September 21
on this day, year by year
Here is September 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.
2025
- #1 song
“Golden” by HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMIright behind it: “Ordinary” (Alex Warren) and “Manchild” (Sabrina Carpenter)- On Netflix
- Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
- Most read on Wikipedia
Charlie Kirk, American political activist (1993–2025)
2024
- #1 song
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozeyright behind it: “I Had Some Help” (Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen) and “Espresso” (Sabrina Carpenter)- Top album
- Short n' Sweet by Sabrina Carpenteralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
- On Netflix
- Monsters
- Most read on Wikipedia
Lyle and Erik Menéndez, American murderers and brothers
2023
- #1 song
“Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigoright behind it: “Paint The Town Red” (Doja Cat) and “I Remember Everything” (Zach Bryan Featuring Kacey Musgraves)- In theaters
- Oppenheimer
- On Netflix
- Sex Education
- New games
- Baldur's Gate 3 · Payday 3
2022
- #1 song
“As It Was” by Harry Stylesright behind it: “Bad Habit” (Steve Lacy) and “Super Freaky Girl” (Nicki Minaj)- In theaters
- The Woman King
- On Netflix
- DAHMER
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Jeffrey Dahmer, American serial killer (1960–1994)
2021
- #1 song
“Stay” by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieberright behind it: “Way 2 Sexy” (Drake Featuring Future & Young Thug) and “Bad Habits” (Ed Sheeran)- Top album
- Certified Lover Boy by Drakealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- On Netflix
- Squid Game
- Most read on Wikipedia
2021 Canadian federal election- New games
- Kena: Bridge of Spirits
2020
- #1 song
“WAP” by Cardi B Featuring Megan Thee Stallionright behind it: “Dynamite” (BTS) and “Laugh Now Cry Later” (Drake Featuring Lil Durk)- In theaters
- Tenet
- Most read on Wikipedia
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, US Supreme Court justice from 1993 to 2020died September 18
2019
- #1 song
“Truth Hurts” by Lizzoright behind it: “Senorita” (Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello) and “Goodbyes” (Post Malone Featuring Young Thug)- Top album
- Hollywood's Bleeding by Post Malonealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Downton Abbey
2018
- #1 song
“In My Feelings” by Drakeright behind it: “Girls Like You” (Maroon 5 Featuring Cardi B) and “I Like It” (Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin)- Top album
- Egypt Station by Paul McCartneyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The House with a Clock in Its Walls
- New games
- Excitebike · The Settlers · CrossCode
the 2010s
2017
- #1 song
“Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” (Cardi B) and “Despacito” (Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber)- In theaters
- Kingsman: The Golden Circle
- Most read on Wikipedia
- Curse, Inc., Network of gaming websites
2016
- #1 song
“Closer” by The Chainsmokers Featuring Halseyright behind it: “Heathens” (twenty one pilots) and “Cold Water” (Major Lazer Featuring Justin Bieber & MO)- Top album
- Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight by Travis Scottalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Sully
- New games
- Firewatch
2015
- #1 song
- “Can't Feel My Face” by The Weekndright behind it: “The Hills” (The Weeknd) and “What Do You Mean?” (Justin Bieber)
- Top album
- Beauty Behind the Madness by The Weekndalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
2014
- #1 song
“All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainorright behind it: “Shake It Off” (Taylor Swift) and “Anaconda” (Nicki Minaj)- In theaters
- The Maze Runner
2013
- #1 song
“Roar” by Katy Perryright behind it: “Blurred Lines” (Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. + Pharrell) and “Royals” (Lorde)- Top album
- Yours Truly by Ariana Grandealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Prisoners
2012
- #1 song
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swiftright behind it: “One More Night” (Maroon 5) and “Whistle” (Flo Rida)- In theaters
- End of Watch
- New games
- Layton Brothers: Mystery Room
2011
- #1 song
“Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5 Featuring Christina Aguileraright behind it: “Someone Like You” (Adele) and “Pumped Up Kicks” (Foster The People)- Top album
- Tha Carter IV by Lil Waynealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Lion King
2010
- #1 song
“Teenage Dream” by Katy Perryright behind it: “Love The Way You Lie” (Eminem Featuring Rihanna) and “Just The Way You Are” (Bruno Mars)- Top album
- Kaleidoscope Heart by Sara Bareillesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- The Town
- New games
- Civilization V
the 2000s
2009
- #1 song
“I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peasright behind it: “Down” (Jay Sean Featuring Lil Wayne) and “Party In The U.S.A.” (Miley Cyrus)- In theaters
- Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
2008
- #1 song
“So What” by P!nkright behind it: “Whatever You Like” (T.I.) and “Disturbia” (Rihanna)- Top album
- Death Magnetic by Metallicaalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
- In theaters
- Lakeview Terrace
2007
- #1 song
“Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy Tell'emright behind it: “Stronger” (Kanye West) and “Big Girls Don't Cry” (Fergie)- In theaters
- Resident Evil: Extinction
- New games
- MySims · Brunswick Pro Bowling · Anubis II
2006
- #1 song
“SexyBack” by Justin Timberlakeright behind it: “London Bridge” (Fergie) and “Buttons” (The Pussycat Dolls Featuring Snoop Dogg)- In theaters
- Jackass Number Two
2005
- #1 song
- “Gold Digger” by Kanye West Featuring Jamie Foxxright behind it: “Shake It Off” (Mariah Carey) and “We Belong Together” (Mariah Carey)
- Top album
Late Registration by Kanye Westalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Just like Heaven
- New games
- Dungeons & Dragons: Dragonshard
2004
- #1 song
“Goodies” by Ciara Featuring Petey Pabloright behind it: “Lean Back” (Terror Squad) and “Sunshine” (Lil' Flip Featuring Lea)- In theaters
- Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
- New games
- Star Wars: Battlefront · X-Men Legends
2003
- #1 song
“Shake Ya Tailfeather” by Nelly, P. Diddy & Murphy Leeright behind it: “Baby Boy” (Beyonce Featuring Sean Paul) and “Right Thurr” (Chingy)- Top album
Heavier Things by John Mayeralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Underworld
2002
- #1 song
“Dilemma” by Nelly Featuring Kelly Rowlandright behind it: “Gangsta Lovin'” (Eve Featuring Alicia Keys) and “Complicated” (Avril Lavigne)- In theaters
- Barbershop
2001
- #1 song
“I'm Real” by Jennifer Lopez Featuring Ja Ruleright behind it: “Fallin'” (Alicia Keys) and “Where The Party At” (Jagged Edge With Nelly)- In theaters
- Hardball
2000
- #1 song
“Music” by Madonnaright behind it: “Doesn't Really Matter” (Janet) and “Jumpin', Jumpin'” (Destiny's Child)- Top album
Country Grammar by Nellyalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Urban Legends: Final Cut
- New games
- Pokémon Puzzle Challenge
the 1990s
1999
- #1 song
“Unpretty” by TLCright behind it: “She's All I Ever Had” (Ricky Martin) and “Bailamos” (Enrique Iglesias)- In theaters
- Blue Streak
1998
- #1 song
“I Don't Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmithright behind it: “The First Night” (Monica) and “Crush” (Jennifer Paige)- Top album
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hillalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Rush Hour
- First aired
- Will & Grace premieres
1997
- #1 song
“Honey” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “4 Seasons Of Loneliness” (Boyz II Men) and “You Make Me Wanna...” (Usher)- Top album
You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs by LeAnn Rimesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- In & Out
1996
- #1 song
- “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” by Los Del Rioright behind it: “I Love You Always Forever” (Donna Lewis) and “Twisted” (Keith Sweat)
- In theaters
- The First Wives Club
1995
- #1 song
“Gangsta's Paradise (From "Dangerous Minds")” by Coolio Featuring L.V.right behind it: “You Are Not Alone” (Michael Jackson) and “Kiss From A Rose” (Seal)- In theaters
- Seven
- New games
- Killer Instinct
1994
- #1 song
“I'll Make Love To You” by Boyz II Menright behind it: “Stay (I Missed You) (From "Reality Bites")” (Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories) and “Endless Love” (Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey)- In theaters
- Timecop
- New games
- Tekken · Kirby's Dream Course
1993
- #1 song
“Dreamlover” by Mariah Careyright behind it: “Whoomp! (There It Is)” (Tag Team) and “Right Here (Human Nature)/Downtown” (SWV)- In theaters
- Striking Distance
- New games
- Tetris 2
1992
- #1 song
“End Of The Road (From "Boomerang")” by Boyz II Menright behind it: “Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough” (Patty Smyth) and “Baby-Baby-Baby” (TLC)- Top album
Some Gave All by Billy Ray Cyrusalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Sneakers
1991
- #1 song
“I Adore Mi Amor” by Color Me Baddright behind it: “Good Vibrations” (Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch Featuring Loleatta Holloway) and “Motownphilly” (Boyz II Men)- In theaters
- Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare
1990
- #1 song
“Release Me” by Wilson Phillipsright behind it: “Blaze Of Glory (From "Young Guns II")” (Jon Bon Jovi) and “Do Me!” (Bell Biv DeVoe)- Top album
Step by Step by New Kids on the Blockalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Goodfellas
- New games
- North & South
the 1980s
1989
- #1 song
“Girl I'm Gonna Miss You” by Milli Vanilliright behind it: “Heaven” (Warrant) and “If I Could Turn Back Time” (Cher)- Top album
Girl You Know It's True by Milli Vanillialso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Black Rain
1988
- #1 song
“Don't Worry, Be Happy (From "Cocktail")” by Bobby McFerrinright behind it: “Sweet Child O' Mine” (Guns N' Roses) and “I'll Always Love You” (Taylor Dayne)- In theaters
- A Fish Called Wanda
1987
- #1 song
“Didn't We Almost Have It All” by Whitney Houstonright behind it: “Here I Go Again” (Whitesnake) and “I Just Can't Stop Loving You” (Michael Jackson With Siedah Garrett)- In theaters
- Fatal Attraction
1986
- #1 song
“Stuck With You” by Huey Lewis & The Newsright behind it: “Friends And Lovers” (Carl Anderson & Gloria Loring) and “Dancing On The Ceiling” (Lionel Richie)- Top album
Dancing on the Ceiling by Lionel Richiealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Top Gun
1985
- #1 song
“Money For Nothing” by Dire Straitsright behind it: “Cherish” (Kool & The Gang) and “St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)” (John Parr)- Top album
Brothers in Arms by Dire Straitsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Back to the Future
1984
- #1 song
“Missing You” by John Waiteright behind it: “Let's Go Crazy” (Prince And The Revolution) and “She Bop” (Cyndi Lauper)- Top album
Purple Rain by Princealso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- All of Me
1983
- #1 song
“Tell Her About It” by Billy Joelright behind it: “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” (Bonnie Tyler) and “The Safety Dance” (Men Without Hats)- Top album
Synchronicity by The Policealso on Spotify, YouTube- In theaters
- Mr. Mom
1982
- #1 song
“Abracadabra” by The Steve Miller Bandright behind it: “Jack & Diane” (John Cougar) and “Hard To Say I'm Sorry” (Chicago)- Top album
American Fool by John Cougaralso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
1981
- #1 song
“Endless Love” by Diana Ross & Lionel Richieright behind it: “Queen Of Hearts” (Juice Newton) and “Stop Draggin' My Heart Around” (Stevie Nicks With Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers)- Top album
Tattoo You by The Rolling Stonesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- Continental Divide
1980
- #1 song
“Upside Down” by Diana Rossright behind it: “All Out Of Love” (Air Supply) and “Another One Bites The Dust” (Queen)- In theaters
- The Exterminator
the 1970s
1979
- #1 song
“My Sharona” by The Knackright behind it: “After The Love Has Gone” (Earth, Wind & Fire) and “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” (The Charlie Daniels Band)- Top album
In Through the Out Door by Led Zeppelinalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia- In theaters
- North Dallas Forty
1978
- #1 song
“Boogie Oogie Oogie” by A Taste Of Honeyright behind it: “Kiss You All Over” (Exile) and “Hopelessly Devoted To You” (Olivia Newton-John)- In theaters
- Animal House
1977
- #1 song
“Best Of My Love” by The Emotionsright behind it: “Float On” (The Floaters) and “Don't Stop” (Fleetwood Mac)- In theaters
- Star Wars
1976
- #1 song
“Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherryright behind it: “I'd Really Love To See You Tonight” (England Dan & John Ford Coley) and “A Fifth Of Beethoven” (Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band)- Top album
Frampton Comes Alive! by Peter Framptonalso on Spotify, YouTube
1975
- #1 song
“I'm Sorry” by John Denverright behind it: “Fame” (David Bowie) and “Rhinestone Cowboy” (Glen Campbell)- Top album
Red Octopus by Jefferson Starshipalso on Spotify, YouTube
1974
- #1 song
“Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe” by Barry Whiteright behind it: “Rock Me Gently” (Andy Kim) and “I Honestly Love You” (Olivia Newton-John)- Top album
Fulfillingness' First Finale by Stevie Wonderalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1973
- #1 song
“Let's Get It On” by Marvin Gayeright behind it: “We're An American Band” (Grand Funk) and “Delta Dawn” (Helen Reddy)- Top album
Brothers and Sisters by The Allman Brothers Bandalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1972
- #1 song
“Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me” by Mac Davisright behind it: “Black & White” (Three Dog Night) and “Saturday In The Park” (Chicago)
1971
- #1 song
“Go Away Little Girl” by Donny Osmondright behind it: “Maggie May/Reason To Believe” (Rod Stewart) and “Ain't No Sunshine” (Bill Withers)
1970
- #1 song
“Ain't No Mountain High Enough” by Diana Rossright behind it: “War” (Edwin Starr) and “Lookin' Out My Back Door/Long As I Can See The Light” (Creedence Clearwater Revival)- Top album
Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revivalalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
the 1960s
1969
- #1 song
“Sugar, Sugar” by The Archiesright behind it: “Green River” (Creedence Clearwater Revival) and “Honky Tonk Women” (The Rolling Stones)- Top album
Blind Faith by Blind Faithalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1968
- #1 song
“Harper Valley P.T.A.” by Jeannie C. Rileyright behind it: “People Got To Be Free” (The Rascals) and “Hey Jude” (The Beatles)- Top album
Waiting for the Sun by The Doorsalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1967
- #1 song
“The Letter” by The Box Topsright behind it: “Ode To Billie Joe” (Bobbie Gentry) and “Come Back When You Grow Up” (Bobby Vee And The Strangers)- Top album
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatlesalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1966
- #1 song
“Cherish” by The Associationright behind it: “You Can't Hurry Love” (The Supremes) and “Sunshine Superman” (Donovan)
1965
- #1 song
“Eve Of Destruction” by Barry McGuireright behind it: “Hang On Sloopy” (The McCoys) and “You Were On My Mind” (We Five)
1964
- #1 song
- “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison And The Candy Menright behind it: “Bread And Butter” (The Newbeats) and “House Of The Rising Sun” (The Animals)
- Top album
A Hard Day's Night by The Beatles / Soundtrackalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1963
- #1 song
“Blue Velvet” by Bobby Vintonright behind it: “My Boyfriend's Back” (The Angels) and “If I Had A Hammer” (Trini Lopez)- Top album
My Son, the Nut by Allan Shermanalso on Spotify, YouTube, Wikipedia
1962
- #1 song
- “Sherry” by The 4 Seasonsright behind it: “Ramblin' Rose” (Nat King Cole) and “Sheila” (Tommy Roe)
1961
- #1 song
“Take Good Care Of My Baby” by Bobby Veeright behind it: “The Mountain's High” (Dick and DeeDee) and “Michael” (The Highwaymen)
1960
- #1 song
“My Heart Has A Mind Of Its Own” by Connie Francisright behind it: “The Twist” (Chubby Checker) and “Chain Gang” (Sam Cooke)
the late 1950s
1959
- #1 song
“Sleep Walk” by Santo & Johnnyright behind it: “The Three Bells” (The Browns) and “I'm Gonna Get Married” (Lloyd Price)
1958
- #1 song
“Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volaré)” by Domenico Modugnoright behind it: “Bird Dog” (The Everly Brothers) and “It's All In The Game” (Tommy Edwards)
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.