May 11

on this day, year by year

The Tortured Poets Department (2024) album cover

The Adventures of Bobby Ray (2010) album cover

Together Through Life (2009) album cover

Here is May 11 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.

Born on May 11? Find your year:

2025

#1 song: “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar & SZAright behind it: “Ordinary” (Alex Warren) and “Die With A Smile” (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars)
Top album: Debí Tirar Más Fotos by Bad Bunnyalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Thunderbolts*
On Netflix: The Four Seasons
Most read on Wikipedia: Pope Leo XIV, Head of the Catholic Church since 2025In his first Sunday address, Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Ukraine, the release of all war prisoners and the return of abducted Ukrainian children to their families, an…

2024

#1 song: “Fortnight” by Taylor Swift Featuring Post Maloneright behind it: “Million Dollar Baby” (Tommy Richman) and “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” (Shaboozey)
Top album: The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
On Netflix: The Roast of Tom Brady
Most read on Wikipedia: Eurovision Song Contest 2024, International song competition

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: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
On Netflix: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

2022

#1 song: “Wait For U” by Future Featuring Drake & Temsright behind it: “As It Was” (Harry Styles) and “First Class” (Jack Harlow)
Top album: I Never Liked You by Futurealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
On Netflix: Welcome to Eden
New games: Mini Motorways

2021

#1 song: “Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd & Ariana Granderight behind it: “Leave The Door Open” (Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak)) and “Peaches” (Justin Bieber Featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon)
Top album: Khaled Khaled by DJ Khaledalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Wrath of Man
New games: Call of the Sea

2020

#1 song: “Say So” by Doja Cat Featuring Nicki Minajright behind it: “Savage” (Megan Thee Stallion) and “Blinding Lights” (The Weeknd)
Top album: Here and Now by Kenny Chesneyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
Most read on Wikipedia: Jerry Stiller, American comedian and actor (1927–2020)died May 11
New games: Helltaker

2019

#1 song: “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrusright behind it: “ME!” (Taylor Swift Featuring Brendon Urie) and “Wow.” (Post Malone)
Top album: Hurts 2B Human by Pinkalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Avengers: Endgame

2018

#1 song: “Nice For What” by Drakeright behind it: “Psycho” (Post Malone Featuring Ty Dolla $ign) and “God's Plan” (Drake)
Top album: Beerbongs & Bentleys by Post Malonealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Avengers: Infinity War

the 2010s

2017

#1 song: “That's What I Like” by Bruno Marsright behind it: “Shape Of You” (Ed Sheeran) and “Humble.” (Kendrick Lamar)
Top album: Damn by Kendrick Lamaralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
New games: Injustice 2 · Shadowverse

2016

#1 song: “Panda” by Desiignerright behind it: “One Dance” (Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla) and “7 Years” (Lukas Graham)
Top album: Lemonade by Beyoncéalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Captain America: Civil War

2015

#1 song: “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puthright behind it: “Trap Queen” (Fetty Wap) and “Uptown Funk!” (Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars)
Top album: Jekyll + Hyde by Zac Brown Bandalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Avengers: Age of Ultron

2014

#1 song: “All Of Me” by John Legendright behind it: “Happy” (Pharrell Williams) and “Problem” (Ariana Grande Featuring Iggy Azalea)
Top album: Frozen (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Neighbors
New games: Impossible Spell Card · Kero Blaster

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 “Stay” (Rihanna Featuring Mikky Ekko)
Top album: To Be Loved by Michael Bubléalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Iron Man 3

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)
Top album: Blunderbuss by Jack Whitealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Avengers

2011

#1 song: “E.T.” by Katy Perry Featuring Kanye Westright behind it: “Rolling In The Deep” (Adele) and “Till The World Ends” (Britney Spears Featuring Nicki Minaj & Ke$ha)
Top album: 21 by Adelealso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Thor

2010

#1 song: “OMG” by Usher Featuring will.i.amright behind it: “Nothin' On You” (B.o.B Featuring Bruno Mars) and “Rude Boy” (Rihanna)
Top album: The Adventures of Bobby Ray by B.o.Balso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Iron Man 2
New games: Lost Planet 2 · Skate 3

the 2000s

2009

#1 song: “Boom Boom Pow” by The Black Eyed Peasright behind it: “Blame It” (Jamie Foxx Featuring T-Pain) and “Poker Face” (Lady Gaga)
Top album: Together Through Life by Bob Dylanalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Star Trek

2008

#1 song: “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewisright behind it: “Lollipop” (Lil Wayne Featuring Static Major) and “No Air” (Jordin Sparks Duet With Chris Brown)
Top album: Hard Candy by Madonnaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Iron Man

2007

#1 song: “Makes Me Wonder” by Maroon 5right behind it: “Girlfriend” (Avril Lavigne) and “Give It To Me” (Timbaland Featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake)
Top album: The Best Damn Thing by Avril Lavignealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Spider-Man 3
New games: Cooking Mama: Cook Off

2006

#1 song: “SOS” by Rihannaright behind it: “Bad Day” (Daniel Powter) and “Temperature” (Sean Paul)
Top album: IV by Godsmackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Mission: Impossible III
New games: Star Trek: Legacy

2005

#1 song: “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefaniright behind it: “Hate It Or Love It” (The Game Featuring 50 Cent) and “Oh” (Ciara Featuring Ludacris)
Top album: Devils & Dust by Bruce Springsteenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Kingdom of Heaven

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: D12 World by D12also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Van Helsing
New games: SuperTux

2003

#1 song: “Get Busy” by Sean Paulright behind it: “21 Questions” (50 Cent Featuring Nate Dogg) and “Ignition” (R. Kelly)
Top album: Get Rich or Die Tryin by 50 Centalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: X2

2002

#1 song: “Foolish” by Ashantiright behind it: “What's Luv?” (Fat Joe Featuring Ashanti) and “I Need A Girl (Part One)” (P. Diddy Featuring Usher & Loon)
Top album: No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems by Kenny Chesneyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Spider-Man

2001

#1 song: “All For You” by Janetright behind it: “Survivor” (Destiny's Child) and “Thank You” (Dido)
Top album: All for You by Janetalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Mummy Returns

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: Gladiator

the 1990s

1999

#1 song: “Livin' La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martinright behind it: “No Scrubs” (TLC) and “Kiss Me” (Sixpence None The Richer)
Top album: Ruff Ryders Ryde or Die Vol. 1 by Ruff Rydersalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Mummy

1998

#1 song: “Too Close” by Nextright behind it: “My All” (Mariah Carey) and “You're Still The One” (Shania Twain)
Top album: Before These Crowded Streets by Dave Matthews Bandalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Deep Impact

1997

#1 song: “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G.right behind it: “MMMBop” (Hanson) and “Return Of The Mack” (Mark Morrison)
Top album: Carrying Your Love with Me by George Straitalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Fifth Element

1996

#1 song: “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Tha Crossroads” (Bone Thugs-N-Harmony) and “Because You Loved Me (From "Up Close & Personal")” (Celine Dion)
Top album: Fairweather Johnson by Hootie & the Blowfishalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Twister

1995

#1 song: “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordanright behind it: “Freak Like Me” (Adina Howard) and “Red Light Special” (TLC)
Top album: Friday by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Crimson Tide
Launched: Sega Saturn

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)
Top album: The Division Bell by Pink Floydalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: With Honors
New games: Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters

1993

#1 song: “That's The Way Love Goes” by Janet Jacksonright behind it: “Freak Me” (Silk) and “Love Is (From "Beverly Hills, 90210")” (Vanessa Williams/Brian McKnight)
Top album: The Bodyguard by Whitney Houston / Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story

1992

#1 song: “Jump” by Kris Krossright behind it: “My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)” (En Vogue) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Queen)
Top album: Adrenalize by Def Leppardalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Basic Instinct

1991

#1 song: “Joyride” by Roxetteright behind it: “Baby Baby” (Amy Grant) and “I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)” (Hi-Five)
Top album: Mariah Carey by Mariah Careyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: F/X2
New games: Two Crude

1990

#1 song: “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinead O'Connorright behind it: “Vogue” (Madonna) and “I Wanna Be Rich” (Calloway)
Top album: I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got by Sinéad O'Connoralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Pretty Woman

the 1980s

1989

#1 song: “I'll Be There For You” by Bon Joviright behind it: “Like A Prayer” (Madonna) and “Real Love” (Jody Watley)
Top album: Like a Prayer by Madonnaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: See No Evil, Hear No Evil

1988

#1 song: “Anything For You” by Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machineright behind it: “Shattered Dreams” (Johnny Hates Jazz) and “Wishing Well” (Terence Trent D'Arby)
Top album: Faith by George Michaelalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Colors

1987

#1 song: “With or Without You” by U2right behind it: “Looking For A New Love” (Jody Watley) and “(I Just) Died In Your Arms” (Cutting Crew)
Top album: The Joshua Tree by U2also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Secret of My Success

1986

#1 song: “Greatest Love Of All” by Whitney Houstonright behind it: “West End Girls” (Pet Shop Boys) and “Why Can't This Be Love” (Van Halen)
Top album: Whitney Houston by Whitney Houstonalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Short Circuit

1985

#1 song: “Crazy For You” by Madonnaright behind it: “We Are The World” (USA For Africa) and “Don't You (Forget About Me)” (Simple Minds)
Top album: We Are the World by USA for Africaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Code of Silence

1984

#1 song: “Hello” by Lionel Richieright behind it: “Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)” (Phil Collins) and “Hold Me Now” (Thompson Twins)
Top album: Footloose by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Natural

1983

#1 song: “Beat It” by Michael Jacksonright behind it: “Let's Dance” (David Bowie) and “Jeopardy” (Greg Kihn Band)
Top album: Thriller by Michael Jacksonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Flashdance

1982

#1 song: “Ebony And Ivory” by Paul McCartney And Stevie Wonderright behind it: “Chariots Of Fire - Titles” (Vangelis) and “Don't Talk To Strangers” (Rick Springfield)
Top album: Asia by Asiaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Porky's

1981

#1 song: “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnesright 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: Friday the 13th

the 1970s

1979

#1 song: “Reunited” by Peaches & Herbright behind it: “Heart Of Glass” (Blondie) and “Hot Stuff” (Donna Summer)
Top album: Minute by Minute by Doobie Brothersalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Manhattan

1978

#1 song: “If I Can't Have You” by Yvonne Ellimanright behind it: “The Closer I Get To You” (Roberta Flack With Donny Hathaway) and “With A Little Luck” (Wings)
Top album: Saturday Night Fever by Bee Geesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: F.I.S.T.

1977

#1 song: “When I Need You” by Leo Sayerright behind it: “Sir Duke” (Stevie Wonder) and “Hotel California” (Eagles)
Top album: Hotel California by Eaglesalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Annie Hall

1976

#1 song: “Boogie Fever” by The Sylversright behind it: “Welcome Back” (John Sebastian) and “Silly Love Songs” (Wings)
Top album: Black and Blue by The Rolling Stonesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1975

#1 song: “He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)” by Tony Orlando & Dawnright behind it: “Before The Next Teardrop Falls” (Freddy Fender) and “Jackie Blue” (Ozark Mountain Daredevils)
Top album: That's the Way of the World by Earth, Wind & Firealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1974

#1 song: “The Loco-Motion” by Grand Funkright behind it: “The Streak” (Ray Stevens) and “Dancing Machine” (Jackson 5)
Top album: The Sting by Marvin Hamlischalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1973

#1 song: “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree” by Dawn Featuring Tony Orlandoright behind it: “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” (Stevie Wonder) and “Little Willy” (The Sweet)
Top album: Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelinalso 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 “Oh Girl” (The Chi-lites)
Top album: First Take by Roberta Flackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In sports: 1972 Stanley Cup Finals: Boston Bruins

1971

#1 song: “Joy To The World” by Three Dog Nightright behind it: “Never Can Say Goodbye” (Jackson 5) and “Put Your Hand In The Hand” (Ocean)
Top album: 4 Way Street by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Youngalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1970

#1 song: “American Woman/No Sugar Tonight” by The Guess Whoright behind it: “ABC” (Jackson 5) and “Vehicle” (The Ides Of March)
Top album: Déjà Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Youngalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

the 1960s

1969

#1 song: “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)” by The 5th Dimensionright behind it: “Hair” (The Cowsills) and “Get Back” (The Beatles With Billy Preston)
Top album: Hair by Original Castalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1968

#1 song: “Honey” by Bobby Goldsbororight behind it: “Tighten Up” (Archie Bell & The Drells) and “Young Girl” (The Union Gap Featuring Gary Puckett)
Top album: The Graduate by Simon & Garfunkelalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In sports: 1968 Stanley Cup Finals: St. Louis Blues

1967

#1 song: “The Happening” by The Supremesright behind it: “Sweet Soul Music” (Arthur Conley) and “Somethin' Stupid” (Nancy Sinatra & Frank Sinatra)
Top album: More of The Monkees by Colgemsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1966

#1 song: “Monday, Monday” by The Mamas & The Papasright behind it: “Good Lovin'” (The Young Rascals) and “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” (Bob Dylan)
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: “Count Me In” (Gary Lewis And The Playboys) and “Ticket To Ride” (The Beatles)
Top album: Mary Poppins by Buena Vistaalso on Spotify, YouTube

1964

#1 song: “My Guy” by Mary Wellsright behind it: “Hello, Dolly!” (Louis Armstrong And The All Stars) and “Love Me Do” (The Beatles)
Top album: The Beatles' Second Album by Capitolalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1963

#1 song: “I Will Follow Him” by Little Peggy Marchright behind it: “Puff (The Magic Dragon)” (Peter, Paul & Mary) and “If You Wanna Be Happy” (Jimmy Soul)
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 “Stranger On The Shore” (Mr. Acker Bilk)

1961

#1 song: “Runaway” by Del Shannonright behind it: “Mother-In-Law” (Ernie K-Doe) and “A Hundred Pounds Of Clay” (Gene McDaniels)

1960

#1 song: “Stuck On You” by Elvis Presley With The Jordanairesright behind it: “Cathy's Clown” (The Everly Brothers) and “Greenfields” (The Brothers Four)

the late 1950s

1959

#1 song: “The Happy Organ” by Dave "Baby" Cortezright behind it: “Sorry (I Ran All The Way Home)” (The Impalas) and “Come Softly To Me” (The Fleetwoods)

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.