December 16
on this day, year by year
Here is December 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.
2025
- #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 Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube
- In theaters
- Zootopia 2
- On Netflix
- Man Vs Baby
- Most read on Wikipedia
Rob Reiner, American filmmaker and actor (1947–2025)died December 14
2024
- #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
- The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube
- In theaters
- Moana 2
- On Netflix
- La Palma
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
- Wonka
- On Netflix
- My Life With the Walter Boys
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
- Avatar: The Way of Water
- On Netflix
- Wednesday
- Most read on Wikipedia
Streisand effect, Increased awareness of something after suppression efforts- New games
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
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
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
- On Netflix
- The Witcher
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Spider-Man: No Way Home, 2021 Marvel Studios film
2020
- #1 song
- “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Mood” (24kGoldn Featuring iann dior) and “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee)
- In theaters
- The Croods: A New Age
2019
- #1 song
- “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Circles” (Post Malone) and “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee)
- In theaters
- Jumanji: The Next Level
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Media, Topics referred to by the same term
2018
- #1 song
“Thank U, Next” by Ariana Granderight behind it: “Without Me” (Halsey) and “Sicko Mode” (Travis Scott)- In theaters
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
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
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi, 2017 film by Rian Johnson
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
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Rogue One, 2016 film by Gareth Edwards
- New games
- Astroneer
2015
- #1 song
- “Hello” by Adeleright behind it: “Sorry” (Justin Bieber) and “Hotline Bling” (Drake)
- In theaters
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens, 2015 film by J. J. Abrams
- New games
- Scribblenauts Unlimited
2014
- #1 song
“Blank Space” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “Take Me To Church” (Hozier) and “All About That Bass” (Meghan Trainor)- In theaters
- Exodus: Gods and Kings
- New games
- Subnautica · Elite Dangerous
2013
- #1 song
“The Monster” by Eminem Featuring Rihannaright behind it: “Timber” (Pitbull Featuring Ke$ha) and “Counting Stars” (OneRepublic)- Top album
- Blame It All on My Roots: Five Decades of Influences by Garth Brooksalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
2012
- #1 song
“Locked Out Of Heaven” by Bruno Marsright behind it: “Diamonds” (Rihanna) and “Die Young” (Ke$ha)- In theaters
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
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
- Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
2010
- #1 song
“Firework” by Katy Perryright behind it: “Raise Your Glass” (P!nk) and “What's My Name?” (Rihanna Featuring Drake)- In theaters
- Tron: Legacy
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
“Live Your Life” by T.I. Featuring Rihannaright behind it: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” (Beyonce) and “Circus” (Britney Spears)- In theaters
- The Day the Earth Stood Still
- New games
- Rise of the Argonauts
2007
- #1 song
“No One” by Alicia Keysright behind it: “Apologize” (Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic) and “Low” (Flo Rida Featuring T-Pain)- In theaters
- I Am Legend
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
- The Pursuit of Happyness
2005
- #1 song
“Run It!” by Chris Brownright behind it: “Laffy Taffy” (D4L) and “Gold Digger” (Kanye West Featuring Jamie Foxx)- In theaters
- King Kong
- New games
- Dawn of Magic
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
- Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
- New games
- Donkey Kong Jungle Beat · Metal Gear Acid · Tales of Rebirth
2003
- #1 song
“Hey Ya!” by OutKastright behind it: “The Way You Move” (OutKast Featuring Sleepy Brown) and “Stand Up” (Ludacris Featuring Shawnna)- Top album
The Diary of Alicia Keys by Alicia Keysalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Something's Gotta Give
- New games
- Max Payne · SpellForce: The Order of Dawn
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
2001
- #1 song
“How You Remind Me” by Nickelbackright behind it: “U Got It Bad” (Usher) and “Family Affair” (Mary J. Blige)- In theaters
- Vanilla Sky
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
- What Women Want
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
- Stuart Little
- New games
- Harvest Moon: Back to Nature · Street Fighter III · Parasite Eve II
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
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
1996
- #1 song
“Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxtonright behind it: “I Believe I Can Fly (From "Space Jam")” (R. Kelly) and “No Diggity” (BLACKstreet (Featuring Dr. Dre))- Top album
Tragic Kingdom by No Doubtalso 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
- Jumanji
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
- Dumb and Dumber
- New games
- Mega Man X2 · King's Field · Motor Toon Grand Prix
1993
- #1 song
“Again” by Janet Jacksonright behind it: “All That She Wants” (Ace Of Base) and “Hero” (Mariah Carey)- In theaters
- The Pelican Brief
- New games
- Super Mario All-Stars
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
1991
- #1 song
“Black Or White” by Michael Jacksonright behind it: “It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” (Boyz II Men) and “All 4 Love” (Color Me Badd)- In theaters
- Hook
1990
- #1 song
“Because I Love You (The Postman Song)” by Stevie Bright behind it: “Justify My Love” (Madonna) and “From A Distance” (Bette Midler)- 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
- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
- New games
- Sword of Vermilion
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
- New games
- Gradius II
1987
- #1 song
“Faith” by George Michaelright behind it: “Is This Love” (Whitesnake) and “So Emotional” (Whitney Houston)- In theaters
- Throw Momma from the Train
1986
- #1 song
“Walk Like An Egyptian” by The Banglesright behind it: “The Way It Is” (Bruce Hornsby & The Range) and “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” (Wang Chung)- Top album
Live/1975–85 by Bruce Springsteenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The Golden Child
1985
- #1 song
“Say You, Say Me” by Lionel Richieright behind it: “Broken Wings” (Mr. Mister) and “Party All The Time” (Eddie Murphy)- In theaters
- Rocky IV
- New games
- Chubby Cherub
1984
- #1 song
“Like A Virgin” by Madonnaright behind it: “The Wild Boys” (Duran Duran) and “Out Of Touch” (Daryl Hall John Oates)- 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
- Tootsie
1981
- #1 song
“Physical” by Olivia Newton-Johnright behind it: “Waiting For A Girl Like You” (Foreigner) and “Let's Groove” (Earth, Wind & Fire)- In theaters
- Rollover
1980
- #1 song
“Lady” by Kenny Rogersright behind it: “More Than I Can Say” (Leo Sayer) and “(Just Like) Starting Over” (John Lennon)- Top album
Kenny Rogers' Greatest Hits by Kenny Rogersalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Stir Crazy
the 1970s
1979
- #1 song
“Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmesright behind it: “Please Don't Go” (KC And The Sunshine Band) and “Babe” (Styx)- Top album
The Long Run by Eaglesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Star Trek
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
“That's The Way (I Like It)” by KC And The Sunshine Bandright behind it: “Let's Do It Again” (The Staple Singers) and “Fly, Robin, Fly” (Silver Convention)- Top album
Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits by Chicagoalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1974
- #1 song
“Cat's In The Cradle” by Harry Chapinright behind it: “Kung Fu Fighting” (Carl Douglas) and “Angie Baby” (Helen Reddy)- 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 “Time In A Bottle” (Jim Croce)- 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: “My Sweet Lord/Isn't It A Pity” (George Harrison) and “One Less Bell To Answer” (The 5th Dimension)
the 1960s
1969
- #1 song
“Leaving On A Jet Plane” by Peter, Paul & Maryright behind it: “Someday We'll Be Together” (Diana Ross & The Supremes) and “Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son” (Creedence Clearwater Revival)- 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
Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbellalso 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
“Come See About Me” by The Supremesright behind it: “I Feel Fine” (The Beatles) and “Mr. Lonely” (Bobby Vinton)- 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 “You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry” (The Caravelles)
1962
- #1 song
“Telstar” by The Tornadoesright behind it: “Limbo Rock” (Chubby Checker) and “Return To Sender” (Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires)
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 “Wonderland By Night” (Bert Kaempfert And His Orchestra)
the late 1950s
1959
- #1 song
“Heartaches By The Number” by Guy Mitchellright behind it: “Why” (Frankie Avalon) and “El Paso” (Marty Robbins)
1958
- #1 song
“The Chipmunk Song” by The Chipmunks With David Sevilleright behind it: “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” (The Platters) and “To Know Him, Is To Love Him” (The Teddy Bears)
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.