August 16

on this day, year by year

The Tortured Poets Department (2024) album cover

Descendants (Original TV Movie Soundtrack) (2015) album cover

God Forgives, I Don't (2012) album cover

Here is August 16 year by year, back to 1958: the song at #1 that week, the album everyone was playing, the movie leading the box office, and, in recent years, what everyone was watching and looking up.

Born on August 16? Find your year:

2025

#1 song: “Golden” by HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMIright behind it: “Ordinary” (Alex Warren) and “The Subway” (Chappell Roan)
Top album: Don't Tap the Glass by Tyler, the Creatoralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Weapons
On Netflix: Wednesday
Most read on Wikipedia: Coolie, 2025 Indian film by Lokesh Kanagaraj

2024

#1 song: “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozeyright behind it: “I Had Some Help” (Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen) and “Not Like Us” (Kendrick Lamar)
Top album: The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Alien: Romulus
On Netflix: Emily in Paris

2023

#1 song: “Last Night” by Morgan Wallenright behind it: “Fast Car” (Luke Combs) and “Cruel Summer” (Taylor Swift)
Top album: Utopia by Travis Scottalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Barbie
On Netflix: DEPP V HEARD

2022

#1 song: “Break My Soul” by Beyonceright behind it: “As It Was” (Harry Styles) and “About Damn Time” (Lizzo)
Top album: Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunnyalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Bullet Train
On Netflix: Extraordinary Attorney Woo

2021

#1 song: “Stay” by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieberright behind it: “Good 4 U” (Olivia Rodrigo) and “Bad Habits” (Ed Sheeran)
Top album: Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilishalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Free Guy
On Netflix: Outer Banks
Most read on Wikipedia: Taliban, Afghan Islamist militant organizationThe first Afghan President after the 2001 United States invasion, Hamid Karzai, announces that he and his daughters will remain in Kabul as he appeals to the Taliban to respect…
New games: What Remains of Edith Finch · Humankind · Road 96

2020

#1 song: “WAP” by Cardi B Featuring Megan Thee Stallionright behind it: “Rockstar” (DaBaby Featuring Roddy Ricch) and “Blinding Lights” (The Weeknd)
Top album: Folklore by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

2019

#1 song: “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrusright behind it: “Bad Guy” (Billie Eilish) and “Senorita” (Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello)
Top album: Care Package by Drakealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Good Boys

2018

#1 song: “In My Feelings” by Drakeright behind it: “Girls Like You” (Maroon 5 Featuring Cardi B) and “I Like It” (Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin)
Top album: Astroworld by Travis Scottalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Crazy Rich Asians
Most read on Wikipedia: Aretha Franklin, American soul singer (1942–2018)American soul singer and songwriter Aretha Franklin dies at the age of 76.

the 2010s

2017

#1 song: “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieberright behind it: “Wild Thoughts” (DJ Khaled Featuring Rihanna & Bryson Tiller) and “Unforgettable” (French Montana Featuring Swae Lee)
Top album: Everything Now by Arcade Firealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Annabelle: Creation
New games: Sonic Mania

2016

#1 song: “Cheap Thrills” by Sia Featuring Sean Paulright behind it: “One Dance” (Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla) and “This Is What You Came For” (Calvin Harris Featuring Rihanna)
Top album: Major Key by DJ Khaledalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Suicide Squad

2015

#1 song: “Can't Feel My Face” by The Weekndright behind it: “Cheerleader” (OMI) and “Drag Me Down” (One Direction)
Top album: Descendants (Original TV Movie Soundtrack)also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Straight Outta Compton

2014

#1 song: “Rude” by MAGIC!right behind it: “Stay With Me” (Sam Smith) and “Fancy” (Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX)
Top album: Hypnotic Eye by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakersalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

2013

#1 song: “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. + Pharrellright behind it: “We Can't Stop” (Miley Cyrus) and “Radioactive” (Imagine Dragons)
Top album: Blurred Lines by Robin Thickealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Butler
New games: Angry Birds

2012

#1 song: “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsenright behind it: “Lights” (Ellie Goulding) and “Whistle” (Flo Rida)
Top album: God Forgives, I Don't by Rick Rossalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Expendables 2

2011

#1 song: “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO Featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRockright behind it: “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” (Katy Perry) and “Super Bass” (Nicki Minaj)
Top album: 21 by Adelealso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Rise of the Planet of the Apes
New games: Age of Empires Online · Bastion

2010

#1 song: “Love The Way You Lie” by Eminem Featuring Rihannaright behind it: “Dynamite” (Taio Cruz) and “Mine” (Taylor Swift)
Top album: The Suburbs by Arcade Firealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Expendables

the 2000s

2009

#1 song: “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peasright behind it: “You Belong With Me” (Taylor Swift) and “Best I Ever Had” (Drake)
Top album: Live on the Inside by Sugarlandalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: District 9

2008

#1 song: “I Kissed A Girl” by Katy Perryright behind it: “Forever” (Chris Brown) and “Disturbia” (Rihanna)
Top album: Love on the Inside by Sugarlandalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Tropic Thunder
New games: Subterranean Animism

2007

#1 song: “Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingstonright behind it: “Big Girls Don't Cry” (Fergie) and “Hey There Delilah” (Plain White T's)
Top album: Finding Forever by Commonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Superbad

2006

#1 song: “London Bridge” by Fergieright behind it: “Crazy” (Gnarls Barkley) and “Promiscuous” (Nelly Furtado Featuring Timbaland)
Top album: Now 22 by Various Artistsalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

2005

#1 song: “We Belong Together” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Don't Cha” (The Pussycat Dolls Featuring Busta Rhymes) and “Pon de Replay” (Rihanna)
Top album: Fireflies by Faith Hillalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Four Brothers
New games: Dungeon Siege II · Darkwatch

2004

#1 song: “Lean Back” by Terror Squadright behind it: “Slow Motion” (Juvenile Featuring Soulja Slim) and “Sunshine” (Lil' Flip Featuring Lea)
Top album: Autobiography by Ashlee Simpsonalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Alien vs. Predator

2003

#1 song: “Crazy In Love” by Beyonce Featuring Jay Zright behind it: “Right Thurr” (Chingy) and “Never Leave You - Uh Ooh, Uh Oooh!” (Lumidee)
Top album: Bad Boys II by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Freddy vs. Jason

2002

#1 song: “Dilemma” by Nelly Featuring Kelly Rowlandright behind it: “Hot In Herre” (Nelly) and “Complicated” (Avril Lavigne)
Top album: The Rising by Bruce Springsteenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: XXX

2001

#1 song: “Fallin'” by Alicia Keysright behind it: “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” (Eve Featuring Gwen Stefani) and “Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)” (Blu Cantrell)
Top album: Now That's What I Call Music! 7 by Various Artistsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: American Pie 2

2000

#1 song: “Incomplete” by Sisqoright behind it: “Bent” (matchbox twenty) and “Jumpin', Jumpin'” (Destiny's Child)
Top album: Now 4 by Various Artistsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Hollow Man

the 1990s

1999

#1 song: “Genie In A Bottle” by Christina Aguileraright behind it: “Bills, Bills, Bills” (Destiny's Child) and “Tell Me It's Real” (K-Ci & JoJo)
Top album: Millennium by Backstreet Boysalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: The Sixth Sense
New games: Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

1998

#1 song: “The Boy Is Mine” by Brandy & Monicaright behind it: “My Way” (Usher) and “Adia” (Sarah McLachlan)
Top album: Da Game Is to Be Sold Not to Be Told by Snoop Doggalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Saving Private Ryan

1997

#1 song: “I'll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy & Faith Evans Featuring 112right behind it: “Mo Money Mo Problems” (The Notorious B.I.G. Featuring Puff Daddy & Mase) and “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” (Backstreet Boys)
Top album: The Art of War by Bone Thugs N Harmonyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Cop Land

1996

#1 song: “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” by Los Del Rioright behind it: “Twisted” (Keith Sweat) and “C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)” (Quad City DJ's)
Top album: Beats, Rhymes and Life by A Tribe Called Questalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Tin Cup

1995

#1 song: “Waterfalls” by TLCright behind it: “Kiss From A Rose” (Seal) and “Boombastic/In The Summertime” (Shaggy)
Top album: E. 1999 Eternal by Bone Thugs-n-Harmonyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Dangerous Minds

1994

#1 song: “Stay (I Missed You) (From "Reality Bites")” by Lisa Loeb & Nine Storiesright behind it: “I'll Make Love To You” (Boyz II Men) and “Fantastic Voyage” (Coolio)
Top album: The Lion King by Elton Johnalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Clear and Present Danger

1993

#1 song: “Can't Help Falling In Love (From "Sliver")” by UB40right behind it: “Whoomp! (There It Is)” (Tag Team) and “I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)” (The Proclaimers)
Top album: Sleepless in Seattle by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Fugitive

1992

#1 song: “End Of The Road (From "Boomerang")” by Boyz II Menright behind it: “Baby-Baby-Baby” (TLC) and “This Used To Be My Playground” (Madonna)
Top album: Some Gave All by Billy Ray Cyrusalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Unforgiven

1991

#1 song: “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” by Bryan Adamsright behind it: “Every Heartbeat” (Amy Grant) and “It Ain't Over 'til It's Over” (Lenny Kravitz)
Top album: Unforgettable... with Love by Natalie Colealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Hot Shots!

1990

#1 song: “Vision Of Love” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Come Back To Me” (Janet Jackson) and “If Wishes Came True” (Sweet Sensation)
Top album: Step by Step by New Kids on the Blockalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Exorcist III

the 1980s

1989

#1 song: “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marxright behind it: “On Our Own (From "Ghostbusters II")” (Bobby Brown) and “Cold Hearted” (Paula Abdul)
Top album: Batman by Princealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Parenthood

1988

#1 song: “Roll With It” by Steve Winwoodright behind it: “Monkey” (George Michael) and “1-2-3” (Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine)
Top album: Roll with It by Steve Winwoodalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Young Guns

1987

#1 song: “Who's That Girl” by Madonnaright behind it: “La Bamba” (Los Lobos) and “Luka” (Suzanne Vega)
Top album: Whitney by Whitney Houstonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Stakeout

1986

#1 song: “Papa Don't Preach” by Madonnaright behind it: “Glory Of Love (Theme From "The Karate Kid Part II")” (Peter Cetera) and “Mad About You” (Belinda Carlisle)
Top album: True Blue by Madonnaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Fly

1985

#1 song: “Shout” by Tears For Fearsright behind it: “The Power Of Love” (Huey Lewis & The News) and “Never Surrender” (Corey Hart)
Top album: Reckless by Bryan Adamsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Back to the Future

1984

#1 song: “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.right behind it: “What's Love Got To Do With It” (Tina Turner) and “State of Shock” (The Jacksons)
Top album: Purple Rain by Princealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Tightrope

1983

#1 song: “Every Breath You Take” by The Policeright behind it: “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” (Eurythmics) and “She Works Hard For The Money” (Donna Summer)
Top album: Synchronicity by The Policealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: National Lampoon's Vacation

1982

#1 song: “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivorright behind it: “Hurts So Good” (John Cougar) and “Abracadabra” (The Steve Miller Band)
Top album: Mirage by Fleetwood Macalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Friday the 13th Part III

1981

#1 song: “Endless Love” by Diana Ross & Lionel Richieright behind it: “Theme From "Greatest American Hero" (Believe It or Not)” (Joey Scarbury) and “I Don't Need You” (Kenny Rogers)
Top album: 4 by Foreigneralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Raiders of the Lost Ark

1980

#1 song: “Magic” by Olivia Newton-Johnright behind it: “Sailing” (Christopher Cross) and “Take Your Time (Do It Right) Part 1” (The S.O.S. Band)
Top album: Emotional Rescue by The Rolling Stonesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Dressed to Kill

the 1970s

1979

#1 song: “Good Times” by Chicright behind it: “My Sharona” (The Knack) and “The Main Event/Fight” (Barbra Streisand)
Top album: Get the Knack by The Knackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Amityville Horror

1978

#1 song: “Three Times A Lady” by Commodoresright behind it: “Grease” (Frankie Valli) and “Last Dance” (Donna Summer)
Top album: Grease by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Hooper

1977

#1 song: “Best Of My Love” by The Emotionsright behind it: “I Just Want To Be Your Everything” (Andy Gibb) and “(your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher” (Rita Coolidge)
Top album: Rumours by Fleetwood Macalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Star Wars

1976

#1 song: “Don't Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John & Kiki Deeright behind it: “You Should Be Dancing” (Bee Gees) and “Let 'em In” (Wings)
Top album: Frampton Comes Alive! by Peter Framptonalso on Spotify, YouTube

1975

#1 song: “Jive Talkin'” by Bee Geesright behind it: “One Of These Nights” (Eagles) and “Please Mr. Please” (Olivia Newton-John)
Top album: One of These Nights by Eaglesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1974

#1 song: “The Night Chicago Died” by Paper Laceright behind it: “Feel Like Makin' Love” (Roberta Flack) and “(You're) Having My Baby” (Paul Anka with Odia Coates)
Top album: 461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Claptonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1973

#1 song: “Touch Me In The Morning” by Diana Rossright behind it: “Live And Let Die” (Wings) and “Brother Louie” (Stories)
Top album: A Passion Play by Jethro Tullalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1972

#1 song: “Alone Again (Naturally)” by Gilbert O'Sullivanright behind it: “Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)” (Looking Glass) and “Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)” (The Hollies)
Top album: Chicago V by Chicagoalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1971

#1 song: “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” by Bee Geesright behind it: “Mr. Big Stuff” (Jean Knight) and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (John Denver)
Top album: Tapestry by Carole Kingalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1970

#1 song: “Make It With You” by Breadright behind it: “(They Long To Be) Close To You” (Carpenters) and “Spill The Wine” (Eric Burdon And War)
Top album: Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revivalalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

the 1960s

1969

#1 song: “In The Year 2525” by Zager & Evansright behind it: “Honky Tonk Women” (The Rolling Stones) and “Crystal Blue Persuasion” (Tommy James And The Shondells)
Top album: Blood, Sweat & Tears by Blood, Sweat & Tearsalso on Spotify, YouTube

1968

#1 song: “People Got To Be Free” by The Rascalsright behind it: “Hello, I Love You” (The Doors) and “Classical Gas” (Mason Williams)
Top album: Wheels of Fire by Creamalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1967

#1 song: “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatlesright behind it: “Light My Fire” (The Doors) and “Pleasant Valley Sunday” (The Monkees)
Top album: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1966

#1 song: “Summer In The City” by The Lovin' Spoonfulright behind it: “Sunny” (Bobby Hebb) and “Lil' Red Riding Hood” (Sam The Sham and the Pharaohs)
Top album: Yesterday and Today by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1965

#1 song: “I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cherright behind it: “Save Your Heart For Me” (Gary Lewis And The Playboys) and “Help!” (The Beatles)
Top album: Out of Our Heads by The Rolling Stonesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1964

#1 song: “Where Did Our Love Go” by The Supremesright behind it: “Everybody Loves Somebody” (Dean Martin) and “A Hard Day's Night” (The Beatles)
Top album: A Hard Day's Night by The Beatles / Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1963

#1 song: “Fingertips - Pt 2” by Little Stevie Wonderright behind it: “Blowin' In The Wind” (Peter, Paul & Mary) and “(You're the) Devil In Disguise” (Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires)
Top album: Days of Wine and Roses by Andy Williamsalso on Spotify, YouTube

1962

#1 song: “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” by Neil Sedakaright behind it: “The Loco-Motion” (Little Eva) and “Roses Are Red (My Love)” (Bobby Vinton)

1961

#1 song: “Tossin' And Turnin'” by Bobby Lewisright behind it: “Wooden Heart” (Joe Dowell) and “Michael” (The Highwaymen)

1960

#1 song: “It's Now Or Never” by Elvis Presley With The Jordanairesright behind it: “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini” (Brian Hyland) and “Walk -- Don't Run” (The Ventures)

the late 1950s

1959

#1 song: “A Big Hunk O' Love” by Elvis Presley With The Jordanairesright behind it: “There Goes My Baby” (The Drifters) and “My Heart Is An Open Book” (Carl Dobkins, Jr.)

1958

#1 song: “Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volaré)” by Domenico Modugnoright behind it: “Little Star” (The Elegants) and “My True Love” (Jack Scott)

Sources

Songs and albums are the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 for the week; films are the weekend box office leader; shows are Netflix’s weekly Top 10; “most read” is the page everyone turned to on Wikipedia that day. Song links search YouTube; films and shows link to IMDb.

Weekly charts: the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200, as archived in Wikipedia’s number-one lists.
Weekend box office: Box Office Mojo, via Wikipedia’s number-one film lists.
Streaming: the official Netflix Top 10.
News stories: the Wikimedia Pageviews API.
Game release dates: Wikidata.
Album artwork and album links: Apple Music.
News photos: freely licensed images from Wikimedia Commons; each links to its file page and credits.

Apple and Apple Music are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.