December 25
on this day, year by year
Here is December 25 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
- Stranger Things
- New games
- Stardew Valley
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!)
- In theaters
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- On Netflix
- Squid Game
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
- Berlin and the Jewels of Paris
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, 2023 Indian film by Prashanth Neel
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)
- 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
- In space
- James Webb Space Telescope launches
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
- Wonder Woman 1984
- New games
- Omori
2019
- #1 song
- “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee) and “Circles” (Post Malone)
- In theaters
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
- New games
- Friday Night Funkin'
2018
- #1 song
“Thank U, Next” by Ariana Granderight behind it: “Without Me” (Halsey) and “Sicko Mode” (Travis Scott)- Top album
- Dying to Live by Kodak Blackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Aquaman
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
- What Makes You Country by Luke Bryanalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi
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
- 4 Your Eyez Only by J. Colealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Most read on Wikipedia
George Michael, English singer-songwriter (1963–2016)died December 25
2015
- #1 song
“Hello” by Adeleright behind it: “Sorry” (Justin Bieber) and “Hotline Bling” (Drake)- In theaters
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- New games
- Super Mario RPG
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
- Into the Woods
- New games
- Super Mario Bros. · Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
2013
- #1 song
“The Monster” by Eminem Featuring Rihannaright behind it: “Timber” (Pitbull Featuring Ke$ha) and “Counting Stars” (OneRepublic)- In theaters
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
2012
- #1 song
“Locked Out Of Heaven” by Bruno Marsright behind it: “Diamonds” (Rihanna) and “Ho Hey” (The Lumineers)- In theaters
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
2011
- #1 song
“We Found Love” by Rihanna Featuring Calvin Harrisright behind it: “Sexy And I Know It” (LMFAO) and “It Will Rain” (Bruno Mars)- In theaters
- Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
2010
- #1 song
“Firework” by Katy Perryright behind it: “What's My Name?” (Rihanna Featuring Drake) and “Grenade” (Bruno Mars)- In theaters
- Little Fockers
the 2000s
2009
- #1 song
“Empire State Of Mind” by Jay-Z + Alicia Keysright behind it: “TiK ToK” (Ke$ha) and “Bad Romance” (Lady Gaga)- Top album
I Dreamed a Dream by Susan Boylealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Avatar
- New games
- IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey
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
- Marley & Me
- New games
- Resident Evil · Pikmin · Alone in the Dark
2007
- #1 song
“No One” by Alicia Keysright behind it: “Low” (Flo Rida Featuring T-Pain) and “Apologize” (Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic)- In theaters
- National Treasure: Book of Secrets
2006
- #1 song
“Irreplaceable” by Beyonceright behind it: “I Wanna Love You” (Akon Featuring Snoop Dogg) and “Smack That” (Akon Featuring Eminem)- Top album
The Inspiration by Young Jeezyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Night at the Museum
- New games
- Super Mario Bros. · Street Fighter II
2005
- #1 song
“Don't Forget About Us” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Run It!” (Chris Brown) and “Grillz” (Nelly Featuring Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp)- Top album
Curtain Call: The Hits by Eminemalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- King Kong
- New games
- Flyff
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
- Meet the Fockers
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
- New games
- Bujingai · Sega GT 2002 · Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors
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)
2000
- #1 song
- “Independent Women Part I” by Destiny's Childright behind it: “He Loves U Not” (Dream) and “It Wasn't Me” (Shaggy Feat. Ricardo "RikRok" Ducent)
- In theaters
- Cast Away
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
- Any Given Sunday
- New games
- Goemon Mononoke Sugoroku
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
- Patch Adams
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
- Tomba!
1996
- #1 song
“Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxtonright behind it: “I Believe I Can Fly (From "Space Jam")” (R. Kelly) and “Don't Let Go (Love)” (En Vogue)- 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)- In theaters
- Waiting to Exhale
- New games
- Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner
1994
- #1 song
“On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Menright behind it: “Here Comes The Hotstepper (From "Ready To Wear")” (Ini Kamoze) and “Another Night” (Real McCoy)- Top album
Miracles: The Holiday Album by Kenny Galso on Spotify, YouTube- In theaters
- Dumb and Dumber
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
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
“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
...But Seriously by Phil Collinsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
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
- Three Men and a Baby
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: “Party All The Time” (Eddie Murphy) and “Alive & Kicking” (Simple Minds)- In theaters
- Rocky IV
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
“Angie Baby” by Helen Reddyright behind it: “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” (Elton John) and “You're The First, The Last, My Everything” (Barry White)- Top album
Elton John's Greatest Hits by Elton Johnalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1973
- #1 song
“Time In A Bottle” by Jim Croceright behind it: “The Most Beautiful Girl” (Charlie Rich) and “Leave Me Alone (ruby Red Dress)” (Helen Reddy)- 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: “Clair” (Gilbert O'Sullivan) 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: “For Once In My Life” (Stevie Wonder) and “Love Child” (Diana Ross & The Supremes)- Top album
The Beatles (The White Album) by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1967
- #1 song
“Hello Goodbye” by The Beatlesright behind it: “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (Gladys Knight And The Pips) and “Daydream Believer” (The Monkees)- Top album
Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. by The Monkeesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1966
- #1 song
“I'm A Believer” by The Monkeesright behind it: “Snoopy Vs. The Red Baron” (The Royal Guardsmen) and “Winchester Cathedral” (The New Vaudeville Band)- 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: “There! I've Said It Again” (Bobby Vinton) and “Louie Louie” (The Kingsmen)
1962
- #1 song
“Telstar” by The Tornadoesright behind it: “Limbo Rock” (Chubby Checker) and “Bobby's Girl” (Marcie Blane)
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
“Why” by Frankie Avalonright behind it: “El Paso” (Marty Robbins) and “The Big Hurt” (Miss Toni Fisher)
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.