Featured moment
The Matrix Released
The Wachowskis popularized "bullet time" and cyberpunk philosophy, deeply influencing early internet culture and cinema.
There is no spoon.
The Matrix redefined sci-fi, Napster sparked the digital music revolution, and the world braced for Y2K.
The Cost of Living in 1999
Gallon of Gas
$1.44
Loaf of Bread
$0.96
Gallon of Milk
$2.72
World Population
6.03 billion
Featured moment
Napster Launches
Shawn Fanning's peer-to-peer file sharing service allowed millions to download MP3s for free, permanently disrupting the music industry.
Featured moment
Y2K Paranoia Peaks
The world spent billions upgrading computer systems to prevent a hypothesized global collapse when the year hit 2000.
The wider picture
More from 1999
A few more things worth remembering.
World Events
Columbine High School Massacre
Two students killed 13 people in Colorado, deeply traumatizing the nation and changing school security forever.
Cinema & TV
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
The highly anticipated prequel shattered opening records, though it received mixed reactions from fans.
Cinema & TV
SpongeBob SquarePants Premieres
Nickelodeon's absorbent yellow sponge debuted, becoming a defining cartoon for millennials and Gen Z.
Gaming
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Released
The skateboarding game defined late-90s punk culture and became a massive gaming franchise.
World Events
Euro Currency Introduced
The new currency was introduced in non-physical form (traveler's cheques, electronic transfers) across 11 European countries.
Gaming
Super Smash Bros. Released
Nintendo's crossover fighting game on the N64 launched a competitive and casual phenomenon.
You arrivedin 1999.
The longer view
This was only the opening scene.
Follow the world as it changed around you, from 1999 to today.