George W. Bush is officially sworn in for his second term as president (Jan. 20).
Hurricane Katrina wreaks catastrophic damage on the Gulf coast; more than 1,000 die and millions are left homeless. Americans are shaken not simply by the magnitude of the disaster but by how ill-prepared all levels of government are in its aftermath. (Aug. 25-30). See also Hurricane Katrina Timeline.
Science fiction and fantasy dominated the box office, with Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge of the Sith; The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; and The War of the Worlds taking the top four spots on the list of highest-grossing films. Sith took in more than $380 million.
- Brokeback Mountain
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
- Good Night, and Good Luck
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- The History of Violence
- Match Point
- The Squid and the Whale
- Star Wars: Episode III-Revenge of the Sith
- Walk the Line
- The War of the Worlds