This list of 10 pop culture moments encompasses some of the most significant events that have shaped the way people think and interact with media. From The Beatles’ debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 to the #MeToo movement in 2017, each event has left a lasting impression on society, fashion, music, and more. These events have sparked important conversations about gender, race, power, and social justice, and have had a profound impact on popular culture. From the invention of the iPhone to Beyoncé’s “Formation” music video, these moments continue to shape the way we view the world.
1. The Beatles debut on The Ed Sullivan Show (1964)
On February 9, 1964, over 73 million television viewers tuned in to watch The Beatles make their American television debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. It was the first time the Fab Four had performed live in the United States, and their energetic performance of hits like “All My Loving” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” left a lasting impression on American pop culture. The appearance cemented The Beatles’ status as one of the biggest and most influential bands of all time.
2. Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk (1983)
On March 25, 1983, Michael Jackson debuted his signature dance move, the moonwalk, during a performance of “Billie Jean” on the TV special “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.” The gravity-defying move, which involved gliding backwards while appearing to walk forwards, instantly became iconic and forever associated with the King of Pop. Jackson’s performance at Motown 25 cemented his status as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
3. Princess Diana’s Death (1997)
On August 31, 1997, Princess Diana was killed in a car accident in Paris. The news sent shockwaves around the world, with millions of people mourning the loss of the beloved princess. Diana was a fashion icon, a philanthropist, and a humanitarian, and her death marked the end of an era for the British royal family. Even over two decades later, she remains a beloved figure in popular culture.
4. The Premiere of Star Wars (1977)
On May 25, 1977, George Lucas changed the course of pop culture history with the premiere of his sci-fi epic, Star Wars. The film was a massive success, earning over $775 million at the box office and spawning a franchise that has since become a cultural phenomenon. The characters, music, and imagery of Star Wars have become deeply ingrained in popular culture, influencing everything from fashion to political discourse.
5. Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” Performance at the MTV Video Music Awards (1984)
On September 14, 1984, Madonna performed “Like a Virgin” at the first-ever MTV Video Music Awards, sparking controversy and cementing her status as a pop icon. The performance, which featured Madonna writhing around in a wedding dress, was seen as provocative and scandalous, but also groundbreaking in its challenge to traditional gender roles. The song became one of Madonna’s biggest hits and remains a pop culture touchstone.
6. The O.J. Simpson Car Chase (1994)
On June 17, 1994, millions of people tuned in to watch O.J. Simpson lead police on a slow-speed car chase through the streets of Los Angeles. The former football star and actor was a suspect in the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, and the car chase captivated viewers around the world. The Simpson trial became a cultural phenomenon, with people following every twist and turn of the case.
7. Janet Jackson’s “Wardrobe Malfunction” at the Super Bowl (2004)
On February 1, 2004, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake performed at the Super Bowl halftime show, and during the performance of their hit “Rock Your Body,” Timberlake ripped off a piece of Jackson’s costume, exposing her breast on live television. The incident, dubbed the “wardrobe malfunction,” sparked a national conversation about decency on television and led to new regulations from the Federal Communications Commission. It remains one of the most controversial and talked-about moments in Super Bowl history.
8. The Invention of the iPhone (2007)
On June 29, 2007, Apple released the first iPhone, forever changing the way we communicate, consume media, and navigate the world. The iPhone, with its sleek design, intuitive interface, and endless capabilities, revolutionized the tech industry and brought smartphones into the hands of millions of people around the world. The iPhone’s impact on pop culture continues to be felt today, as people use it to take photos, listen to music, and connect to social media.
9. Beyoncé’s “Formation” Music Video (2016)
On February 6, 2016, Beyoncé released the music video for her song “Formation,” which quickly became a cultural touchstone. The video, which showcased Beyoncé’s Black pride and tackled issues like police brutality and Hurricane Katrina, was celebrated for its empowerment of Black women and its celebration of Southern culture. It sparked a national conversation about race, feminism, and social justice, and cemented Beyoncé’s status as one of the most important voices in pop culture.
10. The #MeToo Movement (2017)
In October 2017, the hashtag #MeToo went viral on social media, as women from all walks of life shared stories of sexual harassment and assault. The movement, which was started by activist Tarana Burke over a decade earlier, was amplified by actress Alyssa Milano and led to a national reckoning around issues of consent and power dynamics in the workplace. The #MeToo movement has had a profound impact on pop culture and has changed the way we talk about and think about issues of gender, power, and abuse.