May 1
on this day, year by year
Here is May 1 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
“Luther” by Kendrick Lamar & SZAright behind it: “Die With A Smile” (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars) and “Ordinary” (Alex Warren)- In theaters
- Thunderbolts*
- On Netflix
- The Eternaut
2024
- #1 song
“Fortnight” by Taylor Swift Featuring Post Maloneright behind it: “Down Bad” (Taylor Swift) and “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart” (Taylor Swift)- Top album
- The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Challengers
- On Netflix
- Baby Reindeer
- Most read on Wikipedia
International Workers' Day, Annual celebration of workers and the labour movementAt least 45 people are arrested and 12 police officers are injured at May Day protests in Paris. French police use tear gas and batons to disperse several protests.
2023
- #1 song
- “Last Night” by Morgan Wallenright behind it: “Kill Bill” (SZA) and “Flowers” (Miley Cyrus)
- Top album
- One Thing at a Time by Morgan Wallenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie
- On Netflix
- Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
2022
- #1 song
“As It Was” by Harry Stylesright behind it: “First Class” (Jack Harlow) and “Heat Waves” (Glass Animals)- Top album
- It's Almost Dry by Pusha Talso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Bad Guys
- On Netflix
- The Marked Heart
2021
- #1 song
“Rapstar” by Polo Gright behind it: “Leave The Door Open” (Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak)) and “Peaches” (Justin Bieber Featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon)- Top album
- Slime Language 2 by Young Thugalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
2020
- #1 song
“Blinding Lights” by The Weekndright behind it: “Toosie Slide” (Drake) and “The Box” (Roddy Ricch)- Top album
- Blame It on Baby by DaBabyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- Most read on Wikipedia
Tasuku Honjo, Japanese immunologist and Nobel laureate (born 1942)
2019
- #1 song
“Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrusright behind it: “Wow.” (Post Malone) and “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse)” (Post Malone & Swae Lee)- Top album
- When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? by Billie Eilishalso on Spotify, YouTube
- In theaters
- Avengers: Endgame
2018
- #1 song
“Nice For What” by Drakeright behind it: “God's Plan” (Drake) and “No Tears Left To Cry” (Ariana Grande)- In theaters
- Avengers: Infinity War
the 2010s
2017
- #1 song
- “Humble.” by Kendrick Lamarright behind it: “Shape Of You” (Ed Sheeran) and “That's What I Like” (Bruno Mars)
- In theaters
- The Fate of the Furious
- New games
- Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion
2016
- #1 song
“Panda” by Desiignerright behind it: “7 Years” (Lukas Graham) and “One Dance” (Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla)- Top album
- The Very Best of Prince by Princealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Jungle Book
2015
- #1 song
“See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puthright behind it: “Uptown Funk!” (Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars) and “Earned It (Fifty Shades Of Grey)” (The Weeknd)- Top album
- Handwritten by Shawn Mendesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Avengers: Age of Ultron
- New games
- Crossy Road
2014
- #1 song
“Happy” by Pharrell Williamsright behind it: “All Of Me” (John Legend) and “Talk Dirty” (Jason Derulo Featuring 2 Chainz)- In theaters
- The Amazing Spider-Man 2
- New games
- Child of Light
2013
- #1 song
“Just Give Me A Reason” by P!nk Featuring Nate Ruessright behind it: “Can't Hold Us” (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Ray Dalton) and “Thrift Shop” (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Wanz)- Top album
- Save Rock and Roll by Fall Out Boyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Pain & Gain
- New games
- Half-Life 2 · Flappy Bird · Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
2012
- #1 song
“Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye Featuring Kimbraright behind it: “We Are Young” (fun. Featuring Janelle Monae) and “Payphone” (Maroon 5 Featuring Wiz Khalifa)- In theaters
- Think Like a Man
- New games
- Dustforce
2011
- #1 song
“E.T.” by Katy Perry Featuring Kanye Westright behind it: “Rolling In The Deep” (Adele) and “Just Can't Get Enough” (The Black Eyed Peas)- In theaters
- Fast Five
2010
- #1 song
“Nothin' On You” by B.o.B Featuring Bruno Marsright behind it: “Rude Boy” (Rihanna) and “Hey, Soul Sister” (Train)- Top album
- My World 2.0 by Justin Bieberalso on Spotify, YouTube
- In theaters
- A Nightmare on Elm Street
- New games
- Transformice
the 2000s
2009
- #1 song
“Boom Boom Pow” by The Black Eyed Peasright behind it: “Poker Face” (Lady Gaga) and “Right Round” (Flo Rida)- In theaters
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine
- New games
- Rhythm Heaven · X-Men Origins: Wolverine · Terminator Salvation
2008
- #1 song
“Lollipop” by Lil Wayne Featuring Static Majorright behind it: “Bleeding Love” (Leona Lewis) and “No Air” (Jordin Sparks Duet With Chris Brown)- In theaters
- Iron Man
- New games
- Universe Sandbox · Link's Crossbow Training
2007
- #1 song
“Girlfriend” by Avril Lavigneright behind it: “Give It To Me” (Timbaland Featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake) and “Don't Matter” (Akon)- In theaters
- Disturbia
2006
- #1 song
“Bad Day” by Daniel Powterright behind it: “Temperature” (Sean Paul) and “What You Know” (T.I.)- Top album
Me and My Gang by Rascal Flattsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- RV
- New games
- Orcs & Elves
2005
- #1 song
“Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefaniright behind it: “Hate It Or Love It” (The Game Featuring 50 Cent) and “Candy Shop” (50 Cent Featuring Olivia)- Top album
...Something to Be by Rob Thomasalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
- New games
- Pokémon Emerald
2004
- #1 song
- “Yeah!” by Usher Featuring Lil Jon & Ludacrisright behind it: “I Don't Wanna Know” (Mario Winans Featuring Enya & P. Diddy) and “Burn” (Usher)
- Top album
Confessions by Usheralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Mean Girls
2003
- #1 song
“In Da Club” by 50 Centright behind it: “Get Busy” (Sean Paul) and “Ignition” (R. Kelly)- In theaters
- X2
- New games
- Day of Defeat
2002
- #1 song
“Foolish” by Ashantiright behind it: “What's Luv?” (Fat Joe Featuring Ashanti) and “U Don't Have To Call” (Usher)- In theaters
- The Scorpion King
- New games
- The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
2001
- #1 song
“All For You” by Janetright behind it: “Survivor” (Destiny's Child) and “Thank You” (Dido)- In theaters
- Driven
- New games
- Super Monkey Ball · Gauntlet Dark Legacy
2000
- #1 song
“Maria Maria” by Santana Featuring The Product G&Bright behind it: “He Wasn't Man Enough” (Toni Braxton) and “Breathe” (Faith Hill)- Top album
No Strings Attached by NSYNCalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- U-571
the 1990s
1999
- #1 song
“No Scrubs” by TLCright behind it: “Kiss Me” (Sixpence None The Richer) and “Believe” (Cher)- In theaters
- Entrapment
- New games
- Super Mario Bros. Deluxe
1998
- #1 song
“Too Close” by Nextright behind it: “You're Still The One” (Shania Twain) and “Let's Ride” (Montell Jordan Feat. Master P & Silkk The Shocker)- Top album
Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture by James Horneralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- He Got Game
- New games
- International Superstar Soccer Pro 98
1997
- #1 song
“Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G.right behind it: “Can't Nobody Hold Me Down” (Puff Daddy (Featuring Mase)) and “Foolish Games/You Were Meant For Me” (Jewel)- Top album
Life After Death by The Notorious B.I.G.also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Breakdown
- New games
- The Lost Vikings 2
1996
- #1 song
“Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Because You Loved Me (From "Up Close & Personal")” (Celine Dion) and “Nobody Knows” (The Tony Rich Project)- In theaters
- The Quest
1995
- #1 song
“This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordanright behind it: “Freak Like Me” (Adina Howard) and “Red Light Special” (TLC)- In theaters
- While You Were Sleeping
1994
- #1 song
“The Sign” by Ace Of Baseright behind it: “Bump N' Grind” (R. Kelly) and “The Most Beautiful Girl In The World” (Prince)- In theaters
- No Escape
1993
- #1 song
“Freak Me” by Silkright behind it: “Informer” (Snow) and “Nuthin' But A "G" Thang” (Dr. Dre)- Top album
The Bodyguard by Whitney Houston / Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube- In theaters
- Indecent Proposal
- New games
- Kirby's Adventure · BZFlag · Shadowrun
1992
- #1 song
“Jump” by Kris Krossright behind it: “Save The Best For Last” (Vanessa Williams) and “Tears In Heaven” (Eric Clapton)- Top album
Adrenalize by Def Leppardalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Basic Instinct
1991
- #1 song
“Baby Baby” by Amy Grantright behind it: “Joyride” (Roxette) and “I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)” (Hi-Five)- Top album
Mariah Carey by Mariah Careyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Oscar
- New games
- Flight of the Intruder
1990
- #1 song
- “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinead O'Connorright behind it: “I Wanna Be Rich” (Calloway) and “How Can We Be Lovers” (Michael Bolton)
- Top album
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got by Sinéad O'Connoralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Pretty Woman
- New games
- Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos · Snow Bros.
the 1980s
1989
- #1 song
- “Like A Prayer” by Madonnaright behind it: “I'll Be There For You” (Bon Jovi) and “Real Love” (Jody Watley)
- Top album
Like a Prayer by Madonnaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Pet Sematary
- New games
- Operation Wolf
1988
- #1 song
“Wishing Well” by Terence Trent D'Arbyright behind it: “Anything For You” (Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine) and “Angel” (Aerosmith)- In theaters
- Colors
1987
- #1 song
“(I Just) Died In Your Arms” by Cutting Crewright behind it: “Looking For A New Love” (Jody Watley) and “Don't Dream It's Over” (Crowded House)- Top album
The Joshua Tree by U2also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- The Secret of My Success
- New games
- Castlevania · Ikari Warriors · BurgerTime
1986
- #1 song
“Addicted To Love” by Robert Palmerright behind it: “West End Girls” (Pet Shop Boys) and “Kiss” (Prince And The Revolution)- In theaters
- Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling
1985
- #1 song
- “We Are The World” by USA For Africaright behind it: “Crazy For You” (Madonna) and “Rhythm Of The Night” (Debarge)
- In theaters
- Stick
- New games
- Commando · Knight Lore · King's Quest II
1984
- #1 song
“Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)” by Phil Collinsright behind it: “Hello” (Lionel Richie) and “Hold Me Now” (Thompson Twins)- In theaters
- Police Academy
1983
- #1 song
- “Beat It” by Michael Jacksonright behind it: “Jeopardy” (Greg Kihn Band) and “Let's Dance” (David Bowie)
- In theaters
- Flashdance
1982
- #1 song
“I Love Rock 'N Roll” by Joan Jett & the Blackheartsright behind it: “Chariots Of Fire - Titles” (Vangelis) and “Ebony And Ivory” (Paul McCartney And Stevie Wonder)- Top album
Chariots of Fire by Vangelisalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Porky's
1981
- #1 song
“Morning Train (Nine To Five)” by Sheena Eastonright behind it: “Just The Two Of Us” (Grover Washington, Jr. With Bill Withers) and “Being With You” (Smokey Robinson)- Top album
Hi Infidelity by REO Speedwagonalso on Spotify, YouTube- In theaters
- Friday the 13th Part 2
1980
- #1 song
“Call Me” by Blondieright behind it: “Ride Like The Wind” (Christopher Cross) and “Lost In Love” (Air Supply)- Top album
Against the Wind by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Bandalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Kramer vs. Kramer
the 1970s
1979
- #1 song
“Reunited” by Peaches & Herbright behind it: “Heart Of Glass” (Blondie) and “Music Box Dancer” (Frank Mills)- Top album
Minute by Minute by Doobie Brothersalso on Spotify, YouTube- In theaters
- Love at First Bite
1978
- #1 song
“Night Fever” by Bee Geesright behind it: “If I Can't Have You” (Yvonne Elliman) and “Can't Smile Without You” (Barry Manilow)- In theaters
- House Calls
1977
- #1 song
- “Hotel California” by Eaglesright behind it: “When I Need You” (Leo Sayer) and “Southern Nights” (Glen Campbell)
- Top album
Hotel California by Eaglesalso on Spotify, YouTube- In theaters
- It's Alive
1976
- #1 song
“Let Your Love Flow” by Bellamy Brothersright behind it: “Right Back Where We Started From” (Maxine Nightingale) and “Boogie Fever” (The Sylvers)
1975
- #1 song
“He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)” by Tony Orlando & Dawnright behind it: “(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” (B.J. Thomas) and “Before The Next Teardrop Falls” (Freddy Fender)- Top album
Chicago VIII by Chicagoalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1974
- #1 song
“The Loco-Motion” by Grand Funkright behind it: “TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)” (MFSB Featuring The Three Degrees) and “Bennie And The Jets” (Elton John)
1973
- #1 song
“Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree” by Dawn Featuring Tony Orlandoright behind it: “The Cisco Kid” (War) and “Little Willy” (The Sweet)- Top album
Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite by Elvis Presleyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1972
- #1 song
- “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flackright behind it: “I Gotcha” (Joe Tex) and “Betcha By Golly, Wow” (The Stylistics Featuring Russell Thompkins,Jr.)
- Top album
First Take by Roberta Flackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1971
- #1 song
“Joy To The World” by Three Dog Nightright behind it: “Put Your Hand In The Hand” (Ocean) and “Never Can Say Goodbye” (Jackson 5)- Top album
Jesus Christ Superstar by Various Artistsalso on Spotify, YouTube
1970
- #1 song
“ABC” by Jackson 5right behind it: “Let It Be” (The Beatles) and “Spirit In The Sky” (Norman Greenbaum)- Top album
Bridge over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkelalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
the 1960s
1969
- #1 song
“Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)” by The 5th Dimensionright behind it: “It's Your Thing” (The Isley Brothers) and “Hair” (The Cowsills)
1968
- #1 song
“Honey” by Bobby Goldsbororight behind it: “Cry Like A Baby” (The Box Tops) and “Young Girl” (The Union Gap Featuring Gary Puckett)- Top album
The Graduate by Simon & Garfunkelalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1967
- #1 song
“Somethin' Stupid” by Nancy Sinatra & Frank Sinatraright behind it: “The Happening” (The Supremes) and “Sweet Soul Music” (Arthur Conley)
1966
- #1 song
“Monday, Monday” by The Mamas & The Papasright behind it: “Good Lovin'” (The Young Rascals) and “Sloop John B” (The Beach Boys)- Top album
Going Places by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brassalso on Spotify, YouTube
1965
- #1 song
“Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter” by Herman's Hermitsright behind it: “Game Of Love” (Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders) and “I Know A Place” (Petula Clark)- In sports
- 1965 Stanley Cup Finals: Chicago Black Hawks
1964
- #1 song
“Can't Buy Me Love” by The Beatlesright behind it: “Hello, Dolly!” (Louis Armstrong And The All Stars) and “Do You Want To Know A Secret” (The Beatles)
1963
- #1 song
“I Will Follow Him” by Little Peggy Marchright behind it: “Can't Get Used To Losing You” (Andy Williams) and “Puff (The Magic Dragon)” (Peter, Paul & Mary)- Top album
Days of Wine and Roses and Other TV Requests by Andy Williamsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1962
- #1 song
“Soldier Boy” by The Shirellesright behind it: “Mashed Potato Time” (Dee Dee Sharp) and “Johnny Angel” (Shelley Fabares)
1961
- #1 song
“Runaway” by Del Shannonright behind it: “Mother-In-Law” (Ernie K-Doe) and “I've Told Every Little Star” (Linda Scott)
1960
- #1 song
“Stuck On You” by Elvis Presley With The Jordanairesright behind it: “Greenfields” (The Brothers Four) and “Sixteen Reasons” (Connie Stevens)
the late 1950s
1959
- #1 song
“Come Softly To Me” by The Fleetwoodsright behind it: “The Happy Organ” (Dave "Baby" Cortez) and “Sorry (I Ran All The Way Home)” (The Impalas)
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.