1999

What Was Happening in 1999

The millennium approaches with Y2K anxiety, dot-com mania, and a feeling that anything is possible.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1999 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"...Baby One More Time"

Britney Spears

Britney Spears' debut single announced the arrival of a pop phenomenon. The schoolgirl outfit in the music video became iconic, and the song spent two weeks at UK number one.

US #1

"Believe"

Cher

Cher's Auto-Tuned comeback anthem carried over from late 1998 to become the best-selling single of 1999 in the US, proving that the icon could reinvent herself for a new generation.

Biggest Films of 1999 — Box Office Hits

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Box Office: $924 million worldwide

George Lucas returned to the Star Wars universe with the first prequel, generating enormous hype. While it divided fans and critics (especially over Jar Jar Binks), it was the highest-grossing film of 1999.

Fashion and Style of 1999

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1999

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1999

More About 1999

What Was Happening — A journey through the years