From Thriller to Global Domination: Michael Jackson's Unstoppable Chart Run Continues in 2025

When a legendary artist who passed away in 2009 still dominates global music charts years later, you know you’re witnessing something extraordinary. Michael Jackson’s presence on Billboard’s worldwide rankings this week is yet another reminder of why he remains the most commercially resilient figure in music history.

The Streaming Era Keeps Michael Jackson Alive

What’s fascinating isn’t just that Michael Jackson’s music keeps charting — it’s where and how it charts. His latest entry, “Beat It,” has simultaneously debuted on both Billboard Global Excl. U.S. (at No. 171) and the Billboard Global 200 (at No. 188). For context, these global charts were only introduced in 2020 and include data from every corner of the world via streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, plus traditional sales figures.

The real headline? “Billie Jean” is climbing higher than ever before. Currently sitting at No. 44 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. and No. 49 on the Billboard Global 200, this 1983 classic is inching toward a top-40 milestone on these international rankings. Even more impressive: “Billie Jean” has now spent 118 weeks on the Billboard Global 200 and over two years on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S., proving that timeless music transcends generations and borders.

Why Michael Jackson’s Catalog Refuses to Age

The timing matters here. While “Thriller” made its predictable October comeback as it does every year—riding the Halloween wave—something different happened in 2025. Instead of fading away as quickly as it appeared, the resurgence sparked renewed global interest in Jackson’s entire discography. The album itself remains a top-40 presence across every major Billboard chart it appears on, currently sitting at No. 40 on the Billboard 200 (down from No. 16), while maintaining positions in the top 10 on both the Top R&B Albums and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.

Within the U.S. market specifically, “Billie Jean” continues to hold ground on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs, R&B Streaming Songs, R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales, and R&B Digital Song Sales charts, demonstrating that streaming’s dominance has actually extended the lifespan of classic records rather than killed them.

Legacy Acts Don’t Usually Get This Treatment

Here’s what makes this moment significant: Billboard has noted that many legacy acts—particularly artists who are no longer with us—rarely place on their global charts, let alone score multiple entries simultaneously. Michael Jackson is among an exclusive group that has managed multiple placements, and his continued presence suggests something deeper about his music’s universal appeal.

The fact that decades after 2009, Jackson’s catalog still generates enough streaming volume and sales activity to debut new entries on worldwide charts is genuinely rare. It speaks to the enduring power of his artistry and the global appetite for his work across all demographics and geographies.

This isn’t nostalgia—this is cultural permanence.