As we move into 2026, we start to forget popular trends and leave them behind for new ones. However, it’s nice to look back on the things that everyone raved over for nostalgia. Whether it’s new albums from favored artists or a certain outfit trending on TikTok, here are some of the popular trends that made 2025

Labubus

The major craze for PopMart’s The Monsters, or better known as Labubus, took social media by storm. Different influencers and celebrities showed off their Labubus in mini clothes and colors on their bags. Prices would range from $60 to $300 for the dolls. As popularity increased, it became harder to get your hands on them, which made them rarer. Labubus have definitely established themselves as a high-demand fan-favorite collectible in 2025.

The Rise of AI

A surge in the use of AI had skyrocketed in 2025. People use AI for work and school, but AI has transcended to social media, where people post videos on TikTok and Instagram. It’s a scary future for AI, as videos are becoming increasingly harder to fake as AI becomes more realistic.

Movies and shows

2025 was the release of movies like Superman, which introduced David Cornswet as the new actor for Superman. Sinners, which took the horror community by storm, brought a new perspective to Lovecraftian-type movies. Sinners is set in a 1930s, vampire-run world. Other popular films include Weapons, One Battle After Another, Thunderbolts, Minecraft, and F1. Popular shows include The Pitt, It: Welcome to Derry, Wednesday, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Love Island. Another huge movie of 2025 was K-pop Demon Hunters. Netflix releases movies almost every day, and most of them get popular, but not like K-pop Demon Hunters. Within two months of its release, the movie became the most-watched movie on the platform. The catchy songs traveled across the world and climbed the music charts, especially the song Golden. 

Fashion Trends

Mini bags and quarter zips were all the rage in 2025. Graphic tees were still in style, but the shirts conveyed an important statement, controversial or not; it was something to sway people’s thoughts and opinions. Chunky boots were also in style, with the addition of scrunched foldover boots. Matching sets boosted in popularity, like Nike Techs, Ed Hardy tracksuits, and Skims leggings and hoodies. Lululemon also continues to stay popular with workout outfits being in style.

Albums

Lots of artists dropped music this year, and some were long-awaited, like Playboi Carti’s I Am Music and Lady Gaga’s Mayhem, which both released in March of 2025. The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow is the Weeknd’s last album under his stage name and an end to his After Hours trilogy. Sabrina Carpenter released her Man’s Best Friend album just a year after releasing her popular summer album, Short n’ Sweet, and Taylor Swift dropped The Life Of A Show Girl after she announced it on The New Height Podcast. PinkPanthress, Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, and Cardi B all released albums as well.

All of these things shaped the year 2025, and it shows have much the world has evolved, whether it’s clothing or music. We’ve seen a big change in how pop culture affects society today, and it’s going to be exciting to see how 2026 goes.