Michael Jackson is once again dominating the charts. Following the massive success of the Michael biopic, the King of Pop has earned his first U.K. No. 1 album in 17 years. The renewed surge in popularity has pushed The Essential Michael Jackson back to the top of the Official U.K. Albums Chart.
The achievement comes after a competitive chart battle involving Irish rap trio Kneecap and Spice Girls star Melanie C. However, Jackson’s legendary catalog pulled ahead in the final days as fans revisited his music following the film’s release.

The success of the Michael biopic has sparked a major streaming revival for the late superstar. Audiences worldwide have returned to his classic records, driving huge gains across streaming platforms and digital charts.
The Essential Michael Jackson previously topped the U.K. chart in 2009 following the singer’s death. Its return to No. 1 marks a major moment for Jackson’s enduring global legacy.
Several of his classic albums are also climbing the charts again. His groundbreaking 1982 album Thriller has jumped back into the U.K. top 10, while Bad has returned to the region’s top tier for the first time in over a decade.
The renewed success highlights the lasting cultural impact of Michael Jackson’s music. Decades after redefining pop music, his catalog continues to resonate with both longtime fans and younger audiences discovering his work for the first time.
The Michael biopic, starring Jaafar Jackson, has played a major role in reintroducing the artist’s legacy to a new generation while reigniting worldwide interest in his iconic discography.
With streaming numbers rising and classic albums returning to the charts, Michael Jackson’s influence on global music culture remains as powerful as ever.