August 31
on this day, year by year
Here is August 31 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
“Golden” by HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMIright behind it: “Ordinary” (Alex Warren) and “What I Want” (Morgan Wallen Featuring Tate McRae)- In theaters
- Weapons
- On Netflix
- My Life With the Walter Boys
2024
- #1 song
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozeyright behind it: “I Had Some Help” (Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen) and “Die With A Smile” (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars)- Top album
- F-1 Trillion by Post Malonealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Deadpool & Wolverine
- 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
- The Equalizer 3
- On Netflix
- ONE PIECE
2022
- #1 song
“As It Was” by Harry Stylesright behind it: “About Damn Time” (Lizzo) and “Bad Habit” (Steve Lacy)- In theaters
- The Invitation
- On Netflix
- Extraordinary Attorney Woo
- Most read on Wikipedia
Mikhail Gorbachev, Leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991died August 30
2021
- #1 song
“Stay” by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieberright behind it: “Bad Habits” (Ed Sheeran) and “Good 4 U” (Olivia Rodrigo)- In theaters
- Candyman
- On Netflix
- Money Heist
2020
- #1 song
“Dynamite” by BTSright behind it: “WAP” (Cardi B Featuring Megan Thee Stallion) and “Laugh Now Cry Later” (Drake Featuring Lil Durk)- In theaters
- The New Mutants
- Most read on Wikipedia
Chadwick Boseman, American actor (1976–2020)died August 28
2019
- #1 song
- “Senorita” by Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabelloright behind it: “Bad Guy” (Billie Eilish) and “Truth Hurts” (Lizzo)
- Top album
- So Much Fun by Young Thugalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Angel Has Fallen
- Most read on Wikipedia
Line shaft, Rotating shaft historically used for power transmission
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)- In theaters
- Incredibles 2
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 “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” (Cardi B)- In theaters
- The Hitman's Bodyguard
- New games
- Life Is Strange: Before the Storm · Last Day of June
2016
- #1 song
“Closer” by The Chainsmokers Featuring Halseyright behind it: “Cheap Thrills” (Sia Featuring Sean Paul) and “Cold Water” (Major Lazer Featuring Justin Bieber & MO)- In theaters
- Don't Breathe
2015
- #1 song
“Cheerleader” by OMIright behind it: “Can't Feel My Face” (The Weeknd) and “Watch Me” (Silento)- Top album
- Kill the Lights by Luke Bryanalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Straight Outta Compton
- Most read on Wikipedia
Wes Craven, American filmmaker (1939–2015)died August 30
2014
- #1 song
“Shake It Off” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “Anaconda” (Nicki Minaj) and “All About That Bass” (Meghan Trainor)- Top album
- Blacc Hollywood by Wiz Khalifaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Guardians of the Galaxy
2013
- #1 song
“Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. + Pharrellright behind it: “Roar” (Katy Perry) and “We Can't Stop” (Miley Cyrus)- Top album
- Crash My Party by Luke Bryanalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- One Direction: This Is Us
2012
- #1 song
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “Whistle” (Flo Rida) and “Lights” (Ellie Goulding)- Top album
- Based on a T.R.U. Story by 2 Chainzalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Possession
- New games
- Toki Tori
2011
- #1 song
“Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” by Katy Perryright behind it: “Party Rock Anthem” (LMFAO Featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock) and “She Will” (Lil Wayne Featuring Drake)- In theaters
- The Help
- New games
- Super Mario Bros. · Rock of Ages
2010
- #1 song
- “Love The Way You Lie” by Eminem Featuring Rihannaright behind it: “Dynamite” (Taio Cruz) and “Teenage Dream” (Katy Perry)
- In theaters
- Takers
- New games
- Metroid: Other M · Ace Combat: Joint Assault
the 2000s
2009
- #1 song
“I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peasright behind it: “Party In The U.S.A.” (Miley Cyrus) and “Down” (Jay Sean Featuring Lil Wayne)- Top album
- Keep on Loving You by Reba McEntirealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Final Destination
- New games
- Canabalt
2008
- #1 song
“Whatever You Like” by T.I.right behind it: “Disturbia” (Rihanna) and “Forever” (Chris Brown)- Top album
- A Little Bit Longer by Jonas Brothersalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Tropic Thunder
- New games
- Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
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
- Halloween
- New games
- Madden NFL 08 · Lair
2006
- #1 song
“London Bridge” by Fergieright behind it: “Crazy” (Gnarls Barkley) and “Promiscuous” (Nelly Furtado Featuring Timbaland)- Top album
- Back to Basics by Christina Aguileraalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Invincible
- New games
- Phantasy Star Universe
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
Most Wanted by Hilary Duffalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The 40-Year-Old Virgin
- New games
- RFactor
2004
- #1 song
“Lean Back” by Terror Squadright behind it: “Sunshine” (Lil' Flip Featuring Lea) and “Goodies” (Ciara Featuring Petey Pablo)- In theaters
- Hero
2003
- #1 song
“Shake Ya Tailfeather” by Nelly, P. Diddy & Murphy Leeright behind it: “Crazy In Love” (Beyonce Featuring Jay Z) and “Right Thurr” (Chingy)- Top album
The Neptunes Present... Clones by The Neptunesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Jeepers Creepers 2
- New games
- No Man's Land
2002
- #1 song
- “Dilemma” by Nelly Featuring Kelly Rowlandright behind it: “Hot In Herre” (Nelly) and “Complicated” (Avril Lavigne)
- Top album
Nellyville by Nellyalso on Spotify, YouTube- In theaters
- Signs
- New games
- Ragnarok Online
2001
- #1 song
“Fallin'” by Alicia Keysright behind it: “I'm Real” (Jennifer Lopez Featuring Ja Rule) and “Someone To Call My Lover” (Janet)- In theaters
- Jeepers Creepers
2000
- #1 song
“Doesn't Really Matter” by Janetright behind it: “Incomplete” (Sisqo) and “Jumpin', Jumpin'” (Destiny's Child)- Top album
Country Grammar by Nellyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Bring It On
- New games
- Star Trek: Voyager – Elite Force
the 1990s
1999
- #1 song
“Bailamos” by Enrique Iglesiasright behind it: “Genie In A Bottle” (Christina Aguilera) and “Summer Girls” (LFO)- Top album
Millennium by Backstreet Boysalso on Spotify, YouTube- In theaters
- The Sixth Sense
1998
- #1 song
“I Don't Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmithright behind it: “The First Night” (Monica) and “Crush” (Jennifer Paige)- In theaters
- Blade
- New games
- Dune 2000 · Future Cop: LAPD · C The Contra Adventure
1997
- #1 song
“Mo Money Mo Problems” by The Notorious B.I.G. Featuring Puff Daddy & Maseright behind it: “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” (Backstreet Boys) and “I'll Be Missing You” (Puff Daddy & Faith Evans Featuring 112)- In theaters
- G.I. Jane
- New games
- Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee · Dark Colony · Hexen II
1996
- #1 song
- “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” by Los Del Rioright behind it: “I Love You Always Forever” (Donna Lewis) and “Hit Me Off” (New Edition)
- In theaters
- The Crow: City of Angels
- New games
- The Settlers II · Die Hard Trilogy · Monster Truck Madness
1995
- #1 song
“You Are Not Alone” by Michael Jacksonright behind it: “Gangsta's Paradise (From "Dangerous Minds")” (Coolio Featuring L.V.) and “Kiss From A Rose” (Seal)- 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 “Wild Night” (John Mellencamp With Me'Shell Ndegeocello)- Top album
The Lion King by Elton Johnalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Natural Born Killers
- New games
- The Need for Speed
1993
- #1 song
- “Can't Help Falling In Love (From "Sliver")” by UB40right behind it: “Dreamlover” (Mariah Carey) and “Whoomp! (There It Is)” (Tag Team)
- Top album
River of Dreams by Billy Joelalso 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 “November Rain” (Guns N' Roses)- Top album
Some Gave All by Billy Ray Cyrusalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Honeymoon in Vegas
1991
- #1 song
“(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” by Bryan Adamsright behind it: “Fading Like A Flower (Every Time You Leave)” (Roxette) and “It Ain't Over 'til It's Over” (Lenny Kravitz)- In theaters
- Dead Again
1990
- #1 song
“If Wishes Came True” by Sweet Sensationright behind it: “Blaze Of Glory (From "Young Guns II")” (Jon Bon Jovi) and “Unskinny Bop” (Poison)- Top album
Step by Step by New Kids on the Blockalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Ghost
the 1980s
1989
- #1 song
“Cold Hearted” by Paula Abdulright behind it: “Right Here Waiting” (Richard Marx) and “Hangin' Tough” (New Kids On The Block)- Top album
Repeat Offender by Richard Marxalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Uncle Buck
1988
- #1 song
“Monkey” by George Michaelright behind it: “Sweet Child O' Mine” (Guns N' Roses) and “Simply Irresistible” (Robert Palmer)- In theaters
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master
1987
- #1 song
“La Bamba” by Los Lobosright behind it: “I Just Can't Stop Loving You” (Michael Jackson With Siedah Garrett) and “Who's That Girl” (Madonna)- In theaters
- Stakeout
1986
- #1 song
“Venus” by Bananaramaright behind it: “Take My Breath Away (Love Theme From "Top Gun")” (Berlin) and “Higher Love” (Steve Winwood)- In theaters
- Stand by Me
1985
- #1 song
“The Power Of Love” by Huey Lewis & The Newsright behind it: “St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)” (John Parr) and “Freeway Of Love” (Aretha Franklin)- Top album
Brothers in Arms by Dire Straitsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Back to the Future
1984
- #1 song
“What's Love Got To Do With It” by Tina Turnerright behind it: “Missing You” (John Waite) and “Stuck On You” (Lionel Richie)- Top album
Purple Rain by Princealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Tightrope
1983
- #1 song
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” by Eurythmicsright behind it: “Maniac” (Michael Sembello) and “Every Breath You Take” (The Police)- Top album
Synchronicity by The Policealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Mr. Mom
1982
- #1 song
“Abracadabra” by The Steve Miller Bandright behind it: “Eye Of The Tiger” (Survivor) and “Hard To Say I'm Sorry” (Chicago)- In theaters
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
1981
- #1 song
“Endless Love” by Diana Ross & Lionel Richieright behind it: “Slow Hand” (The Pointer Sisters) and “Stop Draggin' My Heart Around” (Stevie Nicks With Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers)- Top album
Bella Donna by Stevie Nicksalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Raiders of the Lost Ark
1980
- #1 song
“Upside Down” by Diana Rossright behind it: “Sailing” (Christopher Cross) and “Emotional Rescue” (The Rolling Stones)- 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
- The Muppet Movie
1978
- #1 song
“Grease” by Frankie Valliright behind it: “Three Times A Lady” (Commodores) and “Boogie Oogie Oogie” (A Taste Of Honey)- In theaters
- Animal House
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
“You Should Be Dancing” by Bee Geesright behind it: “You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” (Lou Rawls) and “Let 'em In” (Wings)- Top album
Fleetwood Mac by Fleetwood Macalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1975
- #1 song
“Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glen Campbellright behind it: “Fallin' In Love” (Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds) and “Get Down Tonight” (KC And The Sunshine Band)- Top album
Red Octopus by Jefferson Starshipalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1974
- #1 song
“(You're) Having My Baby” by Paul Anka with Odia Coatesright behind it: “I Shot The Sheriff” (Eric Clapton) 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: “Let's Get It On” (Marvin Gaye) and “Delta Dawn” (Helen Reddy)- Top album
Chicago VI by Chicagoalso on Spotify, YouTube
1972
- #1 song
“Alone Again (Naturally)” by Gilbert O'Sullivanright behind it: “Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)” (The Hollies) and “I'm Still In Love With You” (Al Green)
1971
- #1 song
“Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” by Paul & Linda McCartneyright behind it: “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” (Bee Gees) and “Smiling Faces Sometimes” (The Undisputed Truth)
1970
- #1 song
“War” by Edwin Starrright behind it: “Ain't No Mountain High Enough” (Diana Ross) and “Make It With You” (Bread)- 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 “Sugar, Sugar” (The Archies)
1968
- #1 song
“People Got To Be Free” by The Rascalsright behind it: “Born To Be Wild” (Steppenwolf) and “Light My Fire” (Jose Feliciano)- 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 “Reflections” (Diana Ross & The Supremes)- Top album
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1966
- #1 song
“Sunshine Superman” by Donovanright behind it: “Summer In The City” (The Lovin' Spoonful) and “See You In September” (The Happenings)- Top album
What Now My Love by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brassalso on Spotify, YouTube
1965
- #1 song
“Help!” by The Beatlesright behind it: “Like A Rolling Stone” (Bob Dylan) and “California Girls” (The Beach Boys)- Top album
Out of Our Heads by The Rolling Stonesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1964
- #1 song
“House Of The Rising Sun” by The Animalsright behind it: “Where Did Our Love Go” (The Supremes) and “Everybody Loves Somebody” (Dean Martin)- Top album
A Hard Day's Night by The Beatles / Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1963
- #1 song
“My Boyfriend's Back” by The Angelsright behind it: “Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter From Camp)” (Allan Sherman) and “Fingertips - Pt 2” (Little Stevie Wonder)- Top album
My Son, the Nut by Allan Shermanalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1962
- #1 song
“Sheila” by Tommy Roeright behind it: “The Loco-Motion” (Little Eva) and “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” (Neil Sedaka)
1961
- #1 song
“Michael” by The Highwaymenright behind it: “Wooden Heart” (Joe Dowell) and “Tossin' And Turnin'” (Bobby Lewis)
1960
- #1 song
“It's Now Or Never” by Elvis Presley With The Jordanairesright behind it: “The Twist” (Chubby Checker) 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 “Sleep Walk” (Santo & Johnny)
1958
- #1 song
“Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volaré)” by Domenico Modugnoright behind it: “Little Star” (The Elegants) 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.