It’s official: the King of Pop is moonwalking back up the charts — again. In a stunning twist that’s part nostalgia, part pure musical genius, Michael Jackson’s iconic album Thriller has stormed back into the Billboard Top 10, a full 40 years after its original release. That’s right — four decades on, and MJ is still proving he can stop the world with a beat.
Originally released in November 1982, Thriller didn’t just break records — it redefined them. With chart-topping hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and, of course, the ghoulish masterpiece “Thriller,” the album became the best-selling of all time. And now, in 2025, it’s doing the unthinkable: soaring back into the top 10 like it never left.
So… what’s causing the resurgence?
A mix of factors, really. A special 40th anniversary reissue recently dropped, featuring remastered tracks and never-before-heard demos that sent fans — old and new — into a full nostalgia spiral. Add to that a viral TikTok trend using the iconic “Thriller” dance (zombie shuffle and all), and suddenly Gen Z is discovering MJ’s magic in real-time.
Streaming numbers have spiked dramatically, with Spotify reporting a 370% increase in Thriller plays over the past week. The music video for “Thriller” itself — still a cultural phenomenon — has hit over 1 billion views on YouTube, yet somehow feels fresher than ever.
Music critics are calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime comeback.” Fans? They’re just vibing like it’s 1983 again. “Michael Jackson didn’t just make hits, he made history,” one fan tweeted. “Thriller in the top 10 after 40 years? That’s GOAT behavior.”
This comeback also marks a historic moment in chart history — Thriller becomes one of the only albums to re-enter the Billboard Top 10 across five different decades. Let that sink in.
Even celebrities are getting in on the action. Bruno Mars called the reissue “pure perfection,” while Doja Cat posted a dance challenge in full red leather jacket and loafers, captioned: “Long live the King.”
The return of Thriller isn’t just about music — it’s a reminder of Jackson’s enduring influence across generations. His talent, style, and sheer entertainment power continue to dominate even in a completely transformed music landscape.
Forty years later, and Michael Jackson is still setting the standard.
One word: legendary.
