December 4
on this day, year by year
Here is December 4 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
“The Fate Of Ophelia” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “Golden” (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI) and “Ordinary” (Alex Warren)- In theaters
- Five Nights at Freddy's 2
- On Netflix
- Stranger Things
- New games
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
2024
- #1 song
- “Squabble Up” by Kendrick Lamarright behind it: “TV Off” (Kendrick Lamar Featuring Lefty Gunplay) and “Luther” (Kendrick Lamar & SZA)
- In theaters
- Moana 2
- On Netflix
- The Madness
- New games
- Raft
2023
- #1 song
“Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Leeright behind it: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey) and “Lovin On Me” (Jack Harlow)- Top album
- For All the Dogs by Drakealso on Spotify, YouTube
- In theaters
- Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé
- On Netflix
- Obliterated
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Animal, Topics referred to by the same term
- New games
- Goat Simulator 3
2022
- #1 song
“Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey) and “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee)- In theaters
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- On Netflix
- Wednesday
- Most read on Wikipedia
- 2022 FIFA World Cup, Association football tournament in Qatar
2021
- #1 song
- “Easy On Me” by Adeleright behind it: “Stay” (The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber) and “Industry Baby” (Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow)
- In theaters
- Encanto
- On Netflix
- Money Heist
2020
- #1 song
- “Life Goes On” by BTSright behind it: “Mood” (24kGoldn Featuring iann dior) and “Dynamite” (BTS)
- In theaters
- The Croods: A New Age
2019
- #1 song
“Circles” by Post Maloneright behind it: “Someone You Loved” (Lewis Capaldi) and “Good As Hell” (Lizzo)- Top album
- A Love Letter to You 4 by Trippie Reddalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Frozen II
- New games
- Lost Ark
2018
- #1 song
- “Sicko Mode” by Travis Scottright behind it: “Thank U, Next” (Ariana Grande) and “Happier” (Marshmello & Bastille)
- Top album
- Astroworld by Travis Scottalso on Spotify, YouTube
- In theaters
- Ralph Breaks the Internet
- Most read on Wikipedia
George H. W. Bush, President of the United States from 1989 to 1993died November 30- New games
- Subnautica · Just Cause 4 · Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
the 2010s
2017
- #1 song
“Rockstar” by Post Malone Featuring 21 Savageright behind it: “Havana” (Camila Cabello Featuring Young Thug) and “Gucci Gang” (Lil Pump)- Top album
- Reputation by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Coco
- Most read on Wikipedia
Shashi Kapoor, Indian actor and producer (1938–2017)died December 4- New games
- Monster Hunter Stories
2016
- #1 song
“Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Maneright behind it: “Closer” (The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey) and “Starboy” (The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk)- In theaters
- Moana
- New games
- Lara Croft Go
2015
- #1 song
“Hello” by Adeleright behind it: “Sorry” (Justin Bieber) and “Hotline Bling” (Drake)- In theaters
- Creed
- Most read on Wikipedia
Scott Weiland, American singer (1967–2015)died December 3- New games
- Xenoblade Chronicles X
2014
- #1 song
“Blank Space” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “All About That Bass” (Meghan Trainor) and “Take Me To Church” (Hozier)- In theaters
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1
2013
- #1 song
“Royals” by Lorderight behind it: “The Monster” (Eminem Featuring Rihanna) and “Wrecking Ball” (Miley Cyrus)- Top album
- The Marshall Mathers LP 2 by Eminemalso on Spotify, YouTube
- In theaters
- The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
- New games
- Monster Strike
2012
- #1 song
“Diamonds” by Rihannaright behind it: “Die Young” (Ke$ha) and “One More Night” (Maroon 5)- Top album
- Unapologetic by Rihannaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2
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
- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1
- First aired
- Black Mirror premieres
- New games
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
2010
- #1 song
“Only Girl (In The World)” by Rihannaright behind it: “Raise Your Glass” (P!nk) and “Like A G6” (Far*East Movement Featuring Cataracs & Dev)- In theaters
- Tangled
the 2000s
2009
- #1 song
“Empire State Of Mind” by Jay-Z + Alicia Keysright behind it: “Bad Romance” (Lady Gaga) and “Fireflies” (Owl City)- In theaters
- The Blind Side
- New games
- Avatar: The Game · Tony Hawk: Ride
2008
- #1 song
“Live Your Life” by T.I. Featuring Rihannaright behind it: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” (Beyonce) and “If I Were A Boy” (Beyonce)- Top album
- I Am… Sasha Fierce by Beyoncéalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Four Christmases
2007
- #1 song
“No One” by Alicia Keysright behind it: “Apologize” (Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic) and “Kiss Kiss” (Chris Brown Featuring T-Pain)- In theaters
- Enchanted
- New games
- Fable · Ben 10: Protector of Earth · Alvin and the Chipmunks
2006
- #1 song
“I Wanna Love You” by Akon Featuring Snoop Doggright behind it: “Irreplaceable” (Beyonce) and “Smack That” (Akon Featuring Eminem)- In theaters
- Happy Feet
2005
- #1 song
“Run It!” by Chris Brownright behind it: “Gold Digger” (Kanye West Featuring Jamie Foxx) and “My Humps” (The Black Eyed Peas)- In theaters
- Rent
2004
- #1 song
“My Boo” by Usher And Alicia Keysright behind it: “Drop It Like It's Hot” (Snoop Dogg Featuring Pharrell) and “Over And Over” (Nelly Featuring Tim McGraw)- In theaters
- National Treasure
2003
- #1 song
“Stand Up” by Ludacris Featuring Shawnnaright behind it: “Hey Ya!” (OutKast) and “Baby Boy” (Beyonce Featuring Sean Paul)- Top album
In the Zone by Britney Spearsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The Last Samurai
- New games
- Sonic Battle · Nightshade
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
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
2001
- #1 song
“Family Affair” by Mary J. Bligeright behind it: “U Got It Bad” (Usher) and “How You Remind Me” (Nickelback)- In theaters
- broke
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 Need To Know” (Marc Anthony)- In theaters
- Toy Story 2
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
- A Bug's Life
1997
- #1 song
“Candle In The Wind 1997/Something About The Way You Look Tonight” by Elton Johnright behind it: “You Make Me Wanna...” (Usher) and “How Do I Live” (LeAnn Rimes)- In theaters
- Flubber
- New games
- Armored Core: Project Phantasma
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
- 101 Dalmatians
- In space
- Mars Pathfinder launches
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
“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, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The Santa Clause
1993
- #1 song
“I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)” by Meat Loafright behind it: “Again” (Janet Jackson) and “All That She Wants” (Ace Of Base)- In theaters
- Mrs. Doubtfire
- New games
- Lufia & the Fortress of Doom
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 Predator by Ice Cubealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Aladdin
- New games
- Mega Man 5
1991
- #1 song
“Black Or White” by Michael Jacksonright behind it: “When A Man Loves A Woman” (Michael Bolton) and “Set Adrift On Memory Bliss” (P.M. Dawn)- Top album
Achtung Baby by U2also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The Addams Family
1990
- #1 song
“Because I Love You (The Postman Song)” by Stevie Bright behind it: “I'm Your Baby Tonight” (Whitney Houston) 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 “Blame It On The Rain” (Milli Vanilli)- Top album
Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 by Janet Jacksonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Back to the Future Part II
1988
- #1 song
“Look Away” by Chicagoright behind it: “Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley” (Will To Power) and “How Can I Fall?” (Breathe)- Top album
Rattle and Hum by U2also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
1987
- #1 song
“Heaven Is A Place On Earth” by Belinda Carlisleright behind it: “(I've Had) The Time Of My Life” (Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes) and “Faith” (George Michael)- In theaters
- Three Men and a Baby
1986
- #1 song
“The Next Time I Fall” by Peter Cetera With Amy Grantright behind it: “You Give Love A Bad Name” (Bon Jovi) and “Hip To Be Square” (Huey Lewis & The News)- Top album
Live/1975–85 by Bruce Springsteenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
1985
- #1 song
“Broken Wings” by Mr. Misterright behind it: “Separate Lives” (Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin) and “We Built This City” (Starship)- In theaters
- Rocky IV
1984
- #1 song
- “Out Of Touch” by Daryl Hall John Oatesright behind it: “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (Wham!) and “I Feel For You” (Chaka Khan)
- Top album
Purple Rain by Princealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Missing in Action
1983
- #1 song
“Say Say Say” by Paul McCartney And Michael Jacksonright behind it: “All Night Long (All Night)” (Lionel Richie) and “Uptown Girl” (Billy Joel)- Top album
Can't Slow Down by Lionel Richiealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Terms of Endearment
1982
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
- Raiders of the Lost Ark
1980
- #1 song
“Lady” by Kenny Rogersright behind it: “More Than I Can Say” (Leo Sayer) and “Another One Bites The Dust” (Queen)- In theaters
- Private Benjamin
the 1970s
1979
- #1 song
“Babe” by Styxright behind it: “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” (Barbra Streisand/Donna Summer) and “Still” (Commodores)- Top album
The Long Run by Eaglesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- 10
1978
- #1 song
“Le Freak” by Chicright behind it: “MacArthur Park” (Donna Summer) and “You Don't Bring Me Flowers” (Barbra Streisand & Neil Diamond)- 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: “Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” (Crystal Gayle) and “How Deep Is Your Love” (Bee Gees)- Top album
Simple Dreams by Linda Ronstadtalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Oh, God!
1976
- #1 song
“Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright)” by Rod Stewartright behind it: “The Rubberband Man” (The Spinners) and “Love So Right” (Bee Gees)- 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: “That's The Way (I Like It)” (KC And The Sunshine Band) and “Sky High” (Jigsaw)- Top album
Still Crazy After All These Years by Paul Simonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1974
- #1 song
“Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglasright behind it: “I Can Help” (Billy Swan) and “When Will I See You Again” (The Three Degrees)- Top album
Elton John's Greatest Hits by Elton Johnalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1973
- #1 song
“Top Of The World” by Carpentersright behind it: “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (Elton John) and “The Most Beautiful Girl” (Charlie Rich)- Top album
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton Johnalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1972
- #1 song
“I Am Woman” by Helen Reddyright behind it: “Papa Was A Rollin' Stone” (The Temptations) 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: “Theme From Shaft” (Isaac Hayes) and “Baby I'm - A Want You” (Bread)- Top album
Santana III by Santanaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1970
- #1 song
“I Think I Love You” by The Partridge Family Starring Shirley Jones Featuring David Cassidyright behind it: “The Tears Of A Clown” (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles) 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 “Come Together/Something” (The Beatles)- Top album
Abbey Road by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1968
- #1 song
“Love Child” by Diana Ross & The Supremesright behind it: “Hey Jude” (The Beatles) 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: “The Rain, The Park & Other Things” (The Cowsills) and “Incense And Peppermints” (Strawberry Alarm Clock)- Top album
Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. by The Monkeesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1966
- #1 song
“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boysright behind it: “Mellow Yellow” (Donovan) and “Winchester Cathedral” (The New Vaudeville Band)- 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: “I Hear A Symphony” (The Supremes) and “1-2-3” (Len Barry)
1964
- #1 song
“Ringo” by Lorne Greeneright behind it: “Mr. Lonely” (Bobby Vinton) and “Leader Of The Pack” (The Shangri-Las)- 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: “I'm Leaving It Up To You” (Dale & Grace) 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
“Big Bad John” by Jimmy Deanright behind it: “Please Mr. Postman” (The Marvelettes) and “Goodbye Cruel World” (James Darren)
1960
- #1 song
“Are You Lonesome To-night?” by Elvis Presley With The Jordanairesright behind it: “Last Date” (Floyd Cramer) and “Poetry In Motion” (Johnny Tillotson)
the late 1950s
1959
- #1 song
“Mack The Knife” by Bobby Darinright behind it: “Heartaches By The Number” (Guy Mitchell) and “Mr. Blue” (The Fleetwoods)
1958
- #1 song
“To Know Him, Is To Love Him” by The Teddy Bearsright behind it: “Tom Dooley” (The Kingston Trio) and “It's Only Make Believe” (Conway Twitty)
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.