Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
January 18 Sunday, January 18, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on January 18 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
12
Events
7
Birthdays
1
Holidays
1586
Disaster 440 years ago
The magnitude 7.9 Tenshō earthquake strikes Honshu, Japan, killing 8,000 people and triggering a tsunami.
A magnitude 7.9 earthquake strikes Honshu, Japan, killing an estimated 8,000 people and triggering a devastating tsunami.
History
What happened on January 18
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 350World history
General Magnentius is proclaimed emperor by Roman aristocrats discontent with the rule of emperor Constans.
Magnentius is declared emperor by Roman nobles dissatisfied with Constans' reign.
- 474European history
Seven-year-old Leo II succeeds his maternal grandfather Leo I as Byzantine emperor. He dies ten months later.
Seven-year-old Leo II becomes Byzantine emperor upon succeeding his maternal grandfather Leo I but dies after a ten-month reign.
- 532European history
Nika riots in Constantinople fail.
The Nika riots in Constantinople end with thousands killed and the city's main church destroyed.
- 1126World history
Emperor Huizong abdicates the Chinese throne in favour of his son Emperor Qinzong.
Emperor Huizong of the Song dynasty abdicates the Chinese throne in favor of his son, who becomes Emperor Qinzong.
- 1486UK history
King Henry VII of England marries Elizabeth of York, daughter of Edward IV, uniting the House of Lancaster and the House of York.
Henry VII marries Elizabeth of York, uniting the Houses of Lancaster and York.
- 1562Religion
Pope Pius IV reopens the Council of Trent for its third and final session.
Pope Pius IV reconvenes the Council of Trent for its final session.
- 1586Disaster
The magnitude 7.9 Tenshō earthquake strikes Honshu, Japan, killing 8,000 people and triggering a tsunami.
A magnitude 7.9 earthquake strikes Honshu, Japan, killing an estimated 8,000 people and triggering a devastating tsunami.
- 1670US history
Henry Morgan captures Panama.
Henry Morgan sacks Panama, looting and destroying much of the city.
- 1778UK history
James Cook is the first known European to discover the Hawaiian Islands, which he names the "Sandwich Islands".
James Cook becomes the first known European to discover the Hawaiian Islands, naming them the "Sandwich Islands."
- 1788UK history
The first elements of the First Fleet carrying 736 convicts from Great Britain to Australia arrive at Botany Bay.
Eleven ships of the First Fleet arrive at Botany Bay, transporting 736 convicted prisoners from Great Britain.
- 1896Science
An X-ray generating machine is exhibited for the first time by H. L. Smith.
H. L. Smith exhibits the first X-ray generating machine, marking a significant advancement in medical imaging technology.
- 1932European history
Alt Llobregat insurrection breaks out in Central Catalonia, Spain.
An insurrection breaks out in Alt Llobregat, central Catalonia, marking the start of a week of anarchist-led unrest across the region.
Born today
Famous birthdays on January 18
7 this date All birthdays
🎂 53
Crispian Mills
English singer-songwriter, guitarist, and director
Crispian Mills, frontman of psychedelic indie rock band Kula Shaker and film director, turns 52 today.
Born
1973
Turns 53
today
Giannis Papaioannou
Greek composer
1913 – 1972
Jean Vuarnet
French ski racer
1933 – 2017
David Howell
Baron Howell of Guildford, English journalist and politician, Secretary of State for Transport
b. 1936 · 90
John Hume
Northern Irish educator and politician, Nobel Prize laureate
1937 – 2020
Mark Messier
Canadian ice hockey player, coach, and sportscaster
b. 1961 · 65
Mark Briscoe
American wrestler
b. 1985 · 41
Music
The number one songs on January 18
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on January 18, 1981
"Stand and Deliver"
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
#1 for 5 weeks
Also #1 on this day
- 1965"Ticket To Ride"— The Beatles
- 1972"Metal Guru"— T. Rex
- 2003"Make Luv"— Room 5 ft. Oliver Cheatham
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport January 18, 1896
An X-ray generating machine is exhibited for the first time by H. L. Smith.
H. L. Smith exhibits the first X-ray generating machine, marking a significant advancement in medical imaging technology.
Read the story
🔬 Science January 18, 1886
Modern field hockey is born with the formation of The Hockey Association in England.
The Hockey Association is formed in England, establishing modern field hockey rules and regulations.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
1 celebrated today
Royal Thai Armed Forces Day (Thailand)
International
Public holidays in Thailand are regulated by the government, and most are observed by both the public and private sectors