The last decade has seen the rise of various pop culture phenomena, from television shows to social media apps. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, BTS, and Black Panther have all left a significant impact on the entertainment industry and popular culture. Tiktok has become a popular app worldwide, influencing music and dance trends, while The Walking Dead has been one of the most-watched shows of the decade. The Stranger Things soundtrack also played a significant role in the show’s success, inspiring nostalgia for 80s synth-pop. Baby Yoda from The Mandalorian has become an internet sensation, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. These pop culture phenomena have become part of everyday life, inspiring fashion, music, and various other trends.
1. Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has dominated the pop culture realm for over a decade, with its release of blockbuster films such as Iron Man, Captain America, and The Avengers. It has become a global franchise, grossing billions at the box office and earning millions of fans worldwide. Its influence has been immense, extending beyond the big screen and into TV shows, comics, merchandise, and more. Marvel Cinematic Universe has created its own genre of superhero films and has set the bar high for others to follow.
2. Harry Potter
The Harry Potter series transcends generational barriers and has become a global phenomenon of epic proportions. J.K. Rowling’s books and their subsequent movie adaptations have captivated audiences worldwide, bringing an imaginary world of wizards and magic to life. Its influence has extended beyond the entertainment realm and into fashion, theme parks, and more. The Harry Potter series has left a lasting impact on pop culture and has created a dedicated fan base that spans across generations.
3. Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones, the epic fantasy drama series, has been one of the most talked-about shows of the decade. Its complex storyline, intricate characters, and stunning visual effects have collectively made it a cultural phenomenon, earning it a record-breaking viewership and becoming a pop culture phenomenon. Not only has it influenced the TV industry as a whole, but it has also spawned spin-offs, merchandise, memes, and more.
4. Stranger Things
Stranger Things, the Netflix original series, has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with its nostalgic 1980s vibe, thrilling storyline, and well-developed characters. It has become a pop culture sensation, spawning books, comics, spin-offs, and merchandise. The series’ success has paved the way for shows with similar genre and has influenced the fashion industry with its retro clothing.
5. BTS
BTS, the K-pop band, has taken the world by storm and has become a global sensation. They have amassed a dedicated fan base, which has grown with each new release. Their music, choreography, and fashion sense have influenced the younger generation, paving the way for Korean pop culture to spread worldwide. BTS has broken records, won awards, and has collaborated with the biggest names in the music industry, solidifying their place as one of the biggest musical phenomena of our times.
6. Black Panther
Black Panther, the Marvel superhero movie released in 2018, has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. The movie’s all-black cast and production team have shattered stereotypes, earning critical acclaim and a massive worldwide audience. It has also influenced the fashion industry with its Afrofuturistic vibe, and its soundtrack has won multiple prestigious awards, further cementing its place in history as a game-changer in the pop culture industry.
7. TikTok
TikTok, the social media app, has become one of the most popular apps worldwide over the last few years. Its short-form videos, lip-syncing, and dance trends have become part of everyday life, influencing pop culture trends and the music industry. TikTok has earned millions of users worldwide, ranging from teenagers to celebrities, becoming an important platform for entertainment, viral challenges, and advertising.
8. The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead, the post-apocalyptic TV series, has been one of the longest-running and most-watched shows of the decade. Its thrilling storyline, complex characters, and visual effects have earned it a massive fan base and global recognition. The Walking Dead has influenced popular culture, spawning spin-offs, comic books, and merchandise that continue to generate interest among its millions of fans worldwide.
9. Stranger Things Soundtrack
The Stranger Things soundtrack has become an integral part of the show’s success, inspiring nostalgia for 80s synth-pop and new wave music. It has influenced the music industry, with many new artists releasing soundtracks and albums with a similar retro vibe. Its music has also become popular at parties and social events, cementing its place as a pop culture phenomenon of the decade.
10. Baby Yoda (The Mandalorian)
Baby Yoda, the adorable alien offspring in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, has become an internet sensation. The character’s cuteness and charm have captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, spawning memes, merchandise, and viral videos. Baby Yoda’s influence can be seen across social media, with people adopting the character as a symbol of love and optimism during the global pandemic. Its popularity has further boosted the series’ viewership and cemented its place as a pop culture phenomenon of the decade.