The Top 5 Pop Culture Moments of 2008

2008 was a year of comebacks (Brandy, Indiana Jones, the Boston Celtics), a year of goodbyes (Pimp C, Bernie Mac, Paul Newman, Isaac Hayes), historic highs (Mr. President-Elect), tragic lows (Jennifer Hudson’s family tragedy); and a year of not-so-shocking announcements (We’re in a recession? Clay Aiken is gay?! Whaaaaaaaat?) ro decided to rank the top five moments in pop culture that had everyone talking. What a year it has been. Goodbye 2008, we hardly knew ye….

5. “The Dark Knight” There was already a considerable buzz building for director Chris Nolan’s follow-up to 2005’s hit Batman Begins, but when star Heath Ledger unexpectedly passed away in January (after delivering what was being hailed as a ‘breathtaking’ performance as the villainous Joker), what was already the summer’s hottest ticket became one of the most anticipated films of all-time. The Dark Knight didn’t disappoint, serving as the perfect swan song for the versatile Ledger, and breaking box office records. For almost two months, it dominated the Cineplex, almost ousting 1997’s Titanic as the most profitable movie ever made.