By Utku Muratoğlu
The 2010s may be considered as the decade of internet phenoms, memes and popular culture trends that changed every year. From MCU films to the controversial award ceremonies, the entertainment industry really entertained us, both on and off the screen.
It is also the decade of the rise of the Millennials. From the movie industry to music, many talented artists who were born in 2000 and later showed their talent and have started to shape the new era of art and entertainment.
Now let’s look at the defining moments of the past decade:
September 2010: Lady Gaga’s meat dress at the VMAs.
April 2011: George RR Martin’s book series A Song of Ice and Fire begin as a series on HBO as Game of Thrones and it has since become the most-watched TV series of the decade.
July 2011: We said goodbye to Harry Potter. Movie versions of J.K. Rowling’s masterpiece have come to an end with a two-part final film.
April 2012: Grumpy Cat had its photo posted on Reddit one day. The next thing we knew, Grumpy Cat memes were born. Little Tardar looked like she was annoyed even though she wasn’t. It delighted people, and Grumpy Cat became a feline celebrity. There was even a Lifetime Christmas movie starring Grumpy Cat. Sadly, Tardar Sauce is no longer with us, as the internet’s favourite kitty died in 2019.
July 2012: ‘Gangnam Style’ became the most-watched video ever. South Korean artist PSY rocked the world with his single ‘Gangnam Style’ as the video clip became the most-watched video ever on Youtube.
February 2013: ‘Harlem Shake’ Videos of people dancing with the sing ‘Harlem Shake’ has become one of the top viral trends of 2013.
September 2013: ‘What Does the Fox Say’ became a YouTube sensation.
July–August 2014: Everyone was doing the Ice Bucket Challenge. The ice bucket challenge started as a movement to raise awareness on ALS.
February 2015: The internet had a heated debate over a dress. Black and blue OR white and gold?
February 2016: Leonardo DiCaprio finally won an Oscar.
October 2016: The Vine app shut down.
January 2017: Salt Bae. Turkish Chef Nusret Gökçe becomes an internet phenomenon as the Salt Bae with his unique way of sprinkling salt.
August 2017: Billie Eilish takes over popular music. Releasing her first single, the 2001-born star has become one of the biggest names of the music industry with her unique style over the years.
May 2018: Yanny or Laurel? What did you hear: yanny or laurel?