The 2010s saw a plethora of pop culture phenomena that defined the decade. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime revolutionized the way people consume television and movies, with binge-watching becoming the norm. The Marvel Cinematic Universe became the highest-grossing film franchise of all time, leading to a newfound appreciation for superhero movies. Social media gave rise to internet celebrities and influencers, while reboots of classic TV shows capitalized on nostalgia for the past. The Kardashian-Jenner family’s influence extended beyond entertainment, and the #MeToo movement brought about a reckoning in the industry. The return of Star Wars and the rise of K-Pop and podcasts also left indelible marks on pop culture.
10 Pop Culture Phenomenons That Defined the 2010s
1. The Rise of Streaming Services
The 2010s saw the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. These platforms brought about a shift in the way people consume media, with binge-watching becoming the norm. From original content like “Stranger Things” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” to old classics like “Friends,” streaming services gave viewers access to a vast library of content.
2. The Marvel Cinematic Universe
No pop culture phenomenon defined the last decade like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From “Iron Man” in 2008 to “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019, the franchise spanned 23 movies and became the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. The success of the MCU also brought about a newfound appreciation for comic book movies and superheroes.
3. Social Media
The widespread use of social media in the 2010s gave rise to internet celebrities and influencers. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok allowed people to create and share content with a global audience, leading to an era of viral challenges, memes, and trends.
4. The Reboot
The 2010s saw the revival of classic TV shows and movies with reboots like “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” “Fuller House,” and “Jurassic World.” While some of these reboots were met with mixed reviews, they appealed to a new generation of fans and capitalized on nostalgia for the past.
5. The Kardashian-Jenner Empire
The Kardashian-Jenner family dominated pop culture in the 2010s, with their reality show “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” and their massive social media followings. The family’s influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, with their fashion and beauty lines and their political activism.
6. The #MeToo Movement
The #MeToo movement, which started in 2017 and gained momentum in the following years, brought about a reckoning in the entertainment industry and beyond. The movement shone a spotlight on sexual harassment and assault and advocated for greater accountability and support for survivors.
7. The Return of Star Wars
Though the Star Wars franchise never truly faded away, the release of “The Force Awakens” in 2015 marked a new era for the series. The sequel trilogy, along with spin-off films like “Rogue One,” proved that Star Wars was still a cultural force to be reckoned with.
8. BTS and K-Pop
Korean pop music, or K-Pop, gained massive popularity around the world in the 2010s, with groups like BTS, EXO, and Blackpink amassing millions of fans. K-Pop’s slick production values, mesmerizing choreography, and charismatic performers made it a global sensation, with fans drawn to its upbeat and positive message.
9. The Podcast Boom
The 2010s saw a surge in podcasting, with shows covering everything from true crime to politics to pop culture. Podcasts offered a more intimate and personal form of storytelling, with hosts and guests often sharing personal anecdotes and perspectives.
10. The Game of Thrones Phenomenon
“Game of Thrones” was one of the most talked-about shows of the decade, with its epic storytelling and shocking plot twists capturing the imaginations of fans around the world. The show’s success also paved the way for other fantasy series like “The Witcher” and “His Dark Materials.”
Conclusion
The 2010s were a decade marked by major changes in the entertainment industry and beyond. From the rise of streaming services to the impact of social media, these pop culture phenomena reflected the shifting attitudes and preferences of audiences worldwide. As we move into the 2020s, it will be interesting to see what new trends and phenomena emerge to define the decade ahead.