Sometimes, you see a photograph which summons a whole storm of emotions inside. Often this is down to a perfectly chosen angle or a shot taken at just the right moment. Sometimes, it’s a shot of a stunning landscape or an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. But in other cases, it can be something as simple as the chronicling of our everyday lives from all around the world.

Here, we’ve gathered together 20 of the most brilliant photographs we’ve seen this year. Some are amusing, some exciting, and others simply wonderful.

Some very ’attentive’ judges at the European Games in Baku

A woman quietly observes Johnny Depp’s arrival at a movie premier

A herd of sheep pass through a gate

The heavens open. Copenhagen, Denmark

My neighbour Totoro

I finally understand why American Bald Eagles are always photographed from the side

This guy dreamed of having two sons. His dreams came true — eventually!

Feeding the ’birds’ in Ecuador

A tornado in Genoa, Italy

So much emotion in just one photo!

Life is good

A cycling team from Rwanda sees snow for the first time

With mom

The photographer fell over when he was taking the shot and ended up with this masterpiece of a wedding photo

A cat: The view from below

Swans swim through the street after floods, UK

A walrus becomes embarrassed when it’s given a cake made of fish for its birthday, Norway

I really want to know what they’re looking at…

A typical rainy day in Chicago, USA

Police dogs in China queue for lunch

In the African wilderness

Marilyn hasn’t aged well…