Albums That Stayed the Longest at No. 1 on the Billboard 200

Published: June 28, 2024 by Amy Williams

Billboard has been ranking the top albums since 1945. Even though the number of albums and types of albums on the list has changed over time, making the list of the top Billboard albums is still a major accomplishment for artists today.

What’s even more thrilling for artists is hitting the number one spot on the Billboard 200. Artists such as Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Eminem, and Bruce Springsteen had at least 10 albums hit the top of the Billboard chart.

The Billboard 200 chart is updated once a week. While plenty of artists have had an album stay in the No. 1 spot for only a week, other artists have had an album at No. 1 for over 30 weeks. The albums that make up the Billboard 200 are determined based on their sales and streaming activity from around the world.

A wide range of talent is represented on this list of albums that stayed the longest at No. 1. The list also includes numerous movie soundtracks, such as the soundtrack from “The Lion King,” “Dirty Dancing,” and “Encanto.” (After this article, check out The Longest Streaks on the Billboard Hot 100 Ever.)

To determine the albums that stayed the longest at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data on historical chart performance from the Billboard 200. Albums were ranked based on the total time spent at the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200. Chart data is current through June 1, 2024.

Here is the list of the albums that stayed the longest at No.1 on the Billboard 200:

100. The Rolling Stones, “Emotional Rescue” (1980)

Source: Keystone / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 51 weeks

99. Wings, “At The Speed Of Sound” (1976)

Source: Reg Lancaster / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 53 weeks

98. OutKast, “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” (2003)

Source: Frank Micelotta / Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 56 weeks

97. Fine Young Cannibals, “The Raw & The Cooked” (1989)

Source: Fin Costello / Redferns via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 63 weeks

96. Garth Brooks, “The Chase” (1992)

Source: Vinnie Zuffante / Archive Photos via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 64 weeks

95. Simon & Garfunkel, “Bookends” (1968)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 66 weeks

94. Milli Vanilli, “Girl You Know It’s True” (1989)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 78 weeks

93. Blood, Sweat & Tears, “Blood, Sweat & Tears” (1969)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 109 weeks

92. Led Zeppelin, “Led Zeppelin II” (1969)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 117 weeks

91. Phil Collins, “No Jacket Required” (1985)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 123 weeks

90. Bruce Springsteen, “Born In The U.S.A.” (1984)

Source: Frank Micelotta / Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 143 weeks

89. Beastie Boys, “Licensed To Ill” (1986)

Source: Evan Agostini / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 152 weeks

88. Taylor Swift, “Red” (2012)

Source: Terry Wyatt / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 185 weeks

87. Eminem, “Recovery” (2010)

Source: Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 7 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 322 weeks

86. Allan Sherman, “My Son, The Nut” (1963)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 32 weeks

85. Big Brother And The Holding Company, “Cheap Thrills” (1968)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 66 weeks

84. Creed, “Weathered” (2001)

Source: David Klein / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 74 weeks

83. Billy Joel, “52nd Street” (1978)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 76 weeks

82. John Lennon & Yoko Ono, “Double Fantasy” (1980)

Source: Dennis Oulds / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 77 weeks

81. ‘N Sync, “No Strings Attached” (2000)

Source: Getty Images / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 82 weeks

80. The Beatles, “Magical Mystery Tour (Soundtrack)” (1967)

Source: Express / Archive Photos via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 93 weeks

79. Garth Brooks, “The Hits” (1994)

Source: Beth Gwinn / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 110 weeks

78. Elton John, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973)

Source: David Redfern / Redferns via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 111 weeks

77. Bon Jovi, “Slippery When Wet” (1986)

Source: Mike Cameron / Redferns via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 118 weeks

76. Mariah Carey, “Music Box” (1993)

Source: Chris Jackson / Chris Jackson Collection via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 128 weeks

75. Hootie & The Blowfish, “Cracked Rear View” (1994)

Source: Paul Hawthorne / Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 129 weeks

74. Eagles, “Hotel California” (1976)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 157 weeks

73. Eminem, “The Marshall Mathers LP” (2000)

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 173 weeks

72. Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass, “Whipped Cream & Other Delights” (1965)

Source: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Instruments are lined up as band members register during the during the Yorkshire Brass Band Championships at Huddersfield Town Hall on March 03, 2024 in Huddersfield, England. Brass bands from around Yorkshire competed across all sections during the weekend long event with the winner going forward to represent Yorkshire in the finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

Source: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 185 weeks

71. Taylor Swift, “Folklore” (2020)

Source: Amy Sussman / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 200 weeks

70. The Beatles, “1” (2000)

Source: Jim Gray / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 8 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 542 weeks

69. Janis Joplin, “Pearl” (1971)

Source: Don Paulsen / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 42 weeks

68. The Beatles, “Help! (Soundtrack)” (1965)

Source: John Pratt / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 46 weeks

67. Chicago, “Chicago V” (1972)

Source: Ian Showell / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 51 weeks

66. Soundtrack, “Encanto” (2021)

Source: Guillermo Legaria / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 51 weeks

65. Eagles, “The Long Run” (1979)

Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 57 weeks

64. The Rolling Stones, “Tattoo You” (1981)

Source: Evening Standard / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 59 weeks

63. Asia, “Asia” (1982)

Source: Ebet Roberts / Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 64 weeks

62. Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Cosmo’s Factory” (1970)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 69 weeks

61. Soundtrack, “The Graduate” (1968)

Source: Courtesy of Embassy Pictures

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 69 weeks

60. The Beatles, “Beatles ’65” (1965)

Source: John Pratt / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 71 weeks

59. No Doubt, “Tragic Kingdom” (1996)

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 91 weeks

58. Dire Straits, “Brothers In Arms” (1985)

Source: Theo Wargo / Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 97 weeks

57. John Cougar, “American Fool” (1982)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 105 weeks

56. U2, “The Joshua Tree” (1987)

Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 121 weeks

55. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass, “What Now My Love” (1966)

Source: Keystone / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 129 weeks

54. Usher, “Confessions” (2004)

Source: Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 208 weeks

53. The Beatles, “The Beatles [White Album]” (1968)

Source: Les Lee / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 9 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 215 weeks

52. The Singing Nun (Soeur Sourire), “The Singing Nun” (1963)

Source: Keystone / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 10 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 39 weeks

51. Soundtrack, “Footloose” (1984)

Source: Jason Merritt / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 10 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 64 weeks

50. SZA, “SOS” (2022)

Source: Anna Webber / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 25: SZA performs onstage at Spotifyâs Night of Music party during VidCon 2022 at Anaheim Convention Center on June 25, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Spotify)

Source: Anna Webber / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 10 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 76 weeks

49. Foreigner, “4” (1981)

Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 10 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 81 weeks

48. Simon & Garfunkel, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (1970)

Source: Central Press / Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 10 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 87 weeks

47. Soundtrack, “The Lion King” (1994)

BeyoncÃ© Knowles 2019 | European Premiere of Disney's "The Lion King"

Source: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Beyonce Knowles-Carter attends the European Premiere of Disneys The Lion King at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on July 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney)

Source: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 10 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 89 weeks

46. Backstreet Boys, “Millennium” (1999)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 10 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 93 weeks

45. Peter Frampton, “Frampton Comes Alive” (1976)

Source: Fin Costello / Redferns via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 10 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 97 weeks

44. Elton John, “Greatest Hits” (1974)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 10 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 106 weeks

43. Paula Abdul, “Forever Your Girl” (1988)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 10 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 175 weeks

42. Morgan Wallen, “Dangerous: The Double Album” (2021)

Source: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 10 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 176 weeks

41. Adele, “25” (2015)

Source: Sascha Steinbach / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 10 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 222 weeks

40. Soundtrack, “Miami Vice” (1985)

Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 11 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 38 weeks

39. The Beatles, “Meet The Beatles!” (1964)

Source: Fox Photos / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 11 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 74 weeks

38. Whitney Houston, “Whitney” (1987)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 11 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 88 weeks

37. Mariah Carey, “Mariah Carey” (1990)

Source: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 11 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 113 weeks

36. Taylor Swift, “Fearless” (2008)

Source: Bryan Bedder / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 11 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 261 weeks

35. The Beatles, “Abbey Road” (1969)

Source: BIPS / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 11 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 489 weeks

34. Taylor Swift, “1989” (2014)

Source: Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 11 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 492 weeks

33. Soundtrack, “Grease” (1978)

Source: Paramount Pictures / Moviepix via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 12 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 80 weeks

32. George Michael, “Faith” (1987)

Source: MJ Kim / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 12 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 96 weeks

31. Santana, “Supernatural” (1999)

Source: David Redfern / Redferns via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 12 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 103 weeks

30. Alanis Morissette, “Jagged Little Pill” (1995)

Source: Sonia Recchia / Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 12 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 127 weeks

29. The Monkees, “The Monkees” (1966)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 13 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 102 weeks

28. Bad Bunny, “Un Verano Sin Ti” (2022)

Source: Gladys Vega / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 13 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 107 weeks

27. Original Cast Recording, “Hair” (1968)

Source: Ian Tyas / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 13 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 151 weeks

26. Soundtrack, “Frozen” (2013)

Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 13 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 179 weeks

25. Drake, “Views” (2016)

Source: Elsa / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 13 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 418 weeks

24. The Beatles, “A Hard Day’s Night (Soundtrack)” (1964)

Source: Michael Webb / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 14 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 56 weeks

23. Stevie Wonder, “Songs In The Key Of Life” (1976)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 14 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 82 weeks

22. Soundtrack, “Mary Poppins” (1964)

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 14 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 122 weeks

21. Whitney Houston, “Whitney Houston” (1985)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 14 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 176 weeks

20. Men At Work, “Business As Usual” (1982)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 15 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 90 weeks

19. REO Speedwagon, “Hi Infidelity” (1980)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 15 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 101 weeks

18. Pink Floyd, “The Wall” (1979)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 15 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 158 weeks

17. The Beatles, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967)

Source: Archive Photos / Archive Photos via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 15 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 232 weeks

16. Carole King, “Tapestry” (1971)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 15 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 318 weeks

15. Vanilla Ice, “To The Extreme” (1990)

Source: Matthew Eisman / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 16 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 67 weeks

14. Soundtrack, “Titanic” (1997)

Source: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 16 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 73 weeks

13. The Police, “Synchronicity” (1983)

Source: Fin Costello / Redferns via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 17 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 75 weeks

12. Billy Ray Cyrus, “Some Gave All” (1992)

Source: Laura Levine / Corbis Historical via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 17 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 97 weeks

11. The Monkees, “More Of The Monkees” (1967)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 18 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 96 weeks

10. Soundtrack, “Dirty Dancing” (1987)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Source: Vinnie Zuffante / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 18 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 97 weeks

9. Garth Brooks, “Ropin’ The Wind” (1991)

Source: Jim Steinfeldt / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 18 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 132 weeks

8. Morgan Wallen, “One Thing At A Time” (2023)

Source: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 19 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 64 weeks

7. Whitney Houston, “The Bodyguard” (1992)

Source: Vinnie Zuffante / Archive Photos via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 20 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 155 weeks

6. M.C. Hammer, “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em” (1990)

Source: Rich Polk / Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 21 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 108 weeks

5. Soundtrack, “Saturday Night Fever” (1976)

Source: Paramount Pictures / Handout / Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 24 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 137 weeks

4. Prince And The Revolution, “Purple Rain (Soundtrack)” (1984)

Source: Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 24 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 167 weeks

3. Adele, “21” (2011)

Source: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 24 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 604 weeks

2. Fleetwood Mac, “Rumours” (1977)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 31 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 581 weeks

1. Michael Jackson, “Thriller” (1982)

Source: Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Time at No. 1 on Billboard 200: 37 weeks
Total time on Billboard 200: 626 weeks