As 2024 winds down, pop culture has been shaped by a variety of trends, innovations, and collective moments. Below, I explore some of the year’s most defining cultural phenomena, focusing on entertainment, tech, and lifestyle shifts that captivated me, and the world.
Spilling Over from 2023, the “Barbenheimer” Influence Lingered
Following the dual release of Barbie and Oppenheimer in 2023, the Barbenheimer craze continued to influence pop culture in 2024. From meme culture to themed merchandise, the fusion of these polar opposite films has evolved into an enduring symbol of creative marketing and fandom synergy.
Barbie and Oppenheimer certaily got the most attention, but I feel that these next films stood out for their storytelling, thematic depth, and societal impact.
Oppenheimer is included with an Amazon Prime subscription.
Barbie is include with a Max subscription.
Here’s a look at some of my favorite films of the year:
1. “Wicked“
Directed by Jon M. Chu, “Wicked” is a musical fantasy that reimagines the classic tale of the witches of Oz. The film received critical acclaim, winning Best Film and Best Director at the National Board of Review Awards. Its exploration of themes like friendship, power, and societal norms resonated with audiences, sparking discussions about perspective and prejudice.
Cynthia Erivo delivered a standout performance as Elphaba, earning widespread acclaim for her emotional depth and vocal prowess. Her rendition of “Defying Gravity” was particularly powerful, blending vulnerability and fierce determination, and is regarded as one of the most breathtaking musical moments of the year.
Ariana Grande also shone as Glinda, bringing charm and wit to the role, with her soprano voice enhancing iconic songs like “Popular.” The chemistry between Erivo and Grande added depth to their characters’ evolving friendship, further enriching the film’s narrative.
2. “Saltburn“
Directed by Emerald Fennell, Saltburn became one of the most talked-about films of the year, blending dark comedy with psychological drama. The film, a follow-up to Fennell’s critically acclaimed Promising Young Woman, explored themes of privilege, obsession, and morality through a gripping narrative set in a grand English estate. Barry Keoghan’s haunting performance as the protagonist garnered widespread praise, and the film’s unexpected twists left audiences and critics alike deeply moved. The infamous “drain” scene in Saltburn has been one of the film’s most talked-about moments. The scene pushed viewers out of their comfort zones, sparking intense reactions and debate.
The standout song from Saltburn was Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor,” which gained fresh acclaim after being featured prominently in the film’s memorable final scene. Barry Keoghan’s character delivers an unforgettable nude dance sequence to this track, which became one of the most buzzworthy moments in the movie.
Saltburn is currently included with an Amazon Prime subscription.
2. “Moana 2”
The sequel to Disney’s beloved “Moana” set box office records with a $221 million opening weekend. Its success highlighted the enduring appeal of diverse storytelling and strong female leads. The film’s themes of environmental stewardship and cultural heritage struck a chord with audiences, reinforcing the importance of representation in media.
3. “Dune: Part Two”
Denis Villeneuve’s continuation of the “Dune” saga expanded on the complex universe of Arrakis. The film’s exploration of political intrigue, environmentalism, and human ambition prompted discussions about resource exploitation and colonialism. Its visual grandeur and faithful adaptation of the source material were praised by both fans and critics. The success of Dune: Part Two not only captivated audiences in 2024 but also inspired the expansion of its universe through an HBO spinoff series, Dune: The Sisterhood. This series delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, the enigmatic and powerful sisterhood central to the Dune saga.
4. “Furiosa”
This prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road delved into the origins of Furiosa, played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Directed by George Miller, the movie expanded on the brutal wasteland setting and explored Furiosa’s resilience in a patriarchal dystopia. It blended action with character-driven storytelling, earning both critical acclaim and fan fervor.
The action sequences in Furiosa were a standout feature, pushing boundaries with innovative techniques and stunning visual storytelling. George Miller, the director, utilized an array of advanced methods to craft these high-energy moments. A key example is a 15-minute sequence known as “Stowaway to Nowhere,” which took 78 days to shoot and involved nearly 200 stunt performers.
5. “Gladiator 2“
Ridley Scott’s return to the world of Gladiator brought immense anticipation, and the sequel did not disappoint. Set decades after the original, the film followed Lucius, the nephew of Commodus, now grown and wrestling with his legacy. With Paul Mescal in the lead and an ensemble cast including Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, the movie combined epic battles with introspective drama. Its themes of honor, revenge, and the consequences of power drew parallels to modern discussions on leadership and legacy, making it both a cinematic spectacle and a cultural statement.
5. “Babygirl”
Directed by Halina Reijn, “Babygirl” examines the dynamics between a professional executive and a seductive intern. The film’s portrayal of desire and power relationships ignited conversations about workplace ethics and gender dynamics, reflecting ongoing societal debates.
These films not only entertained but also challenged viewers to reflect on various aspects of society, contributing to cultural dialogues and, in some cases, influencing public opinion. Their impact underscores the power of cinema as a mirror to societal values and a catalyst for change.
Digital Communities and Gaming Culture
Digital spaces like Discord, Reddit, and niche social platforms experienced significant popularity in 2024. These communities are redefining social interactions, creating tight-knit groups based on shared interests such as gaming, fitness, and hobbies. Similarly, the gaming world thrived with events like Fortnite’s live virtual concerts, solidifying the intersection of gaming and entertainment.
Music Icons and Trends
2024 saw a vibrant music landscape with several trends shaping pop culture. Taylor Swift continued her reign as a global superstar with her record-breaking Eras Tour, which drew massive crowds and extended into cinemas. Beyoncé’s ongoing Renaissance Tour celebrated her influence on pop and R&B, while newer voices like Doja Cat and Ice Spice cemented their status with viral hits and distinctive artistry
One of the most prominent was the continued dominance of Latin music, with artists like Bad Bunny and Rosalía solidifying their global influence. Their unique blend of reggaeton, trap, and pop resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to record-breaking streams and chart-topping hits.
AI and Tech Shaping Everyday Life
Artificial intelligence continued its march into mainstream culture. From AI-powered personal assistants to creative tools reshaping art and music production, the technology’s influence expanded across industries. Gen Z, in particular, highlighted AI as a transformative force in shaping culture.
The Summer Olympics: Paris 2024
The 2024 Paris Olympics, held from July 26th to August 11th, was a historic event. A unique opening ceremony took place on the Seine River, showcasing Paris’s iconic landmarks. “Breaking” made its Olympic debut, and the Games achieved gender parity with equal numbers of male and female athletes.
The United States topped the medal table, while France had a strong performance on home soil. Several world records were broken, and memorable moments included the thrilling men’s 100m final and the captivating skateboarding events. Paris 2024 was a celebration of sport, culture, and diversity, leaving a lasting legacy.
Meta-Culture in Fashion and Media
Fashion trends in 2024 continued blending the past with futuristic aesthetics. Nostalgic styles mingled with hyper-modern designs, reflecting a world fascinated by reinterpreting cultural artifacts. Social media, particularly TikTok, played a pivotal role in launching micro-trends, making fashion more inclusive and experimental.
Streaming and Content Overload
Streaming platforms remained dominant but faced challenges from viewer burnout and increasing competition. Shows with unique storytelling formats gained traction, emphasizing quality over quantity in an era of endless content options.
Pop Phenomena in Fitness
Fitness trends in 2024 leaned into community-based activities, with apps like Strava fostering connections among enthusiasts. Simultaneously, wearables with advanced health tracking capabilities saw widespread adoption, blending tech with wellness.
Conclusion
2024 has been a year of contrasts: digital innovation and analog nostalgia, individual creativity and collective action. These cultural phenomena demonstrate how society continues to balance rapid technological advancement with a yearning for connection and tradition.
