January 4
on this day, year by year
Here is January 4 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
- Most read on Wikipedia
Jeff Baena, American screenwriter and film director (1977–2025)died January 3
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)
- In theaters
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
- On Netflix
- Cobra Kai
- Most read on Wikipedia
Elizabeth Holmes, American businesswoman convicted of fraud (born 1984)
2021
- #1 song
“Mood” by 24kGoldn Featuring iann diorright behind it: “Positions” (Ariana Grande) and “Blinding Lights” (The Weeknd)- In theaters
- Wonder Woman 1984
- Most read on Wikipedia
Tanya Roberts, American actress (1949–2021)died January 4
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
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Media, Topics referred to by the same term
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)- Top album
- Reputation by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
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
- Most read on Wikipedia
Normandy landings, World War II landing operation in Europe
2016
- #1 song
- “Hello” by Adeleright behind it: “Sorry” (Justin Bieber) and “Love Yourself” (Justin Bieber)
- In theaters
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- Most read on Wikipedia
Nuclear program of Saudi Arabia
2015
- #1 song
“Blank Space” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “Uptown Funk!” (Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars) and “Take Me To Church” (Hozier)- 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$ha) and “Counting Stars” (OneRepublic)- In theaters
- Frozen
2013
- #1 song
“Locked Out Of Heaven” by Bruno Marsright behind it: “Diamonds” (Rihanna) and “Ho Hey” (The Lumineers)- In theaters
- Texas Chainsaw 3D
2012
- #1 song
“Sexy And I Know It” by LMFAOright behind it: “We Found Love” (Rihanna Featuring Calvin Harris) and “The One That Got Away” (Katy Perry)- In theaters
- The Devil Inside
- New games
- Katawa Shoujo
2011
- #1 song
“Grenade” by Bruno Marsright behind it: “Firework” (Katy Perry) and “We R Who We R” (Ke$ha)- In theaters
- True Grit
2010
- #1 song
- “TiK ToK” by Ke$haright behind it: “Replay” (Iyaz) 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: “Just Dance” (Lady Gaga Featuring Colby O'Donis) and “Live Your Life” (T.I. Featuring Rihanna)- In theaters
- Marley & Me
- New games
- Grand Theft Auto IV
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
- New games
- Max Payne
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
- Night at the Museum
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)- In theaters
- Meet the Fockers
- New games
- Hearts of Iron II
2004
- #1 song
- “Hey Ya!” by OutKastright behind it: “The Way You Move” (OutKast Featuring Sleepy Brown) and “Milkshake” (Kelis)
- Top album
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by OutKastalso 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
- New games
- RuneScape
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- In theaters
- Stuart Little
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 “Have You Ever?” (Brandy)- Top album
Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood by DMXalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- 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 “Together Again” (Janet)- 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)- In theaters
- Mrs. Doubtfire
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
- Born on the Fourth of July
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
“So Emotional” by Whitney Houstonright behind it: “Got My Mind Set On You” (George Harrison) and “Faith” (George Michael)- In theaters
- Three Men and a Baby
1987
- #1 song
“Walk Like An Egyptian” by The Banglesright behind it: “Notorious” (Duran Duran) and “Shake You Down” (Gregory Abbott)- 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
- New games
- TwinBee
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- In theaters
- Tootsie
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: “Love On The Rocks” (Neil Diamond) and “Guilty” (Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb)
- Top album
Double Fantasy by John Lennonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- 9 to 5
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
“Convoy” by C.W. McCallright 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- First aired
- 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother premieres
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: “Knock Three Times” (Dawn) 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: “Someday We'll Be Together” (Diana Ross & The Supremes) and “Leaving On A Jet Plane” (Peter, Paul & Mary)- 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)
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
“Wonderland By Night” by Bert Kaempfert And His Orchestraright behind it: “Are You Lonesome To-night?” (Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires) and “Exodus” (Ferrante & Teicher)
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)
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.