2016 Hits
This Drake song became one of the most recognizable hits of the decade
Hotline Bling/One Dance/Work
This mobile game had people exploring real-world locations to catch virtual creatures
Pokemon GO!
This Disney movie asked audiences to “Let It Go”…
Frozen
This song by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee became a global hit in 2016
Despacito
This international sporting event took place in Rio de Janeiro in 2016
Olympics
Beyoncé released this critically acclaimed visual album in 2016
Lemonade
This viral challenge involved freezing in place while a song played
Mannequin challenge
This Netflix sci-fi series introduced Eleven and the Upside Down
Stranger Things
This Colombian singer was known for hits like “Chantaje” and “La Bicicleta.”
Shakira
This U.S. gymnast won four gold medals at the 2016 Olympics
Simone Biles
This singer released the album ANTI after a long wait from fans
Rihanna
This social media app popularized face filters and disappearing messages
Snapchat
This musical film starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling won Best Director at the Oscars.
La La Land
This Netflix series starring a Colombian drug lord became one of the platform’s most watched shows
Narcos
This tennis player won her 22nd Grand Slam title, tying Steffi Graf’s Open Era record
Serena Williams
This artist released Blonde independently after fulfilling his contract with Def Jam using Endless
Frank Ocean
This zoo animal became the subject of one of the most discussed internet moments of 2016
Harambe (RIP)
This HBO show shocked fans by killing off several major characters in one episode
Game of Thrones
This Latin artist was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2016
Lin-Manuel Miranda
This baseball team broke a 108-year championship drought
The Cubs/Chicago Cubs
This female rapper scored a viral hit with “OOOUUU” but never released a studio album
Young M.A
This color debate (from 2015) still refused to die in 2016
Blue/Black, White/Gold Dress (It's blue and black :D)
This animated Netflix series starring Will Arnett addressed mental health and Hollywood satire
BoJack Horseman
This Mexican director released a 2016 film that explored immigration, identity, and family through a minimalist lens
Jonás Cuarón
This college quarterback won the Heisman Trophy and set an NCAA record for total touchdowns in 2016
Lamar Jackson