The best-selling vinyl record in the world is Thriller by Michael Jackson. Released in 1982, Thriller became not only a cultural phenomenon but also the best-selling album of all time across multiple formats, including vinyl. The album has sold over 66 million copies worldwide, with vinyl being a significant part of its success during its initial release and in subsequent reissues.

However, while Thriller is the all-time best-seller in general, in recent years there has been a resurgence of vinyl records, and other albums have achieved remarkable sales, particularly as vinyl's popularity has surged in the 21st century. The global vinyl revival has brought classic albums back to the top of the charts, and newer artists have also embraced the format.

Some other notable best-selling vinyl records include:

  1. The Beatles' Abbey Road (1969) – One of the best-selling albums on vinyl, particularly during the 21st-century vinyl resurgence. Abbey Road has consistently remained a top-seller and continues to sell in large numbers even today. Its iconic cover and beloved tracks like "Come Together" and "Here Comes the Sun" have contributed to its lasting popularity.
  2. Fleetwood Mac's Rumours (1977) – Another vinyl heavyweight, Rumours has been a constant presence on vinyl best-seller lists for decades. The album has sold over 40 million copies worldwide, and its emotional depth, smooth production, and hits like "Go Your Own Way" and "Dreams" have cemented it as a timeless classic.
  3. Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) – This progressive rock masterpiece has also sold millions of copies on vinyl. Known for its innovative production, complex themes, and stunning visual design, The Dark Side of the Moon continues to be a favorite among vinyl collectors.
  4. Nirvana's Nevermind (1991) – As one of the defining albums of the grunge era, Nevermind has seen strong sales on vinyl, especially in the wake of its 20th and 30th anniversaries. The album, featuring hits like "Smells Like Teen Spirit," has been a staple for vinyl collectors and fans of 1990s rock.
  5. Adele's 21 (2011) – In the era of digital music, Adele's 21 became one of the top-selling vinyl records of the 2010s. The album's heartfelt ballads, led by hits such as "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You," helped it become a multi-platinum success, making a strong showing on vinyl as well.
  6. Amy Winehouse's Back to Black (2006) – This album has experienced massive success on vinyl, particularly after Winehouse's tragic passing. Back to Black has become a staple for vinyl buyers, loved for its vintage soul sound and Winehouse’s deeply personal lyrics.

In recent years, vinyl sales have increased significantly, surpassing CD sales in certain regions for the first time in decades. As a result, new vinyl records are breaking sales records in the modern era, with contemporary albums such as Harry Styles' Fine Line (2019) and Taylor Swift’s Midnights (2022) leading the way in vinyl sales in the 2020s. Swift's Midnights had particularly massive success in 2023, selling nearly half a million vinyl records in its debut week alone, marking a significant milestone in the revival of vinyl.

These best-selling vinyl albums represent a mix of timeless classics and contemporary releases, showing the enduring appeal of the vinyl format across generations and musical genres.