2012

What Was Happening in 2012

London hosted a spectacular Olympics as the world embraced Gangnam Style

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 2012 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"Somebody That I Used to Know"

Gotye ft. Kimbra

The Belgian-Australian singer's melancholy breakup anthem became a global phenomenon, spending five weeks at UK number one and becoming one of the best-selling singles of the decade.

US #1

"Somebody That I Used to Know"

Gotye ft. Kimbra

Gotye's crossover hit dominated the US charts too, spending eight weeks at number one. Its distinctive marimba riff and music video with body-painted figures were inescapable in 2012.

Biggest Films of 2012 — Box Office Hits

The Avengers

Box Office: $1.52 billion

Marvel's ambitious crossover brought Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and the Hulk together for the first time. Directed by Joss Whedon, it proved the shared-universe model worked and changed blockbuster filmmaking forever.

Fashion and Style of 2012

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 2012

Buildings completed and structures opened in 2012

More About 2012

What Was Happening — A journey through the years