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List of best-selling albums facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Thriller platinum record, Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood
Platinum record for Michael Jackson's Thriller (1982), the best-selling album of all time

This article lists the world's top-selling music albums. These are albums sold as physical items like vinyl records, cassette tapes, or CDs. To be on this list, an album must have sold at least 20 million copies. The sales numbers come from trusted sources.

This list includes all kinds of albums. You'll find regular studio albums, greatest hits collections, and even movie soundtracks. The numbers here don't count used albums that were resold.

Michael Jackson's Thriller is the best-selling album ever, with an estimated 70 to 100 million copies sold worldwide! Michael Jackson also has the most albums on this list, with five. Celine Dion has four, while the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Madonna, and Whitney Houston each have three.

The albums are grouped by how many copies they've sold. The highest group is for albums that sold 40 million copies or more. The lowest group is for albums that sold 20 to 29 million copies. Within each group, albums are listed from most copies sold to least. If two albums sold the same number, they are then ranked by how many copies were officially certified.

Understanding the Album Types

Colors
Studio albums (new songs by one artist)
Greatest hits and compilations (collections of popular songs)
Soundtracks (music from movies or TV shows)
Live albums (recorded during a concert)

Albums with 40 Million Copies or More Sold

*All sales figures are shown in millions

Artist Album Released Music Style Total Certified Copies Reported Sales* More Info
Jackson, MichaelMichael Jackson Thriller 1982 Pop, funk, rock &10000000000000051200000
51.2
  • US: 34 million
  • JPN: 100,000
  • UK: 4.5 million
  • GER: 1.5 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 3 million
  • AUS: 1.19 million
  • MEX: 2.6 million
  • NLD: 800,000
  • ITA: 50,000
  • SWE: 400,000
  • ARG: 500,000
  • SWI: 300,000
  • AUT: 400,000
  • FIN: 119,061
  • NZ: 180,000
  • HKG: 15,000
  • DEN: 480,000
  • DEN: 60,000
  • HUN: 6,000
  • POR: 40,000
 70-100
AC/DC Back in Black 1980 Hard rock &10000000000000030100000
30.1
  • US: 25 million
  • UK: 1 million
  • GER: 1 million
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 840,000
  • ITA: 150,000
  • SPA: 150,000
  • DEN: 40,000
  • ARG: 160,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • POL: 10,000
  • NZ: 15,000
 50
Houston, WhitneyWhitney Houston / various artists The Bodyguard 1992 R&B, soul, pop &10000000000000028699999
28.7
  • US: 18 million
  • JPN: 2 million
  • UK: 2.1 million
  • GER: 1.5 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 350,000
  • BRA: 750,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • SWE: 100,000
  • SPA: 600,000
  • ARG: 240,000
  • BEL: 200,000
  • POL: 50,000
  • SWI: 250,000
  • AUT: 200,000
  • NOR: 200,000
  • FIN: 56,486
  • NZ: 15,000
 50
Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon 1973 Progressive rock &10000000000000024800000
24.8
  • US: 15 million
  • UK: 4.5 million
  • GER: 1 million
  • FRA: 400,000
  • CAN: 2 million
  • AUS: 980,000
  • ITA: 300,000
  • ARG: 240,000
  • BEL: 25,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • NZ: 240,000
 45
Jackson, MichaelMichael Jackson Bad 1987 Pop, R&B, funk, rock &10000000000000021199999
21.2
  • US: 11 million
  • JPN: 100,000
  • UK: 4.2 million
  • GER: 2 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 700,000
  • AUS: 420,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • SPA: 300,000
  • SWE: 200,000
  • DEN: 80,000
  • NOR: 100,000
  • MEX: 350,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • AUT: 200,000
  • FIN: 51,287
  • NZ: 135,000
  • HKG: 15,000
  • POR: 40,000
 45
Eagles Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) 1976 Country rock, soft rock &10000000000000041200000
41.2
  • US: 38 million
  • UK: 600,000
  • CAN: 2 million
  • AUS: 560,000
  • HKG: 15,000
 44
Meat Loaf Bat Out of Hell 1977 Hard rock, glam rock &10000000000000022000000
22
  • US: 14 million
  • UK: 3.3 million
  • GER: 500,000
  • CAN: 2 million
  • AUS: 1.820 million
  • NLD: 100,000
  • DEN: 40,000
  • SWI: 25,000
  • NOR: 25,000
  • NZ: 255,000
 43
Eagles Hotel California 1976 Soft rock &10000000000000031800000
31.8
  • US: 26 million
  • UK: 1.8 million
  • GER: 500,000
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 630,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • SPA: 400,000
  • DEN: 10,000
  • SWI: 200,000
  • AUT: 25,000
  • FIN: 30,933
  • NZ: 135,000
  • HKG: 15,000
 42
Twain, ShaniaShania Twain Come On Over 1997 Country, pop &10000000000000030399999
30.4
  • US: 20 million
  • JPN: 100,000
  • UK: 3.3 million
  • GER: 750,000
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 2 million
  • AUS: 1.750 million
  • BRA: 100,000
  • MEX: 100,000
  • NLD: 500,000
  • SWE: 240,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • DEN: 140,000
  • ARG: 120,000
  • BEL: 150,000
  • SWI: 150,000
  • AUT: 25,000
  • NOR: 300,000
  • FIN: 38,958
  • NZ: 315,000
 40
Fleetwood Mac Rumours 1977 Soft rock &10000000000000030300000
30.3
  • US: 21 million
  • UK: 4.5 million
  • GER: 1.25 million
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 2 million
  • AUS: 910,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • SPA: 50,000
  • DEN: 40,000
  • NZ: 195,000
  • HKG: 15,000
 40
Bee Gees / Various artists Saturday Night Fever 1977 Disco &10000000000000022100000
22.1
  • US: 16 million
  • UK: 2.1 million
  • GER: 1.5 million
  • FRA: 200,000
  • CAN: 1.4 million
  • AUS: 770,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • HKG: 15,000
 40

Albums with 30–39 Million Copies Sold

*All sales figures are shown in millions

Artist Album Released Music Style Total Certified Copies Claimed Sales* More Info
Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin IV 1971 Hard rock, heavy metal &10000000000000030399999
30.4
  • US: 24 million
  • UK: 1.8 million
  • GER: 750,000
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 2 million
  • AUS: 630,000
  • BRA: 250,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 50,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • NOR: 40,000
  • ARG: 60,000
  • SWI: 50,000
 37
Jackson, MichaelMichael Jackson Dangerous 1991 New jack swing, R&B, pop &10000000000000017000000
17.0
  • US: 8 million
  • JPN: 400,000
  • UK: 1.8 million
  • GER: 2 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 600,000
  • AUS: 700,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • MEX: 600,000
  • NLD: 300,000
  • SWE: 300,000
  • SPA: 600,000
  • SWI: 250,000
  • AUT: 200,000
  • DEN: 60,000
  • FIN: 61,896
  • NZ: 90,000
  • ITA: 60,000
 35
Morissette, AlanisAlanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill 1995 Alternative rock &10000000000000025399999
26.4
  • US: 17 million
  • UK: 3 million
  • GER: 1 million
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 2 million
  • AUS: 980,000
  • BRA: 500,000
  • NLD: 400,000
  • SPA: 300,000
  • SWE: 200,000
  • DEN: 180,000
  • ARG: 60,000
  • BEL: 100,000
  • POL: 50,000
  • SWI: 50,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • FIN: 65,860
  • NZ: 15,000
  • POR: 80,000
 33
Various artists Dirty Dancing 1987 Pop, rock, R&B &10000000000000024100000
24.1
  • US: 14 million
  • UK: 3 million
  • GER: 3.250 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 770,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • SPA: 400,000
  • SWE: 100,000
  • DEN: 60,000
  • POL: 50,000
  • SWI: 250,000
  • NZ: 15,000
  • HKG: 7,500
 32


Dion, CelineCeline Dion Falling into You 1996 Pop, soft rock &10000000000000021100000
21.1
  • US: 12 million
  • JPN: 800,000
  • UK: 2.1 million
  • GER: 1.25 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 910,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • NLD: 600,000
  • SPA: 200,000
  • SWE: 200,000
  • DEN: 160,000
  • ARG: 60,000
  • BEL: 200,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • SWI: 150,000
  • NOR: 150,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • FIN: 51,952
  • NZ: 15,000
 32
Adele 21 2011 Pop, soul &10000000000000027100000
27.4
  • US: 14 million
  • JPN: 100,000
  • UK: 5.4 million
  • GER: 1.6 million
  • CAN: 1.6 million
  • AUS: 1.19 million
  • BRA: 480,000
  • NLD: 200,000
  • ITA: 480,000
  • SWE: 120,000
  • SPA: 300,000
  • ARG: 80,000
  • DEN: 180,000
  • BEL: 180,000
  • POL: 200,000
  • SWI: 210,000
  • MEX: 480,000
  • NOR: 30,000
  • AUT: 20,000
  • RUS: 10,000
  • FIN: 83,234
  • HUN: 6,000
  • IRE: 270,000
  • NZ: 195,000
  • POR: 30,000
  • GRE: 3,000
 31
Beatles, TheThe Beatles 1 2000 Rock &10000000000000023199999
23.2
  • US: 11 million
  • JPN: 2 million
  • UK: 3.6 million
  • GER: 1.65 million
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 700,000
  • BRA: 250,000
  • NLD: 160,000
  • ITA: 100,000
  • SWE: 160,000
  • SPA: 500,000
  • ARG: 120,000
  • BEL: 250,000
  • SWI: 150,000
  • NOR: 150,000
  • AUT: 150,000
  • DEN: 200,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • FIN: 77,466
  • NZ: 225,000
  • POR: 120,000
 31
Metallica Metallica 1991 Heavy metal &10000000000000022699999
22.7
  • US: 16 million
  • JPN: 200,000
  • UK: 600,000
  • GER: 2 million
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 910,000
  • NLD: 200,000
  • ITA: 50,000
  • SWE: 100,000
  • MEX: 75,000
  • ARG: 300,000
  • BEL: 100,000
  • POL: 70,000
  • NOR: 150,000
  • DEN: 140,000
  • SWI: 200,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • FIN: 112,856
  • NZ: 150,000
 31
Dion, CelineCeline Dion Let's Talk About Love 1997 Pop, soft rock &10000000000000020500000
20.5
  • US: 11 million
  • JPN: 1 million
  • UK: 1.8 million
  • GER: 1.5 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 490,000
  • NLD: 500,000
  • SWE: 240,000
  • SPA: 400,000
  • DEN: 220,000
  • ARG: 120,000
  • BEL: 200,000
  • POL: 200,000
  • SWI 300,000
  • NOR: 200,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • FIN: 97,744
  • NZ: 135,000
  • HKG: 40,000
  • URY: 3,000
 31
Marley, BobBob Marley and the Wailers Legend: The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers 1984 Reggae &10000000000000022899999
22.9
  • US: 15 million
  • UK: 4.260 million
  • GER: 500,000
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 200,000
  • AUS: 420,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 100,000
  • SWE: 50,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • ARG: 240,000
  • BEL: 200,000
  • NOR: 25,000
  • SWI: 300,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • FIN: 36,703
  • NZ: 300,000
 30
Guns N' Roses Appetite for Destruction 1987 Hard rock &10000000000000022800000
22.8
  • US: 18 million
  • JPN: 200,000
  • UK: 1,200,000
  • GER: 500,000
  • FRA: 200,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 490,000
  • BRA: 350,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 100,000
  • SPA: 50,000
  • SWE: 80,000
  • DEN: 80,000
  • MEX: 100,000
  • ARG: 180,000
  • SWI: 50,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • FIN: 25,000
  • NZ: 75,000
 30
Springsteen, BruceBruce Springsteen Born in the U.S.A. 1984 Heartland rock &10000000000000022000000
22
  • US: 17 million
  • UK: 900,000
  • GER]: 1 million
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 910,000
  • ITA: 50,000
  • SPA: 50,000
  • DEN: 60,000
  • MEX: 250,000
  • BEL: 75,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • FIN: 108,913
  • NZ: 255,000
 30
ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits 1992 Pop, disco &10000000000000021600000
21.6
  • US: 6 million
  • JPN: 600,000
  • UK: 6.0 million
  • GER: 2.5 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 1.19 million
  • BRA: 100,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 100,000
  • SPA: 500,000
  • SWE: 500,000
  • SWI: 500,000
  • MEX: 250,000
  • ARG: 240,000
  • BEL: 350,000
  • AUT: 150,000
  • DEN: 570,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • FIN: 145,962
  • NZ: 240,000
  • POR: 20,000
  • RUS: 10,000
 30
Dire Straits Brothers in Arms 1985 Roots rock, blues rock &10000000000000021100000
21.1
  • US: 9 million
  • UK: 4.2 million
  • GER: 500,000
  • FRA: 3 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 1.19 million
  • ITA: 550,000
  • SPA: 300,000
  • SWE: 50,000
  • ARG: 30,000
  • BEL: 200,000
  • DEN: 120,000
  • SWI: 300,000
  • AUT: 200,000
  • POL: 50,000
  • FIN: 116,784
  • NZ: 360,000
  • HKG: 15,000
 30
Madonna The Immaculate Collection 1990 Pop, dance &10000000000000020800000
20.8
  • US: 11 million
  • JPN: 800,000
  • UK: 3.9 million
  • GER: 750,000
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 700,000
  • AUS: 840,000
  • BRA: 500,000
  • NLD: 300,000
  • SWE: 50,000
  • SPA: 300,000
  • ARG: 360,000
  • SWI: 50,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • DEN: 80,000
  • FIN: 92,500
  • NZ: 105,000
 30
Santana Supernatural 1999 Latin rock &10000000000000020800000
20.8
  • US: 15 million
  • JPN: 200,000
  • UK: 900,000
  • GER: 1 million
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 280,000
  • BRA: 250,000
  • NLD: 200,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • SWE: 80,000
  • SPA: 300,000
  • MEX: 300,000
  • ARG: 120,000
  • BEL: 100,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • SWI: 200,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • FIN: 50,291
  • NZ: 60,000
 30
Pink Floyd The Wall 1979 Progressive rock &10000000000000018980000
18.9
  • US: 11.5 million
  • UK: 600,000
  • GER: 2 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 2 million
  • AUS: 770,000
  • NLD: 135,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • DEN: 120,000
  • ARG: 60,000
  • POL: 120,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • NZ: 210,000
  • HKG: 15,000
 30
Beatles, TheThe Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 1967 Rock &10000000000000018170000
18.3
  • US: 11 million
  • UK: 5.1 million
  • GER: 500,000
  • FRA: 100,000
  • CAN: 800,000
  • AUS: 280,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • ITA: 50,000
  • ARG: 300,000
  • NZ: 90,000
 30
Beatles, TheThe Beatles Abbey Road 1969 Rock &10000000000000016899999
16.9
  • US: 12 million
  • UK: 2.4 million
  • GER: 500,000
  • FRA: 100,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 210,000
  • ITA: 50,000
  • DEN: 60,000
  • ARG: 500,000
  • BEL: 50,000
  • NZ: 75,000
 30

Albums with 20–29 Million Copies Sold

*All sales figures are shown in millions

Artist Album Released Music Style Total Certified Copies Claimed Sales* More Info
Jones, NorahNorah Jones Come Away with Me 2002 Jazz &10000000000000019899999
19.9
  • US: 12 million
  • JPN: 500,000
  • UK: 2.4 million
  • GER: 750,000
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 770,000
  • BRA: 125,000
  • NLD: 160,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • SWE: 60,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • DEN: 220,000
  • ARG: 80,000
  • BEL: 100,000
  • SWI: 120,000
  • AUT: 80,000
  • POL: 200,000
  • NZ: 165,000
  • POR: 80,000
 28
Carey, MariahMariah Carey Music Box 1993 Pop, R&B &10000000000000017800000
17.8
  • US: 10 million
  • JPN: 1 million
  • UK: 1.5 million
  • GER: 1 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 700,000
  • AUS: 840,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • NLD: 600,000
  • SWE: 100,000
  • SPA: 400,000
  • BEL: 100,000
  • NOR: 160,000
  • SWI: 200,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • FIN: 47,382
  • NZ: 15,000
 28
Various artists Grease: The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture 1978 Rock and roll &10000000000000015029999
15
  • US: 8 million
  • UK: 2.7 million
  • GER: 1.25 million
  • FRA: 400,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 980,000
  • ITA: 50,000
  • SPA: 300,000
  • DEN: 140,000
  • BEL: 25,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • SWI: 25,000
  • NZ: 90,000
  • HKG: 20,000
 28
Eminem The Eminem Show 2002 Hip hop &10000000000000019100000
19.1
  • US: 12 million
  • JPN: 600,000
  • UK: 1.8 million
  • GER: 900,000
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 1.07 million
  • BRA: 50,000
  • NLD: 80,000
  • ITA: 50,000
  • SWE: 120,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • DEN: 140,000
  • MEX: 75,000
  • ARG: 40,000
  • BEL: 50,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • SWI: 120,000
  • AUT: 60,000
  • POL: 50,000
  • FIN: 62,212
  • NZ: 135,000
  • POR: 40,000
 27
Horner, JamesJames Horner Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture 1997 Film score &10000000000000018138500
18.1
  • US: 11 million
  • JPN: 1 million
  • UK: 900,000
  • GER: 1.25 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 350,000
  • NLD: 175,000
  • SWE: 160,000
  • SPA: 400,000
  • ARG: 60,000
  • BEL: 150,000
  • POL: 140,000
  • SWI: 200,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • NOR: 100,000
  • FIN: 73,509
  • NZ: 60,000
  • HKG: 20,000
 27
Nirvana Nevermind 1991 Grunge, alternative rock &10000000000000017800000
17.8
  • US: 10 million
  • JPN: 600,000
  • UK: 1.8 million
  • GER: 1 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 350,000
  • BRA: 250,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 150,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • SWE: 200,000
  • DEN: 120,000
  • MEX: 200,000
  • ARG: 180,000
  • BEL: 400,000
  • POL: 120,000
  • SWI: 50,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • FIN: 46,830
  • NZ: 105,000
 26
Clapton, EricEric Clapton Unplugged 1992 Acoustic rock, acoustic blues &10000000000000017000000
17
  • US: 10 million
  • JPN: 800,000
  • UK: 1.2 million
  • GER: 1.250 million
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 560,000
  • BRA: 250,000
  • NLD: 400,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • SWE: 100,000
  • SPA: 300,000
  • DEN: 60,000
  • ARG: 120,000
  • BEL: 100,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • POL: 50,000
  • FIN: 45,034
  • NZ: 15,000
 26
Queen Greatest Hits 1981 Rock &10000000000000020600000
20.6
  • US: 9 million
  • JPN: 100,000
  • UK: 6.9 million
  • GER: 1.750 million
  • FRA: 200,000
  • CAN: 300,000
  • AUS: 1.05 million
  • BRA: 250,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 50,000
  • SWE: 50,000
  • SPA: 50,000
  • ARG: 180,000
  • SWI: 250,000
  • AUT: 200,000
  • POL: 50,000
  • FIN: 55,058
  • NZ: 150,000
 25
Spears, BritneyBritney Spears ...Baby One More Time 1999 Pop &10000000000000020160000
20.1
  • US: 14 million
  • JPN: 200,000
  • UK: 1.2 million
  • GER: 750,000
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 280,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • NLD: 300,000
  • SWE: 80,000
  • SPA: 300,000
  • DEN: 60,000
  • MEX: 375,000
  • ARG: 240,000
  • BEL: 150,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • NZ: 45,000
 25
Journey Greatest Hits 1988 Rock, hard rock &10000000000000018300000
18.3
  • US: 18 million
  • UK: 300,000
  • CAN: 50,000
  • IRE: 15,000
 25
Collins, PhilPhil Collins No Jacket Required 1985 Pop rock &10000000000000017699999
17.7
  • US: 12 million
  • UK: 1.8 million
  • GER: 1.5 million
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 70,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 250,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • ARG: 180,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • FIN: 34,203
  • NZ: 15,000
 25
Houston, WhitneyWhitney Houston Whitney Houston 1985 Pop, R&B &10000000000000016600000
17.6
  • US: 14 million
  • UK: 1.2 million
  • GER: 500,000
  • FRA: 100,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 280,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • SWE: 200,000
  • NOR: 100,000
  • BEL: 25,000
  • SWI: 50,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • FIN: 29,109
  • HKG: 15,000
  • NZ: 15,000
 25
Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP 2000 Hip hop &10000000000000017500000
17.5
  • US: 11 million
  • JPN: 200,000
  • UK: 2.4 million
  • GER: 900,000
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 800,000
  • AUS: 280,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • NLD: 80,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • SWE: 160,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • DEN: 100,000
  • MEX: 150,000
  • ARG: 30,000
  • BEL: 100,000
  • NOR: 100,000
  • SWI: 200,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • FIN: 40,055
  • NZ: 75,000
 25
Linkin Park Hybrid Theory 2000 Nu metal, rap metal &10000000000000017199999
17.2
  • US: 12 million
  • JPN: 200,000
  • UK: 1.8 million
  • GER: 900,000
  • FRA: 200,000
  • CAN: 500,000
  • AUS: 350,000
  • BRA: 250,000
  • NLD: 80,000
  • ITA: 100,000
  • SWE: 80,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • DEN: 80,000
  • MEX: 150,000
  • ARG: 60,000
  • BEL: 100,000
  • SWI: 50,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • FIN: 62,629
  • NZ: 75,000
 25
U2 The Joshua Tree 1987 Rock &10000000000000016699999
16.7
  • US: 10 million
  • UK: 2.7 million
  • GER: 1 million
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 350,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • SPA: 400,000
  • MEX: 100,000
  • ARG: 60,000
  • SWI: 50,000
  • AUT: 150,000
  • FIN: 27,965
  • NZ: 210,000
 25
Prince and The Revolution Purple Rain 1984 Pop rock, new wave &10000000000000015699999
15.7
  • US: 13 million
  • UK: 600,000
  • GER: 750,000
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 600,000
  • AUS: 210,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • SPA: 50,000
  • DEN: 10,000
  • SWI: 50,000
  • AUT: 25,000
  • NZ: 75,000
 25
Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet 1986 Hard rock, glam metal &10000000000000015300000
15.3
  • US: 12 million
  • UK: 900,000
  • GER: 500,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 420,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • DEN: 10,000
  • SWI: 250,000
  • FIN: 73,564
  • NZ: 15,000
 25
King, CaroleCarole King Tapestry 1971 Pop &10000000000000015099999
15.1
  • US: 14 million
  • UK: 600,000
  • AUS: 560,000
  • NZ: 15,000
 25
Madonna True Blue 1986 Pop, dance &10000000000000014500000
14.5
  • US: 7 million
  • JPN: 100,000
  • UK: 2.1 million
  • GER: 1 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 280,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 800,000
  • SPA: 300,000
  • ARG: 240,000
  • BEL: 75,000
  • NOR: 100,000
  • SWI: 150,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • FIN: 53,912
  • NZ: 75,000
  • POR: 20,000
 25
Simon & Garfunkel Bridge over Troubled Water 1970 Folk rock &10000000000000012500000
12.5
  • US: 8 million
  • UK: 3.3 million
  • GER: 500,000
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 400,000
  • SWI: 25,000
  • FIN: 25,000
 25
Michael, GeorgeGeorge Michael Faith 1987 Pop, R&B, funk &10000000000000013900000
13.9
  • US: 10 million
  • UK: 1.2 million
  • GER: 250,000
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 350,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • SWE: 50,000
  • SPA: 200,000
  • DEN: 20,000
  • ARG: 60,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • NZ: 15,000
 25
John, EltonElton John Greatest Hits 1974 Pop &10000000000000019100000
19.1
  • US: 17 million
  • JPN: 200,000
  • UK: 800,000
  • FRA: 100,000
  • CAN: 1 million
 24
Backstreet Boys Millennium 1999 Pop &10000000000000018399999
18.4
  • US: 13 million
  • JPN: 800,000
  • UK: 300,000
  • GER: 750,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 210,000
  • BRA: 500,000
  • NLD: 200,000
  • SWE: 80,000
  • SPA: 400,000
  • MEX: 675,000
  • ARG: 180,000
  • BEL: 100,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • SWI: 50,000
  • AUT: 25,000
  • POL: 50,000
  • FIN: 42,525
  • NZ: 30,000
 24
Adele 25 2015 Soul, pop &10000000000000019000000
19
  • US: 11 million
  • UK: 3.6 million
  • GER: 1.2 million
  • CAN: 800,000
  • AUS: 700,000
  • BRA: 160,000
  • ITA: 250,000
  • SWE: 80,000
  • SPA: 120,000
  • DEN: 100,000
  • BEL: 240,000
  • MEX: 210,000
  • NOR: 80,000
  • SWI: 120,000
  • AUT: 60,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • FIN: 47,482
  • NZ: 180,000
  • POR: 15,000
 23
Spice Girls Spice 1996 Pop &10000000000000016399999
16.4
  • US: 7 million
  • JPN: 400,000
  • UK: 3 million
  • GER: 750,000
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 420,000
  • BRA: 500,000
  • NLD: 300,000
  • SWE: 160,000
  • SPA: 1 million
  • DEN: 120,000
  • MEX: 100,000
  • BEL: 150,000
  • NOR: 100,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • POL: 200,000
  • FIN: 76,375
  • NZ: 15,000
 23
Ace of Base Happy Nation/The Sign 1993 Pop &10000000000000014400000
14.4
  • US: 9 million
  • JPN: 600,000
  • UK: 600,000
  • GER: 1.5 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 70,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • NLD: 200,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • AUT: 75,000
  • FIN: 82,715
  • NZ: 15,000
 23
Jackson, MichaelMichael Jackson HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I 1995 R&B, pop &10000000000000015099999
15.2
  • US: 8 million
  • JPN: 400,000
  • UK: 1.2 million
  • GER: 1.5 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 500,000
  • AUS: 560,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • NLD: 300,000
  • ITA: 35,000
  • SWE: 100,000
  • SPA: 300,000
  • ARG: 60,000
  • DEN: 250,000
  • MEX: 100,000
  • BEL: 250,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • SWI: 150,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • FIN: 61,352
  • NZ: 135,000
 22
Dion, CelineCeline Dion All the Way... A Decade of Song 1999 Pop &10000000000000014400000
14.4
  • US: 7 million
  • JPN: 2 million
  • UK: 1.2 million
  • GER: 1.050 million
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 350,000
  • BRA: 250,000
  • SWE: 160,000
  • SPA: 200,000
  • ARG: 60,000
  • BEL: 150,000
  • NOR: 100,000
  • SWI: 150,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • FIN: 55,713
  • NZ: 60,000
 22
Madonna Like a Virgin 1984 Pop, dance &10000000000000016199999
16.2
  • US: 10 million
  • JPN: 100,000
  • UK: 900,000
  • GER: 750,000
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 490,000
  • ITA: 1 million
  • SPA: 100,000
  • BEL: 75,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • FIN: 35,398
  • NZ: 75,000
 21
Bon Jovi Cross Road 1994 Hard rock, glam metal &10000000000000011599999
11.6
  • US: 4 million
  • JPN: 1 million
  • UK: 1.8 million
  • GER: 1 million
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 910,000
  • NLD: 200,000
  • SWE: 100,000
  • SPA: 400,000
  • ARG: 240,000
  • BEL: 100,000
  • SWI: 150,000
  • AUT: 150,000
  • POL: 50,000
  • FIN: 123,354
  • NZ: 105,000
 21
Hootie & the Blowfish Cracked Rear View 1994 Roots rock, heartland rock &10000000000000022199999
22.2
  • US: 21 million
  • UK: 100,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 140,000
 20
Presley, ElvisElvis Presley Elvis' Christmas Album 1957 Christmas, pop &10000000000000020800000
20.8
  • US: 20 million
  • UK: 440,000
  • CAN: 400,000
  • AUS: 35,000
 20
Boston Boston 1976 Arena rock, hard rock &10000000000000018100000
18.1
  • US: 17 million
  • UK: 100,000
  • CAN: 1 million
 20
Carey, MariahMariah Carey Daydream 1995 Pop, R&B &10000000000000015199999
15.2
  • US: 11 million
  • JPN: 1 million
  • UK: 600,000
  • GER: 500,000
  • FRA: 600,000
  • CAN: 700,000
  • AUS: 350,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • SPA: 200,000
  • BEL: 50,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • SWI: 25,000
  • AUT: 25,000
  • POL: 50,000
  • NZ: 15,000
 20
Green Day Dookie 1994 Pop punk, punk rock &10000000000000014599999
14.6
  • US: 10 million
  • JPN: 200,000
  • UK: 900,000
  • GER: 750,000
  • FRA: 100,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 350,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • ITA: 50,000
  • SWE: 50,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • ARG: 60,000
  • BEL: 25,000
  • DEN: 80,000
  • SWI: 25,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • POL: 50,000
  • FIN: 35,205
  • NZ: 15,000
  • IRE: 60,000
 20
Houston, WhitneyWhitney Houston Whitney 1987 Pop, R&B &10000000000000014400000
14.5
  • US: 10 million
  • UK: 2.1 million
  • GER: 500,000
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 700,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • SWE: 200,000
  • SPA: 200,000
  • NOR: 100,000
  • DEN: 20,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • FIN: 59,053
  • HKG: 15,000
  • NZ: 15,000
 20
Twain, ShaniaShania Twain The Woman in Me 1995 Country, pop &10000000000000014500000
14.5
  • US: 12 million
  • UK: 300,000
  • CAN: 2 million
  • AUS: 210,000
 20
Spears, BritneyBritney Spears Oops!... I Did It Again 2000 Pop &10000000000000014400000
14.4
  • US: 10 million
  • JPN: 200,000
  • UK: 900,000
  • GER: 900,000
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 500,000
  • AUS: 210,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • NLD: 160,000
  • SWE: 80,000
  • SPA: 200,000
  • MEX: 300,000
  • ARG: 60,000
  • BEL: 150,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • FIN: 54,274
  • NZ: 30,000
 20
Def Leppard Hysteria 1987 Hard rock, glam metal &10000000000000013900000
13.9
  • US: 12 million
  • UK: 600,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 280,000
  • SWE: 50,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • SWI: 50,000
  • NZ: 15,000
 20
Hill, LaurynLauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 1998 Neo Soul, R&B &10000000000000013400000
13.7
  • US: 10 million
  • JPN: 1 million
  • UK: 1.2 million
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 700,000
  • AUS: 140,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • SWE: 80,000
  • SPA: 50,000
  • BEL: 50,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • SWI: 50,000
  • AUT: 25,000
  • NZ: 45,000
 20
Chapman, TracyTracy Chapman Tracy Chapman 1988 Folk rock &10000000000000013300000
13.3
  • US: 6 million
  • UK: 2.1 million
  • GER: 2.250 million
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 300,000
  • AUS: 490,000
  • BRA: 100,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 25,000
  • SWE: 50,000
  • SPA: 300,000
  • ARG: 120,000
  • DEN: 120,000
  • SWI: 200,000
  • AUT: 100,000
  • NZ: 15,000
  • POR: 40,000
 20
Richie, LionelLionel Richie Can't Slow Down 1983 Pop, R&B &10000000000000012300000
12.3
  • US: 10 million
  • UK: 900,000
  • GER: 250,000
  • FRA: 100,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • NLD: 100,000
  • SPA: 50,000
  • FIN: 50,608
  • NZ: 15,000
 20
Jackson, MichaelMichael Jackson Off the Wall 1979 Disco, pop, funk &10000000000000011699999
11.7
  • US: 9 million
  • UK: 1.8 million
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 100,000
  • AUS: 350,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • ITA: 30,000
  • DEN: 10,000
  • NZ: 90,000
 20
Fugees The Score 1996 Alternative hip hop &10000000000000011599999
11.6
  • US: 7 million
  • JPN: 100,000
  • UK: 1.5 million
  • GER: 750,000
  • FRA: 1 million
  • CAN: 500,000
  • AUS: 70,000
  • NLD: 100,000
  • SWE: 100,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • DEN: 80,000
  • BEL: 50,000
  • NOR: 25,000
  • SWI: 100,000
  • AUT: 50,000
  • POL: 100,000
  • FIN: 26,267
  • NZ: 15,000
 20
Oasis (What's the Story) Morning Glory? 1995 Britpop, rock &10000000000000011500000
11.6
  • US: 4 million
  • JPN: 200,000
  • UK: 4.8 million
  • GER: 250,000
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 800,000
  • AUS: 560,000
  • NLD: 50,000
  • ITA: 100,000
  • SWE: 100,000
  • SPA: 200,000
  • ARG: 30,000
  • DEN: 120,000
  • BEL: 25,000
  • NOR: 50,000
  • SWI: 25,000
  • AUT: 25,000
  • FIN: 27,540
  • NZ: 15,000
 22
Dion, CelineCeline Dion The Colour of My Love 1993 Pop &10000000000000011099999
11.1
  • US: 6 million
  • JPN: 600,000
  • UK: 1.5 million
  • GER: 250,000
  • FRA: 300,000
  • CAN: 1 million
  • AUS: 630,000
  • NLD: 300,000
  • SWE: 100,000
  • SPA: 100,000
  • BEL: 100,000
  • NOR: 150,000
  • SWI: 50,000
  • AUT: 25,000
  • FIN: 40,289
  • NZ: 15,000
 20

Timeline of Best-Selling Albums Over Time

This table shows which album held the record for the most sales at different times in history.

Timeline of the highest-selling album record
Year Record Set Artist Album Record Sales
(millions)		 Total Sales
(millions)		 More Info
1945 Various Artists Oklahoma! (78 rpm album) 0.5 1.0
After 1946 Jolson, AlAl Jolson The Jolson Story 1
1956 Various Artists Oklahoma! (LP album) 1.75 2.5
1956/1957 Various Artists My Fair Lady 2 5
1960 Various Artists South Pacific 2.25 3
1963 Meader, VaughnVaughn Meader The First Family 4 7.5
1968 Various Artists The Sound of Music 8
1973 King, CaroleCarole King Tapestry 10+
1975/1976 Various Artists The Sound of Music 10–15
1976 King, CaroleCarole King Tapestry 13.5 25
1979 Bee Gees/Various Artists Saturday Night Fever 25–27 40
1984 Jackson, MichaelMichael Jackson Thriller 35 70

Top-Selling Album Each Year Worldwide

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) tracks the best-selling albums each year. They started doing this in 2001.

Year Album Artist(s) Sales
(millions)		 More Info
2001 Hybrid Theory Linkin Park 9.0
2002 The Eminem Show Eminem 13.9
2003 Come Away with Me Jones, NorahNorah Jones 11.0
2004 Confessions Usher 12.0
2005 X&Y Coldplay 8.3
2006 High School Musical Various Artists 7.0
2007 High School Musical 2 6.0
2008 Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends Coldplay 6.8
2009 I Dreamed a Dream Boyle, SusanSusan Boyle 8.3
2010 Recovery Eminem 5.7
2011 21 Adele 18.1
2012 8.3
2013 Midnight Memories One Direction 4.0
2014 Frozen Various Artists 10.0
2015 25 Adele 17.4
2016 Lemonade Beyoncé 2.5
2017 ÷ Sheeran, EdEd Sheeran 6.1
2018 The Greatest Showman Jackman, HughHugh Jackman & Various Artists 3.5
2019 5x20 All the Best!! 1999–2019 Arashi 3.3
2020 Map of the Soul: 7 BTS 4.8
2021 30 Adele 4.68
2022 Greatest Works of Art Jay Chou 7.2
2023 FML Seventeen 6.2

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Anexo:Álbumes musicales más vendidos para niños

  • List of best-selling albums by women
  • List of best-selling albums by country
  • List of Fastest selling albums
  • List of best-selling music artists
  • List of best-selling singles
  • Lists of albums
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