Michael Jackson continues to prove that his music is timeless! The King of Pop has claimed the Number 1 position on The Official Top 40 Biggest Albums of 2026 So Far in the UK, with The Essential Michael Jackson leading the way. Even more impressively, Michael has three albums featured in the year-to-date Top 20!
According to the latest figures published by the Official Charts Company, The Essential Michael Jackson has accumulated more than 508,000 UK chart units so far this year, securing the top spot ahead of releases by some of today’s biggest music stars. The compilation, originally released in 2005, has overtaken Olivia Dean’s The Art Of Loving, which sits at Number 2, and Harry Styles’ Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, at Number 3.
But this achievement is about much more than one successful greatest hits collection. Michael’s catalogue is continuing to attract listeners across generations, with two of his most iconic studio albums also making the list.
Here are Michael’s three entries in the Official Top 40 Biggest Albums of 2026 So Far:
#1 – The Essential Michael Jackson
The 2005 compilation takes the crown as the UK’s biggest album of 2026 so far. Featuring 38 tracks spanning Michael’s extraordinary solo career, the collection remains a popular introduction to his music, bringing together many of the songs that helped define him as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
#16 – Thriller
Released in 1982, Thriller remains one of the most influential albums in music history. Featuring legendary tracks such as “Billie Jean”, “Beat It” and “Thriller”, the album continues to find new listeners while longtime fans return to its groundbreaking sound. More than four decades after its release, Thriller is still making its presence felt in the UK charts.
#20 – Bad
Michael’s 1987 album Bad completes his trio of entries in the Top 20. Home to classics including “Bad”, “The Way You Make Me Feel”, “Man in the Mirror”, “Smooth Criminal” and “Dirty Diana”, the album showcases another defining chapter in his remarkable career.
The renewed interest in Michael’s music follows the release of the biopic Michael in April 2026, which has helped introduce his songs and legacy to a new generation of audiences. The film’s impact is reflected in the continued demand for his catalogue, with listeners revisiting the classics and discovering the music for themselves.
Having one album at Number 1 would already be an impressive achievement, but having three albums inside the Top 20 demonstrates the remarkable staying power of Michael’s music. While today’s biggest stars compete for chart positions, his work continues to stand alongside the most popular releases of the year.
Michael Jackson may have left us in 2009, but his music remains very much alive. From The Essential Michael Jackson at Number 1 to Thriller at Number 16 and Bad at Number 20, the King of Pop continues to reign over the charts.
Long live the King of Pop!
Source: The Official Charts – The Official Biggest Albums of 2026 So Far
