Here’s 56 Pop Culture Moments Hitting Big Milestones In 2025!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As we’re closing out the year and welcoming in 2026, we’re breaking down all the pop culture moments that are celebrating a major anniversary this coming year.
iCarly Reboot
Wake up the members of our nation! The 2007 hit show iCarly got its 2021 reboot following an adult Carly (Miranda Cosgrove) revamping her web show and figuring out life in her 20s.
Celebrate the five-year anniversary of the iCarly reboot on Paramount+.
Red Light, Green Light
A classic children’s game got deadly when Korean drama Squid Game premiered five years ago on Netflix. Becoming the streaming service's most-watched series, it made history becoming the first non-English series to win a SAG Award.
Streaming now on Netflix.
Olivia Rodrigo Got Her “Driver’s License “
Shortly after her Disney career took off, Olivia Rodrigo dropped her 2021 debut studio album Sour with “Driver’s License” as her lead single. The emotional ballad instantly became a hit, staying number one on Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and making Rodrigo the the youngest artist ever to debut there.
Taylor Swift’s Emotional “All Too Well” Short Film
Taylor Swift gave us an emotional short film five years ago for the 10 minute version of her single “All Too Well” starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien. Fans were immediately stunned with the video currently sitting at over 100 million views and winning a Grammy for Best Music Video.
And Just Like That Premiere
In 2021, Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda returned to our screens in the Sex And The City spin-off And Just Like That. If we thought our 30s would be complicated, nothing compared to what goes down when in your 50s.
Available on HBO Max.
Taylor Swift Re-Releases Red Album
Another epic Taylor Swift moment that happened in 2021 comes with the re-release of her 2012 album Red. In the long fight to get her masters, Swift decided to re-record her albums to give fans a chance to directly support her and Red (Taylor’s Version) dominated the charts.
Spider-Man No Way Home Hits The Big Screen
Three Peter Parkers?! The 2021 film Spider-Man: No Way Home was the third installment in the franchise and gave us one of the most memorable moments in cinematic history — Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield, and Toby Maguire all in one film.
The Upside Down Welcomed Us
As we recover from the series finale, let’s take a trip down memory lane to when Stranger Things dropped on Netflix in 2016. From eggos to Demogorgons, the series captivated us from the beginning with incredible visuals, amazing actors, and emotional storytelling.
All five seasons are streaming now on Netflix.
Beyoncé Drops Sensational Lemonade Album
The Beyhive were blessed in 2016 with Beyoncé’s sixth album Lemonade featuring top singles “Formation,” “Sorry,” “Hold Up,” and more. The album went on to become one of the most nominated albums in Grammy’s history. It topped the charts globally, became a best-selling album worldwide, and was a massive cultural phenomenon.
The Tanners Gave Us A New Story
Wake up San Francisco, the Tanner family is back together and figuring out a new era! 2016 welcomed in a Full House spin-off titled Fuller House. The series followed our beloved Full House characters with DJ as a single mom of three as she navigates her home, work, and personal life with her family by her side.
Enjoy the 10th anniversary of Fuller House on Netflix.
Leonardo DiCaprio Wins His First Oscar
And the Oscar goes to… Leonardo DiCaprio! The actor finally got his first Oscar win in 2016 for his role in The Revenant. After receiving several nominations for his past roles, fans always rooted and waited for the day he would finally take home the coveted award.
A New, Quirky Antihero Hit Theaters
2016 was a big year for movies and Deadpool was one of the most successful that year as the ninth highest grossing film. From Ryan Reynolds’ comedic portrayal to the action-packed fight scenes, everyone was raving about Deadpool.
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Deadpool on Disney+.
Our Wayfinder Moana Graced Our Screen
Disney’s Moana had the biggest boom in 2016 when it dropped in theaters. Starring Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho, the Polynesian inspired animated musical gave us many funny moments, inspirational music, and a greater appreciation for the culture. The success resulted in a sequel released last year and a live-action remake expected to release in 2026.
You can watch Moana on Disney+.
Meet Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde
Speaking of Disney and big movies, Zootopia also had its moment in 2016 as the fourth-highest grossing film of the year. The widely successful films beloved characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde once again came to our screens this year for its sequel.
Available on Disney+.
Beyoncé Announces She’s Having A Baby!
The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards gave us the most memorable moments in TV history and one of them was Beyoncé showing off her baby bump at the end of her “Love On Top” performance. It singlehandedly became the most tweeted moment and became the most-watched broadcast in MTV history.
Sophia Grace and Rosie Appear On Ellen
In 2011, English Internet duo Sophia Grace and Rosie went on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and became an even bigger viral sensation. Wearing matching pink tutus, the duo rapped Nicki Minaj’s “Superbass” and were later surprised by the artist.
Women Dominated The Comedy Scene With Bridesmaids
R-rated comedy Bridesmaids was a big box office hit in 2011 with a stacked female cast. The film’s success opened up the discussion of women in comedy and proved to be one of the most successful comedies of all time.
Cheers to 15 years with Bridesmaids on Netflix.
It’s Friday!
TGIF! In 2011, Rebecca Black released her debut single “Friday” which quickly became one of the most talked about songs on the Internet. Though the song received heavy backlash, the singer continues to have a successful music career to this day.
Steve Carell Says Goodbye To The Office
Goodbye, Michael Scott! During its seventh season in 2011, The Office bid adieu to Steve Carell and his iconic character. In the episode titled “Goodbye, Michael,” his character departs in an emotional scene that had us all crying into our pillows.
The Office is streaming on Peacock.
Once Upon A Time Gave Us Reimagined Fairytales
The 2011 hit series Once Upon A Time made waves 15 years ago with its stacked cast and blending of the magical world within the real world. The show was a huge success for the ABC network with millions of viewers throughout the show's run.
Once Upon A Time is on Hulu.
Our Favorite Popstar Came To Disney Channel
We got the best of both worlds with the 2006 premiere of Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana! Our favorite pop star series continuously gave us the best music, life lessons, and so many memorable moments that we’ve cherished and quoted for years.
Streaming on Disney+.
Ugly Betty Redefined Latino Representation
The 2006 comedy-drama Ugly Betty soared TV ratings with America Ferrera as the titular lovable character. Fashion, body image, LGBTQ+, and Latino representation were at the forefront of the series and went on to become incredibly successful.
Ugly Betty is on Hulu.
The Cheetah Girls Went To Barcelona
Amigas, Cheetahs! The second installment of The Cheetah Girls franchise saw the girls traveling to Barcelona to win a coveted music festival that could launch them into global stardom.
Celebrate 20 years of cheetah style on Disney+.
Troy and Gabriella Were #Goals
Disney was on a roll in 2006 with musical movies as High School Musical popped onto the scene, prompting several sequels and spin-offs due to its success. We were introduced to beloved characters Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Chad, Taylor, and plenty more. There’s no denying the cultural impact the franchise had on the public with banger soundtracks and dance sequences.
High School Musical is available on Disney+.
Shakira’s Hips Don't Lie
Colombian artist Shakira came onto the music scene with her 2006 hit song “Hips Don’t Lie" featuring Wyclef Jean. The single reached the number one spot on Billboard 100 in over 55 countries and everyone was wishing they could move their hips the way Shakira does.
Save The Cheerleader
One of the most popular superhero tv series Heroes will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026. The series had a stacked cast including Hayden Panettiere, Milo Ventimiglia, and Zachary Quinto. It went on to become one of NBC’s top ranked shows of the time due to its massive cult following and viewership.
Available to stream on Prime Video.
Welcome To Runway Magazine
Strike a pose! In 2006, The Devil Wears Prada came into our lives and served us looks, heart, and humor with Anne Hathaway’s fashion makeover and Meryl Streep’s intimidating yet iconic Cerulean speech. Its sequel is scheduled to release in 2026.
Currently streaming on Disney+.
And In The Morning, I’m Making Waffles
In a land far, far away… 2001 gave us the beloved Shrek film. Its success as the fourth highest grossing film of that year led to multiple sequels, with Shrek 5 currently in the works!
Reminisce on 25 years of Shrek, now playing on Peacock.
Boo, Sully, and Mike Wazowski Became Our Favorite Trio
Another animated film that made a splash in 2001 was Monsters Inc. The animated film was the third highest grossing film of the year and won an Oscar for Randy Newman’s “If I Didn’t Have You.”
Monsters Inc. awaits you on Disney+.
Moulin Rouge Delivered!
Gitchie, Gitchie, Ya-Ya! Musical film Moulin Rouge! left a mark on all of us during its 2001 release. From the production design to its iconic wardrobe and soundtrack, the film received multiple accolades including two Oscars.
Enjoy the show with Moulin Rouge! streaming on Netflix.
Bridget Jones’s Diary Redefined Romance
Bridget Jones’s Diary celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026 which marks a quarter-century since Helen Fielding’s beloved film hit our screens. With its sharp humor, messy honesty, and timeless take on love, friendship, and modern womanhood, Bridget’s story still resonates across generations and helped redefine the romantic comedy.
You can watch the romcom on Pluto TV.
Missy Elliot Tells Us To “Get Ur Freak On”
2001 gave us a hit song by rapper Missy Elliot that we still can’t get out of our heads. “Get Ur Freak On” marked the leading single off of Elliot’s third studio album and landed the seventh spot of Billboard Hot 100.
They’re Loud and Proud!
Penny Proud and her family entered the Disney Channel scene in 2001 with the hit show The Proud Family. The series had so much humor, valuable life lessons, and highlighted diverse backgrounds in animated characters.
Fans can continue watching with The Proud Family: Louder And Prouder on Disney+ now, with a fourth season coming in 2026.
Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone Debuted
Harry, Ron, and Hermione introduced themselves to us on screen in 2001’s Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone. From then on, the world of wizardry took off as the highest grossing film of the year and the second highest of all time that year.
Available on Peacock and HBO Max.
The Superman Story Came To Smallville
Smallville will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in the upcoming year, which gave us a glimpse into Superman’s origin story. The series was a network success and became the longest-running American sci-fi series by the end of its run. It also helped pave the way for today’s interconnected superhero TV universes, and its themes of hope and identity continue to resonate with fans everywhere.
Streaming now on Disney+ and Hulu.
Spice Girls Dropped Pop Anthem “Wannabe”
If you wanna be my lover… you have to listen to Spice Girls! Thirty years ago, the iconic British pop group dropped their debut single “Wannabe” that instantly became a hit and empowered female friendships worldwide.
Tom Cruise Becomes A Spy
Thirty years of high-stakes action, innovation, and espionage, Mission: Impossible gave us Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, the iconic spy we all know and love. Its initial success birthed a plethora of films to follow and it is still one of the highest grossing franchises of all time.
Get in on the action with Mission: Impossible on Paramount+.
Basketball and Looney Tunes Crossed Paths
Thirty years ago, NBA legend Michael Jordan entered the Looney Tunes universe with the nostalgic 1996 film Space Jam. The way it mixed animation and live-action sequences was iconic. With humor and heart, the film also held a very long record as one of the highest grossing basketball films.
What’s Your Favorite Scary Movie?
Beloved franchise Scream is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026 and stands as one of the most popular slasher franchises of all time. Originally a satire on the genre, it’s success has allowed for reinvention, with a seventh installment coming in 2026.
Available on Pluto TV.
They’re Creepy And They’re Kooky
It’s been 35 years since the 1991 film The Addams Family and they’re still as mysterious and spooky as ever. The film not only introduced us to Christina Ricci’s version of Wednesday Addams, but so many witty one-liners, an incredible cast, and a continuing legacy of the franchise.
Now streaming on Peacock, AMC+, and Paramount+.
Belle Of The Ball
The 1991 film Beauty And The Beast celebrates 35 years in 2026 and had us all wishing to be the Belle of the ball. The film had groundbreaking success as the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars and was the third highest grossing film of the year. It also was the first Disney film adapted into a Broadway musical.
You can watch the film on Sling TV or Disney+.
Peter Pan and Captain Hook Face Off In Live-Action
Thirty five years ago, 1991’s Hook starring Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman gave us action, magical adventures, and an unforgettable trip to Neverland. Between the musical score and the acting performances, Hook was the fourth highest grossing film and a huge commercial success. While critics were divided about it at the time, it’s since become a cult classic.
Streaming now on Philo.
Top Gun Hit Theaters
Tom Cruise is no stranger to successful movie franchises and 1986’s Top Gun is one of them. Celebrating 40 years, the film was a huge hit with not only multiple films to follow, but video games, merch, and much more.
Top Gun is available on Pluto TV and Paramount+.
We Got A Lesson On How To Successfully Ditch School
Forty years ago, Matthew Broderick gave us some helpful tips on how to ditch school with his titular character in 1986’s Ferris Bueller's Day Off. From the “Twist And Shout” sequence to aesthetic visuals, the film continues to be a classic for film lovers.
Take the day off to Paramount+ to hang with Ferris Bueller.
Dark Fantasy Took Over
You remind me of the babe! The David Bowie-led 1986 film Labyrinth turns 40 soon and, though its initial release received mixed reviews, it has been stapled as a dark fantasy classic amongst fans.
Available on Tubi.
Pixar Began Its Journey
The Birth Of MTV
My Super Sweet 16, Punk’d, Jackass, TRL… MTV entered the picture 45 years ago in 1981 and celebrates their long history of entertainment, music, breakout pop stars, game shows, and more. Before the reality show era, MTV originally broadcasted music videos with the first ever song being “Video Killed The Radio Star” by The Buggles.
Good Morning, Charlie
The Charlie's Angels television series debuted in 1976, following three badass crime-fighting women working for a private investigation company. The new year will mark the series’ 50th anniversary and serves as a reminder of its everlasting impact on pop culture.
Now playing on Tubi.
Sylvester Stallone Is Rocky
Fifty years ago, boxing icon Rocky starring Sylvester Stallone was born. As the highest grossing film of 1976, it brought us hope, inspiration, and who could ever forget the famous “Eye Of The Tiger” scene?
Rocky is streaming on Peacock.
The Bloody Prom Queen Carrie
Stephen King’s Carrie novel was brought to life in 1976 with Sissy Spacek at the helm. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, our telekinetic bloody scream queen hasn’t left our minds and continues to be referenced in media today.
Scream your head off with Carrie on Tubi.
The Old Switch-A-Roo That Is Freaky Friday
You might be familiar with Freaky Friday starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, but in 1976, it was Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris. The original film came out in January of that year and became a box office success.
Available on Disney+.
Willy Wonka Had Us Craving Chocolate
Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Willy Wonka is forever immortalized in the 1971 film Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. Fifty five years since its debut, we all still wish we could try every candy at the whimsical factory.
Streaming on Tubi and HBO Max.
The Star Trek Franchise Was Born
Sixty years of space travel, books, figures, and more have come from Star Trek: The Original Series. The 1966 series captured the hearts of sci-fi lovers and is considered a classic.
Watch Star Trek on Pluto TV and Paramount+.
We Witnessed How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Before we got the iconic Jim Carrey live-action remake, the 1966 animated TV special How The Grinch Stole Christmas! served as a blueprint. Celebrating its 60th anniversay in 2026, it’s become a classic holiday staple that children and adults still enjoy across generations.
The First Ever Batman Film Was Made
Kapowiee! In 1966, we finally got the first depiction of Batman, portrayed by Adam West, in a film directed by Leslie H. Martinson. The witty, campy film serves as a landmark for 60 years of Batman in cinema.
West Side Story Was A Cultural Phenomenon
Sixty five years ago, West Side Story starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, and Rita Moreno became one of the greatest musical films of all time. High ratings, critical praise, dominating the box office, and winning 10 Oscars? Thank you, West Side Story!
Streaming now on Tubi.
