2003

What Was Happening in 2003

The invasion of Iraq divides the world as millions march in protest and a dictator is toppled.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 2003 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"Where Is the Love?"

The Black Eyed Peas

Released in the shadow of the Iraq War, the socially conscious anthem spent seven weeks at number one in the UK and became one of the defining songs of the year.

US #1

"In Da Club"

50 Cent

50 Cent's debut single was inescapable in 2003, spending nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and helping his album 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'' sell nearly a million copies in its first week.

Biggest Films of 2003 — Box Office Hits

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Box Office: $1.14 billion worldwide

Peter Jackson's epic conclusion swept all 11 of its Oscar nominations, tying the record for most Academy Awards won by a single film. It was a triumphant end to the most ambitious film trilogy ever attempted.

Fashion and Style of 2003

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 2003

Buildings completed and structures opened in 2003

More About 2003

What Was Happening — A journey through the years