From TikTok Trends To Movie Magic! How Viral Moments Are Shaping The Big Screen
In the world of cinema, where trends often come and go, one thing has remained undeniable: the impact of social media on the way movies are made and marketed. TikTok, in particular, has evolved from a simple app for dancing and lip syncing into a powerhouse of cultural influence. With its viral moments dominating the internet, it is no surprise that filmmakers are incorporating these online trends into their movies.
The “WAP” Dance – Birds of Prey, 2020
When Birds of Prey brought the viral “WAP” dance scene into the spotlight, it did more than just entertain, it captured the zeitgeist of a social media obsessed generation. Thanks to TikTok, this scene became iconic almost overnight. The catchy moves and vibrant energy embodied the chaotic yet liberated spirit of the movie. The dance became a viral sensation, with millions of users posting their own interpretations, making it not just a moment, but a cultural milestone.
The “I’m Gonna Tell My Kids” Meme – Space Jam: A New Legacy, 2021
When the internet meme “I’m gonna tell my kids” blew up, it was not long before it made its way into Space Jam: A New Legacy in a hilarious meta moment. The meme typically pairs a current image with a joke about how future generations might misinterpret it. Seeing the meme referenced directly in a blockbuster like Space Jam 2 was a clear sign that Hollywood is embracing the power of meme culture.
TikTok “Rich Girl” Trend – Promising Young Woman , 2020
The viral “rich girl” trend, which saw users mimicking the song’s dramatic flair, found its way into Promising Young Woman. The film’s use of the song brought a unique, sardonic energy to Cassie’s revenge filled journey, amplifying the sense of disillusionment in a visually stunning way. TikTok helped cement the song as an anthem for both the film’s themes and the online cultural moment it represented.
The “Savage Love” Dance – The Kissing Booth 2, 2020
TikTok trends have always had a way of infiltrating movies, but when the “Savage Love” dance appeared in The Kissing Booth 2, it was a perfect fit. The dance, which took over TikTok in 2020, made its way into one of the most anticipated teen films, boosting its cultural relevance. It became a defining moment for how TikTok dances are no longer just a viral challenge but integral to the story and character development in modern teen films.
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The “Blinding Lights” Challenge – The Weeknd’s “After Hours” Feature in Uncut Gems, 2019
Although Uncut Gems predated the “Blinding Lights” viral dance craze, the song’s explosion on TikTok gave a new layer of meaning to its role in the film. TikTok users associated the song’s beat with frenetic energy and stress, something that mirrored the film’s constant tension. This song’s rebirth as a TikTok soundtrack was a testament to how viral moments can breathe new life into a film’s legacy.
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The “They’re a 10 but…” Meme – The 355, 2022
The viral meme “They’re a 10 but…” took over the TikTok space, where users would playfully rate each other’s qualities. The 355 cleverly used this format in its promotional material, adapting it to the realm of spy action and using humor to play with movie tropes. The meme’s integration into film marketing showcased Hollywood’s awareness of TikTok’s impact on how audiences digest pop culture.
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“Don’t Leave Me” Challenge – Venom: Let There Be Carnage, 2021
The “Don’t Leave Me” challenge, which involves dramatic reenactments of goodbye scenes, became an unexpected viral sensation, thanks to TikTok. Venom: Let There Be Carnage took the challenge and ran with it, using its dark humor and complex relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom to create a viral marketing moment. TikTok’s widespread use of the challenge helped amplify the film’s quirky appeal, making it part of the internet conversation leading up to the release.
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“Renegade” Dance – The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run, 2020
The Renegade dance, which took over TikTok, found its way into Spongebob’s animated world, where characters performed it in a moment of pure, childlike chaos. The inclusion was more than just a gimmick; it represented the seamless crossover between online trends and mainstream entertainment. This inclusion underscored how TikTok’s influence can transform how movies cater to younger audiences, using the app’s most viral moments for maximum appeal.
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“Buss It” Challenge – Coming 2 America, 2021
The “Buss It” challenge was everywhere on TikTok in 2021, and it did not take long for Coming 2 America to cash in on the trend. The film included an iconic scene where a character performs the challenge, bringing it to a new audience while simultaneously honoring the platform’s role in shaping pop culture. This viral moment added a touch of modern flair to the film’s nostalgic humor and embraced the fun of TikTok’s cultural landscape.
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Hot Girl Summer” – Megan Thee Stallion Cameo in Paramount’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, 2021
Megan Thee Stallion’s presence in Spider-Man: No Way Home, which coincided with the “Hot Girl Summer” phenomenon, perfectly captured how viral moments shape blockbuster films. As fans celebrated the fusion of comic book superheroes and pop culture moments, Megan’s cameo felt like an extension of how TikTok and music culture have been woven into Hollywood’s fabric. This was a perfect illustration of how music and TikTok trends are transforming even the most established franchises into modern, pop culture driven spectacles.
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The “Throw It Back” Dance – The Suicide Squad, 2021
This viral TikTok dance made its way into The Suicide Squad’s fun, chaotic vibe as characters participated in this quick, silly movement that fans had been posting everywhere. The dance was incorporated seamlessly, capturing the irreverence of the film while keeping pace with the trendiness of online content. It showed how TikTok trends and social media personalities can influence major Hollywood projects and how fast cultural shifts make their way to the big screen.
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“It’s a No for Me” Trend – Cruella, 2021
“It’s a No for Me” Trend Cruella 2021, The viral “It’s a no for me” phrase, popularized by TikTok’s critics and influencers, found its home in Cruella with just the right amount of attitude. The film’s villainous lead, Cruella de Vil, encapsulated the spirit of TikTok critiques, stylish, bold and unapologetic. The movie’s witty take on the phrase became a reflection of how Hollywood has learned to interact with viral internet humor.
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TikTok trends have gone from viral moments to full blown cultural movements, leaving their mark on Hollywood like never before. Movies now utilize social media platforms, including TikTok, as a key strategy for building hype, engaging audiences, and tapping into online culture. As these viral trends continue to shape the way stories are told and consumed, we can expect even more surprising intersections between film and social media in the future. It is clear, TikTok is not just a passing trend; it is becoming an integral part of the Hollywood machine.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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