What makes an album a true global phenomenon? It’s not just great music—it’s timeless impact, cultural influence, and record-breaking sales. In this guide, we break down the best selling albums of all time worldwide, giving you the ultimate list of top-selling music albums that shaped generations. From Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon,” these albums continue to dominate charts and conversations. Whether you're a collector, fan, or just curious about music history, this blog offers a complete, easy-to-read breakdown of the top 10 best selling albums, supported with real sales data and analysis. Let’s dive into the biggest legends of music.
Understanding What "Best Selling Album" Really Means
When people talk about the best selling albums of all time worldwide, they often picture big names like Michael Jackson or Pink Floyd. But what exactly counts as a best seller? It's more than just popularity. It comes down to verified numbers—physical sales, digital downloads, and now, streaming equivalents.
This section breaks down how album sales are tracked, who verifies them, and why numbers can differ across charts. It gives you a clearer view of what makes an album one of the top selling albums in music history.
How Album Sales Are Counted: Physical vs Digital vs Streaming
Not all sales are created equal. Here's how they're counted:
- Physical Sales include CDs, vinyl, and cassette tapes. These were the main metrics until the early 2000s.
- Digital Downloads began influencing charts around 2004. Each full album download counts as one unit.
- Streaming Equivalents are now key. According to the RIAA, 1,500 song streams = 1 album sale. So if an album’s tracks are streamed millions of times, it adds up to album-equivalent units.
For example, Thriller by Michael Jackson still leads with over 66 million certified sales globally, and it's boosted further by streaming every year.
Organizations That Track Album Sales (RIAA, IFPI, Billboard)
Album sales aren't just guesses—they’re tracked and certified by major industry bodies:
- RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America): Tracks U.S. sales and certifications like Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. You can verify records on RIAA's site.
- IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry): Provides global sales data. Their annual reports give insights into the top 100 best selling albums of all time worldwide.
- Billboard: Known for charting weekly performance in the U.S. via the Billboard 200, which now includes streaming data.
These organizations follow strict rules. They validate shipments, returns, and even streaming sources like Spotify and Apple Music.
Global vs U.S. Rankings: Why Numbers Vary
You may have seen different lists for the top 10 best selling album of all time—some U.S.-based, others global. Here's why they don’t always match:
- U.S. Rankings (like RIAA and Billboard) only include U.S. sales and streams.
- Global Rankings (like IFPI) include worldwide data, which can shift albums up or down.
For example:
- Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) by Eagles is the highest selling album in the U.S. with over 38 million units.
- But globally, it ranks behind Thriller and Back in Black.
Top 10 Best Selling Albums of All Time
Some albums don’t just make waves—they redefine music history. This list showcases the top 10 best selling albums of all time, based on certified global sales. These records aren’t just commercial hits—they’re cultural landmarks. Whether you’re a collector, music fan, or just curious, this section gives you everything you need to know about the best selling albums ever released.
1. Thriller – Michael Jackson (66 Million Sales)
Released: 1982
No surprises here—Thriller remains the undisputed king of global album sales. With over 66 million certified units sold worldwide (as per IFPI and RIAA), it's not just the highest selling music album ever, but also the most influential.
The album features timeless hits like Billie Jean, Beat It, and Thriller. It won 8 Grammy Awards and topped charts in more than 30 countries. Even decades later, it still ranks high on streaming platforms, keeping Michael Jackson’s legacy alive.
This isn’t just a chart-topper—Thriller is a phenomenon that shaped the sound and visuals of pop music forever.
2. Back in Black – AC/DC (50 Million Sales)
Released: 1980
With its raw guitar riffs and electrifying vocals, Back in Black is the second best selling album of all time worldwide, with 50 million copies sold. It’s the best-selling hard rock album ever.
The album was a tribute to former lead singer Bon Scott and marked the debut of Brian Johnson. Tracks like Hells Bells, Shoot to Thrill, and the title track Back in Black turned AC/DC into global rock icons.
It’s a classic example of how pure rock energy can dominate both sales and cultural relevance. Its influence continues in rock music today.
3. The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd (50 Million Sales)
Released: 1973
Pink Floyd’s masterpiece has sold around 50 million copies globally, making it one of the most iconic music albums of all time. It’s not just about sales—it’s about longevity.
The album stayed on the Billboard 200 chart for 962 weeks—an unbeatable record. It blends progressive rock with deep philosophical themes, sound effects, and seamless transitions that captivated listeners for generations.
Tracks like Time, Money, and Us and Them made it a must-have for music lovers. If we talk about legendary album sales history, this one is always in the conversation.
4. The Bodyguard – Whitney Houston (45 Million Sales)
Released: 1992
More than just a soundtrack, The Bodyguard is the best selling soundtrack album of all time, with 45 million sales worldwide. It was powered by Whitney Houston’s unforgettable performance of I Will Always Love You, which became a global anthem.
The album topped charts in more than 20 countries and earned Whitney multiple awards, including the Grammy for Album of the Year. It perfectly blended pop, R&B, and soul, making it one of the most successful albums ever.
Even today, it’s a go-to reference for how a movie soundtrack can dominate both box office and record sales.
5. Bad – Michael Jackson (45 Million Sales)
Released: 1987
Following Thriller was no easy task, but Bad proved that Michael Jackson wasn’t a one-hit wonder. It sold 45 million copies globally, securing its spot among the top 10 best selling albums of all time.
This album made history by producing five consecutive Billboard No.1 singles—a record still unmatched. Songs like Smooth Criminal, Bad, and Man in the Mirror cemented Jackson’s reign as the best selling artist of all time.
Bad wasn’t just commercially successful—it showcased a more daring, experimental MJ, making it a standout in his legendary discography.
6. Bat Out of Hell – Meat Loaf (43 Million Sales)
Released: 1977
Few albums grow stronger with time like Bat Out of Hell. With 43 million global sales, it’s one of the most enduring records ever made. Blending rock with theatrical storytelling, it introduced the world to a unique sound.
Tracks like Paradise by the Dashboard Light and Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad became cult classics. Though it started slow, the album gained momentum over the years, becoming a top selling album through pure word-of-mouth and loyal fan following.
It’s a testament to how legendary album sales history can come from passion and persistence, not just chart debut.
7. Hotel California – Eagles (42 Million Sales)
Released: 1976
Hotel California is more than just a hit album—it's a cultural symbol of the 1970s. With 42 million sales worldwide, it stands tall as one of the top selling albums ever.
The title track is an all-time classic, with its haunting guitar solos and cryptic lyrics. Songs like New Kid in Town and Life in the Fast Lane helped the Eagles capture a generation's mood. The album won two Grammy Awards and remains a rock staple to this day.
It’s not just famous for its sound, but for shaping the narrative of West Coast rock.
8. Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) – Eagles (41.2 Million Sales)
Released: 1976
This is the highest certified album in the U.S., with 38x Platinum status, and 41.2 million copies sold globally. It collects the Eagles' early hits into one seamless record.
Tracks like Take It Easy, Desperado, and Lyin' Eyes helped make it one of the most successful albums ever, especially for compilation releases. It consistently ranks in the top 5 on U.S. best-seller charts and sparked decades of greatest hits album trends.
It’s proof that timeless songwriting never goes out of style.
9. Millennium – Backstreet Boys (40 Million Sales)
Released: 1999
At the peak of late-90s pop, Millennium exploded onto the global scene with 40 million album sales. It’s not only one of the top 20 best selling albums of all time, but also a defining record for boy band music.
Songs like I Want It That Way, Larger Than Life, and Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely drove the album to debut at No.1 in over 25 countries. It earned multiple Grammy nominations and set sales records in its first week.
For fans of pop history, this album is essential.
10. Come On Over – Shania Twain (40 Million Sales)
Released: 1997
Come On Over changed everything for country-pop. With 40 million copies sold worldwide, it’s the best selling country album of all time and a breakout moment for Shania Twain.
The album features hit after hit—You're Still the One, That Don’t Impress Me Much, and Man! I Feel Like a Woman! It spent 50+ weeks in the Billboard Top 10 and won four Grammys.
Shania proved that blending genres could create global success, placing this album firmly among the best selling albums of all time worldwide.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Best Selling Albums of All Time
The best selling albums of all time aren’t just numbers on a chart—they’re milestones in music history. Each album on this list shaped its genre, connected deeply with millions of fans, and stood the test of time across generations.
From Michael Jackson’s Thriller to Shania Twain’s Come On Over, these records show what happens when talent, timing, and emotion collide. They’ve earned their place not just in sales history but in our everyday lives—soundtracking memories, emotions, and cultural moments.
Whether you're diving into this list out of curiosity or nostalgia, one thing’s clear: these aren’t just the top selling albums, they’re timeless stories told through music.
