- Technical innovation: The music video for "Thriller" was a masterpiece of visual effects, choreography, and editing, setting a new standard for music videos. It featured groundbreaking special effects, such as the zombie dance sequence, which combined advanced makeup, stop-motion animation, and editing techniques to create a truly spectacular and unforgettable visual experience.
- Dance and choreography: The iconic dance routine for "Thriller" became a global phenomenon and is still widely regarded as one of the most influential and iconic dance routines in music history. The video's choreography, led by Michael Jackson himself, showcased his exceptional talent as a dancer and helped popularize street dance styles such as locking and popping.
- Commercial success: The song and album were both commercial juggernauts. The album "Thriller" became the best-selling album of all time and held that record for over 30 years, selling an estimated 66 million copies worldwide. "Thriller," the single, was also hugely successful, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying on the charts for an impressive 37 weeks.
- Crossover appeal: "Thriller" transcended genre boundaries and appealed to a broad audience, from traditional pop and R&B fans to rock enthusiasts and even casual music listeners. This widespread popularity helped Michael Jackson become a global superstar and solidified his position as the "King of Pop."
- Cultural impact: "Thriller" left a lasting impact on pop culture and music. It helped usher in the era of the music video as an art form, raised the bar for future music videos, and contributed to the cultural significance of music and dance in the 1980s and beyond. The album's success and influence solidified Michael Jackson's status as one of the greatest and most iconic musical figures of all time.