Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ Sets New Record As First Album Ever To Sell 30 Million Copies

Beat it, sales records.

Michael Jackson has shattered a new ceiling from beyond the grave with his seminal “Thriller” album, now the first ever to be certified 30x multi-platinum, the Recording Industry Association of America and the music legend's estate announced Wednesday.

The 30x certification signifies that the late King of Pop's iconic 1982 album — which includes his hits “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and “P.Y.T.,” not to mention the spooky title track — has sold 30 million copies in the United States, as well as more than 100 million copies worldwide.

The new accolade is just another feather in the album's well-decorated cap, as it currently holds records for the best-selling album of all time, most Grammy wins in a single night (eight) and the only album ever to spend 37 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's charts.

It received the RIAA’s first-ever 20x multi-platinum certification in 1984 and crossed the 29x line in August 2009, just two months after his death.

Unsurprisingly, Jackson is also the top-earning dead celebrity, raking in a reported $1 billion since he passed away.

Rolling Stone has hailed his legendary, genre-bending record as one of 40 most groundbreaking albums of all time — admitting “it's hard to imagine the present-day musical landscape without ‘Thriller,’ which changed the game both sonically and marketwise.”

“There has never been a phenomenon like ‘Thriller,’” Jackson estate co-executors John Branca and John McClain said in a statement.

“There isn't a place on this planet that hasn't been exhilarated by the music of Michael Jackson. Thirty years after its release, ‘Thriller’ continues to be a revelation.”

Trailing Jackson in the RIAA's top five certified albums are the 29x-certified Eagles' “Greatest Hits 1971-1975” and Billy Joel's “Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II,” Led Zeppelin's “Led Zeppelin IV,” and Pink Floyd's “The Wall,” each 23x certified.

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