May 26

on this day, year by year

I'm the Problem (2025) album cover

The Tortured Poets Department (2024) album cover

One Thing at a Time (2023) album cover

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

The Off-Season (2021) album cover

High Off Life (2020) album cover

Beerbongs & Bentleys (2018) album cover

Everybody (2017) album cover

Views (2016) album cover

Turn Blue (2014) album cover

Modern Vampires of the City (2013) album cover

Blown Away (2012) album cover

21 (2011) album cover

My World 2.0 (2010) album cover

Narrow Stairs (2008) album cover

Call Me Irresponsible (2007) album cover

Here is May 26 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 26? Find your year:

2025

#1 song: “What I Want” by Morgan Wallen Featuring Tate McRaeright behind it: “Just In Case” (Morgan Wallen) and “I'm The Problem” (Morgan Wallen)
Top album: I'm the Problem by Morgan Wallenalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Lilo & Stitch
On Netflix: Sirens
Most read on Wikipedia: Phil Robertson, American hunter, businessman and reality television star (1946–2025)died May 25

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: The Little Mermaid
On Netflix: FUBAR
Most read on Wikipedia: Tina Turner, Singer-songwriter and actress (1939–2023)died May 24

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: Top Gun: Maverick
On Netflix: Stranger Things
Most read on Wikipedia: Ray Liotta, American actor (1954–2022)died May 26
New games: Sniper Elite 5

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
New games: Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War

2020

#1 song: “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallionright behind it: “Say So” (Doja Cat Featuring Nicki Minaj) and “Blinding Lights” (The Weeknd)
Top album: High Off Life by Futurealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
New games: Minecraft Dungeons

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 “Bad Guy” (Billie Eilish)
Top album: Igor by Tyler, the Creatoralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Aladdin

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: Solo: A Star Wars Story

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: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
New games: Rime · Ultra Street Fighter II

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: X-Men: Apocalypse
New games: Voez

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: Pitch Perfect 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Tomorrowland
New games: Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed

2014

#1 song: “All Of Me” by John Legendright behind it: “Fancy” (Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX) and “Problem” (Ariana Grande Featuring Iggy Azalea)
Top album: Turn Blue by The Black Keysalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: X-Men: Days of Future Past

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: Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekendalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Fast & Furious 6

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: Men in Black 3
New games: Plague Inc.

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: The Hangover Part II
New games: Warriors: Legends of Troy · Pandora's Tower

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: Half-Life 2 · Half-Life 2: Episode One · Half-Life 2: Episode Two

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: 21st Century Breakdown by Green Dayalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
New games: Final Fantasy · Arkanoid · Infamous

2008

#1 song: “Lollipop” by Lil Wayne Featuring Static Majorright behind it: “Bleeding Love” (Leona Lewis) and “Take A Bow” (Rihanna)
Top album: Narrow Stairs by Death Cab for Cutiealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
New games: Donkey Kong Country

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: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

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: X-Men: The Last Stand
New games: Hitman: Blood Money · Rush for Berlin · Ace Online

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: Red Dead Revolver · Metroid Prime 2: Echoes · Namco × Capcom

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

2003

#1 song: “21 Questions” by 50 Cent Featuring Nate Doggright behind it: “Get Busy” (Sean Paul) and “I Know What You Want” (Busta Rhymes & Mariah Carey Featuring The Flipmode Squad)
Top album: The Golden Age of Grotesque by Marilyn Mansonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Bruce Almighty
New games: 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: We Invented the Remix by P. Diddyalso 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: Pearl Harbor

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: Mission: Impossible 2

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: “Too Close” by Nextright behind it: “My All” (Mariah Carey) and “You're Still The One” (Shania Twain)
Top album: The Limited Series by Garth Brooksalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Godzilla
New games: Street Fighter EX2

1997

#1 song: “MMMBop” by Hansonright behind it: “Hypnotize” (The Notorious B.I.G.) and “Say You'll Be There” (Spice Girls)
Top album: Spice by Spice Girlsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Lost World: Jurassic Park

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: Casper
New games: Way of the Warrior · Baraduke · Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage

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: The Flintstones
New games: ClayFighter

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: The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion by The Black Crowesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Alien 3

1991

#1 song: “I Don't Wanna Cry” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “More Than Words” (Extreme) and “I Wanna Sex You Up (From "New Jack City")” (Color Me Badd)
Top album: Out of Time by R.E.M.also on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Backdraft

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: Back to the Future Part III

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: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

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
In sports: 1988 Stanley Cup Finals: Edmonton Oilers

1987

#1 song: “With or Without You” by U2right behind it: “You Keep Me Hangin' On” (Kim Wilde) 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: “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” (Tears For Fears) and “Axel F” (Harold Faltermeyer)
Top album: Around the World in a Day by Prince and the Revolutionalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Rambo: First Blood Part II

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: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

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 “Medley” (Stars On 45)
Top album: Hi Infidelity by REO Speedwagonalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Bustin' Loose

1980

#1 song: “Funkytown” by Lipps, Inc.right behind it: “Call Me” (Blondie) and “Coming Up (Live At Glasgow)” (Paul McCartney And Wings)
Top album: Against the Wind by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Bandalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Empire Strikes Back

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: “Before The Next Teardrop Falls” by Freddy Fenderright behind it: “Thank God I'm A Country Boy” (John Denver) and “How Long” (Ace)
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: “Band On The Run” (Paul McCartney And Wings) and “Dancing Machine” (Jackson 5)
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: “Everything Is Beautiful” by Ray Stevensright behind it: “American Woman/No Sugar Tonight” (The Guess Who) and “Love On A Two-Way Street” (The Moments)
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: “Love (Can Make You Happy)” (Mercy) and “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)” (The 5th Dimension)
Top album: Hair by Original Castalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1968

#1 song: “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon & Garfunkelright behind it: “The Good, The Bad And The Ugly” (Hugo Montenegro, His Orchestra And Chorus) 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: “Love Me Do” by The Beatlesright behind it: “Chapel Of Love” (The Dixie Cups) and “My Guy” (Mary Wells)
Top album: The Beatles' Second Album by Capitolalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1963

#1 song: “It's My Party” by Lesley Goreright behind it: “If You Wanna Be Happy” (Jimmy Soul) and “I Love You Because” (Al Martino)
Top album: Days of Wine and Roses by Andy Williamsalso on Spotify, YouTube

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: “The Battle Of New Orleans” by Johnny Hortonright behind it: “Kansas City” (Wilbert Harrison) 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.