August 21
on this day, year by year
Here is August 21 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.
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
- KPop Demon Hunters
- On Netflix
- Wednesday
- Most read on Wikipedia
Frank Caprio, American municipal judge (1936–2025)died August 20
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
2023
- #1 song
“Rich Men North Of Richmond” by Oliver Anthony Musicright behind it: “Fast Car” (Luke Combs) and “Last Night” (Morgan Wallen)- In theaters
- Blue Beetle
- On Netflix
- Who is Erin Carter?
2022
- #1 song
“Super Freaky Girl” by Nicki Minajright behind it: “As It Was” (Harry Styles) and “About Damn Time” (Lizzo)- In theaters
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
- On Netflix
- Extraordinary Attorney Woo
- First aired
- House of the Dragon premieres
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)- In theaters
- Unhinged
- Most read on Wikipedia
Joe Biden, President of the United States from 2021 to 2025
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)- 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
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)- In theaters
- The Hitman's Bodyguard
- Most read on Wikipedia
Solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, Total eclipse visible from the mainland US
2016
- #1 song
“Cheap Thrills” by Sia Featuring Sean Paulright behind it: “Cold Water” (Major Lazer Featuring Justin Bieber & MO) and “This Is What You Came For” (Calvin Harris Featuring Rihanna)- In theaters
- Suicide Squad
- Most read on Wikipedia
- UFC 202, UFC mixed martial arts event in 2016
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
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
2012
- #1 song
“Whistle” by Flo Ridaright behind it: “Lights” (Ellie Goulding) and “Call Me Maybe” (Carly Rae Jepsen)- In theaters
- The Expendables 2
2011
- #1 song
“Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” by Katy Perryright behind it: “Party Rock Anthem” (LMFAO Featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock) and “Moves Like Jagger” (Maroon 5 Featuring Christina Aguilera)- 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)- In theaters
- Inglourious Basterds
- New games
- Arkanoid · Cursed Mountain
2008
- #1 song
“Disturbia” by Rihannaright behind it: “Forever” (Chris Brown) and “I Kissed A Girl” (Katy Perry)- In theaters
- Tropic Thunder
- New games
- Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty · Madden NFL 09
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)- In theaters
- Superbad
- New games
- BioShock
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)- 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
- New games
- Army Men: Sarge's War
2003
- #1 song
“Crazy In Love” by Beyonce Featuring Jay Zright behind it: “Right Thurr” (Chingy) and “P.I.M.P.” (50 Cent)- 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
- Celtic Kings: Rage of War · Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer
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)- In theaters
- American Pie 2
- New games
- Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura · StepMania · Wario Land 4
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
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
- New games
- Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six
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
- G.I. Jane
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)
- In theaters
- Tin Cup
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
“I'll Make Love To You” by Boyz II Menright behind it: “Stay (I Missed You) (From "Reality Bites")” (Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories) 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)- 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: “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)- In theaters
- Uncle Buck
1988
- #1 song
“Monkey” by George Michaelright behind it: “I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That” (Elton John) and “I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love” (Chicago)- Top album
Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapmanalso 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)- In theaters
- Stakeout
- New games
- Valis: The Fantasm Soldier
1986
- #1 song
“Papa Don't Preach” by Madonnaright behind it: “Higher Love” (Steve Winwood) and “Venus” (Bananarama)- 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 “Maniac” (Michael Sembello)- 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)- 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)- 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)- 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)- 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)- 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
“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
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)
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)
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)
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 “See You In September” (The Happenings)
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.