Michael Jackson’s Thriller is the best-selling album of all time, with an estimated 70 million copies sold worldwide. Released in 1982, the album featured the iconic title track, as well as hits like “Beat It” and “Billie Jean”. Thriller was a commercial and critical success, winning eight Grammy Awards and becoming the first album to be certified 33x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Coming in second place is the Eagles’ 1976 compilation album, Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975). This album has sold an estimated 44 million copies worldwide, making it the second-best-selling album of all time. The album features the band’s most popular songs, including “Take It Easy”, “Lyin’ Eyes”, and “Hotel California”. It was certified 26x platinum by the RIAA, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
Third place is held by AC/DC’s 1980 album Back in Black, which has sold an estimated 42 million copies worldwide. The album features some of the band’s most iconic songs, including “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Hells Bells”. It was certified 22x platinum by the RIAA, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003.
These three albums are the only ones to have sold 40 million copies or more, making them the best-selling albums of all time. Michael Jackson’s Thriller is the clear winner, with an estimated 70 million copies sold worldwide. The Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) and AC/DC’s Back in Black follow close behind, with 44 million and 42 million copies sold, respectively.