To be fifteen in America in 2016 was to have “Closer” by The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey everywhere, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story on every screen, and Stranger Things on after school. That year, gas cost $2.14 and Pokemon Go was the new thing. Born in 2001? You turned 15 in 2016 — a teenager from 2014 to 2020, right in the window a soundtrack bonds to you for life.
Compiled by the Original Lore archive from period charts, box-office and price records. How we build these · sources noted throughout.
The defining teen-summer anthem of 2016 — that Range Rover, mattress-back-seat nostalgia chorus was sung in every car and at every party. A 15-year-old felt it was written about their exact life; it overrides the slow-burning 'Love Yourself' as the song that bonded the class of 2016.
the year-end #1 was Love Yourself - Justin Bieber.
the movies you are watching in 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Finding Dory
Captain America: Civil War
Deadpool
Zootopia
the tv shows you are binging in 2016
Stranger Things
Game of Thrones
This Is Us
Westworld
Atlanta
the games you are playing in 2016
Pokémon Sun and Moon
Pokémon Go
Overwatch
Minecraft
Super Mario Maker
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
what things cost in 2016
What things cost in 2016
Gas (per gallon)
$2.14
Movie ticket
$8.65
First-class stamp
47 cents
minimum wage
$7.25/hr
the average income
$59,039
trending this year
Photo by Roger Lew, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsPokemon GoMarinelli (photo); light-art object by Martina Schettina · CC BY-SA 3.0Stranger ThingsPhoto by Mictlancihuatl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsMusical.lyedupov (Flickr) · CC BY-SA 2.0Snapchat SpectaclesPhoto by Smart Home Perfected (Wikimedia Commons), source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alexa_Amazon_Echo_Dot_3rd_Gen_Smart_Speaker_-_Sandstone_Fabric_(Creative_Commons)_(51048461088).jpg · CC BY 2.0Amazon Echo Dot
the gadgets you just got
Photo by Dennis Cortés (Unsplash), CC0 1.0 / Public Domain, via Wikimedia CommonsApple iPhone 7 / 7 PlusPhoto by Mictlancihuatl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSamsung Galaxy Note 7 (recalled over battery fires)Photo by Reza Almanda, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSony PlayStation 4 ProPhoto by DemonDays64 (Wikimedia Commons), source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NES_Classic_Edition_with_controller.jpg · CC BY 4.0Nintendo NES Classic EditionPhoto by Dennis Cortés (Unsplash), CC0 1.0 / Public Domain, via Wikimedia CommonsGoogle Pixel (1st generation)
what everyone is snacking on
annulla, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsFlamin' Hot CheetosErick1222222, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Takis Fuego rolled tortilla chipsSKopp · CC BY-SA 3.0Oreo ThinsLeah Kelley (Pexels), CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsHalo Top ice creamJudgefloro (Judge Florentino Floro), via Wikimedia Commons (File:Combos stuffed snacks cheese flavor fvf.jpg), CC0 public domainPizza-flavored Combos
what everyone is drinking
Fauxey, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Can_of_La_Croix.jpg) · CC BY-SA 4.0La Croix sparkling waterPush Doctor — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Starbucks_Pumpkin_Spice_Latte_(38404428942).jpg · CC BY 2.0Starbucks Pumpkin Spice LatteOto Zapletal — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Red_Bull_energy_drinks.jpg · CC BY-SA 4.0Red Bull energy drinkPhoto by DYVER (Holy-DYVR), via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Coca-Cola (one-brand red packaging relaunch)Fotonovela, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gatorade_Thirst_Quencher.jpg) · CC BY-SA 3.0Gatorade
what made the news in 2016
Donald Trump stuns the world, winning the presidency over Hillary Clinton
Britain votes to leave the European Union in the shocking Brexit referendum
The Chicago Cubs end a 108-year drought, winning the World Series
Pokemon GO sends millions outdoors chasing creatures on their phones
Hayden Schiff, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsDonald Trump wins the 2016 US presidential electionEyebe913, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC-BY-SA 4.0Britain votes to leave the EU (Brexit) in June referendumFibonacci Blue · CC0 1.0 (Public Domain Dedication)Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando kills 49Chris J (Flickr), CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC-BY-2.0Chicago Cubs win the World Series, ending a 108-year droughtBernd Schwabe in Hannover · CC BY-SA 4.0Pokemon Go sweeps the world as players roam streets catching monsters
what everyone is saying
"Damn, Daniel!"Viral February 2016 Snapchat video of a teen praising his friend's white Vans
"Dicks Out for Harambe"Gorilla shot at the Cincinnati Zoo in May 2016 became a massive internet meme
"Raindrop, drop top (Bad and Boujee)"Migos hit single released in late 2016 spawned endless 'You know me' parodies
"Salt Bae"Turkish chef Nusret Gokce's stylish salt-sprinkling clip from late 2016 went viral worldwide
"Make America Great Again (MAGA)"Donald Trump's presidential campaign slogan and red hat became ubiquitous in 2016
