Los Angeles, November 15, 2025 — In a striking return fueled by Halloween nostalgia, Michael Jackson’s legendary anthem “Thriller” has surged back into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, reaffirming its status as one of the most enduring pop tracks in music history. The annual October upswing in streams and playlist placements propelled the 1982 classic to a fresh peak in the modern chart cycle.
Billboard reported a dramatic rise in on-demand audio and video streams of “Thriller,” particularly in the week following Halloween, as millions revisited the iconic track and its groundbreaking short film. The seasonal spike once again showcased the song’s cross-generational appeal, driven by social media trends, TikTok challenges, and renewed radio rotation.
The resurgence of “Thriller” coincides with broader nostalgia-driven listening habits, which have reshaped chart movement in recent years. Data analysts note that classic catalog tracks are increasingly competing with new releases thanks to curated playlists, algorithmic recommendations, and viral audio clips.
Alongside Jackson’s resurgence, Leon Thomas’ rising hit “Mutt” continued its upward trajectory on the Hot 100. The track, praised for its genre-blending production and intimate songwriting, has seen a steady climb as listeners gravitate toward authenticity and retro-influenced sounds.
Music industry observers say the simultaneous success of “Thriller” and “Mutt” reflects a larger trend: streaming ecosystems now allow both classic icons and emerging talents to thrive side by side, driven by listener moods, seasons, and pop culture moments.
As “Thriller” reclaims space in the Top 10 more than four decades after its release, the King of Pop’s influence once again underscores the lasting power of timeless music in the digital age.
