Semir Jackson
A&E Editor
As we went into 2026, a scary realization hit many of us that 2016 was ten years past. Upon this realization, people on social media began to bring back the pop culture trends of that year. From memes to music, taking it back to 2016 gave many the feeling of nostalgia and security that 2026 could not hope to give. This article hopes to remind us of everything that made 2016 special in spite of the US’s transition into the age of Trump.
One of the most widely-shared memes of the year was “Damn, Daniel,” a short series of videos posted on Twitter that featured a California teenager complimenting his friend’s outfits. The phrase “Damn, Daniel” became a catchphrase that led to appearances on television programs, including “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Another meme that rose in popularity was “Arthur’s Fist,” an image taken from the PBS Kids series “Arthur.” The image of the aardvark’s clenched fist was widely used online to express anger or frustration. Similarly, the “Evil Kermit” meme, featuring a scene from “Muppets: Most Wanted,” circulated as a visual representation of internal conflict.
In politics and news-related humor, Ken Bone became a trending topic after the U.S. presidential debate. His red sweater and audience question sparked widespread attention online. Reaction images and parody accounts followed shortly after his appearance. Meanwhile, the phrase “Catch Me Outside, How Bout Dat?” emerged from an episode of Dr. Phil, becoming one of the year’s most quoted viral clips.
Music in 2016 featured several singles that achieved both commercial success and cultural visibility. Drake released the album “Views,” which included the single “One Dance.” The track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for multiple weeks. Rihanna’s single “Work,” featuring Drake, also topped charts internationally. The Chainsmokers released “Closer” featuring Halsey, which became one of the year’s longest-running number-one hits.
Another widely discussed song was “Formation” by Beyoncé, released ahead of her Super Bowl L halftime performance. Kanye West debuted “The Life of Pablo,” initially released exclusively on the streaming platform Tidal. Desiigner’s single “Panda” gained prominence after being featured on West’s album and later reached number one on the Billboard chart.
In film and television, superhero franchises continued to expand. “Captain America: Civil War” premiered in May and introduced new characters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including the Black Panther and Spider-Man. “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” brought together two major DC Comics characters in a live-action feature. Later that year, “Deadpool” became the highest-grossing R-rated film at the time of its release.
Streaming platforms also added popular television series. “Stranger Things,” created by the Duffer brothers, debuted on Netflix in July and generated online discussion surrounding its 1980s setting and soundtrack. The character Eleven’s preference for Eggo waffles became a recurring reference in online posts and Halloween costumes.
In gaming, augmented reality (AR) gained popularity with the July release of “Pokémon GO” by Niantic. The mobile game encouraged players to explore real-world locations to capture virtual Pokémon. Within weeks of its launch, the game reported tens of millions of downloads and led to large public gatherings in parks and city centers. Retailers and public institutions responded to increased foot traffic generated by in-game locations known as PokéStops and Gyms.
Other notable video game releases included “Overwatch” by Blizzard Entertainment. The team-based multiplayer shooter game introduced a diverse cast of characters and quickly developed a competitive esports scene. Meanwhile, “Final Fantasy XV” marked a major installment in the long-running franchise and launched globally in November.
Social media platforms such as Vine, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat continued to shape how trends spread. Short-form video content, screenshot-based jokes and remix culture contributed to the rapid evolution of memes throughout the year. By the end of 2016, many of the year’s viral phrases, dance challenges and reaction images had become embedded in the speech, mannerisms, conversations and livelihoods of many people.
Across music, television, gaming and internet culture, 2016 reflected a convergence of digital platforms and mainstream media. Viral moments moved quickly from personal accounts to national headlines, while streaming services and mobile apps altered how audiences accessed entertainment. The year’s pop culture artifacts remain archived in social media timelines, playlists and gaming communities, documenting a period defined by rapid online circulation and cross-platform engagement.