Ennui in Pop Culture

From the existential dread of The Office to the aimless wandering of Lost, ennui has become a staple of modern media.

Here are a few notable examples:

• Ennui in Film
• Ennui in TV Shows
• Ennui in Literature

Ennui in Film

Ennui is a common theme in modern cinema, from the bleak, existential dread of The Matrix to the aimless wandering of Lost.

Notable Examples:

• The Matrix (2003) - "I know, Keanu Reeves knows, we all know..."
• Lost (2004-2010) - "We're all just wandering, trying to find our way... to nowhere."

Ennui in TV Shows

Ennui is also a recurring theme in modern television, from the ennui-ridden world of The Walking Dead to the existential dread of Rick and Morty.

Notable Examples:

• The Walking Dead (2010-2019) - "We're all just shambling, trying to survive... in a world gone mad."
• Rick and Morty (2013-2015, 2019-2021) - "Wubba lubba lubba dub dub!"

Ennui in Literature

Ennui is a common theme in modern literature, from the existential dread of 1984 to the aimless wandering of The Catcher in the Rye.

Notable Examples:

• 1984 (1949) - "I'm not sure what 'Big Brother' is, but I think it's watching me..."
• The Catcher in the Rye (1951) - "If you want to find me, you'll be looking a long time."