January 2
on this day, year by year
Here is January 2 year by year, back to 1959: 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 “Last Christmas” (Wham!)- In theaters
- Mufasa: The Lion King
- On Netflix
- Squid Game
- New games
- Wuthering Waves
2024
- #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
- Fool Me Once
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)
- In theaters
- Avatar: The Way of Water
- On Netflix
- Ginny & Georgia
2022
- #1 song
- “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Easy On Me” (Adele) and “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee)
- On Netflix
- Cobra Kai
- Most read on Wikipedia
Betty White, American actress and comedian (1922–2021)died December 31, 2021
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
- Wonder Woman 1984
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
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
2019
- #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
2018
- #1 song
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeranright behind it: “Rockstar” (Post Malone Featuring 21 Savage) and “Havana” (Camila Cabello Featuring Young Thug)- In theaters
- Coco
the 2010s
2017
- #1 song
“Starboy” by The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punkright behind it: “Black Beatles” (Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane) and “Closer” (The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey)- Top album
- A Pentatonix Christmas by Pentatonixalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Hidden Figures
2016
- #1 song
- “Hello” by Adeleright behind it: “Sorry” (Justin Bieber) and “Hotline Bling” (Drake)
- In theaters
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens
2015
- #1 song
“Blank Space” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “Take Me To Church” (Hozier) and “Uptown Funk!” (Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars)- In theaters
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
2014
- #1 song
“The Monster” by Eminem Featuring Rihannaright behind it: “Timber” (Pitbull Featuring Ke$ha) and “Counting Stars” (OneRepublic)- In theaters
- Frozen
2013
- #1 song
“Locked Out Of Heaven” by Bruno Marsright behind it: “Diamonds” (Rihanna) and “Ho Hey” (The Lumineers)- In theaters
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
2012
- #1 song
“Sexy And I Know It” by LMFAOright behind it: “We Found Love” (Rihanna Featuring Calvin Harris) and “The One That Got Away” (Katy Perry)- In theaters
- The Devil Inside
2011
- #1 song
“Grenade” by Bruno Marsright behind it: “Firework” (Katy Perry) and “We R Who We R” (Ke$ha)
2010
- #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
the 2000s
2009
- #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
2008
- #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
2007
- #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
2006
- #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
The Breakthrough by Mary J. Bligealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Hostel
2005
- #1 song
“Let Me Love You” by Marioright behind it: “1, 2 Step” (Ciara Featuring Missy Elliott) and “Drop It Like It's Hot” (Snoop Dogg Featuring Pharrell)
2004
- #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
2003
- #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
2002
- #1 song
“How You Remind Me” by Nickelbackright behind it: “U Got It Bad” (Usher) and “Family Affair” (Mary J. Blige)
2001
- #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
2000
- #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
...And Then There Was X by DMXalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
the 1990s
1999
- #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
1998
- #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
1997
- #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
1996
- #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
- 12 Monkeys
1995
- #1 song
“On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Menright behind it: “Creep” (TLC) and “Here Comes The Hotstepper (From "Ready To Wear")” (Ini Kamoze)- In theaters
- Dumb and Dumber
1994
- #1 song
“Hero” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “All For Love” (Bryan Adams/Rod Stewart/Sting) and “All That She Wants” (Ace Of Base)
1993
- #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
1992
- #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
1991
- #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
1990
- #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
the 1980s
1989
- #1 song
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poisonright behind it: “My Prerogative” (Bobby Brown) and “Two Hearts” (Phil Collins)- Top album
Giving You the Best That I Got by Anita Bakeralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Rain Man
1988
- #1 song
“Faith” by George Michaelright behind it: “So Emotional” (Whitney Houston) and “Is This Love” (Whitesnake)- In theaters
- Three Men and a Baby
1987
- #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
1986
- #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
1985
- #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
1984
- #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
- Terms of Endearment
1983
- #1 song
- “Maneater” by Daryl Hall John Oatesright behind it: “The Girl Is Mine” (Michael Jackson And Paul McCartney) and “Dirty Laundry” (Don Henley)
- Top album
Business as Usual by Men at Workalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1982
- #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
1981
- #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
1980
- #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
the 1970s
1979
- #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
1978
- #1 song
“How Deep Is Your Love” by Bee Geesright behind it: “Baby Come Back” (Player) and “Blue Bayou” (Linda Ronstadt)- In theaters
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind
1977
- #1 song
“You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show)” by Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.right behind it: “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” (Leo Sayer) and “Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright)” (Rod Stewart)- Top album
Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonderalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- King Kong
1976
- #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
1975
- #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
1974
- #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
1973
- #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
1972
- #1 song
“Brand New Key” by Melanieright behind it: “American Pie (Parts I & II)” (Don McLean) and “Family Affair” (Sly & The Family Stone)
1971
- #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
1970
- #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
the 1960s
1969
- #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
1968
- #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
1967
- #1 song
“I'm A Believer” by The Monkeesright behind it: “Snoopy Vs. The Red Baron” (The Royal Guardsmen) and “Tell It Like It Is” (Aaron Neville)- Top album
The Monkees by The Monkeesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1966
- #1 song
“We Can Work It Out” by The Beatlesright behind it: “The Sound Of Silence” (Simon & Garfunkel) and “She's Just My Style” (Gary Lewis And The Playboys)- Top album
Rubber Soul by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1965
- #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
1964
- #1 song
“There! I've Said It Again” by Bobby Vintonright behind it: “Louie Louie” (The Kingsmen) and “Dominique” (The Singing Nun (Soeur Sourire))
1963
- #1 song
“Telstar” by The Tornadoesright behind it: “Go Away Little Girl” (Steve Lawrence) and “Limbo Rock” (Chubby Checker)
1962
- #1 song
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokensright behind it: “The Twist” (Chubby Checker) and “Run To Him” (Bobby Vee)
1961
- #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)
1960
- #1 song
“El Paso” by Marty Robbinsright behind it: “Why” (Frankie Avalon) and “The Big Hurt” (Miss Toni Fisher)
the late 1950s
1959
- #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)- In space
- Luna 1 launches
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.