What a year, huh? If 2024 had to be summarised, it would be chaotic energy personified. We’ve had the head-scratching lows and the euphoric highs - it’s truly been a year of extremes. But isn’t that what keeps life interesting? 

In true British fashion, ALIEN breaks down 2024 through the lens of Snog, Marry, Avoid.

SNOG: More of this, please

Queer album releases

You can never have too much of a good thing. This year, queer artists really said, ‘hold my drink’ and delivered albums that had us crying, twerking and foaming at the mouth. From Doechii’s mind-boggling release to Tyler The Creator’s masterful storytelling to Billie Eilish finally collaborating, 2024 has been a musical blessing. More of this energy in 2025, please.

Lookalike contests

One of the internet’s most absurd but entertaining trends, this was one of the best uses of free will this year. Who wore it best? From Timothee Chalamet crashing his contest, Harry Style clones, and even Luigi Mangione impersonators (the internet is quick!). It’s stupid, fun and exactly the kind of low-stakes entertainment we need in these trying times. Long live this type of chaos.

Brat era

Sorry not sorry. If you’re over Charli’s reign, that’s a you problem. A cultural reset - the Collins Dictionary even made it Word of the Year. As a Charli XCX fan from the very beginning, I’m just glad that Charli is finally getting the flowers she’s always deserved and I hope she gets some much-needed rest from touring.

Real Christmas ads

Hearing the words ‘backlash’ and ‘British TV’ in one sentence, you know it’s going to be good. Boots’ Christmas ad was spot on this year and they said it with their whole chest: Santa isn’t real and mums do the heavy lifting. Refreshing, cheeky and way overdue. Here’s to more truth bombs wrapped in tinsel.

Cinema is back

This year felt like a love letter to the magic of cinema. 2024 gave us true cinematic masterpieces, it’s difficult to name a favourite from the eclectic releases this year. From The Substance to I Saw The TV Glow, Love Lies Bleeding, and Kneecap - it was an honour to witness the developments on the big screen this year.

Marry: Yes 2024, you did this right

Literal marriage

Greece made history as the first Orthodox Christian country to legalise same-sex marriage. It’s the 36th country to do so, and while there’s a long way to go globally, this milestone feels huge. Let’s hope it sets a domino effect in motion for more progress worldwide.

Abandoning X

Watching people leave that toxic platform behind? Chef’s kiss. Musk’s chaos and biased ads led to users flooding BlueSky, Threads, and other platforms - finally leaving the trolls to talk amongst themselves. Our side of the internet feels a little less phobic these days, and we’re here for it. 

Queer TV

Despite mourning so many queer cancellations this year (RIP Everything Now and Our Flag Means Death), 2024 delivered with shows like The Boyfriend to Arcane to Agatha All Along and I Kissed a Girl. We were blessed with groundbreaking narratives that felt authentic, joyful and of course, binge-worthy.

Rise of the 4B Movement

South Korea’s feminist movement gained traction globally in 2024, inspiring women to reject patriarchal expectations like childbirth and marriage. It’s bold, it’s unapologetic and it’s gaining supporters and participants worldwide. There's already a global decline in childbirth so it will be interesting to see the numbers in a few years.

Women in Hip-Hop

There’s nothing I savour more than proving someone wrong. Since Joe Budden said the ‘girl rapper wave is over’, it’s like all the women in hip-hop banded together and said, ‘Bet.’ 2024 was a female rap renaissance - you can’t go anywhere without hearing a Glorilla, Doechii, Big Latto, Ceechyna, Little Simz or Megan Thee Stallion tune. This year, thee musical landscape belonged to women.

Avoid: Yeah, this wasn’t it

UK ban on puberty blockers

The government’s move to restrict access to gender-affirming care for trans youth is a devastating step backwards. These decisions are happening without involving transgender people in the conversation. Frankly, trans kids deserve better. Let’s keep fighting for a world where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

Outing people

Khalid’s forced outing was a grim reminder of why privacy and consent are crucial. Even in a progressive 2024, there is always a chance that outing someone robs them of their agency and can put their life at risk. We should have the right to be in control of our own narrative. Enough is enough.

Overpriced concert tickets

From the Eras Tour debacle to the Oasis reunion ticket nightmare, concert tickets have felt like searching for a golden ticket to the chocolate factory. It’s deterring music lovers from seeing their faves live and leaving the VIP section to stand idly while the artist is performing bop after bop. But can the artists actually do anything about it? Music is for everyone - not just the rich.

3D movies

The blockbuster we didn’t ask for - who greenlit The Lion King prequel? As much as we love The Lion King, it’s time we stop rehashing classics for the sake of nostalgia cash grabs. Creativity deserves better.

Criminals in political parties

Donald Trump started the year as a top candidate on the Epstein list, was convicted as a felon in May and yet still ended the year winning the U.S. election. Make it make sense. America, do better.

There were moments when 2024 felt like a prank TV show but through all the chaos, we found moments of joy, resilience and growth. As I get older, I realise every year is a rollercoaster - but let’s see if 2025 can top this one.