December 12
on this day, year by year
Here is December 12 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
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Last Christmas” (Wham!) and “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee)- Top album
- The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube
- In theaters
- Zootopia 2
- On Netflix
- The Price of Confession
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Dhurandhar, 2025 Indian film by Aditya Dhar
- New games
- Where Winds Meet
2024
- #1 song
- “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee) and “Last Christmas” (Wham!)
- Top album
- The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube
- In theaters
- Moana 2
- On Netflix
- Black Doves
2023
- #1 song
“Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Leeright behind it: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey) and “Jingle Bell Rock” (Bobby Helms)- Top album
- The World EP.Fin: Will by Ateezalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Boy and the Heron
- On Netflix
- My Life With the Walter Boys
- Most read on Wikipedia
Tommy DeVito, American football player (born 1998)- New games
- Little Nightmares · Grid Legends
2022
- #1 song
- “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee) and “Jingle Bell Rock” (Bobby Helms)
- Top album
- Heroes & Villains by Metro Boominalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- On Netflix
- Wednesday
2021
- #1 song
- “Easy On Me” by Adeleright behind it: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey) and “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee)
- In theaters
- West Side Story
- On Netflix
- Money Heist
2020
- #1 song
“Mood” by 24kGoldn Featuring iann diorright behind it: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey) and “Positions” (Ariana Grande)- In theaters
- The Croods: A New Age
- First aired
- Mr. Queen premieres
2019
- #1 song
“Heartless” by The Weekndright behind it: “Circles” (Post Malone) and “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey)- In theaters
- Jumanji: The Next Level
- New games
- Detroit: Become Human · Sayonara Wild Hearts · Famicom Wars
2018
- #1 song
“Thank U, Next” by Ariana Granderight behind it: “Sicko Mode” (Travis Scott) and “Without Me” (Halsey)- Top album
- Championships by Meek Millalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Ralph Breaks the Internet
- New games
- Mr Love: Queen's Choice · Super Animal Royale
the 2010s
2017
- #1 song
“Rockstar” by Post Malone Featuring 21 Savageright behind it: “Havana” (Camila Cabello Featuring Young Thug) and “Perfect” (Ed Sheeran)- Top album
- Reputation by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Coco
- New games
- Papers, Please · Gang Beasts
2016
- #1 song
“Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Maneright behind it: “Starboy” (The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk) and “Closer” (The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey)- In theaters
- Moana
2015
- #1 song
- “Hello” by Adeleright behind it: “Sorry” (Justin Bieber) and “Hotline Bling” (Drake)
- In theaters
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2
2014
- #1 song
“Blank Space” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “All About That Bass” (Meghan Trainor) and “Take Me To Church” (Hozier)- In theaters
- Exodus: Gods and Kings
- New games
- Papers, Please
2013
- #1 song
“Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrusright behind it: “The Monster” (Eminem Featuring Rihanna) and “Royals” (Lorde)- Top album
- Midnight Memories by One Directionalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
2012
- #1 song
“Diamonds” by Rihannaright behind it: “Locked Out Of Heaven” (Bruno Mars) and “Die Young” (Ke$ha)- Top album
- Girl on Fire by Alicia Keysalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Skyfall
- New games
- Ace of Spades · Puzzle & Dragons · Wurm Online
2011
- #1 song
“We Found Love” by Rihanna Featuring Calvin Harrisright behind it: “Sexy And I Know It” (LMFAO) and “It Will Rain” (Bruno Mars)- In theaters
- New Year's Eve
2010
- #1 song
“Firework” by Katy Perryright behind it: “Raise Your Glass” (P!nk) and “What's My Name?” (Rihanna Featuring Drake)- New games
- Super Mario All-Stars
the 2000s
2009
- #1 song
“Empire State Of Mind” by Jay-Z + Alicia Keysright behind it: “Bad Romance” (Lady Gaga) and “TiK ToK” (Ke$ha)- Top album
- I Dreamed a Dream by Susan Boylealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Princess and the Frog
2008
- #1 song
“Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyonceright behind it: “Live Your Life” (T.I. Featuring Rihanna) and “If I Were A Boy” (Beyonce)- Top album
- 808s & Heartbreak by Kanye Westalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Day the Earth Stood Still
2007
- #1 song
“No One” by Alicia Keysright behind it: “Kiss Kiss” (Chris Brown Featuring T-Pain) and “Apologize” (Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic)- In theaters
- The Golden Compass
- New games
- Contra 4
2006
- #1 song
“Irreplaceable” by Beyonceright behind it: “I Wanna Love You” (Akon Featuring Snoop Dogg) and “Smack That” (Akon Featuring Eminem)- Top album
Light Grenades by Incubusalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Apocalypto
2005
- #1 song
“Run It!” by Chris Brownright behind it: “Laffy Taffy” (D4L) and “Gold Digger” (Kanye West Featuring Jamie Foxx)
2004
- #1 song
“Drop It Like It's Hot” by Snoop Dogg Featuring Pharrellright behind it: “My Boo” (Usher And Alicia Keys) and “Let Me Love You” (Mario)- Top album
Collision Course by Linkin Parkalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Ocean's Twelve
- New games
- Ridge Racer
2003
- #1 song
“Hey Ya!” by OutKastright behind it: “Stand Up” (Ludacris Featuring Shawnna) and “The Way You Move” (OutKast Featuring Sleepy Brown)- In theaters
- Something's Gotta Give
- New games
- Zuma · Donkey Konga
2002
- #1 song
“Lose Yourself” by Eminemright behind it: “Work It” (Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott) and “Jenny From The Block” (Jennifer Lopez Featuring Styles & Jadakiss)- In theaters
- Maid in Manhattan
- New games
- Space Channel 5 · Clock Tower 3
2001
- #1 song
“U Got It Bad” by Usherright behind it: “Family Affair” (Mary J. Blige) and “How You Remind Me” (Nickelback)- In theaters
- Ocean's Eleven
- New games
- Max Payne
2000
- #1 song
- “Independent Women Part I” by Destiny's Childright behind it: “Case Of The Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)” (Mya) and “With Arms Wide Open” (Creed)
- Top album
Black & Blue by Backstreet Boysalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
the 1990s
1999
- #1 song
“Smooth” by Santana Featuring Rob Thomasright behind it: “Back At One” (Brian McKnight) and “I Wanna Love You Forever” (Jessica Simpson)- In theaters
- Toy Story 2
- First aired
- One Piece premieres
- New games
- Planescape: Torment
1998
- #1 song
“I'm Your Angel” by R. Kelly & Celine Dionright behind it: “Nobody's Supposed To Be Here” (Deborah Cox) and “Lately” (Divine)- In theaters
- Star Trek: Insurrection
- New games
- Hey You, Pikachu! · Falcon 4.0 · South Park
1997
- #1 song
“Candle In The Wind 1997/Something About The Way You Look Tonight” by Elton Johnright behind it: “How Do I Live” (LeAnn Rimes) and “You Make Me Wanna...” (Usher)- In theaters
- Scream 2
- New games
- Chameleon Twist
1996
- #1 song
“Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxtonright behind it: “No Diggity” (BLACKstreet (Featuring Dr. Dre)) and “Nobody” (Keith Sweat Featuring Athena Cage)- Top album
Razorblade Suitcase by Bushalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Jerry Maguire
1995
- #1 song
“One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey & Boyz II Menright behind it: “Exhale (Shoop Shoop) (From "Waiting To Exhale")” (Whitney Houston) and “Hey Lover” (LL Cool J)- Top album
Anthology 1 by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Toy Story
1994
- #1 song
“Here Comes The Hotstepper (From "Ready To Wear")” by Ini Kamozeright behind it: “On Bended Knee” (Boyz II Men) and “Another Night” (Real McCoy)- Top album
Miracles: The Holiday Album by Kenny Galso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Disclosure
- New games
- Beyond Oasis
1993
- #1 song
“Again” by Janet Jacksonright behind it: “All That She Wants” (Ace Of Base) and “Hero” (Mariah Carey)- In theaters
- Wayne's World 2
1992
- #1 song
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houstonright behind it: “If I Ever Fall In Love” (Shai) and “Rump Shaker” (Wreckx-N-Effect)
- Top album
The Bodyguard by Whitney Houstonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- A Few Good Men
- New games
- Fatal Fury 2
1991
- #1 song
“Black Or White” by Michael Jacksonright behind it: “It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” (Boyz II Men) and “Set Adrift On Memory Bliss” (P.M. Dawn)- In theaters
- Hook
1990
- #1 song
“Because I Love You (The Postman Song)” by Stevie Bright behind it: “From A Distance” (Bette Midler) and “I'm Your Baby Tonight” (Whitney Houston)- Top album
To the Extreme by Vanilla Icealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Home Alone
the 1980s
1989
- #1 song
“We Didn't Start The Fire” by Billy Joelright behind it: “Another Day In Paradise” (Phil Collins) and “Don't Know Much” (Linda Ronstadt (Featuring Aaron Neville))- Top album
Storm Front by Billy Joelalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The War of the Roses
1988
- #1 song
“Look Away” by Chicagoright behind it: “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” (Poison) and “Giving You The Best That I Got” (Anita Baker)- Top album
Rattle and Hum by U2also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Twins
1987
- #1 song
“Faith” by George Michaelright behind it: “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” (Belinda Carlisle) and “Should've Known Better” (Richard Marx)- In theaters
- Throw Momma from the Train
1986
- #1 song
“The Way It Is” by Bruce Hornsby & The Rangeright behind it: “Walk Like An Egyptian” (The Bangles) and “Hip To Be Square” (Huey Lewis & The News)- Top album
Live/1975–85 by Bruce Springsteenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The Golden Child
- New games
- Doraemon
1985
- #1 song
“Broken Wings” by Mr. Misterright behind it: “Separate Lives” (Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin) and “Say You, Say Me” (Lionel Richie)- In theaters
- Rocky IV
1984
- #1 song
- “Out Of Touch” by Daryl Hall John Oatesright behind it: “The Wild Boys” (Duran Duran) and “Like A Virgin” (Madonna)
- Top album
Purple Rain by Princealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Beverly Hills Cop
1983
- #1 song
“Say Say Say” by Paul McCartney And Michael Jacksonright behind it: “Say It Isn't So” (Daryl Hall John Oates) and “All Night Long (All Night)” (Lionel Richie)- Top album
Can't Slow Down by Lionel Richiealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Sudden Impact
1982
- #1 song
- “Maneater” by Daryl Hall John Oatesright behind it: “Mickey” (Toni Basil) and “Gloria” (Laura Branigan)
- Top album
Business as Usual by Men at Workalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The Toy
1981
- #1 song
“Physical” by Olivia Newton-Johnright behind it: “Waiting For A Girl Like You” (Foreigner) and “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” (The Police)- In theaters
- Rollover
1980
- #1 song
“Lady” by Kenny Rogersright behind it: “More Than I Can Say” (Leo Sayer) and “Another One Bites The Dust” (Queen)- Top album
Kenny Rogers' Greatest Hits by Kenny Rogersalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Flash Gordon
the 1970s
1979
- #1 song
“Babe” by Styxright behind it: “Still” (Commodores) and “Please Don't Go” (KC And The Sunshine Band)- Top album
The Long Run by Eaglesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Star Trek: The Motion Picture
1978
- #1 song
“You Don't Bring Me Flowers” by Barbra Streisand & Neil Diamondright behind it: “Le Freak” (Chic) and “Too Much Heaven” (Bee Gees)- Top album
52nd Street by Billy Joelalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Midnight Express
1977
- #1 song
“You Light Up My Life” by Debby Booneright behind it: “How Deep Is Your Love” (Bee Gees) and “Blue Bayou” (Linda Ronstadt)- Top album
Simple Dreams by Linda Ronstadtalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Star Wars
1976
- #1 song
“Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright)” by Rod Stewartright behind it: “The Rubberband Man” (The Spinners) and “You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show)” (Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.)- Top album
Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonderalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1975
- #1 song
“Fly, Robin, Fly” by Silver Conventionright behind it: “Let's Do It Again” (The Staple Singers) and “Sky High” (Jigsaw)- Top album
Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits by Chicagoalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1974
- #1 song
“Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglasright behind it: “When Will I See You Again” (The Three Degrees) and “I Can Help” (Billy Swan)- Top album
Elton John's Greatest Hits by Elton Johnalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1973
- #1 song
“The Most Beautiful Girl” by Charlie Richright behind it: “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (Elton John) and “Top Of The World” (Carpenters)- Top album
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton Johnalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1972
- #1 song
“Me And Mrs. Jones” by Billy Paulright behind it: “I Am Woman” (Helen Reddy) and “If You Don't Know Me By Now” (Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes)- Top album
Seventh Sojourn by The Moody Bluesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1971
- #1 song
- “Family Affair” by Sly & The Family Stoneright behind it: “Brand New Key” (Melanie) and “Have You Seen Her” (The Chi-lites)
- Top album
There's a Riot Goin' On by Sly & the Family Stonealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1970
- #1 song
“The Tears Of A Clown” by Smokey Robinson & The Miraclesright behind it: “I Think I Love You” (The Partridge Family Starring Shirley Jones Featuring David Cassidy) and “Gypsy Woman” (Brian Hyland)
the 1960s
1969
- #1 song
“Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” by Steamright behind it: “Leaving On A Jet Plane” (Peter, Paul & Mary) and “Someday We'll Be Together” (Diana Ross & The Supremes)- Top album
Abbey Road by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1968
- #1 song
“I Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gayeright behind it: “Love Child” (Diana Ross & The Supremes) and “For Once In My Life” (Stevie Wonder)- Top album
Cheap Thrills by Big Brother and the Holding Companyalso on Spotify, YouTube
1967
- #1 song
“Daydream Believer” by The Monkeesright behind it: “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (Gladys Knight And The Pips) and “Hello Goodbye” (The Beatles)- Top album
Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. by The Monkeesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1966
- #1 song
“Winchester Cathedral” by The New Vaudeville Bandright behind it: “Mellow Yellow” (Donovan) and “Good Vibrations” (The Beach Boys)- Top album
- The Monkees by The Monkeesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1965
- #1 song
“Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)” by The Byrdsright behind it: “Over And Over” (The Dave Clark Five) and “I Got You (I Feel Good)” (James Brown And The Famous Flames)
1964
- #1 song
“Mr. Lonely” by Bobby Vintonright behind it: “She's Not There” (The Zombies) and “Ringo” (Lorne Greene)- Top album
Beach Boys Concert by The Beach Boysalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1963
- #1 song
“Dominique” by The Singing Nun (Soeur Sourire)right behind it: “Louie Louie” (The Kingsmen) and “Everybody” (Tommy Roe)
1962
- #1 song
- “Big Girls Don't Cry” by The 4 Seasonsright behind it: “Return To Sender” (Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires) and “Bobby's Girl” (Marcie Blane)
1961
- #1 song
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokensright behind it: “Please Mr. Postman” (The Marvelettes) and “Run To Him” (Bobby Vee)
1960
- #1 song
“Are You Lonesome To-night?” by Elvis Presley With The Jordanairesright behind it: “Last Date” (Floyd Cramer) and “A Thousand Stars” (Kathy Young With The Innocents)
the late 1950s
1959
- #1 song
“Heartaches By The Number” by Guy Mitchellright behind it: “Mr. Blue” (The Fleetwoods) and “Mack The Knife” (Bobby Darin)
1958
- #1 song
“To Know Him, Is To Love Him” by The Teddy Bearsright behind it: “Problems” (The Everly Brothers) and “Tom Dooley” (The Kingston Trio)
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.