May 23

on this day, year by year

The Tortured Poets Department (2024) album cover

Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022) album cover

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2019) album cover

Here is May 23 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 23? 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: Lilo & Stitch
On Netflix: Sirens

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: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
On Netflix: Bridgerton

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: FUBAR
Most read on Wikipedia: Ray Stevenson, British actor (1964–2023)died May 21

2022

#1 song: “First Class” by Jack Harlowright behind it: “As It Was” (Harry Styles) and “N95” (Kendrick Lamar)
Top album: Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamaralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
On Netflix: Stranger Things

2021

#1 song: “Good 4 U” by Olivia Rodrigoright behind it: “my.life” (J. Cole, 21 Savage & Morray) and “Levitating” (Dua Lipa Featuring DaBaby)
Top album: The Off-Season by J. Colealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Spiral
Most read on Wikipedia: Eurovision Song Contest 2021, International song competition

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

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: Aladdin
New games: Resident Evil · Total War: Three Kingdoms

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

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)
Top album: Everybody by Logicalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Alien: Covenant
Most read on Wikipedia: Ariana Grande, American singer, songwriter, and actress (born 1993)Campaigning in the United Kingdom general election is suspended after the bombing at the Manchester Arena. The death toll is 22 with 59 injured. ISIL claims responsibility.…
New games: Pokémon: Magikarp Jump · Steel Division: Normandy 44

2016

#1 song: “Can't Stop The Feeling!” by Justin Timberlakeright behind it: “One Dance” (Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla) and “Panda” (Desiigner)
Top album: Views by Drakealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
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)
Top album: Wilder Mind by Mumford & Sonsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Tomorrowland

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: X-Men: Days of Future Past
New games: Tropico 5

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: Golden by Lady Aalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Fast & Furious 6
New games: Shin Megami Tensei IV

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
New games: From Dust · Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock

2011

#1 song: “Rolling In The Deep” by Adeleright behind it: “E.T.” (Katy Perry Featuring Kanye West) and “The Edge Of Glory” (Lady Gaga)
Top album: 21 by Adelealso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

2010

#1 song: “OMG” by Usher Featuring will.i.amright behind it: “California Gurls” (Katy Perry Featuring Snoop Dogg) and “Airplanes” (B.o.B Featuring Hayley Williams)
Top album: My World 2.0 by Justin Bieberalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Shrek Forever After
New games: Super Mario Galaxy 2

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: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

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: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
New games: Rock Band · Secret Files: Tunguska · The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

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
New games: Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis · Metroid Prime Hunters · Jaws Unleashed

2005

#1 song: “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefaniright behind it: “We Belong Together” (Mariah Carey) and “Oh” (Ciara Featuring Ludacris)
Top album: Stand Up by Dave Matthews Bandalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
New games: WarioWare: Twisted! · Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

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: Singles: Flirt Up Your Life

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: Bruce Almighty
New games: Eve Online · Silent Hill 3 · WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!

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)
Top album: Juslisen by Musiq Soulchildalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
New games: Guilty Gear X2

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: Sheep, Dog 'n' Wolf

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: Ricky Martin by Ricky Martinalso 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)
Top album: The Limited Series by Garth Brooksalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Godzilla

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 Lost World: Jurassic Park
New games: To Heart

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: The Score by Fugeesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Mission: Impossible

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
New games: International Superstar Soccer

1994

#1 song: “I Swear” by All-4-Oneright behind it: “I'll Remember (From "With Honors")” (Madonna) and “The Sign” (Ace Of Base)
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: Alien 3

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: “One More Try” by George Michaelright behind it: “Shattered Dreams” (Johnny Hates Jazz) and “Anything For You” (Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine)
Top album: Faith by George Michaelalso on Spotify, YouTube
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: Beverly Hills Cop II

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: Cobra

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)
Top album: Footloose by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Natural

1983

#1 song: “Flashdance...What A Feeling” by Irene Cararight behind it: “Let's Dance” (David Bowie) and “Beat It” (Michael Jackson)
Top album: Thriller by Michael Jacksonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
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)
Top album: Tug of War by Paul McCartneyalso 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: Bustin' Loose

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: “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” (Johnny Mathis/Deniece Williams) and “You're The One That I Want” (John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John)
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 “I'm Your Boogie Man” (KC And The Sunshine Band)
Top album: Rumours by Fleetwood Macalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: The Greatest

1976

#1 song: “Love Hangover” by Diana Rossright behind it: “Silly Love Songs” (Wings) and “Fooled Around And Fell In Love” (Elvin Bishop)
Top album: Wings at the Speed of Sound by Wingsalso on Spotify, YouTube

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: “Frankenstein” by Edgar Winter Groupright behind it: “My Love” (Paul McCartney And Wings) and “Daniel” (Elton John)
Top album: 1967–1970 by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

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: “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stonesright behind it: “Joy To The World” (Three Dog Night) and “Never Can Say Goodbye” (Jackson 5)
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)
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

1968

#1 song: “Tighten Up” by Archie Bell & The Drellsright behind it: “Mrs. Robinson” (Simon & Garfunkel) and “A Beautiful Morning” (The Rascals)
Top album: Bookends by Simon & Garfunkelalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1967

#1 song: “Groovin'” by The Young Rascalsright behind it: “Respect” (Aretha Franklin) and “I Got Rhythm” (The Happenings)
Top album: More of The Monkees by Colgemsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1966

#1 song: “When A Man Loves A Woman” by Percy Sledgeright behind it: “A Groovy Kind Of Love” (The Mindbenders) and “Monday, Monday” (The Mamas & The Papas)
Top album: What Now My Love by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brassalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1965

#1 song: “Help Me, Rhonda” by The Beach Boysright behind it: “Ticket To Ride” (The Beatles) and “Back In My Arms Again” (The Supremes)
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 “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: “Travelin' Man” by Ricky Nelsonright behind it: “Daddy's Home” (Shep And The Limelites) and “Running Scared” (Roy Orbison)

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.