Over forty years after it first hit the airwaves, “Thriller” (the single) has reached a new milestone. Michael’s iconic 1983 single has climbed to No. 9 on the UK Official Singles Chart, its highest position ever in Britain.

Originally released in November 1983 as the title track from his record-breaking album, “Thriller” peaked at No. 10. The song’s mix of pop, funk, and horror-film theatrics, paired with the groundbreaking John Landis directed short film, cemented it as one of the most recognizable songs in music history.

Four decades later, its latest chart resurgence shows just how enduring that legacy remains. The jump to No. 9 comes in part thanks to a fan-led streaming and download campaign, the Thriller Challenge. The campaign encouraged fans to stream and purchase the track in the lead-up to Halloween, aiming to push it higher than ever before. The effort gained traction across social media, uniting longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Seasonal appeal also played a key role. Every October in recent years, the song sees a sharp rise in global streams as playlists fill with Halloween favorites. But this year’s coordinated fan activity turned that annual bump into a record-breaking moment. Michael now ties Elton John for having a Top 10 hit in six different decades in the UK. Alongside that feat, “Thriller” also reached No. 1 on US iTunes, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

“Thriller” continues to defy time and trend. Decades on, the song that redefined the short film has now redefined its own chart history, proving that Michael’s magic still reigns unstoppable.