We’re starting off this end-of-year list with a bit of music. I only know Taylor Swift through the media and don’t know her songs — it’s just not my style. That said, this Vancouver finale of the Eras Tour is an undeniable spectacle, featuring 45 songs, a new “Female Rage” segment and special medleys, marking the end of her record-breaking global tour at BC Place Stadium. It has all the bells and whistles, though I’d personally prefer fewer theatrics and cheaper tickets. If you’re a fan — and there seem to be quite a few of you — you’ll likely love it. One thing that puzzled me was the backup ensemble dressed entirely in black while Taylor sparkled and flashed centre stage.

I was a little sceptical about this biopic — Bob Dylan is a complex character — but this story focuses on the years before he became too complicated. Set in the early 1960s New York music scene, it charts Dylan’s meteoric rise from a 19-year-old Minnesota musician to international sensation. It took me straight back to my youth and sent me digging out old Dylan albums again. I was perfectly happy with an “electric” Bob, though others were horrified. Timothy Chalamet does fine work portraying this much-loved musician.

Jeff Bridges won the Oscar for Best Actor for this role as Bad Blake, and it’s one of his finest performances. Blake is a broken-down country singer with too many marriages, too many years on the road and one too many drinks. Yet he still reaches for salvation with the help of Jean, a journalist who sees the man behind the musician. Bridges and Colin Farrell do their own singing, and the film — based on Thomas Cobb’s novel — features an excellent soundtrack.

I began as a Beach Boys fan, but my allegiance soon shifted with the arrival of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. This documentary reveals aspects of the band I hadn’t been aware of and celebrates their revolutionary contribution to pop music. It’s a nostalgic trip back to youth, sun, surf and sand — including our own California Dreamin’ moments on the NSW coast.

Let’s do the Time Warp again. Despite the title, there’s nothing particularly horrific here. Originally poorly received, the film has become one of the most enduring cult classics of all time. Brad and Janet seek shelter in the strange world of Dr Frank-N-Furter, and all sense of normality dissolves. A family favourite in our house — my first encounter was at midnight screenings in Johannesburg, heavily censored and viewed from the front row. Don’t dream it. Be it.

Musicals aren’t always at the top of my list, but if you need a lift on New Year’s Eve, this is a tonic. Gene Kelly directs a joyous production led by Barbra Streisand, whose voice alone justifies the watch. Lavish sets, costumes and a terrific ensemble support a classic score. “Hello, Dolly!” performed by Streisand and Louis Armstrong is a standout highlight.

This documentary explores nine decades of Abbey Road Studios, the most famous recording studio in the world. Mary McCartney interviews her father Paul and many others whose lives crossed those studios. It’s not perfect, but as someone whose teenage years were changed forever by the Beatles, it was a warmly nostalgic journey. We could do with a bit of that 60s magic again.

Bruce Springsteen reflects on his career, his music and the enduring bond with his audience, while also addressing personal health challenges faced by himself and Patti Scialfa. It’s generous, reflective and deeply rooted in the joy of performance. I enjoyed this immensely — and it brought back memories of my own New Jersey sojourn. Favourite Bruce track? The River.

Robin Williams delivers one of his most enduring performances as inspirational teacher John Keating. “Carpe diem” and “O Captain, my Captain” entered the cultural lexicon for good reason. Set at an elite boys’ school, the story follows students encouraged to challenge conformity and think for themselves. Peter Weir directs Tom Schulman’s Oscar-winning screenplay, and several young actors here went on to distinguished careers.

Watching this film feels like going on holiday with old friends. John Madden assembles a stellar cast for Ol Parker’s adaptation of Deborah Moggach’s novel. A group of British retirees relocate to India expecting luxury, but find something far more meaningful. Warm, charming and thoroughly pleasurable viewing.