The Holiday Hustle and Pop Culture Reflection
As the week before Christmas descends upon us, the air is thick with holiday cheer and a flurry of last-minute activities. Shoppers rush through crowded malls, travelers navigate busy airports, and kitchens fill with the sweet aroma of cookies waiting to be baked. Amidst this seasonal chaos, another tradition unfolds: the annual scramble by publications to release their year-in-review columns. From the best albums and movies to the most talked-about TV shows and even the best memes, these lists often highlight the standout moments of the year.
A Year of Uncertainty in Pop Culture
However, 2025 has proven to be a different beast altogether. Unlike previous years that boasted a definitive “song of the summer” — think of last year’s ubiquitous hit “Espresso” — this year has left many scratching their heads. The absence of a clear frontrunner in music, coupled with Hollywood’s struggle to deliver box office hits, raises the question: was 2025 a flop in terms of pop culture?
Measuring Success in a Fragmented Landscape
The answer to that question largely depends on how one measures success. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another stands out as a critical darling, poised to dominate the upcoming Oscar nominations. Critics hail it as not just the best film of the year, but potentially the best of the decade. Yet, despite its acclaim, the film is projected to lose a staggering $100 million for Warner Bros., illustrating the disconnect between critical success and financial viability.
Box Office Disasters and Missed Opportunities
Other films have faced similar fates. Christy, a biopic featuring Sydney Sweeney, aimed to showcase her acting chops but fell flat with a mere 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its opening weekend was dismal, grossing just $1.3 million, marking one of the worst openings in box office history. Similarly, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, despite its promising premise and star power, failed to resonate with audiences, earning mixed reviews and underperforming at the box office.
Even The Smashing Machine, directed by a Safdie brother and starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, was expected to be a hit. However, its opening weekend gross of just $6 million marked the worst of Johnson’s career, raising questions about audience appeal when the star is virtually unrecognizable in the trailer.
Streaming Services and Changing Viewing Habits
On the television front, 2025 saw streaming viewership surpass traditional broadcast and cable TV for the first time. YouTube even claimed its highest share of TV viewing at 12.5%, outpacing Netflix. Yet, this shift doesn’t necessarily indicate a thriving industry. The Academy’s decision to move the Oscars to YouTube in 2029, following a botched streaming attempt by Hulu, reflects growing concerns about the reliability of streaming platforms for live events.
The Dichotomy of Quality and Popularity
Despite the lack of blockbuster hits, 2025 has still produced remarkable work. The challenge lies in the audience’s ability to discover these gems amidst a sea of mediocrity. Are marketing strategies failing, or is it a sign of a deeper issue where consumers feel entitled to free content? The preference for streaming movies at home over theater visits, coupled with the rise of AI-generated music, paints a concerning picture for the entertainment landscape.
The Importance of Independent Voices
While mainstream releases may struggle, independent films and artists continue to thrive, offering vital contributions to pop culture. However, the fragmentation of audiences means fewer shared experiences and cultural touchstones. The absence of a runaway hit this year has diminished those collective moments that once defined pop culture.
A Call to Action for Collective Experiences
As the year draws to a close, there’s still time to reconnect with the magic of cinema. Making an effort to watch a film in a theater can reignite that thrill of shared experiences. As we look ahead to 2026, perhaps we can resolve to seek out and celebrate the art that resonates, regardless of its commercial success.
Meet Your Guide
Bonnie Stiernberg, the Managing Editor at InsideHook, brings a wealth of experience in music and pop culture journalism. With a background at Paste Magazine and contributions to outlets like Rolling Stone and Glamour, her insights offer a nuanced perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment.
This article serves as a reflection on the complexities of pop culture in 2025, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that define our collective experience.