BLOCKBUSTER(R) Announces People's Choice for Top 2005 Movies; Will Smith Wins Hearts With 'Hitch,' Most Rented Film of the Year

BLOCKBUSTER(R) Announces People's Choice for Top 2005 Movies; Will Smith Wins Hearts With 'Hitch,' Most Rented Film of the Year

DALLAS, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Critics may get the first word on movies, but the final reviews ultimately come from the people. Once again, movie lovers across America voted with their BLOCKBUSTER membership cards for the must-see films of the year. Topping the list of most popular BLOCKBUSTER movie rentals in 2005 is "Hitch," the romantic comedy starring Will Smith, followed by the action and adventure film "National Treasure" starring Nicolas Cage.

The list of 2005's 25 most popular movies from BLOCKBUSTER offers consumers a chance to see what must-see films they missed as we head into a new year. The collection also provides a wellspring of ideas for holiday gifts.

"Love won the day in 2005, with "Hitch" coming in as the most popular movie of the year with BLOCKBUSTER customers," said Curt Andrews, senior vice president and general merchandise manager for Blockbuster Inc. "What we'd like to know is if people were looking for a good laugh -- or dating tips."

MOST POPULAR MOVIES OF 2005 *
1. "Hitch"
2. "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"
3. "National Treasure"
4. "Guess Who"
5. "Meet The Fockers"
6. "Crash"
7. "War of the Worlds"
8. "Ocean's Twelve"
9. "The Forgotten"
10. "The Notebook"
11. "Million Dollar Baby"
12. "Hostage"
13. "Monster-in-Law"
14. "The Longest Yard"
15. "The Pacifier"
16. "Spanglish"
17. "Troy"
18. "Ladder 49"
19. "The 40 Year-Old Virgin"
20. "Cellular"
21. "The Aviator"
22. "Sahara"
23. "Hide and Seek"
24. "Ray"
25. "Be Cool"

* Most popular rentals list is based on actual and projected rentals for
the remainder of 2005.

These and other top movies of 2005 can be rented from BLOCKBUSTER stores across the country, as well as at blockbuster.com.

About BLOCKBUSTER

Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE:BBI)(NYSE:BBI.B) is a leading global provider of in- home movie and game entertainment, with more than 9,000 stores throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company may be accessed worldwide at blockbuster.com.

Source: Blockbuster Inc.

CONTACT: Holly Vershum of Blockbuster Inc., +1-214-854-3190

Web site: http://www.blockbuster.com/

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