The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) stood 53 candidates, of whom 44 were elected, a gain of 5 seats.
The Republican Labour Party made gains, including taking all three seats in Dock ward, defeating independent unionists, who had been suspended from the UUP.
The National Democratic Party stood 9 candidates, but failed to win any seats, surviving on the council only through an alderman.
Tommy Henderson, the longest serving member of the council, was returned unopposed as an independent unionist.
However, Cecil McKee, the former UUP Lord Mayor of Belfast, suffered a surprise defeat, also standing as an independent unionist.