Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” hits a new global chart peak one week after “Beat It” debuted and shortly after “Thriller” climbed higher than ever. (FILES) US pop star and entertainer Michael Jackson preforms before an estimated audience of 60,000 in Brunei on July 16, 1996. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 after suffering a cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves sweeping across the world and tributes pouring in on June 26 for the tortured music icon revered as the “King of Pop.” AFP PHOTO/FRANCIS Sylvain (Photo credit should read FRANCIS Sylvain/AFP via Getty Images)
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It was only a few weeks ago that Michael Jackson claimed a global smash with “Thriller.” The tune, which is now 40 years old, was a hit during its initial promotional run decades back, and it returns to prominence every October. “Thriller” is the quintessential Halloween tune, one which soars in terms of streams and sales as millions of people around the world celebrate the spooky holiday.
In 2025, all the attention being paid to “Thriller” helped several other Jackson compositions become popular again. Even after “Thriller” has fallen away, a number of tracks featured on the album of the same name have held on globally, and this week, “Billie Jean” gives Jackson a rare top 40 win on one of Billboard’s worldwide rankings as it climbs to a never-before-seen peak.
“Billie Jean” Reaches a New All-Time Chart Peak
“Billie Jean” rises four spaces on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. this week. The tune settles at No. 40, which marks a new high point for the beloved cut.
Where Has “Billie Jean” Peaked on the Billboard Global 200?
“Billie Jean” can also be found on Billboard Global 200, though not in quite as lofty a position. Jackson’s Thriller single holds at No. 49, which stands as its best showing. “Billie Jean” sits as high as it ever has on both of Billboard’s worldwide lists at the same time.
What’s the Difference Between Billboard’s Two Global Charts?
Billboard introduced both Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. five years ago. The Billboard Global 200 ranks the most consumed songs all around the planet, using both sales and streams to measure popularity. The Billboard Global Excl. U.S. is compiled in the same way as Billboard Global 200, except all consumption from American listeners is left out, as it is meant to show what the rest of the world is listening to. Sometimes, the gap between where a tune lands on one list compared to the other highlights differences in listening habits across the human race.
How Long Has “Billie Jean” Lived on Billboard’s Global Charts?
While “Billie Jean” has climbed higher on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. compared to Billboard Global 200, the song has spent more time on the slightly more all-encompassing roster. “Billie Jean” is up to 106 weeks on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. and 119 frames on Billboard Global 200.
Michael Jackson Recently Scored Another Global Hit With “Beat It”
Last week, Jackson scored a new hit on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. with yet another Thriller smash, “Beat It” when the cut debuted at No. 171 on the list. This frame, the track dips to No. 189 in just its second stint on the tally.
“Thriller” Reached a New Chart Peak Earlier This Month
Earlier this month, “Thriller” broke back onto Billboard Global Excl. U.S. at No. 195 on the chart dated November 8. The following frame, the tune skyrocketed almost 150 spaces, settling in at No. 46. That position marked a new high point for “Thriller” on the almost-worldwide ranking. Just a few days later, after people stopped with trick-or-treating, costumes, and Halloween parties, “Thriller” disappeared again from Billboard Global Excl. U.S., likely not to return for another year.
Michael Jackson’s Thriller Album Rises in America
While Jackson fills two spaces on Billboard’s global rankings, he doesn’t claim any hit songs in the United States at the moment. His album Thriller does appear on five lists, as consumption of the project — if not the tune of the same name — remains high.
VARIOUS, VARIOUS – JUNE 25: Michael Jackson performs in concert circa 1988. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
WireImage
Thriller makes space inside the top 10 on both Top R&B Albums and Vinyl Albums charts and is present within the top 40 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Album Sales rosters as well. Thriller dips just outside the top 40 on Billboard 200, the most important albums tally, shortly after celebrating 700 weeks on the roster.