<p> <strong>Michael Jackson</strong>'s “Thriller,” the biggest-selling album in the world, turns 30 today, a bittersweet anniversary following the King of Pop's death in 2009.</p> 
<p> “Thriller” originally spent 37 weeks at No. 1, a total of 80 consecutive weeks in the Top 10. It's also the only album in American history to be the bestselling album for two years (though <strong>Adele</strong>'s “21” looks like it will duplicate that feat this year). Seven of the album's nine songs hit the Billboard Top 10 -- with “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” both reaching No. 1.</p> 
<p> Here are some of “Thriller"'s most memorable moments:</p> 
<p> <iframe allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LZ8ce4Jdp-Y" width="480"></iframe></p> 
<p> <iframe allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oRdxUFDoQe0" width="480"></iframe></p> 
<p> <iframe allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/w8DKD0PoRSI" width="480"></iframe></p> 
<p> <iframe allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sOnqjkJTMaA" width="480"></iframe></p>

Michael Jackson's “Thriller,” the biggest-selling album in the world, turns 30 today, a bittersweet anniversary following the King of Pop's death in 2009. “Thriller” originally spent 37 weeks at No. 1, a total of 80 consecutive weeks in the Top 10. It's also the only album in American history to be the bestselling album for two years (though Adele's “21” looks like it will duplicate that feat this year). Seven of the album's nine songs hit the Billboard Top 10 -- with “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” both reaching No. 1. Here are some of “Thriller"'s most memorable moments:

Entertainment

Music

Happy 30th anniversary, 'Thriller'!

Newsday

Thiller anniversary

Entertainment trending

Take our quizzes

50 best LI movies

AI's effect on entertainment

Jones Beach summer 2026 concerts

Most Popular

Entertainment Rail Module

Billy Joel's 1971 interview plus films on Kenny Loggins and Ann Wilson set for Sept. 25-27.

The docs are in for LI Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame fest

And who could forget two other legendary announcers, Johnny Olson and Don Pardo?

This is Johnny Gilbert, the voice of 'Jeopardy!'

Meet Sheryl Lee, Ray Wise and Michael Horse from David Lynch's cult series on Sept. 20.

The Suffolk to host stars from 'Twin Peaks'

The venerable game show is more popular than ever with four spinoffs going strong.

Too much of a good thing? 'Jeopardy' spinoffs put the show in overdrive.

Friends and colleagues gathered at Volpe Ristorante in Woodbury to pay tribute.

'Sopranos' star Vincent Pastore goes out on a high note

Friends and colleagues gathered at Volpe Ristorante in Woodbury to honor the late 'Sopranos' star. NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland has more.

'He was a dear friend'

Sign up for Newsday's Entertainment newsletter

Entertainment newsletter widget

More Entertainment

Entertainment Article Bottom Module

One night will feature the songs of Led Zeppelin, in addition to original Zebra music.

November to remember: Zebra plays 2 nights in Patchogue, releases new album

"1971: Billy Joel's Lost Interview" will be screened a the LI Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

AI-generated Billy Joel from 1971 to be featured in new documentary to screen on LI

Here's how these Long Island content creators use TikTok to build their careers.

Meet the Long Islanders making it big on TikTok

The Grammy winner shares stories about her show at Sag Harbor, Clive Davis and more.

Melissa Manchester talks about 'Cagney,' Clive Davis, performing on LI, more

"Valley of the Dolls" and "St. Elmo's Fire" were bad, but their songs were music to our ears.

Remember these great songs from not so great movies?

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits the Jamesport Farm Brewery, which has been recently purchased by the owners of Waterdrinker Farms.

Out East: Jamesport Farm Brewery

The multi-billion project to improve the flow of energy to and from Long Island is facing pushback from some groups who say the health of Hempstead Harbor is at stake. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Underwater cable project to Long Island raises environmental concerns

On Thursday an "accidental electrical fire" damaged several areas of the historic Milleridge Inn's main property.

'Accidental electrical fire' damages Milleridge Inn

Cleaning crews were hard at work after a tornado ripped through the Sun and Surf Beach Club in Atlantic Beach Thursday evening. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'It was just a whistling sound that came right through'

Jones Beach Theatre concertgoers were hit by a massive storm Thursday night, causing the show to be delayed. Some attendees thought the concert should have been canceled. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

Wild weather raises concert safety concerns at Jones Beach 

Newsday travel reporter Carissa Kellman learns about renting and driving a skiff boat at Ted's Fishing Station in Point Lookout.

Cruise Long Island's shoreline on your own private boat

Since girls flag football became an official sport in New York high schools in the spring of 2023, participation in the sport has increased nearly 70%, NewsdayTV's Jared Valluzzi reports.

Flag football taking over spring sports

Bonsai tree-making classes, trivia nights, mocktails and private events are among the ways local venues are trying to draw customers. Newsday business reporter Tory Parrish has more.

As Americans drink less, Long Island bars and breweries get creative 

Ken Buffa stopped by La Cucina Paisanos in Farmingville to try their "pull apart soul-bowls," which are bread bowls stuffed with pasta.

Trendy Bites: Get stuffed with these Italian 'soul-bowls'

Long-forgotten unpaid traffic infractions in other states are causing a delay in New York State license renewals. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

Outstanding out-of-state tickets holding back NYS license renewals 

Sitewide Video Playlist

Immigrant advocates are calling on Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to comply with Tuesday's deadline for agencies that have signed contracts with ICE to wind down those pacts. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

As deadline arrives, will Nassau comply or sue?

This morning, Long Islanders were able to see the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Here was the view from Bethpage.

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket seen over Bethpage

During a tour of the public hospital's campus, CEO Thomas Stokes said upgrades to aging infrastructure would cost "hundreds of millions of dollars." But there aren't yet plans to replace it. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown reports.

'It would cost hundreds of millions of dollars'

At least three of the guns had the serial number filed off, and at least one was a manufactured ghost gun, officials said. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'Nobody has this amount of guns in their home if they're not selling'

Mandates could include requiring new systems when old septic tanks fail or when houses are sold. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'There's no harm in reaching out to the county'

The "flip-flop" comes days after Newsday revealed the findings and raises questions about enforcement of fair housing laws. Newsday investigative reporter Josh Solomon has the story.

'I have never seen anything this egregious'

Hockey fans flocked to The Rinx in Hauppauge to see Sound Beach native and Stanley Cup champion Brandon Bussi of the Carolina Hurricanes. NewsdayTV's Jamie Stuart reports.

Bussi brings Cup to LI for 'unforgettable experience'

An overturned tanker truck spilled fuel on Rockaway Turnpike in Meadowmere on Wednesday.

Busy roadway closed after tanker overturns

Long Island is home to 13 of the top 50 high schools in the state, according to a new U.S. News & World Report ranking. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

High schools that made the list, and one that dropped

Community and faith leaders gathered with Suffolk County officials to decry the vandalism as police continue their investigation. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed has more.

'Religious hate is not going to be accepted'

A 911 call reporting the burglary at the popular restaurant was received early Monday morning, according to police.

Police release photos of burglary suspect

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

Music - megaslot

Long Island concerts from Jones Beach to the UBS Arena, plus Long Island bands playing the local music scene.

Happy 30th anniversary, 'Thriller'!

Most Popular

Top Stories

Stay logged in.