10 Must-See Pop Culture Examples of the 21st Century
Pop culture has taken over the world and is one of the most influential aspects of modern-day society. From movies to music and everything in between, there’s no shortage of entertaining content to consume. In this article, we’ll take you through our top 10 must-see pop culture examples of the 21st century that you won’t want to miss.
1. Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has taken the world by storm since its inception in 2008 with Iron Man. It has since expanded into 23 interconnected movies, including Avengers: Endgame, which grossed over $2 billion at the box office. The MCU has created a generation of fans and has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends mere entertainment.
2. Stranger Things
The Netflix Original Stranger Things was an overnight sensation when it first premiered in 2016. The show has spawned three seasons and has captivated audiences with its blend of horror, science fiction, and nostalgia. With its talented cast and memorable characters, Stranger Things is a must-see for anyone who loves pop culture.
3. Game of Thrones
Based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series, Game of Thrones took the world by storm from its first season in 2011. It became one of the most-watched television shows of all time, with record-breaking viewership numbers. The show is a masterpiece of fantasy storytelling and is a must-see for fans of the genre.
4. Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash-hit musical Hamilton tells the story of the founding of America and has become a cultural phenomenon. It has won 11 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, and has been a hit on Broadway since it premiered in 2015. Hamilton is a must-see for anyone who loves musicals or American history.
5. Harry Potter
The Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide since the first book was published in 1997. The subsequent movie adaptations were equally successful, grossing over $7 billion at the box office. The Harry Potter franchise has become a cultural touchstone and is a must-see for anyone who loves fantasy.
6. Black Panther
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Black Panther made history with its predominantly Black cast and crew and explored themes of African identity, politics, and culture. The movie was a massive commercial and critical success and has become a cultural landmark. It is a must-see film that explores the complexities of race and identity in the 21st century.
7. Beyoncé’s Lemonade
Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade is a tour-de-force of music and imagery that explores themes of Black womanhood, infidelity, and femininity. The album and accompanying film were critically acclaimed and have become a cultural touchstone for feminist and African American culture. Lemonade is a must-see for anyone who loves music and visual storytelling.
8. The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead premiered on AMC in 2010 and has since become a cultural sensation, with millions of viewers tuning in each week to watch the zombie apocalypse unfold. The show is a blend of horror, drama, and action and has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. The Walking Dead is a must-see for anyone who loves horror and post-apocalyptic stories.
9. The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale, based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name, explores themes of gender, politics, and power. The dystopian story takes place in a society where women are forced into sexual slavery to bear children for wealthy couples. The show has been critically acclaimed for its performances and storytelling and is a must-see for anyone who loves thought-provoking drama.
10. The Social Network
The Social Network is a biographical drama that explores the creation of Facebook and the fallout between co-founders Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin. The film is a critical and commercial success and has become a cultural touchstone for the rise of social media. It is a must-see movie that explores the complexities of modern-day technology and its impact on society.
Conclusion
Pop culture is ever-evolving and has become a significant part of our daily lives. These 10 must-see pop culture examples of the 21st century are just the tip of the iceberg, and there’s always more to discover. From film to music to television and everything in between, pop culture is a vital part of how we interpret and understand the world around us.
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