August 20

on this day, year by year

The Tortured Poets Department (2024) album cover

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

Here is August 20 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 20? Find your year:

2025

#1 song: “Ordinary” by Alex Warrenright behind it: “Golden” (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI) and “What I Want” (Morgan Wallen Featuring Tate McRae)
Top album: Don't Tap the Glass by Tyler, the Creatoralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Weapons
On Netflix: Wednesday
New games: Black Myth: Wukong

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: The Accident
New games: Black Myth: Wukong

2023

#1 song: “Rich Men North Of Richmond” by Oliver Anthony Musicright behind it: “Fast Car” (Luke Combs) and “Last Night” (Morgan Wallen)
Top album: Utopia by Travis Scottalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Blue Beetle
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: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
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

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
In theaters: Unhinged

2019

#1 song: “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilishright behind it: “Senorita” (Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello) and “Old Town Road” (Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus)
Top album: We Are Not Your Kind by Slipknotalso 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: SummerSlam, WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

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: Damn by Kendrick Lamaralso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: The Hitman's Bodyguard
Most read on Wikipedia: Jerry Lewis, American comedian, actor and filmmaker (1926–2017)American comedian and Muscular Dystrophy Association chairman Jerry Lewis dies in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 91. (Yahoo!)

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
New games: Pac-Man 256 · Idolish7

2014

#1 song: “Rude” by MAGIC!right behind it: “Stay With Me” (Sam Smith) and “Fancy” (Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX)
Top album: Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
New games: The Escapists · Fire Emblem Gaiden

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: The Civil Wars by The Civil Warsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Butler
New games: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist · Saints Row IV · The Bureau: XCOM Declassified

2012

#1 song: “Whistle” by Flo Ridaright behind it: “Lights” (Ellie Goulding) and “Call Me Maybe” (Carly Rae Jepsen)
Top album: Now 43 by Various artistsalso 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: The Help

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: Inglourious Basterds
New games: Ōkami Kakushi

2008

#1 song: “Disturbia” by Rihannaright behind it: “Forever” (Chris Brown) and “I Kissed A Girl” (Katy Perry)
Top album: Mamma Mia! The Movie Soundtrack by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Tropic Thunder

2007

#1 song: “Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingstonright behind it: “Big Girls Don't Cry” (Fergie) and “The Way I Are” (Timbaland Featuring Keri Hilson)
Top album: UGK (Underground Kingz) by UGKalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Superbad
New games: Super Metroid

2006

#1 song: “London Bridge” by Fergieright behind it: “Crazy” (Gnarls Barkley) and “Promiscuous” (Nelly Furtado Featuring Timbaland)
Top album: Port of Miami by Rick Rossalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Snakes on a Plane

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: The 40-Year-Old Virgin

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: Exorcist: The Beginning

2003

#1 song: “Crazy In Love” by Beyonce Featuring Jay Zright behind it: “Right Thurr” (Chingy) and “P.I.M.P.” (50 Cent)
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
New games: Medieval: Total War

2001

#1 song: “Fallin'” by Alicia Keysright behind it: “I'm Real” (Jennifer Lopez Featuring Ja Rule) and “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” (Eve Featuring Gwen Stefani)
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: “Doesn't Really Matter” by Janetright behind it: “Incomplete” (Sisqo) and “Bent” (matchbox twenty)
Top album: Country Grammar by Nellyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Cell

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: Outcast

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: Blade

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: No Way Out by Puff Daddy and the Familyalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Cop Land

1996

#1 song: “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” by Los Del Rioright behind it: “I Love You Always Forever” (Donna Lewis) and “Loungin” (LL Cool J)
Top album: Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissettealso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Tin Cup
New games: Doom

1995

#1 song: “Kiss From A Rose” by Sealright behind it: “Waterfalls” (TLC) and “Boombastic/In The Summertime” (Shaggy)
Top album: Cracked Rear View by Hootie & the Blowfishalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Mortal Kombat

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: Forrest Gump

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
New games: StarTropics

1991

#1 song: “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” by Bryan Adamsright behind it: “It Ain't Over 'til It's Over” (Lenny Kravitz) and “Every Heartbeat” (Amy Grant)
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: “Cold Hearted” (Paula Abdul) and “Hangin' Tough” (New Kids On The Block)
Top album: Batman by Princealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Uncle Buck

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: A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master

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: “Higher Love” (Steve Winwood) and “Venus” (Bananarama)
Top album: True Blue by Madonnaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Fly

1985

#1 song: “The Power Of Love” by Huey Lewis & The Newsright behind it: “Shout” (Tears For Fears) and “Never Surrender” (Corey Hart)
Top album: Songs from the Big Chair by Tears for Fearsalso on Spotify, YouTube
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 “Stuck On You” (Lionel Richie)
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: Easy Money

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: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

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: Smokey and the Bandit II

the 1970s

1979

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

1978

#1 song: “Grease” by Frankie Valliright behind it: “Three Times A Lady” (Commodores) and “Miss You” (The Rolling Stones)
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
In space: Voyager 2 launches

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: “Fallin' In Love” by Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynoldsright behind it: “One Of These Nights” (Eagles) and “Get Down Tonight” (KC And The Sunshine Band)
Top album: One of These Nights by Eaglesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In space: Viking 1 launches

1974

#1 song: “(You're) Having My Baby” by Paul Anka with Odia Coatesright behind it: “The Night Chicago Died” (Paper Lace) and “Tell Me Something Good” (Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan)
Top album: 461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Claptonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1973

#1 song: “Brother Louie” by Storiesright behind it: “Live And Let Die” (Wings) and “Touch Me In The Morning” (Diana Ross)
Top album: Chicago VI by Chicagoalso on Spotify, YouTube

1972

#1 song: “Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)” by Looking Glassright behind it: “Alone Again (Naturally)” (Gilbert O'Sullivan) 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: “Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stonesright behind it: “A Boy Named Sue” (Johnny Cash) and “Crystal Blue Persuasion” (Tommy James And The Shondells)
Top album: Johnny Cash at San Quentin by Johnny Cashalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1968

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

1967

#1 song: “Ode To Billie Joe” by Bobbie Gentryright behind it: “All You Need Is Love” (The Beatles) 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: “Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter From Camp)” (Allan Sherman) and “Candy Girl” (The 4 Seasons)
Top album: Recorded Live: The 12 Year Old Genius by Little Stevie Wonderalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1962

#1 song: “The Loco-Motion” by Little Evaright behind it: “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” (Neil Sedaka) and “Things” (Bobby Darin)

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: “The Three Bells” by The Brownsright behind it: “Sea Of Love” (Phil Phillips With The Twilights) and “Lavender-Blue” (Sammy Turner)

1958

#1 song: “Little Star” by The Elegantsright behind it: “Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volaré)” (Domenico Modugno) and “Bird Dog” (The Everly Brothers)

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.