Michael Jackson – “Thriller”
A spooky pop masterpiece that moonwalked into music history
Released on November 11, 1983 in the UK and January 23, 1984 in the U.S., “Thriller” was the seventh and final single from Michael Jackson’s Thriller album — and though it arrived late in the cycle, it became one of its most iconic hits. Written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones, the song blurred genre lines with its eerie blend of pop, funk, disco, and rock, and became inseparable from its groundbreaking mini-movie of a video.
A Pop Song Dressed for Halloween
“Thriller” is part banger, part haunted house. From its spooky sound effects — creaking doors, howling wolves, thunder — to its dramatic chord progression and funky groove, it’s the kind of song that immediately conjures fog machines and red leather jackets.
Temperton envisioned it as a theatrical track full of “scary fun,” and Vincent Price’s chilling narration sealed the deal. His “darkness falls across the land…” speech and evil laugh became part of pop culture’s Halloween soundtrack forever.
The Video That Changed Everything
Premiering on December 2, 1983, the 14-minute music video, directed by John Landis, was more than just a promo — it was a cinematic event. Part horror movie, part dance break, part love story, the video showed Jackson turning into a werecat, rising from the grave, and leading a legion of zombies in one of the most iconic dance routines ever filmed.
Its reported $500,000+ budget made it the most expensive music video of its time, funded in part by selling a companion “Making of Thriller” documentary to MTV and Showtime. And the bet paid off — the video revolutionized the music industry, helping establish MTV’s dominance and transforming how music was marketed.
It later became the first music video added to the U.S. National Film Registry in 2009, for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
Chart & Sales Magic
Commercially, “Thriller” proved just as spellbinding as its visual counterpart. In the United States, it peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1984, while in the United Kingdom it reached No. 2, just behind Lionel Richie’s “Hello.” Internationally, the song hit No. 1 in several countries, including France, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, and climbed to No. 2 in Germany. What’s remarkable is how the song continues to cast its spell decades later, routinely re-entering charts worldwide during Halloween season — a testament to its cultural staying power. “Thriller” has been certified Diamond in the U.S. by the RIAA, reflecting over 10 million units sold, and the album it anchors has exceeded 100 million copies globally, making Thriller the best-selling album of all time.
Why It Still Matters
“Thriller” was more than a hit — it was a cultural moment that redefined what a pop song (and a pop star) could be. It combined music, fashion, film, dance, and horror into one unforgettable package. Its fingerprints are everywhere: in today’s elaborate music videos, Halloween playlists, and pretty much any time someone dramatically tilts their head and throws up jazz hands.