1996

What Was Happening in 1996

Football comes home, the Spice Girls arrive, and Dolly the Sheep makes headlines as the world's first clone.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1996 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"Wannabe"

Spice Girls

The debut single from the Spice Girls spent seven weeks at number one and launched the biggest pop phenomenon of the late 1990s. It went on to top charts in 37 countries.

US #1

"Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)"

Los Del Rio

The insanely catchy Spanish dance track spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the quintessential novelty hit of the 1990s.

Biggest Films of 1996 — Box Office Hits

Independence Day

Box Office: $817 million worldwide

Roland Emmerich's alien invasion blockbuster starring Will Smith became the biggest film of 1996. The image of the White House being destroyed became an iconic piece of 90s cinema.

Fashion and Style of 1996

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1996

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1996

More About 1996

What Was Happening — A journey through the years