October 21

on this day, year by year

The Life of a Showgirl (2025) album cover

Beautifully Broken (2024) album cover

For All the Dogs (2023) album cover

Maxident (2022) album cover

Certified Lover Boy (2021) album cover

Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon (2020) album cover

AI YoungBoy 2 (2019) album cover

A Star Is Born (2018) album cover

Now (2017) album cover

Unbreakable (2015) album cover

Old Boots, New Dirt (2014) album cover

Clear as Day (2011) album cover

Bullets in the Gun (2010) album cover

Crazy Love (2009) album cover

Paper Trail (2008) album cover

Rock N Roll Jesus (2007) album cover

Here is October 21 year by year, back to 1958: 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 October 21? Find your year:

2025

#1 song: “The Fate Of Ophelia” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “Opalite” (Taylor Swift) and “Golden” (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI)
Top album: The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swiftalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Black Phone 2
On Netflix: The Monster of Florence
New games: Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 · Ninja Gaiden 4 · Jurassic World Evolution 3

2024

#1 song: “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozeyright behind it: “Birds Of A Feather” (Billie Eilish) and “Espresso” (Sabrina Carpenter)
Top album: Beautifully Broken by Jelly Rollalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Smile 2
On Netflix: The Lincoln Lawyer
First aired: Papás por conveniencia premieres

2023

#1 song: “First Person Shooter” by Drake Featuring J. Coleright behind it: “IDGAF” (Drake Featuring Yeat) and “Virginia Beach” (Drake)
Top album: For All the Dogs by Drakealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour
On Netflix: The Fall of the House of Usher
Most read on Wikipedia: 2023 Cricket World Cup, 13th edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup

2022

#1 song: “Bad Habit” by Steve Lacyright behind it: “Unholy” (Sam Smith & Kim Petras) and “As It Was” (Harry Styles)
Top album: Maxident by Stray Kidsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Black Adam
On Netflix: The Watcher
New games: Gotham Knights

2021

#1 song: “Industry Baby” by Lil Nas X & Jack Harlowright behind it: “Stay” (The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber) and “Fancy Like” (Walker Hayes)
Top album: Certified Lover Boy by Drakealso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Dune
On Netflix: You

2020

#1 song: “Mood” by 24kGoldn Featuring iann diorright behind it: “WAP” (Cardi B Featuring Megan Thee Stallion) and “Laugh Now Cry Later” (Drake Featuring Lil Durk)
Top album: Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon by Pop Smokealso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Honest Thief
Most read on Wikipedia: Sokushinbutsu, Buddhist mummification

2019

#1 song: “Truth Hurts” by Lizzoright behind it: “Senorita” (Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello) and “Someone You Loved” (Lewis Capaldi)
Top album: AI YoungBoy 2 by YoungBoy Never Broke Againalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

2018

#1 song: “Girls Like You” by Maroon 5 Featuring Cardi Bright behind it: “ZEZE” (Kodak Black Featuring Travis Scott & Offset) and “Lucid Dreams” (Juice WRLD)
Top album: A Star Is Born by Lady Gagaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Halloween

the 2010s

2017

#1 song: “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” by Cardi Bright behind it: “Rockstar” (Post Malone Featuring 21 Savage) and “Mi Gente” (J Balvin & Willy William Featuring Beyonce)
Top album: Now by Shania Twainalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Boo 2! A Madea Halloween

2016

#1 song: “Closer” by The Chainsmokers Featuring Halseyright behind it: “Starboy” (The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk) and “Heathens” (twenty one pilots)
Top album: A Seat at the Table by Solangealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Boo! A Madea Halloween
New games: Civilization VI · Battlefield 1 · Rhythm Heaven Megamix

2015

#1 song: “The Hills” by The Weekndright behind it: “Hotline Bling” (Drake) and “What Do You Mean?” (Justin Bieber)
Top album: Unbreakable by Janet Jacksonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Goosebumps
Most read on Wikipedia: Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada from 2015 to 2025
New games: Kingdom

2014

#1 song: “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainorright behind it: “Shake It Off” (Taylor Swift) and “Black Widow” (Iggy Azalea Featuring Rita Ora)
Top album: Old Boots, New Dirt by Jason Aldeanalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Fury
New games: Just Dance 2015 · The Legend of Korra

2013

#1 song: “Royals” by Lorderight behind it: “Wrecking Ball” (Miley Cyrus) and “Roar” (Katy Perry)
Top album: Bangerz by Miley Cyrusalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Gravity
New games: Warface · Mashed

2012

#1 song: “One More Night” by Maroon 5right behind it: “Gangnam Style” (PSY) and “I Knew You Were Trouble.” (Taylor Swift)
Top album: Babel by Mumford & Sonsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Paranormal Activity 4
New games: Michael Jackson: The Experience · Skylanders: Giants

2011

#1 song: “Someone Like You” by Adeleright behind it: “Moves Like Jagger” (Maroon 5 Featuring Christina Aguilera) and “Pumped Up Kicks” (Foster The People)
Top album: Clear as Day by Scotty McCreeryalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Paranormal Activity 3
New games: The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn · Football Manager 2012 · Dance Central 2

2010

#1 song: “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Marsright behind it: “Like A G6” (Far*East Movement Featuring Cataracs & Dev) and “Just A Dream” (Nelly)
Top album: Bullets in the Gun by Toby Keithalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Paranormal Activity 2
New games: Super Mario All-Stars · Professor Layton and the Unwound Future · No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle

the 2000s

2009

#1 song: “3” by Britney Spearsright behind it: “Down” (Jay Sean Featuring Lil Wayne) and “Party In The U.S.A.” (Miley Cyrus)
Top album: Crazy Love by Michael Bubléalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Where the Wild Things Are

2008

#1 song: “Womanizer” by Britney Spearsright behind it: “Whatever You Like” (T.I.) and “Live Your Life” (T.I. Featuring Rihanna)
Top album: Paper Trail by T.I.also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Max Payne
New games: Bully · Far Cry 2 · ERepublik

2007

#1 song: “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy Tell'emright behind it: “Stronger” (Kanye West) and “Apologize” (Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic)
Top album: Rock N Roll Jesus by Kid Rockalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: 30 Days of Night

2006

#1 song: “SexyBack” by Justin Timberlakeright behind it: “Money Maker” (Ludacris Featuring Pharrell) and “Lips Of An Angel” (Hinder)
Top album: The Open Door by Evanescencealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Prestige

2005

#1 song: “Gold Digger” by Kanye West Featuring Jamie Foxxright behind it: “Photograph” (Nickelback) and “Shake It Off” (Mariah Carey)
Top album: All the Right Reasons by Nickelbackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Doom
New games: Pokémon Emerald · Football Manager 2006

2004

#1 song: “Goodies” by Ciara Featuring Petey Pabloright behind it: “My Boo” (Usher And Alicia Keys) and “Lean Back” (Terror Squad)
Top album: 50 Number Ones by George Straitalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Grudge
New games: Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War · Akai Ito · F-Zero Climax

2003

#1 song: “Baby Boy” by Beyonce Featuring Sean Paulright behind it: “Get Low” (Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz Featuring Ying Yang Twins) and “Shake Ya Tailfeather” (Nelly, P. Diddy & Murphy Lee)
Top album: Chicken*N*Beer by Ludacrisalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
New games: Hidden & Dangerous 2 · Castlevania: Lament of Innocence · Empires: Dawn of the Modern World

2002

#1 song: “Dilemma” by Nelly Featuring Kelly Rowlandright behind it: “Gangsta Lovin'” (Eve Featuring Alicia Keys) and “A Moment Like This” (Kelly Clarkson)
Top album: ELV1S: 30#1 Hits by Elvis Presleyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Ring
New games: Mario Party 4 · The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

2001

#1 song: “I'm Real” by Jennifer Lopez Featuring Ja Ruleright behind it: “Fallin'” (Alicia Keys) and “Family Affair” (Mary J. Blige)
Top album: Pain Is Love by Ja Rulealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: From Hell

2000

#1 song: “Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)” by Christina Aguileraright behind it: “Music” (Madonna) and “With Arms Wide Open” (Creed)
Top album: Kid A by Radioheadalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Meet the Parents

the 1990s

1999

#1 song: “Smooth” by Santana Featuring Rob Thomasright behind it: “Heartbreaker” (Mariah Carey Featuring Jay-Z) and “Music Of My Heart” ('N Sync & Gloria Estefan)
Top album: Human Clay by Creedalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: The Best Man

1998

#1 song: “The First Night” by Monicaright behind it: “One Week” (Barenaked Ladies) and “How Deep Is Your Love” (Dru Hill Featuring Redman)
Top album: Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life by Jay-Zalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Practical Magic
In sports: 1998 World Series: New York Yankees
New games: MediEvil · Turok 2: Seeds of Evil · Space Station Silicon Valley

1997

#1 song: “Candle In The Wind 1997/Something About The Way You Look Tonight” by Elton Johnright behind it: “You Make Me Wanna...” (Usher) and “How Do I Live” (LeAnn Rimes)
Top album: The Velvet Rope by Janet Jacksonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: I Know What You Did Last Summer

1996

#1 song: “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” by Los Del Rioright behind it: “It's All Coming Back To Me Now” (Celine Dion) and “No Diggity” (BLACKstreet (Featuring Dr. Dre))
Top album: Falling into You by Celine Dionalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Sleepers

1995

#1 song: “Fantasy” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Gangsta's Paradise (From "Dangerous Minds")” (Coolio Featuring L.V.) and “Runaway” (Janet Jackson)
Top album: Daydream by Mariah Careyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Get Shorty

1994

#1 song: “I'll Make Love To You” by Boyz II Menright behind it: “All I Wanna Do” (Sheryl Crow) and “Endless Love” (Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey)
Top album: Monster by R.E.M.also on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Pulp Fiction
New games: Another World · Alone in the Dark · Demon's Crest

1993

#1 song: “Dreamlover” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Just Kickin' It” (Xscape) and “I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)” (Meat Loaf)
Top album: In Pieces by Garth Brooksalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: The Beverly Hillbillies

1992

#1 song: “End Of The Road (From "Boomerang")” by Boyz II Menright behind it: “Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough” (Patty Smyth) and “Erotica” (Madonna)
Top album: The Chase by Garth Brooksalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Under Siege
New games: Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

1991

#1 song: “Emotions” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Do Anything” (Natural Selection) and “Romantic” (Karyn White)
Top album: Use Your Illusion II by Guns N' Rosesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Other People's Money

1990

#1 song: “Black Cat” by Janet Jacksonright behind it: “I Don't Have The Heart” (James Ingram) and “Ice Ice Baby” (Vanilla Ice)
Top album: Step by Step by New Kids on the Blockalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Marked for Death

the 1980s

1989

#1 song: “Miss You Much” by Janet Jacksonright behind it: “Love Song” (The Cure) and “Sowing The Seeds Of Love” (Tears For Fears)
Top album: Dr. Feelgood by Mötley Crüealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Look Who's Talking

1988

#1 song: “Groovy Kind Of Love” by Phil Collinsright behind it: “Red Red Wine” (UB40) and “What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)” (Information Society)
Top album: New Jersey by Bon Jovialso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers

1987

#1 song: “Bad” by Michael Jacksonright behind it: “Causing A Commotion” (Madonna) and “U Got The Look” (Prince)
Top album: Bad by Michael Jacksonalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Fatal Attraction

1986

#1 song: “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauperright behind it: “Typical Male” (Tina Turner) and “When I Think Of You” (Janet Jackson)
Top album: Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovialso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Crocodile Dundee
New games: Pro Wrestling

1985

#1 song: “Saving All My Love For You” by Whitney Houstonright behind it: “Part-Time Lover” (Stevie Wonder) and “Take On Me” (a-ha)
Top album: Brothers in Arms by Dire Straitsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Commando

1984

#1 song: “I Just Called To Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonderright behind it: “Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run)” (Billy Ocean) and “Hard Habit To Break” (Chicago)
Top album: Purple Rain by Princealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Teachers

1983

#1 song: “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” by Bonnie Tylerright behind it: “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All” (Air Supply) and “Islands In The Stream” (Kenny Rogers Duet With Dolly Parton)
Top album: Synchronicity by The Policealso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Never Say Never Again

1982

#1 song: “Jack & Diane” by John Cougarright behind it: “Who Can It Be Now?” (Men At Work) and “Eye In The Sky” (The Alan Parsons Project)
Top album: American Fool by John Cougaralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: First Blood

1981

#1 song: “Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)” by Christopher Crossright behind it: “Endless Love” (Diana Ross & Lionel Richie) and “Start Me Up” (The Rolling Stones)
Top album: Tattoo You by The Rolling Stonesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Paternity

1980

#1 song: “Woman In Love” by Barbra Streisandright behind it: “Another One Bites The Dust” (Queen) and “He's So Shy” (The Pointer Sisters)
Top album: Guilty by Barbra Streisandalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: Private Benjamin
In sports: 1980 World Series: Philadelphia Phillies

the 1970s

1979

#1 song: “Rise” by Herb Alpertright behind it: “Pop Muzik” (M) and “Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough” (Michael Jackson)
Top album: In Through the Out Door by Led Zeppelinalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In theaters: 10

1978

#1 song: “Kiss You All Over” by Exileright behind it: “Hot Child In The City” (Nick Gilder) and “Boogie Oogie Oogie” (A Taste Of Honey)
Top album: Grease by Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Animal House

1977

#1 song: “You Light Up My Life” by Debby Booneright behind it: “Nobody Does It Better” (Carly Simon) and “That's Rock 'N' Roll” (Shaun Cassidy)
Top album: Rumours by Fleetwood Macalso on Spotify, YouTube
In theaters: Star Wars

1976

#1 song: “If You Leave Me Now” by Chicagoright behind it: “Disco Duck (Part I)” (Rick Dees & His Cast Of Idiots) and “A Fifth Of Beethoven” (Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band)
Top album: Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonderalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In sports: 1976 World Series: Cincinnati Reds

1975

#1 song: “Bad Blood” by Neil Sedakaright behind it: “I'm Sorry” (John Denver) and “Miracles” (Jefferson Starship)
Top album: Windsong by John Denveralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1974

#1 song: “Then Came You” by Dionne Warwicke & Spinnersright behind it: “You Haven't Done Nothin” (Stevie Wonder) and “You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet/Free Wheelin'” (Bachman-Turner Overdrive)
Top album: Can't Get Enough by Barry Whitealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1973

#1 song: “Midnight Train To Georgia” by Gladys Knight And The Pipsright behind it: “Angie” (The Rolling Stones) and “Half-Breed” (Cher)
Top album: Goats Head Soup by The Rolling Stonesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
In sports: 1973 World Series: Oakland Athletics

1972

#1 song: “My Ding-A-Ling” by Chuck Berryright behind it: “Use Me” (Bill Withers) and “Burning Love” (Elvis Presley)
Top album: Super Fly by Curtis Mayfieldalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1971

#1 song: “Maggie May/Reason To Believe” by Rod Stewartright behind it: “Superstar/Bless The Beasts And Children” (Carpenters) and “Yo-Yo” (The Osmonds)
Top album: Every Picture Tells a Story by Rod Stewartalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1970

#1 song: “I'll Be There” by Jackson 5right behind it: “Cracklin' Rosie” (Neil Diamond) and “Green-Eyed Lady” (Sugarloaf)
Top album: Abraxas by Santanaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

the 1960s

1969

#1 song: “I Can't Get Next To You” by The Temptationsright behind it: “Hot Fun In The Summertime” (Sly & The Family Stone) and “Sugar, Sugar” (The Archies)
Top album: Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revivalalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1968

#1 song: “Hey Jude” by The Beatlesright behind it: “Little Green Apples” (O.C. Smith) and “Fire” (The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown)
Top album: Cheap Thrills by Big Brother and the Holding Companyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1967

#1 song: “To Sir With Love” by Luluright behind it: “The Letter” (The Box Tops) and “Never My Love” (The Association)
Top album: Ode to Billie Joe by Bobbie Gentryalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1966

#1 song: “Reach Out I'll Be There” by Four Topsright behind it: “96 Tears” (? (Question Mark) & The Mysterians) and “Last Train To Clarksville” (The Monkees)
Top album: The Supremes A' Go-Go by The Supremesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1965

#1 song: “Yesterday” by The Beatlesright behind it: “Treat Her Right” (Roy Head And The Traits) and “A Lover's Concerto” (The Toys)
Top album: Help! by The Beatles / Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1964

#1 song: “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” by Manfred Mannright behind it: “Dancing In The Street” (Martha & The Vandellas) and “Last Kiss” (J. Frank Wilson and The Cavaliers)
Top album: A Hard Day's Night by The Beatles / Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1963

#1 song: “Sugar Shack” by Jimmy Gilmer And The Fireballsright behind it: “Be My Baby” (The Ronettes) and “Deep Purple” (Nino Tempo & April Stevens)
Top album: Peter, Paul and Mary by Peter, Paul and Maryalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia

1962

#1 song: “Monster Mash” by Bobby "Boris" Pickett And The Crypt-Kickersright behind it: “He's A Rebel” (The Crystals) and “Do You Love Me” (The Contours)

1961

#1 song: “Runaround Sue” by Dionright behind it: “Bristol Stomp” (The Dovells) and “Big Bad John” (Jimmy Dean)

1960

#1 song: “I Want To Be Wanted” by Brenda Leeright behind it: “Save The Last Dance For Me” (The Drifters) and “The Twist” (Chubby Checker)

the late 1950s

1959

#1 song: “Mack The Knife” by Bobby Darinright behind it: “Mr. Blue” (The Fleetwoods) and “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” (Paul Anka)

1958

#1 song: “It's All In The Game” by Tommy Edwardsright behind it: “It's Only Make Believe” (Conway Twitty) and “Tom Dooley” (The Kingston Trio)

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.