May 21
on this day, year by year
Here is May 21 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: “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
- Sirens
- Most read on Wikipedia
George Wendt, American actor (1948–2025)died May 20
2024
- #1 song
“I Had Some Help” by Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallenright behind it: “Not Like Us” (Kendrick Lamar) and “Million Dollar Baby” (Tommy Richman)- Top album
- The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- IF
- On Netflix
- Bridgerton
- New games
- XDefiant · Senua's Saga: Hellblade II · Infinite Craft
2023
- #1 song
- “Last Night” by Morgan Wallenright behind it: “All My Life” (Lil Durk Featuring J. Cole) 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)- 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
- Knockout City
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
- New games
- What the Golf?
2019
- #1 song
“Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrusright behind it: “I Don't Care” (Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber) and “Sucker” (Jonas Brothers)- Top album
- Confessions of a Dangerous Mind by Logicalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum
- Most read on Wikipedia
Niki Lauda, Austrian racing driver (1949–2019)died May 20- New games
- Resident Evil · Resident Evil Zero · Team Sonic Racing
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, Duchess of Sussex, American member of the British royal family (born 1981)
the 2010s
2017
- #1 song
“Despacito” by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieberright behind it: “That's What I Like” (Bruno Mars) and “I'm The One” (DJ Khaled Featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper & Lil Wayne)- In theaters
- Alien: Covenant
2016
- #1 song
“One Dance” by Drake Featuring WizKid & Kylaright behind it: “Panda” (Desiigner) and “7 Years” (Lukas Graham)- In theaters
- The Angry Birds Movie
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)- In theaters
- Tomorrowland
- New games
- Paper Mario · Carmageddon: Reincarnation
2014
- #1 song
“All Of Me” by John Legendright behind it: “Happy” (Pharrell Williams) and “Fancy” (Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX)- 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)- In theaters
- Star Trek Into Darkness
- New games
- Ratchet: Deadlocked · Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
2012
- #1 song
“Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye Featuring Kimbraright behind it: “Payphone” (Maroon 5 Featuring Wiz Khalifa) and “We Are Young” (fun. Featuring Janelle Monae)- Top album
- Blown Away by Carrie Underwoodalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Avengers
- First aired
- Carrossel premieres
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)
- In theaters
- Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
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)- In theaters
- Shrek Forever After
- New games
- Red Dead Redemption
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)- In theaters
- Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
- New games
- Jade Dynasty
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
- New games
- Wii Fit
2007
- #1 song
“Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin')” by T-Pain Featuring Yung Jocright behind it: “Makes Me Wonder” (Maroon 5) and “Girlfriend” (Avril Lavigne)- Top album
- Call Me Irresponsible by Michael Bubléalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Shrek the Third
2006
- #1 song
“SOS” by Rihannaright behind it: “Bad Day” (Daniel Powter) and “Ridin'” (Chamillionaire Featuring Krayzie Bone)- Top album
- Stadium Arcadium by Red Hot Chili Peppersalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Da Vinci Code
2005
- #1 song
“Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefaniright behind it: “Oh” (Ciara Featuring Ludacris) and “We Belong Together” (Mariah Carey)- In theaters
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
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
- Shrek 2
- New games
- The X-Files: Resist or Serve · Perimeter
2003
- #1 song
“Get Busy” by Sean Paulright behind it: “21 Questions” (50 Cent Featuring Nate Dogg) and “Ignition” (R. Kelly)- In theaters
- The Matrix Reloaded
- New games
- IndyCar Series
2002
- #1 song
“Foolish” by Ashantiright behind it: “I Need A Girl (Part One)” (P. Diddy Featuring Usher & Loon) and “What's Luv?” (Fat Joe Featuring Ashanti)- In theaters
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
- New games
- Stronghold
2001
- #1 song
“All For You” by Janetright behind it: “Survivor” (Destiny's Child) and “Lady Marmalade” (Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya & P!nk)- In theaters
- Shrek
- New games
- Red Faction
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
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
1998
- #1 song
“My All” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Too Close” (Next) and “I Get Lonely” (Janet Featuring BLACKstreet)- In theaters
- Godzilla
1997
- #1 song
“MMMBop” by Hansonright behind it: “Hypnotize” (The Notorious B.I.G.) and “Return Of The Mack” (Mark Morrison)- In theaters
- The Fifth Element
- New games
- War Gods
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)- In theaters
- Twister
1995
- #1 song
“This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordanright behind it: “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?” (Bryan Adams) and “Water Runs Dry” (Boyz II Men)- Top album
Cracked Rear View by Hootie & the Blowfishalso 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
- Maverick
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
- Sliver
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
- New games
- Metroid II: Return of Samus
1991
- #1 song
“I Don't Wanna Cry” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Touch Me (All Night Long)” (Cathy Dennis) and “More Than Words” (Extreme)- Top album
Time, Love & Tenderness by Michael Boltonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- What About Bob?
1990
- #1 song
“Vogue” by Madonnaright behind it: “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You” (Heart) and “Nothing Compares 2 U” (Sinead O'Connor)- 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
the 1980s
1989
- #1 song
“Forever Your Girl” by Paula Abdulright behind it: “Real Love” (Jody Watley) and “Rock On (From "Dream A Little Dream")” (Michael Damian)- 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)- In theaters
- Willow
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
“Everything She Wants” by Wham!right behind it: “Don't You (Forget About Me)” (Simple Minds) and “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” (Tears For Fears)- Top album
No Jacket Required by Phil Collinsalso on Spotify, YouTube- In theaters
- Code of Silence
1984
- #1 song
“Let's Hear It For The Boy” by Deniece Williamsright behind it: “Hello” (Lionel Richie) and “Time After Time” (Cyndi Lauper)- 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)- In theaters
- Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone
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)- 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
- In sports
- 1981 Stanley Cup Finals: New York Islanders
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
- In sports
- 1979 Stanley Cup Finals: Montreal Canadiens
1978
- #1 song
“With A Little Luck” by Wingsright behind it: “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” (Johnny Mathis/Deniece Williams) and “You're The One That I Want” (John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John)- 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)- 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")
1973
- #1 song
“Frankenstein” by Edgar Winter Groupright behind it: “My Love” (Paul McCartney And Wings) and “Daniel” (Elton John)
1972
- #1 song
“Oh Girl” by The Chi-litesright behind it: “I'll Take You There” (The Staple Singers) and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (Roberta Flack)- 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
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)
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)
1968
- #1 song
“Tighten Up” by Archie Bell & The Drellsright behind it: “Mrs. Robinson” (Simon & Garfunkel) and “A Beautiful Morning” (The Rascals)
1967
- #1 song
“Groovin'” by The Young Rascalsright behind it: “Respect” (Aretha Franklin) and “I Got Rhythm” (The Happenings)
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)
1964
- #1 song
“My Guy” by Mary Wellsright behind it: “Love Me Do” (The Beatles) and “Hello, Dolly!” (Louis Armstrong And The All Stars)
1963
- #1 song
“If You Wanna Be Happy” by Jimmy Soulright behind it: “I Will Follow Him” (Little Peggy March) and “Surfin' U.S.A.” (The Beach Boys)- Top album
Days of Wine and Roses and Other TV Requests by Andy Williamsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1962
- #1 song
“Stranger On The Shore” by Mr. Acker Bilkright behind it: “Soldier Boy” (The Shirelles) 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: “The Battle Of New Orleans” (Johnny Horton) and “Dream Lover” (Bobby Darin)
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.