December 21
on this day, year by year
Here is December 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
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Jingle Bell Rock” (Bobby Helms) and “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee)- Top album
- The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube
- In theaters
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- On Netflix
- Man Vs Baby
- Most read on Wikipedia
- James Ransone, American actor (1979–2025)died December 19
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
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- On Netflix
- La Palma
2023
- #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
- Pink Friday 2 by Nicki Minajalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
- On Netflix
- My Life With the Walter Boys
- New games
- Choo-Choo Charles
2022
- #1 song
- “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee) and “Kill Bill” (SZA)
- In theaters
- Avatar: The Way of Water
- On Netflix
- Wednesday
2021
- #1 song
- “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee) and “Easy On Me” (Adele)
- 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
“Willow” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey) and “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee)- In theaters
- Monster Hunter
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
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, 2019 film by J. J. Abrams
2018
- #1 song
“Thank U, Next” by Ariana Granderight behind it: “Without Me” (Halsey) and “Sicko Mode” (Travis Scott)- In theaters
- Aquaman
- New games
- Bendy and the Ink Machine · Summer Pockets
the 2010s
2017
- #1 song
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeranright behind it: “Rockstar” (Post Malone Featuring 21 Savage) and “Havana” (Camila Cabello Featuring Young Thug)- Top album
- Songs of Experience by U2also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi
- Most read on Wikipedia
Scotch pie, Meat pie
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)- Top album
- The Hamilton Mixtape by Various artistsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
2015
- #1 song
“Hello” by Adeleright behind it: “Sorry” (Justin Bieber) and “Hotline Bling” (Drake)- In theaters
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens, 2015 film by J. J. Abrams
- New games
- Dungeon Lords
2014
- #1 song
“Blank Space” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “Take Me To Church” (Hozier) and “Uptown Funk!” (Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars)- Top album
- 2014 Forest Hills Drive by J. Colealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
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
- New games
- Limbo · Postal III · Jurassic Park: The Game
2010
- #1 song
“Firework” by Katy Perryright behind it: “What's My Name?” (Rihanna Featuring Drake) and “Grenade” (Bruno Mars)- In theaters
- Tron: Legacy
- New games
- Asphalt 6: Adrenaline
the 2000s
2009
- #1 song
“Empire State Of Mind” by Jay-Z + Alicia Keysright behind it: “TiK ToK” (Ke$ha) and “Bad Romance” (Lady Gaga)- Top album
- I Dreamed a Dream by Susan Boylealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Avatar
- New games
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
2008
- #1 song
“Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyonceright behind it: “Live Your Life” (T.I. Featuring Rihanna) and “Just Dance” (Lady Gaga Featuring Colby O'Donis)- In theaters
- Yes Man
- New games
- Spelunky
2007
- #1 song
“No One” by Alicia Keysright behind it: “Apologize” (Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic) and “Low” (Flo Rida Featuring T-Pain)- In theaters
- National Treasure: Book of Secrets
2006
- #1 song
“Irreplaceable” by Beyonceright behind it: “I Wanna Love You” (Akon Featuring Snoop Dogg) and “Fergalicious” (Fergie)- In theaters
- Night at the Museum
2005
- #1 song
“Run It!” by Chris Brownright behind it: “Don't Forget About Us” (Mariah Carey) and “Laffy Taffy” (D4L)- Top album
Curtain Call: The Hits by Eminemalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- King Kong
2004
- #1 song
“Drop It Like It's Hot” by Snoop Dogg Featuring Pharrellright behind it: “Let Me Love You” (Mario) and “1, 2 Step” (Ciara Featuring Missy Elliott)- Top album
The Red Light District by Ludacrisalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
2003
- #1 song
“Hey Ya!” by OutKastright behind it: “The Way You Move” (OutKast Featuring Sleepy Brown) and “Milkshake” (Kelis)- In theaters
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
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
- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
2001
- #1 song
“How You Remind Me” by Nickelbackright behind it: “U Got It Bad” (Usher) and “Family Affair” (Mary J. Blige)- New games
- Tekken Advance · Star Wars: Obi-Wan
2000
- #1 song
- “Independent Women Part I” by Destiny's Childright behind it: “It Wasn't Me” (Shaggy Feat. Ricardo "RikRok" Ducent) and “Case Of The Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)” (Mya)
- In theaters
- Cast Away
- New games
- Phantasy Star Online · Sonic Shuffle · Never 7: The End of Infinity
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)- Top album
Born Again by The Notorious B.I.G.also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Stuart Little
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
- You've Got Mail
- New games
- Baldur's Gate
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
- Titanic
- New games
- Yoshi's Story
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
- Beavis and Butt-Head Do America
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
- New games
- Final Fight 3 · Real Bout Fatal Fury
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)- In theaters
- Dumb and Dumber
- New games
- Rise of the Triad · Marathon · Art of Fighting 2
1993
- #1 song
“Hero” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Again” (Janet Jackson) and “All That She Wants” (Ace Of Base)- In theaters
- The Pelican Brief
1992
- #1 song
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houstonright behind it: “Rump Shaker” (Wreckx-N-Effect) and “If I Ever Fall In Love” (Shai)
- Top album
The Bodyguard by Whitney Houstonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- A Few Good Men
- New games
- E.V.O.: Search for Eden
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
- New games
- Final Fight · Pilotwings · MUSHA
the 1980s
1989
- #1 song
“Another Day In Paradise” by Phil Collinsright behind it: “Don't Know Much” (Linda Ronstadt (Featuring Aaron Neville)) and “We Didn't Start The Fire” (Billy Joel)- Top album
Storm Front by Billy Joelalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
- New games
- The Astyanax
1988
- #1 song
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poisonright behind it: “My Prerogative” (Bobby Brown) and “Look Away” (Chicago)- Top album
Giving You the Best That I Got by Anita Bakeralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Twins
1987
- #1 song
“Faith” by George Michaelright behind it: “So Emotional” (Whitney Houston) and “Is This Love” (Whitesnake)- In theaters
- Eddie Murphy Raw
1986
- #1 song
“Walk Like An Egyptian” by The Banglesright behind it: “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” (Wang Chung) and “Notorious” (Duran Duran)- 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
- Lot Lot
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 “Union Of The Snake” (Duran Duran)- In theaters
- Sudden Impact
1982
- #1 song
- “Maneater” by Daryl Hall John Oatesright behind it: “Mickey” (Toni Basil) and “The Girl Is Mine” (Michael Jackson And Paul McCartney)
- 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)- Top album
For Those About to Rock We Salute You by AC/DCalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Neighbors
1980
- #1 song
- “(Just Like) Starting Over” by John Lennonright behind it: “More Than I Can Say” (Leo Sayer) and “Love On The Rocks” (Neil Diamond)
- Top album
Double Fantasy by John Lennonalso 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
“Le Freak” by Chicright behind it: “Too Much Heaven” (Bee Gees) and “You Don't Bring Me Flowers” (Barbra Streisand & Neil Diamond)- Top album
52nd Street by Billy Joelalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Superman
1977
- #1 song
“How Deep Is Your Love” by Bee Geesright behind it: “You Light Up My Life” (Debby Boone) and “Blue Bayou” (Linda Ronstadt)- Top album
Simple Dreams by Linda Ronstadtalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind
1976
- #1 song
“Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright)” by Rod Stewartright behind it: “You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show)” (Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.) and “The Rubberband Man” (The Spinners)- Top album
Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonderalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1975
- #1 song
“Let's Do It Again” by The Staple Singersright behind it: “Saturday Night” (Bay City Rollers) and “That's The Way (I Like It)” (KC And The Sunshine Band)- 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 “You Ought To Be With Me” (Al Green)- Top album
Seventh Sojourn by The Moody Bluesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1971
- #1 song
“Brand New Key” by Melanieright behind it: “Family Affair” (Sly & The Family Stone) and “American Pie (Parts I & II)” (Don McLean)- Top album
There's a Riot Goin' On by Sly & the Family Stonealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1970
- #1 song
- “My Sweet Lord/Isn't It A Pity” by George Harrisonright behind it: “One Less Bell To Answer” (The 5th Dimension) and “The Tears Of A Clown” (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles)
the 1960s
1969
- #1 song
“Someday We'll Be Together” by Diana Ross & The Supremesright behind it: “Leaving On A Jet Plane” (Peter, Paul & Mary) and “Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head” (B.J. Thomas)- Top album
Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelinalso 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- In space
- Apollo 8 launches
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 “I'm A Believer” (The Monkees)- Top album
- The Monkees by The Monkeesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1965
- #1 song
“Over And Over” by The Dave Clark Fiveright behind it: “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)” (The Byrds) and “I Got You (I Feel Good)” (James Brown And The Famous Flames)
1964
- #1 song
“I Feel Fine” by The Beatlesright behind it: “Come See About Me” (The Supremes) 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: “Run To Him” (Bobby Vee) and “The Twist” (Chubby Checker)
1960
- #1 song
“Are You Lonesome To-night?” by Elvis Presley With The Jordanairesright behind it: “Wonderland By Night” (Bert Kaempfert And His Orchestra) and “Last Date” (Floyd Cramer)
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.