Here’s 30 Pop Culture Moments Hitting Big Milestones In 2025!
What a year it’s been! We saw some of the craziest, funniest, and down right iconic moments throughout the year. As we close this chapter and enter 2025, let’s take a moment to reminisce on the pop culture moments celebrating big anniversaries next year. Pop Culture Planet contributor Paola Cardenas breaks down the most memorable pop culture moments celebrating five to 70 years in 2025.
Parasite Won Big At The Oscars
Director Bong Joon-ho made history at the 92nd Academy Awards five years ago!
Parasite became an acclaimed film that had everyone dissecting its message. Receiving critical acclaim, the film became the first ever non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars. It also celebrated big wins in Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.
Taylor Swift Drops Folklore
Stepping on the last train, marked me like a bloodstain.
Leave it to global superstar Taylor Swift to surprise her fans with a new album. Five years ago on a random July morning, the singer dropped Folklore that became a best-selling album that year. That also didn’t stop her from dropping another album Evermore. Swifties were indeed fed!
Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion Release WAP
A collab that broke the Internet!
In 2020, female rappers Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion dropped the spicy hip-hop song “WAP.” From TikTok dances to debuting number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the single had everyone in a chokehold with the raunchy lyrics and addicting melody.
Adele Returned To Music
An iconic music comeback occured in 2015!
After reaching major success with her sophomore album 21, Adele had unfortunately canceled her two tours due to a vocal-cord hemorrhage. Four years later, she came back with her next album 25 that featured hits like “Hello” and “When We Were Young.”
One Direction Releases Last Album
Five boys and a dream!
One Direction became a beloved boy band thanks to The X-Factor. In 2015, the band released their fifth and final album Made In The A.M. that went on to become the year's sixth best-selling album. These boys made such a huge impact on people’s lives, have gone on to have successful solo careers, and will forever be in our hearts for years to come.
The Big Dress Debate
It’s black and blue! No, it’s white and gold!
How could we forget about the most heated and iconic debate the Internet had in 2015? Yep, we’re talking about the black and blue dress! After a woman named Grace posted the photo on social media to see what others thought of the dress color, it rapidly became the Internet’s new debacle. From celebrities to neuroscientists, everyone was debating on white and gold or blue and black.
“A” Reveal In Pretty Little Liars
I love all my dolls, that’s why you’re still alive.
Pretty Little Liars had its fair share on who the mysterious “A” was throughout its six seasons. After Mona’s reveal in season two, a new “A” came to torment the girls with full force. In the season six episode titled “Game Over, Charles,” it was revealed that Cece Drake, Alison’s adoptive sister, was “A.” Ten years later, it is still one of the biggest plot twists of the series.
Jon Snow’s Death In Game Of Thrones
Winter is coming!
The season five finale in 2015 left Game Of Thrones fans conflicted as Jon Snow had met his supposed fate. Though fans anticipated his death, there was conversation on his resurrection in season six. Whether it lacked shock value or not, it was a pivotal moment in the series that continues to divide fans.
Inside Out Premiere
In June of 2015, we got to meet Riley and the emotions in her head in Inside Out.
Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust soon became our favorite animated characters with their unique personalities and true care for Riley. The film grossed over 800 million dollars and was the seventh highest grossing film of the year. And yes, we’re still crying over Bing Bong!
Lady Gaga’s Iconic Meat Dress
Caught in a bad romance… and a meat dress!
One of the most iconic fashion moments in 2010 came from Lady Gaga herself at the MTV Video Music Awards. Gaga strutted down the carpet in a full raw meat dress, purse, boots, and hat that was designed by Franc Fernandez.
Baby, Baby, Baby, Ohhhh
Bieber fever!
In 2010, Justin Bieber released his second album My World 2.0 which featured one of his hit songs “Baby” — accompanied by the iconic bowling alley music video. Its catchy lyrics and melody instantly became a fan favorite and Bieber was off to major stardom.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Premieres
Vampires versus Werewolves.
Since its debut in 2008, The Twilight series became one of the most anticipated movies to look forward to. Premiering in June of 2010, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse transported fans back to choosing between Team Edward and Jacob. Bella faces this dilemma head on while the vampires and werewolves reignite their longstanding feud in the film. This film also gave us the awaited proposal from Edward that we still think about till this day!
Chicken Little Tries To Save The Day
The sky is falling!
Whether you know the memes or seen the movie, Chicken Little found its way into our hearts in 2005. The film earned its spot as the second highest grossing film of the year and served as the first fully computer animated feature film under Disney Animation. Quotable and hilariously relatable, Chicken Little’s legacy lives on.
I Like To Move It, Move It
The King of New York!
Twenty years ago, we met the hilarious escaped zoo animals Alex, Gloria, Melman, and Marty in Madagascar. As the highest grossing film of the year, the infectious soundtrack and humor continue to make the film one of the most memorable.
Christopher Nolan Gave Us Batman Begins
I won’t kill you, but I don’t have to save you.
After Batman & Robin received poor reviews, director Christopher Nolan sought to portray the superhero in a darker light with hopes to bring back the excitement. In June of 2005, Batman Begins prevailed in the box office, skyrocketing Nolan as an acclaimed director. Boosting Christian Bale’s popularity, it’s considered one of the most impactful movies of the era.
More Wizardry Came Along
Welcome back to Hogwarts!
Potterheads geared up for the fourth installment of the series when Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire premiered in November of 2005. Many of the film's highlights included Harry being selected for the dangerous Triwizard tournament, Cedric’s death, and the announcement of He Who Must Not Be Named’s return.
Welcome Home, Houseguests
Another reality competition show rose to prominence 25 years ago!
Since its premiere in 2000, Big Brother has generated millions of viewers with a 27th season coming in the summer of 2025. Its format, which involved placing contestants in a house while their every move is broadcasted live, captivated audiences and created a cultural phenomenon from the drama to the multiple spin-offs.
Gladiator Premieres
Are you not entertained?
Among all the Y2K fashion and music, we also got the thrilling Gladiator film in 2000. As the second highest grossing film of the year, the film introduced us to the brutal Roman world of politics and revenge which won five Academy Awards. Now 25 years after the first film, you can catch Gladiator 2 in theaters!
Rancho Carne Toros VS East Compton Clovers
I’m sexy, I’m cute!
I think it’s safe to say Bring It On is the cheerleading movie of all cheerleading movies. Helmed by stars Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union, the film brought light to social justice issues while giving us quotable moments, cute uniforms, and epic cheers. The film celebrates 25 years in 2025.
We Got Monica And Quincy’s Love Story
All’s fair in Love & Basketball.
Premiering in April 2000, Love & Basketball gave us a film about pursuing a sports career while maintaining a relationship. Portraying Black love in an authentic, emotional, and nuanced light, the film continues to remain a cult classic 25 years later.
Alicia Silverstone Becomes The New “It” Girl
As if!
Alicia Silverstone gained “It” girl status 30 years ago when the beloved film Clueless premiered in 1995. The film's witty dialogue, iconic fashion, and satirical take on social hierarchies have made it a timeless representation of the '90s youth culture.
Selena’s Legacy Lives On With Posthumous Album
Bidi Bidi Bom Bom!
Selena Quintanilla-Perez was a cultural music icon and cemented her name as one of the greatest latino music artists in history. Her final album Dreaming Of You was released posthumously in 1995 which featured a bilingual tracklist and broke records during its release. Selena’s impact continues to flourish throughout the music industry including contemporary stars Becky G, Bruno Mars, Demi Lovato, and more.
Goofy And Max Go On Vacation
Together’s where we both belong!
It’s been 30 years since A Goofy Movie released and we’re still not over the soundtrack. We had a chance to see a heartwarming father-son relationship in the film that still tugs at the heartstrings. Its colorful animation, portrayal of adolescence, soundtrack, humor, and more has stamped the film into an important part in pop culture.
Pocahontas Came To Disney
With all the colors of the wind!
Pocahontas got the Disney treatment in 1995 with its beautiful animation and stunning soundtrack. Despite facing criticism for its inaccurate historical portrayal and romanticization, the film’s impact is significant for bringing Native American stories to cinema which led to conversations about proper representation in media.
Batman Forever Took Over The Box Office
I see without seeing.
In the upcoming year, Batman Forever will celebrate its 30th anniversary which marks a significant moment in the legacy of the iconic superhero franchise. Though the rendition ditched the Burton-esque tone, it still managed to hold a record as the highest opening weekend gross of all time. We also got to see the iconic Jim Carrey as The Riddler and that in and of itself was a treat.
Woody And Buzz Lightyear Graced Our Screens
To infinity and beyond!
As the first completely computer animated feature film in 1995, Toy Story garnered a dedicated fanbase for its lovable characters, emotional story arch, silly humor, and, of course, Randy Newman’s catchy “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” tune. What would we do without our favorite toys anyway?
Sci-Fi Meets Time Travel
Forty years ago, Back To The Future showed us Marty McFly’s journey to ensure his parents fall in love without altering history as he was stranded in 1955. The film captivated audiences with its special effects, inventive time-travel plot, and memorable characters. It became a huge success in the sci-fi genre with endless merch products, several pop culture references, and so much more.
The Birth Of Sketch Comedy Show Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live is the gift that keeps on giving!
The sketch comedy show has served as the groundbreaking platform for many comedians such as Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and more since its inception in 1975. For those interested in its start, lucky for you this year’s film Saturday Night documents the famous behind-the-scenes moments before the first big show.
We’re All Scared Of Open Water
You’re gonna need a bigger boat.
If you weren’t afraid of the ocean then, Jaws certainly amplified that feeling when it premiered 50 years ago. Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking thriller revolutionized cinema as one of the first summer blockbusters with its suspense, sense of adventure, and tension — kudos to John Williams for the amazing film score.
An Unlikely Pair Of Dogs Fall In Love
Who knew spaghetti could be so romantic? Lady and The Tramp did!
The iconic Disney film came onto the scene 70 years ago and remains one of the most unique love stories featuring a proper cocker spaniel and a street mutt. The film depicted class differences while blending humor and romance making it a beloved film for kids and adults all around.
