The whole world did the same dance, parents fought over a giggling red monster, and the Nintendo 64 brought 3D gaming home.
This guide rounds up what was popular in 1996, from what people wore and played with to what they watched and listened to. Use it to settle a nostalgia debate, write trivia for a 90s party, or plan a 1996-themed birthday or reunion.
Quick answer
In 1996, the biggest trends were the Macarena, Tickle Me Elmo, the Nintendo 64, Bop It, Space Jam, Independence Day, platform sneakers, Tommy Hilfiger logos, and songs like "Macarena", "No Diggity" and "Un-Break My Heart".
1996 at a glance
| Category | Biggest in 1996 |
|---|---|
| Hit movie | Independence Day |
| Toy craze | Tickle Me Elmo |
| Dance | The Macarena |
| Console | Nintendo 64 |
| Song everyone knew | "Macarena" |
| Kids' movie | Space Jam |
Fashion trends of 1996
Here is what people were wearing in 1996. For the full decade, see 90s fashion trends.
Logo streetwear
Flag logos and oversized fits.
Platform sneakers
Rising with pop music.
Slip-dress weddings
A minimalist celebrity wedding inspired brides.
Bucket hats
Britpop and hip hop.
Tracksuits
Sporty everyday wear.
Butterfly clips
Starting to appear.
Popular toys and games in 1996
The toy aisle in 1996 looked like this. More in our list of popular 90s toys.
Tickle Me Elmo
The must-have holiday toy.
Bop It
Launched in 1996.
Nintendo 64
Launched in North America in September.
Beanie Babies
The craze exploded.
Virtual pets
Launched in Japan in November.
Technology in 1996
- Nintendo 64 launched in North America on September 29, 1996.
- Pocket organizers and a tiny flip phone became status gadgets.
- Free web email services launched.
See every gadget of the decade in 90s tech gadgets and every console in 90s video game consoles.
Popular movies of 1996
| Movie | US release |
|---|---|
| Independence Day | July |
| Space Jam | November |
| Twister | May |
| Matilda | August |
| Scream | December |
| Jerry Maguire | December |
TV shows of 1996
| Show | Premiere / big year |
|---|---|
| Hey Arnold! | October 1996 |
| Dexter's Laboratory | April 1996 |
| Arthur | October 1996 |
| Sabrina the Teenage Witch | September 1996 |
| Kenan & Kel | July 1996 |
| Blue's Clues | September 1996 |
For cartoons specifically, see 90s cartoons.
Popular songs of 1996
| Song | Artist |
|---|---|
| Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix) | Los del Rio |
| No Diggity | Blackstreet |
| Un-Break My Heart | Toni Braxton |
| Because You Loved Me | Celine Dion |
| California Love | 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre |
| Ironic | Alanis Morissette |
Build a full playlist with our 90s party songs.
Big moments of 1996
- Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics.
- Pokémon Red and Green launched in Japan in February.
- The "dancing baby" animation became an early viral hit.
Fun fact: The Macarena spent 14 weeks at number one on the US singles chart in 1996, and the dance was performed everywhere from weddings to sports stadiums.
Throw a 1996 themed party
1996 party checklist
- A playlist of 1996 hits
- Posters from Independence Day and Space Jam
- A dress code inspired by logo streetwear
- Trivia about 1996
- Toys from 1996 as decorations or prizes
- Disposable cameras
The story of 1996
In 1996, the whole world learned the same dance. A Spanish song's remix spent months at number one in the US, and its simple routine was performed at weddings, schools and sports stadiums. At the same time, a girl group from the UK released a debut single that would make "girl power" a global phrase.
Holiday 1996 was famous for a red, giggling plush monster that sold out across the country, causing long lines and news headlines. A reaction game that shouted commands also launched, and a new 64-bit console arrived in North America in September, bringing 3D platformers into living rooms.
On TV, a boy with a football-shaped head, a boy genius with a secret lab and an aardvark who loved books all premiered. In theaters, an alien invasion blockbuster ruled the summer, and a basketball superstar teamed up with cartoon characters for a hit family movie.
For a 1996 party, plan a group dance, play pop and R&B hits from the year, and give out vintage toys as prizes. It is an ideal year for a 90s themed 40th birthday.
Conclusion
1996 was the year of Independence Day, Tickle Me Elmo, The Macarena. Rewind one more year to what was popular in 1995, or fast-forward to what was popular in 1997.
Frequently asked questions
What was popular in 1996?
In 1996, the biggest trends were the Macarena, Tickle Me Elmo, the Nintendo 64, Bop It, Space Jam, Independence Day, platform sneakers, Tommy Hilfiger logos, and songs like "Macarena", "No Diggity" and "Un-Break My Heart".
What was the biggest movie of 1996?
Some of the biggest movies of 1996 were Independence Day, Space Jam, Twister.
What toys were popular in 1996?
Popular toys and games in 1996 included Tickle Me Elmo, Bop It, Nintendo 64, Beanie Babies, Virtual pets.
What songs were popular in 1996?
Popular songs in 1996 included "Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)" (Los del Rio), "No Diggity" (Blackstreet), "Un-Break My Heart" (Toni Braxton), "Because You Loved Me" (Celine Dion), "California Love" (2Pac featuring Dr. Dre).
What TV shows started in 1996?
Shows that premiered or became hits in 1996 include Hey Arnold!, Dexter's Laboratory, Arthur, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Kenan & Kel.
What did people wear in 1996?
Fashion in 1996 included logo streetwear, platform sneakers, slip-dress weddings, bucket hats, tracksuits. See our 90s fashion trends guide for more.
How do I throw a 1996 themed party?
Use the songs, movies and toys from 1996 on this page: a 1996 playlist, movie posters, era snacks and trivia about the year. Our 90s party ideas guide has a full plan.