With the buzz around the newly released trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic, ‘Michael,’ fans are diving back into the King of Pop’s legendary music catalog. It’s a powerful reminder that MJ’s artistry transcended music, blending it seamlessly with film and pure spectacle. Even decades later, his iconic songs and music videos continue to dominate streaming platforms, proving his enduring global appeal.
The Enduring Power of MJ’s Music Videos
Michael Jackson wasn’t just a singer; he was a visual storyteller. His music videos were cinematic events that captivated audiences worldwide. Today, YouTube serves as a testament to this legacy, with millions of fans revisiting his classics. BLACK ENTERPRISE took a look at the numbers to see which of his most iconic tracks are still commanding the biggest digital audiences.
1. Billie Jean (1982) – Approx. 1.96 Billion Views
The unforgettable bassline and the iconic moonwalk tease in the ‘Billie Jean’ video propelled it to legendary status. This 1982 hit officially surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube by June 2021, making it MJ’s most-viewed video to date.
2. Beat It (1983) – Approx. 1.23 Billion Views
This genre-blending anthem mixed pop and rock, featuring a star-studded video with a young Wesley Snipes. The official 4K version of ‘Beat It’ has crossed the billion-view mark, securing its spot as the second highest-streaming MJ video.
3. They Don’t Care About Us (Brazil Version) (1995) – Approx. 1.22 Billion Views
Directed by Spike Lee and filmed in Brazil, this socially conscious track resonated deeply with audiences. The powerful video for ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ surpassed one billion YouTube views in April 2023, holding strong as the third most-viewed video.
4. Smooth Criminal (1987) – Approx. 1.12 Billion Views
Featuring the signature ‘lean,’ the music video segment from the film ‘Moonwalker’ extended the magic of ‘Smooth Criminal.’ In October 2024, the official video crossed the 1 billion view milestone, making it the fourth most-streamed on MJ’s YouTube/Vevo channel.
5. Thriller (1983) – Approx. 1 Billion Views
The legendary, short-film style video for ‘Thriller’ redefined music videos. It officially surpassed 1 billion YouTube views on September 19, 2024, rounding out the top five most-streamed videos on his official channel.
6. Bad (Shortened Version) (1987) – 522 Million Views
The title track from the 1987 album, ‘Bad,’ also remains incredibly popular. While this shortened version for YouTube has garnered 522 million views, it still stands as a testament to the widespread appeal of Jackson’s music.
These numbers clearly show that Michael Jackson’s music and visual artistry continue to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. His influence is undeniable, and his songs remain timeless anthems.
Which Michael Jackson song is your all-time favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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