January 31
on this day, year by year
Here is January 31 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 “APT.” (ROSE & Bruno Mars)- In theaters
- Dog Man
- On Netflix
- The Night Agent
2024
- #1 song
“Lovin On Me” by Jack Harlowright behind it: “Cruel Summer” (Taylor Swift) and “Greedy” (Tate McRae)- Top album
- American Dream by 21 Savagealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Mean Girls
- On Netflix
- Griselda
- Most read on Wikipedia
Griselda Blanco, Colombian drug lord (1943–2012)- New games
- Infinite Craft · Silent Hill: The Short Message
2023
- #1 song
“Flowers” by Miley Cyrusright behind it: “Kill Bill” (SZA) and “Anti-Hero” (Taylor Swift)- In theaters
- Avatar: The Way of Water
- On Netflix
- The Snow Girl
- Most read on Wikipedia
Cindy Williams, American actress (1947–2023)died January 25
2022
- #1 song
“We Don't Talk About Bruno” by Carolina Gaitan, Mauro Castillo, Adassa, Rhenzy Feliz, Diane Guerrero, Stephanie Beatriz & Encanto Castright behind it: “Easy On Me” (Adele) and “Heat Waves” (Glass Animals)- In theaters
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
- On Netflix
- All of Us Are Dead
- Most read on Wikipedia
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada from 2015 to 2025Prime minister Justin Trudeau tests positive for COVID-19.
2021
- #1 song
“Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigoright behind it: “Mood” (24kGoldn Featuring iann dior) and “Blinding Lights” (The Weeknd)- Top album
- Dangerous: The Double Album by Morgan Wallenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Little Things
2020
- #1 song
- “The Box” by Roddy Ricchright behind it: “Life Is Good” (Future Featuring Drake) and “Godzilla” (Eminem Featuring Juice WRLD)
- Top album
- Music to Be Murdered By by Eminemalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Bad Boys for Life
- Most read on Wikipedia
Coronavirus, Subfamily of viruses in the family Coronaviridae
2019
- #1 song
“7 Rings” by Ariana Granderight behind it: “Without Me” (Halsey) and “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse)” (Post Malone & Swae Lee)- Top album
- Future Hndrxx Presents: The Wizrd by Futurealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Glass
- Most read on Wikipedia
Ted Bundy, American serial killer (1946–1989)
2018
- #1 song
“God's Plan” by Drakeright behind it: “Perfect” (Ed Sheeran) and “Havana” (Camila Cabello Featuring Young Thug)- In theaters
- Maze Runner: The Death Cure
- Most read on Wikipedia
Joe Kennedy III, American politician (born 1980)
the 2010s
2017
- #1 song
“Bad And Boujee” by Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vertright behind it: “Shape Of You” (Ed Sheeran) and “Black Beatles” (Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane)- In theaters
- Split
- Most read on Wikipedia
Millennials, Cohort born from 1981 to 1996- New games
- Digimon World: Next Order
2016
- #1 song
“Sorry” by Justin Bieberright behind it: “Love Yourself” (Justin Bieber) and “Hello” (Adele)- In theaters
- Kung Fu Panda 3
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Question mark, Typographic character indicating a question (?)
2015
- #1 song
“Uptown Funk!” by Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Marsright behind it: “Thinking Out Loud” (Ed Sheeran) and “Blank Space” (Taylor Swift)- In theaters
- American Sniper
2014
- #1 song
“Timber” by Pitbull Featuring Ke$haright behind it: “Dark Horse” (Katy Perry Featuring Juicy J) and “Counting Stars” (OneRepublic)- Top album
- High Hopes by Bruce Springsteenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Ride Along
- New games
- Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
2013
- #1 song
“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Wanzright behind it: “Locked Out Of Heaven” (Bruno Mars) and “Ho Hey” (The Lumineers)- In theaters
- Warm Bodies
- New games
- Antichamber · Omerta – City of Gangsters
2012
- #1 song
- “Set Fire To The Rain” by Adeleright behind it: “We Found Love” (Rihanna Featuring Calvin Harris) and “Good Feeling” (Flo Rida)
- In theaters
- The Grey
- New games
- Star Trek Online · Serious Sam II · Soulcalibur V
2011
- #1 song
“Grenade” by Bruno Marsright behind it: “Firework” (Katy Perry) and “Black And Yellow” (Wiz Khalifa)- Top album
- The King Is Dead by The Decemberistsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Rite
2010
- #1 song
“TiK ToK” by Ke$haright behind it: “Today Was A Fairytale” (Taylor Swift) and “Bad Romance” (Lady Gaga)- In theaters
- Avatar
- Award night
- 52nd Annual Grammy Awards: Fearless wins Album of the Year
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
- Taken
2008
- #1 song
“Low” by Flo Rida Featuring T-Painright behind it: “No One” (Alicia Keys) and “Apologize” (Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic)- New games
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl · Devil May Cry 4 · Tales of Destiny
2007
- #1 song
“Irreplaceable” by Beyonceright behind it: “This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race” (Fall Out Boy) and “Say It Right” (Nelly Furtado)- In theaters
- Epic Movie
2006
- #1 song
“Check On It” by Beyonce Featuring Slim Thugright behind it: “Grillz” (Nelly Featuring Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp) and “Run It!” (Chris Brown)- Top album
- Unpredictable by Jamie Foxxalso on Spotify, YouTube
- In theaters
- Big Momma's House 2
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
- The Documentary by The Gamealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Hide and Seek
2004
- #1 song
- “Hey Ya!” by OutKastright behind it: “The Way You Move” (OutKast Featuring Sleepy Brown) and “You Don't Know My Name” (Alicia Keys)
- Top album
- Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by OutKastalso on Spotify, YouTube
- In theaters
- You Got Served
2003
- #1 song
“Bump, Bump, Bump” by B2K & P. Diddyright behind it: “Beautiful” (Christina Aguilera) and “Cry Me A River” (Justin Timberlake)- Top album
- Come Away with Me by Norah Jonesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Recruit
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
- Virtua Fighter 4
2001
- #1 song
“It Wasn't Me” by Shaggy Feat. Ricardo "RikRok" Ducentright behind it: “Independent Women Part I” (Destiny's Child) and “Ms. Jackson” (OutKast)- In theaters
- The Wedding Planner
2000
- #1 song
“I Knew I Loved You” by Savage Gardenright behind it: “What A Girl Wants” (Christina Aguilera) and “Smooth” (Santana Featuring Rob Thomas)- Top album
Supernatural by Santanaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Eye of the Beholder
- New games
- Nox · X: Beyond the Frontier
the 1990s
1999
- #1 song
“...Baby One More Time” by Britney Spearsright behind it: “Angel Of Mine” (Monica) and “Have You Ever?” (Brandy)- In theaters
- She's All That
- In sports
- Super Bowl XXXIII: Denver Broncos
- New games
- SimCity 3000
1998
- #1 song
“Together Again” by Janetright behind it: “Truly Madly Deeply” (Savage Garden) and “Nice & Slow” (Usher)- Top album
Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture by James Horneralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Titanic
- New games
- Gex: Enter the Gecko · Skullmonkeys
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
- Star Wars
- New games
- Final Fantasy VII · I.Q.: Intelligent Qube
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
- Mr. Holland's Opus
- New games
- Blackthorne
1995
- #1 song
“Creep” by TLCright behind it: “On Bended Knee” (Boyz II Men) 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 “The Power Of Love” (Celine Dion)- In theaters
- Mrs. Doubtfire
1993
- #1 song
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houstonright behind it: “If I Ever Fall In Love” (Shai) and “A Whole New World (Aladdin's Theme)” (Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle)
- Top album
The Bodyguard by Whitney Houstonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Aladdin
- In sports
- Super Bowl XXVII: Dallas Cowboyshalftime show: Michael Jackson
1992
- #1 song
“Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me” by George Michael/Elton Johnright behind it: “I Love Your Smile” (Shanice) and “All 4 Love” (Color Me Badd)- In theaters
- The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
- New games
- Gimmick! · Soul Blazer
1991
- #1 song
“The First Time” by Surfaceright behind it: “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” (C+C Music Factory) and “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” (Janet Jackson)- 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: “Opposites Attract” (Paula Abdul (Duet With The Wild Pair)) and “Downtown Train” (Rod Stewart)- Top album
Forever Your Girl by Paula Abdulalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Driving Miss Daisy
the 1980s
1989
- #1 song
“When I'm With You” by Sheriffright behind it: “Straight Up” (Paula Abdul) and “When The Children Cry” (White Lion)- Top album
Don't Be Cruel by Bobby Brownalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Rain Man
1988
- #1 song
“Could've Been” by Tiffanyright behind it: “Hazy Shade Of Winter” (The Bangles) and “Need You Tonight” (INXS)- In theaters
- Good Morning, Vietnam
- In sports
- Super Bowl XXII: Washington Commanders
1987
- #1 song
“At This Moment” by Billy Vera & The Beatersright behind it: “Open Your Heart” (Madonna) and “C'est La Vie” (Robbie Nevil)- Top album
Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovialso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Platoon
1986
- #1 song
- “That's What Friends Are For” by Dionne & Friendsright behind it: “Burning Heart” (Survivor) and “I'm Your Man” (Wham!)
- Top album
The Broadway Album by Barbra Streisandalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Down and Out in Beverly Hills
1985
- #1 song
“I Want To Know What Love Is” by Foreignerright behind it: “Easy Lover” (Philip Bailey With Phil Collins) and “Careless Whisper” (Wham! Featuring George Michael)- Top album
Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Beverly Hills Cop
1984
- #1 song
“Karma Chameleon” by Culture Clubright behind it: “Owner Of A Lonely Heart” (Yes) and “Talking In Your Sleep” (The Romantics)- In theaters
- Silkwood
1983
- #1 song
“Africa” by Totoright behind it: “Down Under” (Men At Work) and “Sexual Healing” (Marvin Gaye)- Top album
Business as Usual by Men at Workalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Tootsie
1982
- #1 song
“Centerfold” by The J. Geils Bandright behind it: “I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)” (Daryl Hall John Oates) and “Waiting For A Girl Like You” (Foreigner)- Top album
Freeze Frame by The J. Geils Bandalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- On Golden Pond
1981
- #1 song
“The Tide Is High” by Blondieright behind it: “(Just Like) Starting Over” (John Lennon) and “Celebration” (Kool & The Gang)- Top album
Double Fantasy by John Lennonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The Incredible Shrinking Woman
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: “Y.M.C.A.” (Village People) and “Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?” (Rod Stewart)- Top album
Briefcase Full of Blues by Blues Brothersalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Superman
1978
- #1 song
“Stayin' Alive” by Bee Geesright behind it: “Short People” (Randy Newman) and “Baby Come Back” (Player)- In theaters
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind
1977
- #1 song
“Torn Between Two Lovers” by Mary Macgregorright behind it: “Car Wash” (Rose Royce) and “Dazz” (Brick)- Top album
Hotel California by Eaglesalso on Spotify, YouTube- In theaters
- Rocky
1976
- #1 song
“Love Rollercoaster” by Ohio Playersright behind it: “I Write The Songs” (Barry Manilow) and “Love To Love You Baby” (Donna Summer)
1975
- #1 song
“Laughter In The Rain” by Neil Sedakaright behind it: “Fire” (Ohio Players) and “Boogie On Reggae Woman” (Stevie Wonder)- Top album
Elton John's Greatest Hits by Elton Johnalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1974
- #1 song
“The Way We Were” by Barbra Streisandright behind it: “You're Sixteen” (Ringo Starr) and “Love's Theme” (Love Unlimited Orchestra)- Top album
You Don't Mess Around with Jim by Jim Crocealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- First aired
- Vicky the Viking premieres
1973
- #1 song
“Crocodile Rock” by Elton Johnright behind it: “You're So Vain” (Carly Simon) and “Superstition” (Stevie Wonder)- Top album
No Secrets by Carly Simonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1972
- #1 song
- “American Pie (Parts I & II)” by Don McLeanright behind it: “Let's Stay Together” (Al Green) and “Brand New Key” (Melanie)
- Top album
American Pie by Don McLeanalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1971
- #1 song
“Knock Three Times” by Dawnright behind it: “One Bad Apple” (The Osmonds) and “My Sweet Lord/Isn't It A Pity” (George Harrison)- Top album
All Things Must Pass by George Harrisonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In space
- Apollo 14 launches
1970
- #1 song
“I Want You Back” by Jackson 5right behind it: “Venus” (The Shocking Blue) and “Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head” (B.J. Thomas)- Top album
Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelinalso on Spotify, YouTube
the 1960s
1969
- #1 song
“Crimson And Clover” by Tommy James And The Shondellsright behind it: “Everyday People” (Sly & The Family Stone) and “Worst That Could Happen” (Brooklyn Bridge)- Top album
The Beatles (The White Album) by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1968
- #1 song
“Green Tambourine” by The Lemon Pipersright behind it: “Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)” (John Fred And The Playboys) and “Chain Of Fools” (Aretha Franklin)- Top album
Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1967
- #1 song
“I'm A Believer” by The Monkeesright behind it: “Georgy Girl” (The Seekers) and “Snoopy Vs. The Red Baron” (The Royal Guardsmen)- Top album
The Monkees by The Monkeesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1966
- #1 song
“My Love” by Petula Clarkright behind it: “Barbara Ann” (The Beach Boys) and “No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In)” (The T-Bones)- Top album
Rubber Soul by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In space
- Luna 9 launches
1965
- #1 song
“You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'” by The Righteous Brothersright behind it: “Downtown” (Petula Clark) and “The Name Game” (Shirley Ellis)
1964
- #1 song
“I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatlesright behind it: “You Don't Own Me” (Lesley Gore) and “Out Of Limits” (The Marketts)
1963
- #1 song
“Walk Right In” by The Rooftop Singersright behind it: “Hey Paula” (Paul and Paula) and “The Night Has A Thousand Eyes” (Bobby Vee)
1962
- #1 song
- “Peppermint Twist - Part I” by Joey Dee & the Starlitersright behind it: “Can't Help Falling In Love” (Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires) and “The Twist” (Chubby Checker)
1961
- #1 song
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” by The Shirellesright behind it: “Calcutta” (Lawrence Welk And His Orchestra) and “Exodus” (Ferrante & Teicher)
1960
- #1 song
“Running Bear” by Johnny Prestonright behind it: “Teen Angel” (Mark Dinning) and “El Paso” (Marty Robbins)
the late 1950s
1959
- #1 song
“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” by The Plattersright behind it: “The All American Boy” (Bill Parsons) 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.