Michael Jackson Wind in the USA! World Record Attempt for Thriller

Michael Jackson's legendary pop hit 'Thriller', released in 1982, remains an indispensable part of Halloween celebrations even after 44 years.

The song, which has climbed back to the top of the charts in the United States, is in the news across the country—from traditional dance shows in New York to a Guinness World Record attempt in Atlanta. Despite being 17 years since Jackson's death, the work that brings millions together in the same rhythm has once again become a symbol of Halloween this year.

Halloween celebrations on October 31 in the United States are once again energized by Michael Jackson's unforgettable work 'Thriller.' First released in 1982 and with its iconic music video debuting in 1983, the song has left its mark on popular culture and has become a focal point again during this Halloween season, as it does every year. Known for its horror-film atmosphere, zombie costumes, and indelible dance moves, Thriller is seen not only as a musical classic but also as one of the most important traditions of Halloween celebrations.

Thriller climbs back to the top of the music charts.

Seventeen years have passed since Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009. Yet the artist's influence in the music world endures. It was reported that Thriller, which has become popular again because of Halloween, has risen to number one on the Apple Music and iTunes charts in the United States, and has also topped the iTunes charts in Sweden and Bolivia.

The song resurfacing 44 years after its release shows that Jackson's musical legacy continues to reach new generations. In particular, the growing interest in Thriller during the last days of October each year turns the track into one of Halloween's enduring classics.

A 22‑year thriller tradition in New York

In New York, on the other hand, the excitement around thrillers has been nurtured for years by a special tradition. Since 2004, the "Thriller NYC" event has gathered Michael Jackson fans each Halloween night in the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.

Participants wearing zombie costumes and spooky makeup perform Jackson's world‑famous choreography on New York streets. The event, which includes participants ranging from amateurs to professional dancers across various age groups, will take place on Saturday evening, October 31, as part of this year's attention‑grabbing ceremony.

They are moving to break the 13,597‑person record in Atlanta.

This year's Halloween frenzy in Atlanta will also be part of a world‑record attempt. At the "Happy Thrillerween 2026" event held at the B.T. Harvey Stadium, part of Morehouse College in the state of Georgia, the aim is to gather thousands of people together to perform the world's largest Thriller dance.

Organizers aim to surpass the record set in 2009 when 13,597 participants gathered in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. According to the event schedule, participants will conduct a rehearsal at 11:00, and the Guinness World Record attempt will take place at 12:00 Eastern Time of the U.S. East Coast. Whether the record is broken, and the subsequent verification of the participant count, will determine its official status.

Even 44 years later, Halloween's symbol

The influence of Thriller is not limited to music charts. Michael Jackson's unforgettable music video, in which he dances with zombies, has continued to inspire Halloween costumes, dance performances, and street celebrations since its release.

The tradition that has continued for 22 years in New York, the world record attempt in Atlanta, and the song's resurgence to the top of the charts reveal that Thriller maintains its place in popular culture.

Although Michael Jackson died in 2009, the 44-year-old Thriller continues to resonate across the United States during 2026 Halloween celebrations.