December 5

on this day, year by year

A Love Letter to You 4 (2019) album cover

The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013) album cover

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010) album cover

Here is December 5 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.

Born on December 5? Find your year:

2025

#1 song: “The Fate Of Ophelia” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “Golden” (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI) and “Ordinary” (Alex Warren)
Top album: Do It by Stray Kidsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Five Nights at Freddy's 2
On Netflix: Stranger Things

2024

#1 song: “Squabble Up” by Kendrick Lamarright behind it: “TV Off” (Kendrick Lamar Featuring Lefty Gunplay) and “Luther” (Kendrick Lamar & SZA)
Top album: GNX by Kendrick Lamaralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Moana 2
On Netflix: The Madness
Most read on Wikipedia: Pushpa 2: The Rule, 2024 Indian film by Sukumar
New games: UFL · Delta Force · The Thing

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: Stray · Sonic Dream Team

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)
Top album: Midnights by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube
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 “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey)
Top album: 30 by Adelealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
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)
Top album: Be by BTSalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Croods: A New Age
Most read on Wikipedia: European Union, Supranational political and economic union

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: Red Dead Redemption 2 · Alien: Isolation · AI Dungeon

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 1993The casket for former U.S. President George H. W. Bush arrives at the National Cathedral.
New games: Rebel Inc.

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: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess · New Super Mario Bros. Wii · Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator

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)
Top album: Hardwired... to Self-Destruct by Metallicaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Moana
Most read on Wikipedia: Jayalalithaa, Indian actress and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (1948–2016)The chief minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa, dies of cardiac arrest after being hospitalized since 22 September 2016.

2015

#1 song: “Hello” by Adeleright behind it: “Sorry” (Justin Bieber) and “Hotline Bling” (Drake)
Top album: Purpose by Justin Bieberalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Creed
New games: Final Fantasy VII · Xenoblade Chronicles X · Nuclear Throne

2014

#1 song: “Blank Space” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “All About That Bass” (Meghan Trainor) and “Take Me To Church” (Hozier)
Top album: Four by One Directionalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1
New games: Limbo · Five Nights at Freddy's 2 · Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix

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: Frozen
New games: Gran Turismo 6 · Inazuma Eleven GO: Galaxy · Marvel Puzzle Quest

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
New games: Lego The Lord of the Rings

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)
Top album: Christmas by Michael Bubléalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1

2010

#1 song: “Raise Your Glass” by P!nkright behind it: “Firework” (Katy Perry) and “Only Girl (In The World)” (Rihanna)
Top album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye Westalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
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)
Top album: Battle Studies by John Mayeralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Blind Side
New games: PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure

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
New games: Animal Crossing: City Folk · Agatha Christie: Evil Under the Sun · Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon

2007

#1 song: “No One” by Alicia Keysright behind it: “Apologize” (Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic) and “Kiss Kiss” (Chris Brown Featuring T-Pain)
Top album: Noël by Josh Grobanalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Enchanted
New games: Bee Movie Game · Godzilla: Unleashed · Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom

2006

#1 song: “I Wanna Love You” by Akon Featuring Snoop Doggright behind it: “Irreplaceable” (Beyonce) and “Smack That” (Akon Featuring Eminem)
Top album: Kingdom Come by Jay-Zalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Happy Feet
New games: Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops · Star Trek: Legacy · The Ant Bully

2005

#1 song: “Run It!” by Chris Brownright behind it: “Gold Digger” (Kanye West Featuring Jamie Foxx) and “My Humps” (The Black Eyed Peas)
Top album: Hypnotize by System of a Downalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Rent
New games: Animal Crossing: Wild World

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: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb by U2also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
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: Beyond Good & Evil · Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean · Ghosthunter

2002

#1 song: “Lose Yourself” by Eminemright behind it: “Work It” (Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott) and “Jenny From The Block” (Jennifer Lopez Featuring Styles & Jadakiss)
Top album: Up! by Shania Twainalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Die Another Day
New games: Star Wars: Bounty Hunter · Shin Megami Tensei: Nine

2001

#1 song: “Family Affair” by Mary J. Bligeright behind it: “U Got It Bad” (Usher) and “How You Remind Me” (Nickelback)
Top album: Weathered by Creedalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
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
New games: American McGee's Alice

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: All the Way... A Decade of Song by Celine Dionalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
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)
Top album: Double Live by Garth Brooksalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
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)
Top album: ReLoad by Metallicaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Flubber
New games: The Last Blade · Beast Wars: Transformers

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

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
New games: Tails and the Music Maker

1993

#1 song: “Again” by Janet Jacksonright behind it: “I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)” (Meat Loaf) and “All That She Wants” (Ace Of Base)
Top album: Doggystyle by Snoop Doggy Doggalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Mrs. Doubtfire

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

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: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

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)
Top album: Dirty Dancing by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
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
New games: Transformers: Mystery of Convoy · Silpheed · Tiger-Heli

1985

#1 song: “Broken Wings” by Mr. Misterright behind it: “Separate Lives” (Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin) and “We Built This City” (Starship)
Top album: Miami Vice by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Rocky IV
New games: Lunar Pool

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

#1 song: “Mickey” by Toni Basilright behind it: “Gloria” (Laura Branigan) and “Maneater” (Daryl Hall John Oates)
Top album: Business as Usual by Men at Workalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Onward

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)
Top album: 4 by Foreigneralso on Spotify, YouTube
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)
Top album: Guilty by Barbra Streisandalso on Spotify, YouTube
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 “Have You Seen Her” (The Chi-lites)
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)
Top album: Abraxas by Santanaalso on Spotify, YouTube

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 “Let's Hang On!” (The 4 Seasons Featuring the "Sound of Frankie Valli")
Top album: Whipped Cream & Other Delights by Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brassalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

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)
Top album: The Singing Nun by Soeur Sourire, the Singing Nunalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

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: “Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettesright behind it: “Big Bad John” (Jimmy Dean) 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.