11 Albums That Ruled the US Charts for 20+ Weeks

Over 1300 albums have topped the Billboard charts since the magazine published its first album chart on March 24, 1945. Before August 1963, there were two separate charts – one for mono and one for stereo LPs. This changed when Billboard merged the two into what we now know as the Billboard 200. Since then, the chart has become a definitive measure of mainstream success in the US music industry.

While many albums have enjoyed multi-week reigns at No.1, only a rare few have managed to dominate the chart for over 20 weeks. From timeless soundtracks to modern pop classics – below are the 11 longest-running No.1 albums in Billboard 200 history.

11 Albums with Over 20 weeks at No.1 on the Billboard 200

11. “Blue Hawaii” – Elvis Presley – 20 weeks

Years: 1961–1962

Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaii” was more than just a soundtrack, it was a cultural phenomenon. Released in 1961, the album held the No.1 spot for 20 weeks, thanks to the King’s massive popularity and the film’s success.

With tracks like “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” the album blended Hawaiian vibes with Presley’s signature rock ‘n’ roll swagger. It became one of his most commercially successful records which also helped define the sound of early 1960s pop music.

10. “The Bodyguard” – Whitney Houston/Various Artists – 20 weeks

Years: 1992–1993

Driven by Whitney Houston’s powerhouse vocals and iconic rendition of “I Will Always Love You,” “The Bodyguard” soundtrack exploded in 1992. It topped the Billboard 200 chart for 20 weeks, becoming the best-selling soundtrack of all time.

Houston’s emotional delivery and the film’s popularity turned the album into a global sensation and solidified her status as a pop legend.

9. “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em” – MC Hammer – 21 weeks

Years: 1990

In 1990, MC Hammer broke new ground in hip-hop with “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em”, which reigned at No.1 for 21 weeks in the US.

Fueled by the mega-hit “U Can’t Touch This,” the album brought rap to suburban America and shattered sales records. Hammer’s flashy style and accessible sound turned him into a household name. With over 18 million copies sold worldwide, it remains one of the best-selling hip-hop albums of all time.

8. “Saturday Night Fever” – Bee Gees/Various Artists – 24 weeks

Years: 1978

The disco craze hit its peak with “Saturday Night Fever”, which ruled the Billboard 200 for 24 consecutive weeks in 1978 which is a record for uninterrupted weeks at No.1 that still stands.

The Bee Gees’ infectious grooves and falsetto harmonies defined the era’s sound. Songs like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever” became anthems of the late ‘70s and still hold relevancy today.

7. “Purple Rain” – Prince and the Revolution – 24 weeks

Years: 1984–1985

Released in 1984 alongside the film of the same name, Prince’s iconic “Purple Rain” album held the No.1 spot for 24 weeks.

Blending rock, funk, and pop, it showcased Prince’s musical genius and flamboyant artistry. The album spawned classics like “When Doves Cry”, “Let’s Go Crazy,” and of course, the acclaimed title-track which secured his place among the all-time greats.

6. “21″ – Adele – 24 weeks

Years: 2011–2012

Adele’s “21” became a modern classic almost overnight, topping the US Billboard 200 for 24 weeks between 2011 and 2012. With heartfelt ballads like “Someone Like You” and “Rolling in the Deep,” the album was well-received internationally as it hit No.1 in over 20 countries.

Its emotional depth and powerful vocals earned it multiple Grammy Awards and massive sales worldwide. Adele proved that soul-baring songwriting still had a home at the top of the charts.

5. “Calypso” – Harry Belafonte – 31 weeks

Years: 1956–1957

“Calypso” by Harry Belafonte made history in 1956 as the first LP to sell over a million copies. It topped the charts for an astonishing 31 weeks, introducing American audiences to Caribbean rhythms and storytelling.

Belafonte’s charisma and unique sound helped pave the way for world music in the US, with the album’s signature song “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” doing the hard work.

4. “South Pacific” – Various Artists – 31 weeks

Years: 1958–1959

The original cast recording of “South Pacific” dominated the US Album charts for 31 weeks in the late 1950s. Based on the hit Broadway musical, the album captured the hearts of theatergoers and radio listeners alike.

Its lush orchestrations and evergreens, like “Some Enchanted Evening,” resonated across generations. This album is a testament to how influential musical theater was in the pre-rock era of American pop culture.

3. “Rumours” – Fleetwood Mac – 31 weeks

Years: 1977–1978

Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” became a defining album of the 1970s, spending 31 weeks at No.1 on the Billboard 200 after its release in 1977. Created amid interpersonal drama and heartbreak, the band turned chaos into musical gold.

Tracks like “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams” became timeless classics, and with over 40 million copies sold worldwide, “Rumours” remains one of the best-selling and most albums of all time.

2. “Thriller” – Michael Jackson – 37 weeks

Years: 1983–1984

“Thriller” catapulted Michael Jackson into global superstardom, spending 37 weeks at number one on the US Billboard 200 between 1983 and 1984. With iconic tracks like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and the title song, the album became the best-selling LP of all time with over 70 million copies sold worldwide.

Its groundbreaking and unforgettable music videos, together with the genre-blending sound, give “Thriller” a shot at the title “greatest pop album ever”.

1. “West Side Story” – Various Artists – 54 weeks

Years: 1962–1963

“West Side Story” holds the all-time record for the longest stay at No.1 on the Billboard album charts, reigning for a total of 54 weeks between 1962 and 1963. It topped the stereo chart for 48 weeks during a time when mono and stereo formats were listed separately.

While some argue this disqualifies it from being the true No.1, there’s no denying its massive cultural impact. With unforgettable songs like “Maria”, and groundbreaking storytelling, the album defined an era in American musical history.

Final Thoughts

Chart dominance isn’t just about numbers, it’s about timing, impact, and staying power. These 11 albums didn’t just top the Billboard 200 – they captured the spirit of their respective eras and left a lasting imprint on popular culture.

Whether through timeless ballads, genre-defining innovation, or sheer mass appeal, each one has earned its place in music history. As listening habits evolve, these legendary albums remind us that true greatness endures.

Read next: 15 Longest-Reigning Singles in Billboard Hot 100 history