Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ Blocked From Finally Rising To No. 1

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentMichael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ Blocked From Finally Rising To No. 1ByHugh McIntyre,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts.Follow AuthorJun 02, 2026, 01:53pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Decades after its release — and domination of other Billboard charts — Michael Jackson's Thriller stalls at No. 2 on the main sales ranking in America. PASADENA, CA - 1993: Singer Michael Jackson performs at the 1993 Pasadena, California, Superbowl XXVII halftime show. The "King of Pop" performed several songs including "Billie Jean," during the 15-minute show. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Billboard 200, the chart company's flagship album ranking, is not, as many people assume, a list of the bestselling releases in the United States. When considering only pure purchases, it is the Top Album Sales chart that should be checked. The Billboard 200 ranks titles based on total consumption, and both purchases and streaming activity factor into where a project lands. For many years, before platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and dozens of others completely changed the music industry, the Billboard 200 was built on sales data, but since the Top Album Sales roster was introduced, even some of the top-selling musical releases of all time have not made it to the top spot. Perhaps the bestselling traditional studio album in American history nearly conquers the Top Album Sales tally for the first time this week, but it stops just short of ruling.Michael Jackson’s Thriller Stops at No. 2Michael Jackson’s Thriller steps up on this week’s Top Album Sales chart, ascending from No. 6 to No. 2. That’s as high as the blockbuster has ever reached on this list, though it has conquered other rosters, like the all-importa...