Ebola, police brutality, political unrest. There were plenty of things to be upset about in 2014. But the year wasn’t all death and despair. In fact, plenty of adorable, awesome, and downright uplifting things happened that could brighten anyone’s mood.
The year’s most inspiring people taught us about love, life, and the best parts of Pennsylvania county fairs (Apparently Kid, we’re looking at you). From relative unknowns who became Internet celebrities to longtime stars who reached new levels of bad ass-ness and success, these people totally won our hearts in 2014.
Have you heard about teen Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai’s fight for childhood education? Or Lupita N’yongo’s standout red carpet fashion? How about the hero cat that saved her owner from a stray dog?
If you’re not feeling warm and fuzzy after each and every one of these heartwarming stories, then you might just be incapable of happiness. Check out the amazing people on this list and get inspired by the best success stories of 2014.
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Emma Watson
Not to be outdone by her nerdy onscreen counterpart, Harry Potter star Emma Watson graduated with a degree in English literature from Brown University in May, 2014.
Later in the year, she used her role as a UN Goodwill Ambassador to give an impassioned 12-minute-speech on gender equality. Girl power!
Kristen Bell
As the voice of the adorable Princess Anna in one the most popular Disney movies ever, Frozen's Kristen Bell became a household name in 2014.
The noted sloth-lover was already awesome as the title character in Veronica Mars and as a champion of kids' rights with her anti-paparazzi campaign, but this year Bell managed to totally win us over. Those adorable Samsung commercials with hubby Dax Shepherd didn't hurt.
Michael B. Jordan
Not to be confused with that other Michael Jordan, this Mike was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for his role in the critically acclaimed Fruitvale Station. In 2014, after starring alongside Zac Efron in That Awkward Moment, it was announced that he would play the Human Torch in 2015's upcoming The Fantastic Four.
Taylor Swift
Okay okay, so a lot of people already loved Taylor Swift before 2014. But her newest (critically acclaimed) album, 1989, and a slew of awesome good deeds (singing to a young fan in the hospital or personally delivering gifts to a new mom) have solidified her place in our hearts. You go girl!
Allison Williams
Girls star Allison Williams made headlines when she was cast as Peter Pan in NBC's live staging of the classic musical. Ratings may have been less than stellar when the small screen event occurred in early December, but critics agree that Williams was a loveable, shining star.
Lupita Nyong'o
She may have stunned audiences with her brilliant performance in 12 Years a Slave, but Lupita Nyong'o really won us over with her on point red carpet fashion and gorgeous good looks.
The actress took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in January, and was later named People's Most Beautiful Women of 2014.
Amal Alamuddin
Perhaps better known now as Mrs. George Clooney, Amal is a far cry from the models and socialites our favorite salt-and-pepper actor used to date. Alamuddin is a well-respected British lawyer, activist, and author. She and Clooney married in September.
Apparently Kid
Apparently, all it takes to win the hearts and minds of millions of American is a microphone and a strong opinion. That is, as long as you're also as adorable as this guy.
When "apparently kid" visited the county fair in Pennsylvania, his family probably had no idea he'd become a world-wide phenomenon. But it's no wonder, apparently the kid's got major TV chops. He's even become a pint-sized reporter for The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Batkid
In one of the largest and most elaborate Make-a-Wish foundation projects ever, thousands of San Francisco residents and business owners came together to turn SF into Gotham City for the day.
Five-year-old cancer survivor Miles Scott became Batkid and traveled around the city with his favorite superhero (Batman, obviously) and saved it from impending doom. He received the key to the city from San Francisco mayor Ed Lee, and even President Barack Obama took part.
Alex from Target
If you ever want to make something go viral FAST, just get a ton of tween girls involved. Once the young ladies of the Internet got a hold of this photo of a hot Target employee, he became an instant celebrity. He racked up over 300,000 Twitter followers in 24 hours.