These Pop Culture Moments Hit Some Huge Milestones In 2024!
As we bring in the new year, we find ourselves at the crossroads of nostalgia and the present, with several iconic pop culture moments reaching significant anniversaries. From turning five to hitting the decade mark, celebrating fifteen years of lasting impact, and reaching the (almost!) quarter-century milestone. These cultural moments continue to remind us of the enduring influence and timeless significance they hold in our shared memories. Pop Culture Planet contributor Paola Cardenas walks you through pop culture moments turning five, 10, 15, 24, and 30 years old in 2024 and wishes you a Happy New Year!
We Won, Mr. Stark
Yep, Avengers: Endgame will be turning five years old since its April 26, 2019 release. The film brought together an ensemble cast of beloved characters, plot twists, and a spectacular climax that resonated with fans. Its impact lies not only in its record-breaking box office success, but also in its emotional resonance and the meticulous storytelling that paid homage to years of interconnected films.
Celebrate the five year anniversary of Avengers: Endgame on Disney+.
Lady Gaga And Bradley Cooper’s Steamy Oscars Performance
The Oscars is a big night for everyone in the film industry as well as the performers who bring some heat to the stage. At the 91st Academy Awards in 2019, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper performed their passionate “Shallow” duet from A Star Is Born. It quickly garnered mass attention on social media as people questioned if their on-screen romance was also off-screen. But needless to say, they both just really embraced the performance, which will celebrate its five year anniversary this year, to replicate the film’s chemistry which still stands as a beloved moment.
Aliens and Music Festivals
Probably the most chaotic and silly of them all celebrating their five year anniversary is the popular Facebook event named “Storm Area 51, They Can’t Stop All Of Us.” This had millions of people eager to show up at the highly classified U.S. air force facility in September of 2019 to uncover what the government was hiding. Due to national security concerns, it wasn’t long before the people who showed up at the gates were escorted elsewhere. That didn’t stop two small music festivals from happening at a nearby, safer area.
Hi, I’m Forky
It seems like yesterday Woody and Buzz Lightyear were not only Andy’s best friends, but ours too. What if I told you Toy Story 4 was only five years ago? Released on June 21, 2019, the film explores themes of purpose and belonging as Woody embarks on a soul-searching journey alongside new friends including Forky. It also addresses themes of change and letting go, while evoking nostalgia for longtime fans.
Find a friend in Toy Story 4 on Disney+.
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
The Ice Bucket Challenge was a viral phenomenon in 2014 where people would dump ice cold water on themselves in raising awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Millions of friends, family, celebrities, and elected officials took the opportunity to participate and donate to the cause. The viral sensation will celebrate its 10 year anniversary this year and serves to remind us of how impactful it was!
It’s Not Over Until The Mockingjay Sings
While we continue to gawk over The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, we celebrate 10 years since Mockingjay - Part 1. The film focuses on Katniss Everdeen's role as the reluctant symbol of rebellion. As the narrative explores themes of propaganda, manipulation, and the cost of revolution, it deepens the series' social commentary. It stands out for its willingness to take risks, presenting a more mature and thought-provoking storyline. The film not only showcases Jennifer Lawrence’s powerful performance, but also emphasizes the franchise's commitment to addressing real-world issues through the lens of a dystopian allegory.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 is on Philo.
Ellen’s Viral Selfie
Another moment that had social media users hooked was 10 years ago at the 2014 Oscars where Ellen DeGeneres uploaded a star-studded selfie on Twitter. The photo features Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, Lupita Nyong’o, Peter Nyong’o, Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Channing Tatum, and Jared Leto. It became the most retweeted photo that year — essentially breaking Twitter with thousands of retweets in a short time frame — and was also nominated for best newsworthy photo at The Shorty Awards.
Peak Tumblr Grunge Era
If you’re like me, you probably remember the 2014 aesthetic grunge phase that occurred on Tumblr. Feeds were filled with doc martens, high thigh socks, jean jackets, choker necklaces, and music that captured the mood. “Habits” by Tove Lo, “Tumblr Girls” by G-Eazy, and “Brooklyn Baby” by Lana Del Rey are among the few celebrating ten years since this era of the Internet.
All The World Is Made Of Stories
The Book of Life will celebrate its 10 year anniversary this October! It gave us everything from a love triangle to familial pressures to seeing someone chase their dreams — and it holds significance for its unique approach in the celebration of Mexican culture. The film has Jorge R. Gutierrez’s brilliantly vibrant and distinctive animation style, which pays homage to Mexican folk art and sets it apart in the animated film landscape.
Miley Stewart Is Hannah Montana
Hannah Montana: The Movie premiered April 10, 2009 and has to be one of the best feel good movies from Disney. The film seamlessly blended the music and comedy elements that made the show a sensation while introducing a narrative that emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself. Beyond the catchy tunes and comedic moments, the film explored themes of identity, family, and the challenges of balancing fame with authenticity. It serves as a bridge between Miley Cyrus’ dual identities, showcasing her growth as an artist and resonating with a generation that grew up with the Disney Channel phenomenon.
Witness Miley get back to her Tennessee roots and celebrate its 15 year anniversary with Hannah Montana: The Movie on Disney+.
Get Crazy, Get Wild, Let’s Party, Get Loud
Recognize those iconic lyrics? It’s from MTV’s Jersey Shore that premiered December 3, 2009 — making it 15 years since its debut! This show took reality television to another level of craziness. We got to see the eclectic personalities of Snooki, J-Wow, DJ Pauly D, Mike the Situation, Vinny, Sammi Sweetheart, Ronnie, and more. The series became an instant hit for its depiction of crazy night life, drama, and relationships. We can also thank Jersey Shore for popularizing terms like GTL (if you know, you know). Despite the end of the original series in 2012, the crew returned in the spin-off Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.
Get into all the craziness with Jersey Shore and Jersey Shore: Family Vacation on Pluto TV and Hulu.
If You Liked It, Then You Shoulda Put A Ring On It
At the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, Beyoncé took home Video of The Year for her song “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It).” The catchy tune and memorable dance moves made it a standout in music videos that had everybody recreating the choreography. Beyond this, the song expressed themes of empowerment, self confidence, and embracing single-hood that still holds its message today — 15 years later!
Robotic Toy Hamsters
In 2009, we saw a cultural phenomenon in the toy world with the introduction of Zhu Zhu Pets. These interactive robotic hamsters quickly gained popularity for their adorable appearance and engaging behaviors. These cute toys will turn 15 years old in the new year. Like the commercial explained, you’ll love Zhu Zhu Pets because they’re so fun without the mess!
The Alien World Of Pandora
Avatar, directed by James Cameron and released in December of 2009, stands as a cinematic achievement that redefined the possibilities of visual storytelling. Its groundbreaking use of 3D technology and motion capture created a visually immersive world that captivated audiences. This innovative approach to filmmaking and its breathtaking depiction of Pandora set new standards for visual effects and cinematic spectacle. Avatar became the highest-grossing film of its time and sparked discussions about the future of filmmaking technology and its potential impact on storytelling.
Celebrate Avatar’s 15th anniversary on Disney+ and Max.
On Wednesdays We Wear Pink
Twenty years ago, Mean Girls introduced us to the iconic group of characters from Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) to Regina George (Rachel McAdams) and the Plastics. This film continues to define teen comedy and stands out as a classic movie for all to enjoy. Its memorable quotes, iconic characters, and exploration of teenage life make it hard to resist!
Mean Girls is on Paramount+ and Showtime, and stay tuned to the new musical adaptation premiering January 12, 2024.
JLo’s Versace Dress
Jennifer Lopez strutted out in an iconic dress at the 42nd Grammy Awards ceremony on February 23, 2000 that will be known as the green Versace dress. It was sheer, printed with a tropical leaf and bamboo pattern, and had a plunging neckline down past her belly button. Bold and beautiful, the dress had media outlets and fans raving over it which Lopez did not expect. You know it has such an impact on pop culture, even 24 years later, when people still recreate the outfit every Halloween. It’s even more culturally significant than people might realize because the massive online search for photos sparked the creation of Google Images!
The Release of The Sims
The Sims was released February 4, 2000 and revolutionized the gaming industry by offering players a unique and immersive simulation experience. Users could create and control virtual lives in a sandbox environment. Of course, some of us may remember taking advantage of that by creating the most chaotic personal characters we could imagine. The game became a cultural phenomenon, providing an outlet for creativity and storytelling within a digital realm. Their language called “Simlish” also lets users have fun trying to speak it themselves or generate covers of songs with the language. The Sims still remains a popular game among all generations and will celebrate its 24 year anniversary!
Will The Real Slim Shady Please Stand Up?
Eminem released “The Marshall Mathers LP” on May 23, 2000 and the popular video for the memorable hit single "The Real Slim Shady.” Its witty lyrics and stand-out tune makes it an iconic, recognizable song the minute you hear it. Eminem's alter ego in the track, Slim Shady, became synonymous with the artist's irreverent and boundary-pushing persona, solidifying the song's lasting impact on the landscape of hip-hop and popular music. Twenty four years later, we are all still quoting Slim Shady.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Christmas may be over, but the winter season is still here and so are all of our favorite classic Christmas movies including How The Grinch Stole Christmas! It had a worldwide gross over 300 million and was the sixth highest grossing film in 2000, making this year their 24 year anniversary. The classic movie also gave us a wonderful performance from Jim Carrey as The Grinch. Between its whimsical scenery and the iconic character, it continues to be enjoyed by all generations.
Meet Chandler, Monica, Rachel, Joey, and Phoebe
The iconic sitcom Friends released 30 years ago. It surely made its mark as a cultural touchstone with its enduring popularity, humor, relatable characters, and timeless notions of friendship and love — earning it a highly dedicated fan base. We all know at least one Friends quote, whether we’ve watched all the seasons or no episodes at all. It continues to reach new audiences online and will forever be ingrained in pop culture.
Friends is available on FuboTV and Max.
Hakuna Matata
The Lion King celebrates 30 years since its debut in 1994. It gave us notable characters like Mufasa, Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon, as well as iconic songs such as “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and “Circle Of Life.” The film's success has extended beyond the screen, leading to numerous adaptations, a Broadway musical, and the enduring legacy of one of Disney's most cherished classics.
Relive Simba’s journey with The Lion King on Disney+ — and catch Mufasa: The Lion King coming December 20, 2024.
