In a year filled with wizards, Kardashians and real fairytale weddings, 2011 was a great year for pop culture. Here are our favorite moments.

 

Adele performs “Someone Like You” at the MTV VMAs

During an awards show known for its elaborate performances, crazy costumes and unplanned drama (ahem, Kanye West) Adele stood out this year by showing up in a simple black dress and taking the stage with only a pianist to back her up. Letting her soulful voice stand out, Adele managed to upstage the much more elaborate numbers with “Someone Like You.”

 

Kim Kardashian’s 72-day marriage

The Kardashians, pop culture’s favorite punch line, recently made even more of a mockery of themselves. After getting married in true Kardashian form (the entire ceremony was broadcast in a four-hour special), Kim Kardashian announced her divorce just weeks later. Comedians and Internet pundits everywhere rejoiced, and we all got something to joke about.

 

The Royal Wedding

In other wedding news, after eight years of dating, Prince William and Kate Middleton finally tied the knot. In a lavish ceremony broadcast all over the world, Kate appeared in a much-talked-about Alexander McQueen dress and, despite her commoner status, married a prince. The best news? The two remain happily married.

 

“Harry Potter” ends its decade-long run

After ten years of witches, wizards, sociopathic murderers and teen drama, the Harry Potter movie adaptation finally ended this summer with the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.” It was a fitting finale to the saga, with Harry and Voldemort finally facing off.

 

“Bridesmaids” becomes the top-grossing Judd Apatow film

Pre-“Bridesmaids,” many thought that women were not cut out for Judd Apatow’s brand of raw adult humor. However, Kristin Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and the other ladies of “Bridesmaids” proved any naysayers wrong with their unbridled, hilarious performances. And audiences agreed–“Bridesmaids” made more money at the box office than any other Judd Apatow film.