December 31
on this day, year by year
Here is December 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
“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 Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- On Netflix
- Stranger Things
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
- Most read on Wikipedia
Jimmy Carter, President of the United States from 1977 to 1981died December 29- New games
- Resident Evil 2
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
- 1989 (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Wonka
- On Netflix
- Berlin and the Jewels of Paris
- Most read on Wikipedia
New Year's Eve, Last day of the Gregorian yearEighty-three-year old Margrethe II of Denmark announces her abdication during her televised New Year's Eve address, effective January 14.
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
- Most read on Wikipedia
Barbara Walters, American journalist (1929–2022)died December 30
2021
- #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
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
- On Netflix
- Cobra Kai
- Most read on Wikipedia
Betty White, American actress and comedian (1922–2021)died December 31
2020
- #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
- Wonder Woman 1984
- Most read on Wikipedia
MF Doom, British and American rapper (1971–2020)
2019
- #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
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
2018
- #1 song
“Thank U, Next” by Ariana Granderight behind it: “Without Me” (Halsey) and “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey)- Top album
- I Am > I Was by 21 Savagealso 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)- In theaters
- Coco
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
Ronda Rousey, American mixed martial artist (born 1987)
2015
- #1 song
- “Hello” by Adeleright behind it: “Sorry” (Justin Bieber) and “Hotline Bling” (Drake)
- In theaters
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- New games
- Michael Jackson: The Experience
2014
- #1 song
“Blank Space” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “Take Me To Church” (Hozier) and “Uptown Funk!” (Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars)- In theaters
- Into the Woods
2013
- #1 song
“The Monster” by Eminem Featuring Rihannaright behind it: “Timber” (Pitbull Featuring Ke$ha) and “Counting Stars” (OneRepublic)- In theaters
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
- New games
- Dr. Luigi
2012
- #1 song
“Locked Out Of Heaven” by Bruno Marsright behind it: “Diamonds” (Rihanna) and “Ho Hey” (The Lumineers)- In theaters
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
2011
- #1 song
“We Found Love” by Rihanna Featuring Calvin Harrisright behind it: “Sexy And I Know It” (LMFAO) and “It Will Rain” (Bruno Mars)- In theaters
- Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
2010
- #1 song
“Firework” by Katy Perryright behind it: “Grenade” (Bruno Mars) and “What's My Name?” (Rihanna Featuring Drake)- In theaters
- Little Fockers
- New games
- Umineko: Golden Fantasia
the 2000s
2009
- #1 song
- “TiK ToK” by Ke$haright behind it: “Empire State Of Mind” (Jay-Z + Alicia Keys) and “Bad Romance” (Lady Gaga)
- Top album
- I Dreamed a Dream by Susan Boylealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Avatar
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
2007
- #1 song
“Low” by Flo Rida Featuring T-Painright behind it: “No One” (Alicia Keys) 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 “Fergalicious” (Fergie)- Top album
Hip Hop Is Dead by Nasalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Dreamgirls
- New games
- Pokémate
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
2004
- #1 song
“Let Me Love You” by Marioright behind it: “Drop It Like It's Hot” (Snoop Dogg Featuring Pharrell) and “1, 2 Step” (Ciara Featuring Missy Elliott)- Top album
Loyal to the Game by 2Pacalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Meet the Fockers
- New games
- Silkroad Online
2003
- #1 song
“Hey Ya!” by OutKastright behind it: “The Way You Move” (OutKast Featuring Sleepy Brown) and “Milkshake” (Kelis)- Top album
The Diary of Alicia Keys by Alicia Keysalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- 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 “Air Force Ones” (Nelly Featuring Kyjuan, Ali & Murphy Lee)- 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)- In theaters
- Any Given Sunday
- New games
- Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return
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
- New games
- Castlevania
1997
- #1 song
“Candle In The Wind 1997/Something About The Way You Look Tonight” by Elton Johnright behind it: “Been Around The World” (Puff Daddy & The Family (Feat. The Notorious B.I.G. & Mase)) and “How Do I Live” (LeAnn Rimes)- In theaters
- Titanic
- New games
- Worms 2 · Queen: The Eye
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
- Michael
- New games
- Diablo · Death Rally · Mechanized Assault & Exploration
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
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
- New games
- Disney's Aladdin · The Settlers
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
- New games
- Soccer Kid
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
- Aladdin
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
- New games
- Joe & Mac · Rings of Power · Barbie
1990
- #1 song
“Justify My Love” by Madonnaright behind it: “Because I Love You (The Postman Song)” (Stevie B) and “From A Distance” (Bette Midler)- Top album
To the Extreme by Vanilla Icealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Home Alone
- New games
- Stunts · Powermonger · Ski or Die
the 1980s
1989
- #1 song
“Another Day In Paradise” by Phil Collinsright behind it: “Rhythm Nation” (Janet Jackson) and “Don't Know Much” (Linda Ronstadt (Featuring Aaron Neville))- Top album
...But Seriously by Phil Collinsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The War of the Roses
- New games
- Rick Dangerous · Puzznic · R-Type II
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
- New games
- Super Punch-Out!!
1984
- #1 song
“Like A Virgin” by Madonnaright behind it: “The Wild Boys” (Duran Duran) and “Sea Of Love” (The Honeydrippers)- 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
- Modern Problems
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
“Please Don't Go” by KC And The Sunshine Bandright behind it: “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” (Rupert Holmes) and “Rock With You” (Michael Jackson)- Top album
- On the Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes I & II by Donna Summeralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Star Trek: The Motion Picture
1978
- #1 song
“Too Much Heaven” by Bee Geesright behind it: “Le Freak” (Chic) and “My Life” (Billy Joel)- Top album
Barbra Streisand's Greatest Hits Vol. 2 by Barbra Streisandalso 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- In theaters
- King Kong
1975
- #1 song
“Saturday Night” by Bay City Rollersright behind it: “I Write The Songs” (Barry Manilow) and “Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)” (Diana Ross)- Top album
Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits by Chicagoalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1974
- #1 song
“Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” by Elton Johnright behind it: “You're The First, The Last, My Everything” (Barry White) and “Kung Fu Fighting” (Carl Douglas)- 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 Joker” (The Steve Miller Band) and “Leave Me Alone (ruby Red Dress)” (Helen Reddy)- Top album
The Singles: 1969–1973 by Carpentersalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1972
- #1 song
“You're So Vain” by Carly Simonright behind it: “Clair” (Gilbert O'Sullivan) and “Me And Mrs. Jones” (Billy Paul)- Top album
Seventh Sojourn by The Moody Bluesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1971
- #1 song
“Brand New Key” by Melanieright behind it: “American Pie (Parts I & II)” (Don McLean) and “Family Affair” (Sly & The Family Stone)
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 “Knock Three Times” (Dawn)
- Top album
All Things Must Pass by George Harrisonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
the 1960s
1969
- #1 song
“Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head” by B.J. Thomasright 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: “For Once In My Life” (Stevie Wonder) and “I'm Gonna Make You Love Me” (Diana Ross And The Supremes & The Temptations)- Top album
The Beatles (The White Album) by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1967
- #1 song
“Hello Goodbye” by The Beatlesright behind it: “Daydream Believer” (The Monkees) and “Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)” (John Fred And The Playboys)- Top album
Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatlesalso 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
“The Sound Of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkelright behind it: “We Can Work It Out” (The Beatles) 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
Roustabout by Elvis Presleyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1963
- #1 song
“There! I've Said It Again” by Bobby Vintonright behind it: “Louie Louie” (The Kingsmen) and “Dominique” (The Singing Nun (Soeur Sourire))
1962
- #1 song
“Telstar” by The Tornadoesright behind it: “Go Away Little Girl” (Steve Lawrence) and “Limbo Rock” (Chubby Checker)
1961
- #1 song
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokensright behind it: “The Twist” (Chubby Checker) and “Run To Him” (Bobby Vee)
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
“El Paso” by Marty Robbinsright behind it: “Why” (Frankie Avalon) 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.