Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Society & Culture

21st Century Pop Culture Quiz: Music, Movies, Memes

Quick, free quiz to test your knowledge of 21st century trivia. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Daphna HorowitzUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz illustration on coral background showing bold text test your pop culture prowess free 21st century quiz

This 21st century pop culture quiz helps you check what you remember from music, movies, TV, memes, and viral moments since 2000. See answers when you finish, then try our pop culture trivia quiz, revisit classics with 90s pop culture trivia, or test your throwback knowledge in 80s pop culture trivia.

In what year was the first iPhone released?
2008
2005
2006
2007
The first iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs and released to the public on June 29, 2007. It revolutionized the smartphone industry with its multi-touch interface and mobile web capabilities. Prior to that, smartphones used physical keyboards and styluses instead of touchscreens.
Which British singer released the album '25' in 2015?
Florence Welch
Amy Winehouse
Adele
Ellie Goulding
Adele released her third studio album '25' on November 20, 2015. The album includes hits like 'Hello' and showcased her powerful vocals and emotional songwriting. It became one of the fastest-selling albums in UK and US history.
What superhero film, released in 2018, became the highest-grossing film of all time?
Avengers: Infinity War
Black Panther
Avengers: Endgame
Avatar
Released in April 2019, 'Avengers: Endgame' surpassed 'Avatar' to become the highest-grossing film worldwide. It concluded the major Infinity Saga storyline in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and broke numerous box office records.
Which streaming platform began its online streaming service in 2007?
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
YouTube
Hulu
Netflix launched its online streaming service in January 2007, transitioning from DVD rentals by mail to video on demand. This move paved the way for the modern streaming industry. Other platforms like YouTube and Hulu arrived later or focused initially on user-generated content.
The TV series 'Game of Thrones' is based on novels by which author?
J.R.R. Tolkien
George R.R. Martin
C.S. Lewis
Stephen King
'Game of Thrones' is adapted from 'A Song of Ice and Fire' novels by George R.R. Martin. The HBO series premiered in 2011 and spans five published books to that date. Its complex political intrigue and expansive world-building reflect Martin's narrative style.
Which K-pop artist had a global hit with 'Gangnam Style' in 2012?
EXO
Blackpink
BTS
PSY
'Gangnam Style' by South Korean rapper PSY was released in July 2012 and became the first video to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube. Its catchy hook and signature horse-riding dance moves fueled its global popularity. It opened the door for K-pop in Western markets.
Which social media platform was acquired by Facebook in 2012 for $1 billion?
Snapchat
Twitter
Instagram
WhatsApp
Facebook purchased Instagram in April 2012 for approximately $1 billion in cash and stock. Instagram then grew rapidly under Facebook's ownership, expanding features like Stories and Reels. WhatsApp and other major acquisitions followed later.
Who directed the film 'Get Out' released in 2017?
Jordan Peele
Spike Lee
Ava DuVernay
Quentin Tarantino
'Get Out' is the debut feature film directed by Jordan Peele. Released in February 2017, it's a horror-thriller that satirizes race relations in modern America. The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning Peele an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Which Netflix series released in 2019 features a young chess prodigy?
Stranger Things
Bridgerton
Ozark
The Queen's Gambit
'The Queen's Gambit' premiered on Netflix in October 2020 (filmed in 2019) and chronicles the life of orphaned chess genius Beth Harmon. The miniseries sparked renewed interest in chess worldwide and topped Netflix viewership charts.
What is the highest-selling video game franchise of the 21st century?
Grand Theft Auto
Call of Duty
Pokémon
FIFA
Since 2000, the Pokémon franchise has sold over 380 million units worldwide across games, making it the highest-selling video game franchise of the 21st century. Its enduring popularity spans video games, trading cards, and other media.
Which film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2008?
Slumdog Millionaire
Juno
The Hurt Locker
No Country for Old Men
'Slumdog Millionaire' won the Oscar for Best Picture at the 81st Academy Awards in 2009 for films released in 2008. Directed by Danny Boyle, it tells the story of a Mumbai youth who appears on India's version of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'. It received critical acclaim and multiple awards.
Which song held the record for the most-streamed Spotify track as of 2021?
One Dance
Blinding Lights
Shape of You
Dance Monkey
Ed Sheeran's 'Shape of You,' released in 2017, became the most-streamed song on Spotify by December 2021, surpassing 3 billion streams. Its catchy melody and widespread radio play contributed to its enormous streaming numbers.
Which 2019 film was the first female-led superhero movie to gross over $1 billion worldwide?
Birds of Prey
Black Widow
Captain Marvel
Wonder Woman
Released in March 2019, 'Captain Marvel' starred Brie Larson and became the first female-led superhero film to exceed $1 billion at the global box office. 'Wonder Woman' (2017) was critically acclaimed and high-grossing but did not reach that milestone.
What was the name of the virtual concert event held by Travis Scott within the video game Fortnite in 2020?
Rift Tour
Astronomical
Icon Series
Concert Royale
In April 2020, Fortnite hosted 'Astronomical,' a virtual concert featuring Travis Scott performing in a surreal, galaxy-themed environment. It attracted over 12 million concurrent players and demonstrated the potential of in-game events.
Which novel, published in 2005, sparked a global craze and became one of the best-selling book series of the 21st century?
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Fifty Shades of Grey
Twilight
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Stephenie Meyer's 'Twilight' was released in October 2005, launching a vampire romance series that sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Its popularity led to major film adaptations and a cultural phenomenon among young adult readers.
Which 2020 Netflix documentary examines the dangerous human impact of social networking?
The Great Hack
The Social Dilemma
Fyre Festival
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
'The Social Dilemma' premiered on Netflix in September 2020 and features former tech executives discussing how social media platforms manipulate users. The documentary explores algorithms, data privacy, and societal impacts. It sparked widespread discussion about tech regulation.
Which artist headlined the Fortnite Rift Tour in 2021?
Ariana Grande
Marshmello
Billie Eilish
Drake
In August 2021, Fortnite presented the 'Rift Tour' featuring pop star Ariana Grande in an interactive concert series within the game. The event blended her music with in-game visuals, setting new standards for virtual performances.
0
{"name":"In what year was the first iPhone released?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"In what year was the first iPhone released?, Which British singer released the album '25' in 2015?, What superhero film, released in 2018, became the highest-grossing film of all time?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate 21st Century Pop Culture Knowledge -

    Prove your grasp of major trends, events, and viral moments featured in our 21st century pop culture quiz by answering targeted popular culture trivia questions and answers.

  2. Identify Iconic Music and Film Moments -

    Recognize chart-topping tracks, blockbuster films, and breakthrough artists that defined the last two decades of entertainment.

  3. Analyze Viral Trends and Memorable Moments -

    Break down key internet sensations, social media challenges, and cultural shifts that shaped modern pop culture.

  4. Sharpen Your Trivia Skills in a Free Quiz Format -

    Engage with our free pop culture trivia quiz to refine your recall speed, accuracy, and confidence in rapid-fire Q&A sessions.

  5. Evaluate Your Pop Culture IQ Score -

    Assess your performance, pinpoint knowledge gaps, and compare your results with friends in this ultimate online pop culture quiz.

  6. Apply Quiz Strategies to Improve -

    Learn best practices for taking online quizzes, such as time management and educated guessing, to maximize your pop culture quiz results.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Streaming's rise in modern music -

    According to the IFPI Global Music Report (2023), over 60% of global music revenue now comes from streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. A mnemonic "SAA" (Spotify, Apple, Amazon) helps you recall the top three services dominating chart-topping tracks. Reviewing Spotify Wrapped trends can boost your answers on free pop culture trivia quiz questions about 21st century hits.

  2. Blockbuster film franchises -

    Box Office Mojo data shows that the Marvel Cinematic Universe alone has grossed over $28 billion worldwide, illustrating the power of interconnected storytelling. Remember the formula "Origin + Hero Team-Up = Mega Hit" when considering how franchises build momentum. Familiarity with key releases like Avengers: Endgame and Black Panther is essential for the ultimate pop culture quiz.

  3. Social media platforms & viral moments -

    Pew Research Center reports that nearly 72% of American adults use at least one social media site, making platforms like TikTok and Twitter breeding grounds for viral trends. To remember major TikTok challenges, use the "HASHTAG" acronym (Hype, Audio, Shares, Trends, Aggregation, Growth). Viral moments such as the Harlem Shake or Ice Bucket Challenge often surface in popular culture trivia questions and answers.

  4. Internet memes as cultural currency -

    The Journal of Visual Culture highlights how memes like "Distracted Boyfriend" or "Woman Yelling at a Cat" reflect societal attitudes and spread rapidly online. A quick way to track meme origins is using Know Your Meme's timeline charts. Recognizing these moments can give you an edge in any online pop culture quiz.

  5. Influencer marketing & branding -

    A 2022 report in the Journal of Business Research found that micro-influencers often drive higher engagement rates than celebrities, making them key players in 21st century pop culture. Use the "4Cs" model - Credibility, Content, Community, and Consistency - to evaluate an influencer's impact. Knowing major influencer campaigns on Instagram or YouTube can help you ace free pop culture trivia quiz rounds.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Celebrities Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker