The Biggest Pop Culture Moments of 2024

2024 was a year packed with unforgettable pop culture moments, captivating fans across the globe. From movie releases and groundbreaking TV seasons to viral phenomena, these events defined the year. Based on global search volume data, we’ve ranked the top 10 moments that captured the world’s attention.

1. Euros (5,100,000 Searches)

The Euros took the spotlight as the most-searched pop culture event of 2024. This international football championship brought together nations and fans in a celebration of sportsmanship, drama, and unforgettable goals. With record-breaking viewership and social media buzz, the tournament united fans across continents. The search value of the Euros further demonstrates its global appeal, with estimated cost-per-click data generating £3,609,782 monthly and an impressive £43,317,382 annually.

2. Baby Reindeer (3,500,000 Searches)

This heartfelt phenomenon, inspired by a children’s story turned into a viral sensation, warmed hearts around the globe. From adorable merchandise to social media memes, Baby Reindeer became a cultural icon, proving the enduring power of simple joys.

3. Beetlejuice (2,600,000 Searches)

The return of Beetlejuice to the big screen brought a mix of nostalgia and fresh excitement. This revival of the classic film had fans eager to revisit the quirky and darkly comedic world, with star-studded cast announcements driving anticipation. The search interest reflects its widespread popularity, with cost-per-click data valued at £408,951 per month and £4,907,416 annually.

4. Bridgerton Season 3 (1,100,000 Searches)

The latest instalment of Bridgerton continued its reign as a cultural juggernaut. Season 3 delved deeper into the lives and loves of the Bridgerton family, captivating viewers with its blend of romance, drama, and stunning period fashion. The season’s search value underscores its cultural significance, generating an estimated £173,018 monthly and £2,076,214 annually.

5. Joker 2 (932,000 Searches)

Joker 2 shocked and mesmerised audiences with its daring storytelling and intense performances. The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While some praised the film’s bold storytelling and Joaquin Phoenix’s continued dedication to the role, others felt it struggled to recapture the originality and impact of its predecessor.

The film’s search interest highlights its demand, with cost-per-click data valued at £109,945 monthly and £1,319,340 annually.

6. Gladiator 2 (917,000 Searches)

Over two decades since the original Gladiator roared onto screens, its sequel became one of the most-anticipated films of 2024. Fans were eager to return to the world of Roman intrigue and epic battles, making it a cinematic highlight of the year. The movie’s search value reflects this anticipation, with estimated figures of £108,175 monthly and £1,298,106 annually.

7. Moo Deng (545,000 Searches)

Moo Deng, a female pygmy hippo born in July at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has become a viral sensation. The seventh offspring of 25-year-old Jona and 24-year-old Tony, Moo Deng belongs to an endangered species with only 2,000–2,500 adults remaining. 

Adorable and mischievous videos of her baby antics, like learning to walk up her pool’s slanted edge and playfully nipping her keeper, have captivated audiences worldwide. Her charm has inspired memes and even a BuzzFeed AI image generator that imagines her in various scenarios. 

Her popularity has led to a line of official merchandise by the zoo, including T-shirts that quickly sold out, stylish pants, and button-down shirts.

The high search value for Moo Deng reflects her widespread appeal, with an estimated cost-per-click generating £128,584 per month and an impressive £1,543,005 over the year.

8. Wicked Film (345,000 Searches)

The long-awaited film adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked transported fans back to the enchanting Land of Oz with breathtaking visuals and show-stopping musical numbers, rekindling the magic of the original stage production. Its release became a cultural moment, sparking widespread excitement and debate.

Much of the buzz surrounding Wicked stemmed from its star-studded cast, with Cynthia Erivo as the fiercely determined Elphaba and Ariana Grande as the bubbly and glamorous Glinda. While many fans praised the dazzling performances and the vibrant reimagining of the iconic story, others questioned whether the film could truly live up to the towering expectations set by its Broadway predecessor.

Reflecting the film’s enduring appeal, searches for Wicked show significant digital traction, with cost-per-click values reaching an impressive £162,794 per month and £1,953,529 annually, underscoring its cultural and commercial impact.

9. Eras Tour (306,000 Searches)

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was more than just a concert series—it was a global cultural phenomenon. With sold-out shows and record-breaking attendance across the world, Swift reaffirmed her status as a music and cultural icon.

Launching in Glendale, Arizona, on March 17, 2023, and concluding in Vancouver, British Columbia, on December 8, 2024, the Eras Tour covered 149 shows across five continents. It shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing tour in history, the second-most attended, and the first to surpass $1 billion in revenue.

The tour’s immense popularity was further reflected in its digital footprint, with search value metrics underscoring its cultural resonance. Cost-per-click data revealed staggering figures, reaching £84,228 monthly and an annual total of £1,010,739. These numbers highlight not only the scale of the tour’s success but also its profound impact on global audiences.

10. Emily in Paris Season 4 (281,000 Searches)

The fourth season of Emily in Paris brought its signature charm, drama, and fashion back to Netflix. Fans continued to follow Emily’s adventures in the City of Light, making it a binge-worthy favourite of 2024.

The search value reflects its fanbase, with cost-per-click figures hitting £77,347 per month and £928,162 annually.

Methodology and data sources

This list of 2024’s biggest pop culture moments was created using data from Ahrefs, a leading SEO tool. Global search volumes for each event were collected to rank moments by popularity. Additionally, cost-per-click (CPC) data from Ahrefs was analysed to highlight the monetary value of searches, reflecting advertiser demand. Monthly and annual CPC figures were included to provide further context on the commercial impact of each moment. This data-driven approach ensures an accurate representation of the year’s most impactful cultural events. Using https://ahrefs.com/.