January 21
on this day, year by year
Here is January 21 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
“Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga & Bruno Marsright behind it: “DTMF” (Bad Bunny) and “Baile Inolvidable” (Bad Bunny)- In theaters
- Mufasa: The Lion King
- On Netflix
- The Night Agent
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Anti-Muslim propaganda on Facebook, Social networking service owned by Meta Platforms
- New games
- Needy Streamer Overload
2024
- #1 song
“Yes, And?” by Ariana Granderight behind it: “Lovin On Me” (Jack Harlow) and “Cruel Summer” (Taylor Swift)- Top album
- American Dream by 21 Savagealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Mean Girls
- On Netflix
- American Nightmare
2023
- #1 song
“Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “Kill Bill” (SZA) and “Unholy” (Sam Smith & Kim Petras)- In theaters
- Avatar: The Way of Water
- On Netflix
- Ginny & Georgia
- Most read on Wikipedia
Index, Statistical term, a compound measure in statistics
2022
- #1 song
“Easy On Me” by Adeleright behind it: “Stay” (The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber) and “Heat Waves” (Glass Animals)- In theaters
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
- On Netflix
- Café con aroma de mujer
- Most read on Wikipedia
Meat Loaf, American singer and actor (1947–2022)died January 20- New games
- Needy Streamer Overload
2021
- #1 song
“Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigoright behind it: “Mood” (24kGoldn Featuring iann dior) and “Positions” (Ariana Grande)- Top album
- Dangerous: The Double Album by Morgan Wallenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Marksman
- Most read on Wikipedia
Joe Biden, President of the United States from 2021 to 2025Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene introduces six articles of impeachment against newly-inaugurated President of the United States Joe Biden, alleging an "abuse of…
2020
- #1 song
- “The Box” by Roddy Ricchright behind it: “Life Is Good” (Future Featuring Drake) and “Circles” (Post Malone)
- In theaters
- Bad Boys for Life
- Most read on Wikipedia
Aaron Hernandez, American football player and murderer (1989–2017)- New games
- Temtem
2019
- #1 song
“Without Me” by Halseyright behind it: “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse)” (Post Malone & Swae Lee) and “Sicko Mode” (Travis Scott)- Top album
- Hoodie SZN by A Boogie wit da Hoodiealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Glass
- Most read on Wikipedia
Tom Brady, American football player and commentator (born 1977)
2018
- #1 song
- “Havana” by Camila Cabello Featuring Young Thugright behind it: “Perfect” (Ed Sheeran) and “Rockstar” (Post Malone Featuring 21 Savage)
- In theaters
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
- Most read on Wikipedia
Geology, Scientific study of Earth's physical composition
the 2010s
2017
- #1 song
“Bad And Boujee” by Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vertright behind it: “Black Beatles” (Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane) and “Closer” (The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey)- In theaters
- Split
- Most read on Wikipedia
Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
2016
- #1 song
“Sorry” by Justin Bieberright behind it: “Hello” (Adele) and “Love Yourself” (Justin Bieber)- In theaters
- The Revenant
- New games
- Mario Kart 64 · Muv-Luv · Yakuza Kiwami
2015
- #1 song
“Uptown Funk!” by Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Marsright behind it: “Blank Space” (Taylor Swift) and “Take Me To Church” (Hozier)- In theaters
- American Sniper
2014
- #1 song
“Timber” by Pitbull Featuring Ke$haright behind it: “Counting Stars” (OneRepublic) and “The Monster” (Eminem Featuring Rihanna)- Top album
- Frozen (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Ride Along
2013
- #1 song
“Locked Out Of Heaven” by Bruno Marsright behind it: “Thrift Shop” (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Wanz) and “Ho Hey” (The Lumineers)- Top album
- Burning Lights by Chris Tomlinalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Mama
2012
- #1 song
“We Found Love” by Rihanna Featuring Calvin Harrisright behind it: “Sexy And I Know It” (LMFAO) and “It Will Rain” (Bruno Mars)- In theaters
- Underworld: Awakening
2011
- #1 song
“Grenade” by Bruno Marsright behind it: “Firework” (Katy Perry) and “What's My Name?” (Rihanna Featuring Drake)- In theaters
- No Strings Attached
2010
- #1 song
“TiK ToK” by Ke$haright behind it: “Bad Romance” (Lady Gaga) and “Empire State Of Mind” (Jay-Z + Alicia Keys)- In theaters
- Avatar
- New games
- Resident Evil Zero · Vindictus · Valkyria Chronicles II
the 2000s
2009
- #1 song
“Just Dance” by Lady Gaga Featuring Colby O'Donisright behind it: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” (Beyonce) and “Heartless” (Kanye West)- In theaters
- Paul Blart: Mall Cop
- New games
- Skate 2 · SimAnimals · The Maw
2008
- #1 song
“Low” by Flo Rida Featuring T-Painright behind it: “No One” (Alicia Keys) and “Apologize” (Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic)- In theaters
- Cloverfield
- New games
- Burnout Paradise · Advance Wars: Days of Ruin · Endless Ocean
2007
- #1 song
“Irreplaceable” by Beyonceright behind it: “I Wanna Love You” (Akon Featuring Snoop Dogg) and “Fergalicious” (Fergie)- In theaters
- Stomp the Yard
2006
- #1 song
“Grillz” by Nelly Featuring Paul Wall, Ali & Gippright behind it: “Run It!” (Chris Brown) and “Check On It” (Beyonce Featuring Slim Thug)- Top album
- Unpredictable by Jamie Foxxalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Underworld: Evolution
2005
- #1 song
“Let Me Love You” by Marioright behind it: “1, 2 Step” (Ciara Featuring Missy Elliott) and “Lovers And Friends” (Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz Featuring Usher & Ludacris)- Top album
American Idiot by Green Dayalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Are We There Yet?
2004
- #1 song
“Hey Ya!” by OutKastright behind it: “The Way You Move” (OutKast Featuring Sleepy Brown) and “Milkshake” (Kelis)- In theaters
- Along Came Polly
2003
- #1 song
“Lose Yourself” by Eminemright behind it: “Bump, Bump, Bump” (B2K & P. Diddy) and “Air Force Ones” (Nelly Featuring Kyjuan, Ali & Murphy Lee)- Top album
Come Away with Me by Norah Jonesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Kangaroo Jack
- New games
- Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball
2002
- #1 song
“U Got It Bad” by Usherright behind it: “How You Remind Me” (Nickelback) and “Always On Time” (Ja Rule Featuring Ashanti)- In theaters
- Black Hawk Down
- New games
- Ethnic Cleansing
2001
- #1 song
- “Independent Women Part I” by Destiny's Childright behind it: “It Wasn't Me” (Shaggy Feat. Ricardo "RikRok" Ducent) and “He Loves U Not” (Dream)
- In theaters
- Save the Last Dance
- New games
- Donkey Kong Country
2000
- #1 song
“What A Girl Wants” by Christina Aguileraright behind it: “I Knew I Loved You” (Savage Garden) and “Smooth” (Santana Featuring Rob Thomas)- Top album
Supernatural by Santanaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Next Friday
- New games
- Fire Emblem: Thracia 776
the 1990s
1999
- #1 song
“Have You Ever?” by Brandyright behind it: “Nobody's Supposed To Be Here” (Deborah Cox) and “...Baby One More Time” (Britney Spears)- Top album
Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood by DMXalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Varsity Blues
- New games
- Super Smash Bros.
1998
- #1 song
“Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Gardenright behind it: “How Do I Live” (LeAnn Rimes) and “Together Again” (Janet)- Top album
Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture by James Horneralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Titanic
- New games
- Resident Evil 2
1997
- #1 song
“Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxtonright behind it: “Don't Let Go (Love)” (En Vogue) and “I Believe I Can Fly (From "Space Jam")” (R. Kelly)- Top album
Tragic Kingdom by No Doubtalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Beverly Hills Ninja
1996
- #1 song
“One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey & Boyz II Menright behind it: “Exhale (Shoop Shoop) (From "Waiting To Exhale")” (Whitney Houston) and “Missing” (Everything But The Girl)- In theaters
- From Dusk till Dawn
1995
- #1 song
“On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Menright behind it: “Creep” (TLC) and “Another Night” (Real McCoy)- In theaters
- Legends of the Fall
1994
- #1 song
“All For Love” by Bryan Adams/Rod Stewart/Stingright behind it: “Hero” (Mariah Carey) and “Breathe Again” (Toni Braxton)- In theaters
- Philadelphia
1993
- #1 song
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houstonright behind it: “If I Ever Fall In Love” (Shai) and “In The Still Of The Nite (From "The Jacksons")” (Boyz II Men)
- Top album
The Bodyguard by Whitney Houstonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Aladdin
- New games
- Super Mario Kart · Mega Man 4 · Pilotwings
1992
- #1 song
“All 4 Love” by Color Me Baddright behind it: “Can't Let Go” (Mariah Carey) and “Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me” (George Michael/Elton John)- In theaters
- The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
- New games
- Metroid II: Return of Samus
1991
- #1 song
“The First Time” by Surfaceright behind it: “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” (Janet Jackson) and “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” (C+C Music Factory)- Top album
To the Extreme by Vanilla Icealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Home Alone
1990
- #1 song
“How Am I Supposed To Live Without You” by Michael Boltonright behind it: “Pump Up The Jam” (Technotronic Featuring Felly) and “Downtown Train” (Rod Stewart)- Top album
...But Seriously by Phil Collinsalso on Spotify, YouTube- In theaters
- Born on the Fourth of July
the 1980s
1989
- #1 song
“Two Hearts” by Phil Collinsright behind it: “Don't Rush Me” (Taylor Dayne) and “Armageddon It” (Def Leppard)- Top album
Don't Be Cruel by Bobby Brownalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Rain Man
1988
- #1 song
“The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jacksonright behind it: “Need You Tonight” (INXS) and “Could've Been” (Tiffany)- In theaters
- Good Morning, Vietnam
- New games
- Ice Hockey
1987
- #1 song
“At This Moment” by Billy Vera & The Beatersright behind it: “C'est La Vie” (Robbie Nevil) and “Shake You Down” (Gregory Abbott)- Top album
Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovialso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Critical Condition
1986
- #1 song
- “That's What Friends Are For” by Dionne & Friendsright behind it: “Say You, Say Me” (Lionel Richie) and “Burning Heart” (Survivor)
- Top album
The Broadway Album by Barbra Streisandalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Iron Eagle
1985
- #1 song
“Like A Virgin” by Madonnaright behind it: “I Want To Know What Love Is” (Foreigner) and “You're The Inspiration” (Chicago)- Top album
Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Beverly Hills Cop
1984
- #1 song
“Owner Of A Lonely Heart” by Yesright behind it: “Say Say Say” (Paul McCartney And Michael Jackson) and “Karma Chameleon” (Culture Club)- In theaters
- Terms of Endearment
1983
- #1 song
- “Down Under” by Men At Workright 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- In theaters
- Tootsie
1982
- #1 song
“Physical” by Olivia Newton-Johnright behind it: “Waiting For A Girl Like You” (Foreigner) and “Centerfold” (The J. Geils Band)- In theaters
- On Golden Pond
1981
- #1 song
- “(Just Like) Starting Over” by John Lennonright behind it: “Love On The Rocks” (Neil Diamond) and “The Tide Is High” (Blondie)
- Top album
Double Fantasy by John Lennonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- 9 to 5
1980
- #1 song
“Rock With You” by Michael Jacksonright behind it: “Do That To Me One More Time” (Captain & Tennille) and “Coward Of The County” (Kenny Rogers)- In theaters
- Kramer vs. Kramer
the 1970s
1979
- #1 song
“Le Freak” by Chicright behind it: “Too Much Heaven” (Bee Gees) and “Y.M.C.A.” (Village People)- Top album
52nd Street by Billy Joelalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Superman
- In sports
- Super Bowl XIII: Pittsburgh Steelers
1978
- #1 song
“Baby Come Back” by Playerright behind it: “How Deep Is Your Love” (Bee Gees) and “Here You Come Again” (Dolly Parton)- In theaters
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind
1977
- #1 song
“I Wish” by Stevie Wonderright behind it: “Car Wash” (Rose Royce) and “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” (Leo Sayer)- Top album
Wings over America by Wingsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- King Kong
1976
- #1 song
“Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)” by Diana Rossright behind it: “I Write The Songs” (Barry Manilow) and “Love Rollercoaster” (Ohio Players)
1975
- #1 song
“Please Mr. Postman” by Carpentersright behind it: “Laughter In The Rain” (Neil Sedaka) and “Mandy” (Barry Manilow)- Top album
Elton John's Greatest Hits by Elton Johnalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1974
- #1 song
“You're Sixteen” by Ringo Starrright behind it: “Show And Tell” (Al Wilson) and “The Way We Were” (Barbra Streisand)- Top album
You Don't Mess Around with Jim by Jim Crocealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1973
- #1 song
“Superstition” by Stevie Wonderright behind it: “You're So Vain” (Carly Simon) and “Crocodile Rock” (Elton John)- Top album
No Secrets by Carly Simonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1972
- #1 song
- “American Pie (Parts I & II)” by Don McLeanright behind it: “Brand New Key” (Melanie) and “Let's Stay Together” (Al Green)
- Top album
American Pie by Don McLeanalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1971
- #1 song
“Knock Three Times” by Dawnright behind it: “My Sweet Lord/Isn't It A Pity” (George Harrison) and “One Less Bell To Answer” (The 5th Dimension)- 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: “Venus” (The Shocking Blue) and “I Want You Back” (Jackson 5)- Top album
Abbey Road by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube
the 1960s
1969
- #1 song
“I Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gayeright behind it: “Crimson And Clover” (Tommy James And The Shondells) 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
“Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)” by John Fred And The Playboysright behind it: “Chain Of Fools” (Aretha Franklin) and “Green Tambourine” (The Lemon Pipers)- 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
“The Sound Of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkelright behind it: “We Can Work It Out” (The Beatles) 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
“Downtown” by Petula Clarkright behind it: “You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'” (The Righteous Brothers) and “Love Potion Number Nine” (The Searchers)
1964
- #1 song
“There! I've Said It Again” by Bobby Vintonright behind it: “Louie Louie” (The Kingsmen) and “I Want To Hold Your Hand” (The Beatles)
1963
- #1 song
“Walk Right In” by The Rooftop Singersright behind it: “Hey Paula” (Paul and Paula) and “Go Away Little Girl” (Steve Lawrence)
1962
- #1 song
- “Peppermint Twist - Part I” by Joey Dee & the Starlitersright behind it: “The Twist” (Chubby Checker) and “I Know (You Don't Love Me No More)” (Barbara George)
1961
- #1 song
“Wonderland By Night” by Bert Kaempfert And His Orchestraright behind it: “Exodus” (Ferrante & Teicher) and “Calcutta” (Lawrence Welk And His Orchestra)
1960
- #1 song
“Running Bear” by Johnny Prestonright behind it: “El Paso” (Marty Robbins) and “Why” (Frankie Avalon)
the late 1950s
1959
- #1 song
“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” by The Plattersright behind it: “My Happiness” (Connie Francis) and “Donna” (Ritchie Valens)
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.