is an amazing movie overall.

2. Music: I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME — Dallon Weekes, Ryan Seaman

Earlier in December, Panic! At the Disco’s touring bassist, Dallon Weekes, announced his departure from the band after nearly a decade. After a moment of overwhelming sadness, I looked into his next musical project and I immediately fell in love. It’s a weird '70s/'80s pop vibe that can get you dancing in the middle of public. With only two songs out on their YouTube channel they are both worthy of spots in your next playlist.

3. Movie: The Greatest Showman — Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zendaya, Zac Efron

I finally got to sit in a theater and watch this musical with my mother just yesterday, and the wait was worth it. From the composers that brought you "La La Land," The music and story is wonderful at showcasing the life of P.T Barnum, portrayed by Jackman. It’s in theaters now and I believe it’s worth a trip to your local movie theater.

4. Music: After Laughter by Paramore — Hayley Williams, Taylor York, Zac Farro

While this album came out in May of last year, this album still has me dancing all the way into the new year. Aside from the criticism of the band departing from their pop-punk routes, this album has songs that you can dance around to and cry about all at the same time. It’s one of my favorite albums that came out last year and it’s working its way to being my favorite album ever.

5. Music: Hesitant Alien by Gerard Way

An album from 4 years ago, this also goes along with the other music on this list. Shortly after the breakup of My Chemical Romance; Gerard Way quickly announced the beginning of his solo career, with Hesitant Alien being the debut solo album. Soon after its release, I’ve fallen in love with the album and have been consistently listening to it since. The former lead singer of MCR has weaved his way into my top songs of 2017 with this album.