May 18

on this day, year by year

The Tortured Poets Department (2024) album cover

Here is May 18 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 18? 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: Even in Arcadia by Sleep Tokenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Final Destination Bloodlines
On Netflix: American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden
Most read on Wikipedia: Eurovision Song Contest 2025, International song competition

2024

#1 song: “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamarright behind it: “Million Dollar Baby” (Tommy Richman) and “Euphoria” (Kendrick Lamar)
Top album: The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: IF
On Netflix: Bridgerton

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: Fast X
On Netflix: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

2022

#1 song: “First Class” by Jack Harlowright behind it: “As It Was” (Harry Styles) and “Wait For U” (Future Featuring Drake & Tems)
Top album: Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunnyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
On Netflix: The Lincoln Lawyer

2021

#1 song: “Leave The Door Open” by Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak)right behind it: “Levitating” (Dua Lipa Featuring DaBaby) and “Peaches” (Justin Bieber Featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon)
Top album: Khaled Khaled by DJ Khaledalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Spiral
New games: Days Gone · SnowRunner

2020

#1 song: “Stuck With U” by Ariana Grande & Justin Bieberright behind it: “Say So” (Doja Cat Featuring Nicki Minaj) and “Gooba” (6ix9ine)
Top album: Good Intentions by Navalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
Most read on Wikipedia: Michael Jordan, American basketball player and businessman (born 1963)

2019

#1 song: “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrusright behind it: “If I Can't Have You” (Shawn Mendes) and “ME!” (Taylor Swift Featuring Brendon Urie)
Top album: Father of the Bride by Vampire Weekendalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum

2018

#1 song: “This Is America” by Childish Gambinoright behind it: “Nice For What” (Drake) and “God's Plan” (Drake)
Top album: Beerbongs & Bentleys by Post Malonealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Deadpool 2
Most read on Wikipedia: Meghan Markle, American member of the British royal family (born 1981)
New games: Little Nightmares · My Child Lebensborn

the 2010s

2017

#1 song: “I'm The One” by DJ Khaled Featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper & Lil Wayneright behind it: “That's What I Like” (Bruno Mars) and “Despacito” (Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber)
Top album: Damn by Kendrick Lamaralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Alien: Covenant
Most read on Wikipedia: Chris Cornell, American musician (1964–2017)Chris Cornell, the lead vocalist for the Seattle rock band Soundgarden, commits suicide by hanging in Detroit, Michigan after a concert at the age of 52.
New games: Honkai Impact 3rd

2016

#1 song: “One Dance” by Drake Featuring WizKid & Kylaright behind it: “Panda” (Desiigner) and “7 Years” (Lukas Graham)
Top album: Views by Drakealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Captain America: Civil War
New games: Youtubers Life

2015

#1 song: “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puthright behind it: “Trap Queen” (Fetty Wap) and “Earned It (Fifty Shades Of Grey)” (The Weeknd)
Top album: Wilder Mind by Mumford & Sonsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Pitch Perfect 2

2014

#1 song: “All Of Me” by John Legendright behind it: “Happy” (Pharrell Williams) and “Fancy” (Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX)
Top album: Now 50 by Various Artistsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Godzilla

2013

#1 song: “Can't Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Ray Daltonright behind it: “Just Give Me A Reason” (P!nk Featuring Nate Ruess) and “Mirrors” (Justin Timberlake)
Top album: Life on a Rock by Kenny Chesneyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Star Trek Into Darkness

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: Blown Away by Carrie Underwoodalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Avengers
New games: Max Payne 3 · Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion

2011

#1 song: “Rolling In The Deep” by Adeleright behind it: “E.T.” (Katy Perry Featuring Kanye West) and “On The Floor” (Jennifer Lopez Featuring Pitbull)
Top album: 21 by Adelealso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Thor

2010

#1 song: “Not Afraid” by Eminemright behind it: “OMG” (Usher Featuring will.i.am) and “Nothin' On You” (B.o.B Featuring Bruno Mars)
Top album: The Oracle by Godsmackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Iron Man 2
New games: Red Dead Redemption · Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands · Split/Second: Velocity

the 2000s

2009

#1 song: “Boom Boom Pow” by The Black Eyed Peasright behind it: “Poker Face” (Lady Gaga) and “Blame It” (Jamie Foxx Featuring T-Pain)
Top album: Epiphany by Chrisette Michelealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Angels & Demons
New games: Punch-Out!!

2008

#1 song: “Take A Bow” by Rihannaright behind it: “Bleeding Love” (Leona Lewis) and “Lollipop” (Lil Wayne Featuring Static Major)
Top album: Home Before Dark by Neil Diamondalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

2007

#1 song: “Makes Me Wonder” by Maroon 5right behind it: “Because Of You” (Ne-Yo) and “Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin')” (T-Pain Featuring Yung Joc)
Top album: Because of You by Ne-Yoalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Shrek the Third
New games: Cooking Mama: Cook Off

2006

#1 song: “SOS” by Rihannaright behind it: “Bad Day” (Daniel Powter) and “Temperature” (Sean Paul)
Top album: 10,000 Days by Toolalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Da Vinci Code
New games: Juiced

2005

#1 song: “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefaniright behind it: “Oh” (Ciara Featuring Ludacris) and “We Belong Together” (Mariah Carey)
Top album: With Teeth by Nine Inch Nailsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Monster-in-Law
New games: Fate

2004

#1 song: “Burn” by Usherright behind it: “I Don't Wanna Know” (Mario Winans Featuring Enya & P. Diddy) and “Yeah!” (Usher Featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris)
Top album: Confessions by Usheralso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Troy

2003

#1 song: “Get Busy” by Sean Paulright behind it: “21 Questions” (50 Cent Featuring Nate Dogg) and “Ignition” (R. Kelly)
Top album: Body Kiss by The Isley Brothersalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Matrix Reloaded

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: Hood Rich by Big Tymersalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones

2001

#1 song: “All For You” by Janetright behind it: “Survivor” (Destiny's Child) and “Lady Marmalade” (Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya & P!nk)
Top album: Survivor by Destiny's Childalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Shrek
New games: Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare

2000

#1 song: “Maria Maria” by Santana Featuring The Product G&Bright behind it: “Breathe” (Faith Hill) and “Thong Song” (Sisqo)
Top album: No Strings Attached by NSYNCalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Dinosaur

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: A Place in the Sun by Tim McGrawalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Mummy

1998

#1 song: “My All” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Too Close” (Next) and “I Get Lonely” (Janet Featuring BLACKstreet)
Top album: The Limited Series by Garth Brooksalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Deep Impact

1997

#1 song: “MMMBop” by Hansonright behind it: “Hypnotize” (The Notorious B.I.G.) and “Return Of The Mack” (Mark Morrison)
Top album: Spice by Spice Girlsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Fifth Element

1996

#1 song: “Tha Crossroads” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmonyright behind it: “Always Be My Baby” (Mariah Carey) 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
New games: Metal Slug

1995

#1 song: “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordanright behind it: “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?” (Bryan Adams) and “Freak Like Me” (Adina Howard)
Top album: Friday by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Die Hard with a Vengeance

1994

#1 song: “I Swear” by All-4-Oneright behind it: “The Sign” (Ace Of Base) and “I'll Remember (From "With Honors")” (Madonna)
Top album: Not a Moment Too Soon by Tim McGrawalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Crow
New games: The Settlers

1993

#1 song: “That's The Way Love Goes” by Janet Jacksonright behind it: “Freak Me” (Silk) and “Knockin' Da Boots” (H-Town)
Top album: The Bodyguard by Whitney Houston / Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Dave

1992

#1 song: “Jump” by Kris Krossright behind it: “My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)” (En Vogue) and “Under The Bridge” (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Top album: Totally Krossed Out by Kris Krossalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Lethal Weapon 3

1991

#1 song: “I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)” by Hi-Fiveright behind it: “Touch Me (All Night Long)” (Cathy Dennis) and “Here We Go” (C+C Music Factory/F. Williams)
Top album: Out of Time by R.E.M.also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: What About Bob?

1990

#1 song: “Vogue” by Madonnaright behind it: “Nothing Compares 2 U” (Sinead O'Connor) and “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You” (Heart)
Top album: I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got by Sinéad O'Connoralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Bird on a Wire
New games: Nintendo World Cup

the 1980s

1989

#1 song: “Forever Your Girl” by Paula Abdulright behind it: “Real Love” (Jody Watley) and “I'll Be There For You” (Bon Jovi)
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: “One More Try” (George Michael) and “Shattered Dreams” (Johnny Hates Jazz)
Top album: Faith by George Michaelalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood

1987

#1 song: “With or Without You” by U2right behind it: “Looking For A New Love” (Jody Watley) and “The Lady In Red” (Chris de Burgh)
Top album: The Joshua Tree by U2also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Ishtar

1986

#1 song: “Greatest Love Of All” by Whitney Houstonright behind it: “Live To Tell” (Madonna) and “On My Own” (Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald)
Top album: Whitney Houston by Whitney Houstonalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Top Gun

1985

#1 song: “Don't You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Mindsright behind it: “Crazy For You” (Madonna) and “One Night In Bangkok” (Murray Head)
Top album: No Jacket Required by Phil Collinsalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Code of Silence

1984

#1 song: “Hello” by Lionel Richieright behind it: “Let's Hear It For The Boy” (Deniece Williams) and “Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)” (Phil Collins)
Top album: Footloose by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Natural

1983

#1 song: “Let's Dance” by David Bowieright behind it: “Beat It” (Michael Jackson) and “Flashdance...What A Feeling” (Irene Cara)
Top album: Thriller by Michael Jacksonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Blue Thunder

1982

#1 song: “Ebony And Ivory” by Paul McCartney And Stevie Wonderright behind it: “Don't Talk To Strangers” (Rick Springfield) and “I've Never Been To Me” (Charlene)
Top album: Asia by Asiaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Conan the Barbarian

1981

#1 song: “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnesright behind it: “Being With You” (Smokey Robinson) and “Just The Two Of Us” (Grover Washington, Jr. With Bill Withers)
Top album: Hi Infidelity by REO Speedwagonalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Happy Birthday to Me

1980

#1 song: “Call Me” by Blondieright behind it: “Funkytown” (Lipps, Inc.) 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: “Hot Stuff” (Donna Summer) and “In The Navy” (Village People)
Top album: Breakfast in America by Supertrampalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Manhattan

1978

#1 song: “With A Little Luck” by Wingsright behind it: “The Closer I Get To You” (Roberta Flack With Donny Hathaway) and “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” (Johnny Mathis/Deniece Williams)
Top album: Saturday Night Fever by Bee Geesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Greek Tycoon

1977

#1 song: “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonderright behind it: “When I Need You” (Leo Sayer) and “Couldn't Get It Right” (Climax Blues Band)
Top album: Rumours by Fleetwood Macalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Annie Hall

1976

#1 song: “Silly Love Songs” by Wingsright behind it: “Love Hangover” (Diana Ross) and “Fooled Around And Fell In Love” (Elvin Bishop)
Top album: Black and Blue by The Rolling Stonesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1975

#1 song: “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind & Fireright 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 Streak” by Ray Stevensright behind it: “Dancing Machine” (Jackson 5) and “The Entertainer” (Marvin Hamlisch/"The Sting")
Top album: The Sting by Marvin Hamlischalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1973

#1 song: “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” by Stevie Wonderright behind it: “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree” (Dawn Featuring Tony Orlando) 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: “Oh Girl” (The Chi-lites) and “I'll Take You There” (The Staple Singers)
Top album: First Take by Roberta Flackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1971

#1 song: “Joy To The World” by Three Dog Nightright behind it: “Never Can Say Goodbye” (Jackson 5) and “Brown Sugar” (The Rolling Stones)
Top album: Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stonesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In sports: 1971 Stanley Cup Finals: Montreal Canadiens

1970

#1 song: “American Woman/No Sugar Tonight” by The Guess Whoright behind it: “Vehicle” (The Ides Of March) and “Turn Back The Hands Of Time” (Tyrone Davis)
Top album: McCartney by Paul McCartneyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

the 1960s

1969

#1 song: “Get Back” by The Beatles With Billy Prestonright behind it: “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)” (The 5th Dimension) and “Love (Can Make You Happy)” (Mercy)
Top album: Hair by Original Castalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In space: Apollo 10 launches

1968

#1 song: “Tighten Up” by Archie Bell & The Drellsright behind it: “Mrs. Robinson” (Simon & Garfunkel) and “Honey” (Bobby Goldsboro)
Top album: The Graduate by Simon & Garfunkelalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1967

#1 song: “Groovin'” by The Young Rascalsright behind it: “The Happening” (The Supremes) and “Sweet Soul Music” (Arthur Conley)
Top album: More of The Monkees by Colgemsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1966

#1 song: “Monday, Monday” by The Mamas & The Papasright behind it: “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” (Bob Dylan) and “Good Lovin'” (The Young Rascals)
Top album: If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears by The Mamas & the Papasalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1965

#1 song: “Ticket To Ride” by The Beatlesright behind it: “Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter” (Herman's Hermits) and “Count Me In” (Gary Lewis And The Playboys)
Top album: Mary Poppins by Buena Vistaalso on Spotify, YouTube

1964

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

1963

#1 song: “If You Wanna Be Happy” by Jimmy Soulright behind it: “I Will Follow Him” (Little Peggy March) 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: “Stranger On The Shore” (Mr. Acker Bilk) and “Mashed Potato Time” (Dee Dee Sharp)

1961

#1 song: “Mother-In-Law” by Ernie K-Doeright behind it: “Runaway” (Del Shannon) and “Daddy's Home” (Shep And The Limelites)

1960

#1 song: “Cathy's Clown” by The Everly Brothersright behind it: “Stuck On You” (Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires) and “Good Timin'” (Jimmy Jones)

the late 1950s

1959

#1 song: “Kansas City” by Wilbert Harrisonright behind it: “Sorry (I Ran All The Way Home)” (The Impalas) and “The Happy Organ” (Dave "Baby" Cortez)

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.