In 2021, old songs became new again. Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams (thanks to the "Vibin" trend) and Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill (though blowing up in 2022, the seeds were planted in late 2021) proved that "popular media" is now controlled by 15-second clips. Artists like Doja Cat and Lil Nas X specifically engineered tracks for viral dance challenges.
This Korean survival drama on Netflix became the most-watched show in the platform's history. It was a genuine global phenomenon, influencing fashion (Vans slip-ons sales spiked) and Halloween costumes. kajolxxx latest 2021
While theaters recovered, streaming services released their heaviest hitters. Apple TV+ finally broke through with CODA (a Sundance record breaker), while Netflix continued its reign with Red Notice (the most watched movie on the platform to date) and Don't Look Up (a satire that broke the internet). In 2021, old songs became new again
While sitcoms struggled, drama and genre television thrived. This Korean survival drama on Netflix became the
2021 was a watershed year for the entertainment industry. It was a year defined by the tension between pandemic-era restrictions and the desperate return to "normalcy." It marked the dominance of streaming services, the resurgence of the box office after historic lows, and a cultural zeitgeist heavily influenced by TikTok and nostalgia.
This guide covers the defining movies, television series, music, and gaming trends that shaped 2021.