The best selling studio albums by the Beatles
After going through the Beatles‘ best selling physical singles and digital singles, group and solo, let’s talk about their studio albums. This article covers pure sales up to date of the band and its solo members’ projects.
No suspense about Abbey Road and Sgt Pepper being their top sellers, but with how many sales? And how do solo smashes like Harrison‘s All Things Must Pass, McCartney‘s Band On the Run and Lennon’s Imagine rank?
The best selling studio albums by the Beatles
Below we list the 30 best selling projects of the Beatles, from their debut up to date. Overall, they released 78 studio albums, so it already takes a good success to be there. As we will see, every bandmate has been able to put a solo album on this top, in addition to the band’s efforts.
30. 1975 – Rock ‘n’ Roll – John Lennon (3,150,000)
A collection of rock ‘n’ roll covers as its title suggests, this album was an homage to Lennon’s musical influences. It peaked at #6 in the UK and on the Billboard 200. Though not a critical favorite, the album easily achieved gold certification in both the US and the UK, highlighting Lennon’s enduring popularity with fans.
29. 1973 – Ringo – Ringo Starr (3,315,000)
Ringo Starr‘s third solo album, Ringo, features contributions from all three other Beatles and charted at #7 in the UK and #2 on the US Billboard 200. The album’s success was helped by the hit single Photograph. With over 1.6 million sales in the US and 3.3 million globally, Ringo marked Starr‘s commercial peak as a solo artist.
28. 1970 – John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band – John Lennon (3,435,000)
Lennon’s debut solo album, Plastic Ono Band, is raw, confessional, and one of his most intense efforts. The album reached #8 in the UK and #6 in the US, earning gold certification. Thanks to catalog sales, it’s now eligible for Platinum in both countries.
Its honest exploration of personal trauma was well received with audiences, making it one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums of his career.
27. 1983 – Pipes of Peace – Paul McCartney (3,545,000)
Pipes of Peace features the hit Say Say Say with Michael Jackson, which topped the US charts. On its end, the album reached #4 in the UK and peaked at #15 in the US, selling a million. Despite mixed reviews, the album’s commercial success shows McCartney’s ongoing popularity and his ability to adapt to the ’80s pop scene.
26. 1978 – London Town – Paul McCartney/Wings (3,675,000)
London Town featured a more relaxed and reflective tone, with hits like With a Little Luck. It peaked at #4 in the UK and reached #2 on the Billboard 200. Unlike its predecessors, it failed to have legs in English-speaking countries. Nevertheless, huge sales in markets like Germany (over 300,000) and France (250,000) made up for that.
25. 1989 – Flowers in the Dirt – Paul McCartney (3,695,000)
McCartney‘s successful collaboration with Elvis Costello Flowers in the Dirt closed the 80s in a great way. The album reached #1 in the UK and #21 in the US, achieving gold certification and nearing platinum status. The singles My Brave Face and This One further solidified McCartney‘s place in the charts, especially in Europe where the album sold 2 million units, marking a high point in his post-Wings solo career. It is the latest album from this list.
24. 1976 – Wings at the Speed of Sound – Paul McCartney/Wings (4,050,000)
With hits like Let ‘Em In and Silly Love Songs, Wings at the Speed of Sound was one of McCartney’s biggest eras post-Beatles. It topped the charts in the US and was certified platinum by the RIAA. Indeed, it sold almost 2 million copies there, and over half a million in the UK, where it peaked at #2. At that point, by mid-’70s, McCartney’s Wings were one of the biggest pop rock bands in the world.
23. 1971 – Ram – Paul & Linda McCartney (4,180,000)
Ram was McCartney’s second solo album after the Beatles’ breakup, although technically it was a partnership with his wife Linda McCartney. It showcased once again the lo-fi, home-recorded approach of his debut. The album reached #1 in the UK and #2 in the US, selling over 2 million copies in the latter market.
Upon release reviews were mixed, yet with time Ram has since been regarded as one of McCartney‘s most inventive and personal works. It contains the melodic #1 hit Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey, his first from his solo career.
22. 1975 – Venus and Mars – Paul McCartney/Wings (4,285,000)
Venus and Mars featured the hit singles Listen to What the Man Said and Rock Show, marking another commercial high point for Wings. It peaked at #1 in both the US and UK, selling over 1.8 million and half a million, respectively. Its strong sales kept the band hot following the smash of Band on the Run.
21. 1982 – Tug of War – Paul McCartney (4,340,000)
Tug of War was a major commercial comeback for McCartney, featuring the huge chart-topping hit Ebony and Ivory with Stevie Wonder. It reached #1 in both the US and UK, on its way to become McCartney’s highest seller in nearly a decade.
20. 1970 – McCartney – Paul McCartney (4,420,000)
McCartney’s first solo album after The Beatles is a lo-fi, homemade affair that reached #2 on the UK charts and #1 in the US It was certified gold in both the US and UK. Its warm, intimate style showed McCartney‘s desire to craft a deeply personal album, and its success proved his ability to be a star on his own, apart from the Beatles. It opens the overall top 20, with 4.4 million global sales.
19. 1987 – Cloud Nine – George Harrison (4,590,000)
Harrison’s Cloud Nine marked his return to the mainstream with hits like Got My Mind Set on You. The album reached #10 in the UK and #8 on the US Billboard 200. With 2.5 million US sales and 4.6 million worldwide, it’s the second latest album of the top 20, reflecting how much Harrison managed to extend his popularity with this release.
18. 1969 – Yellow Submarine – The Beatles (4,835,000)
Yellow Submarine was a unique Beatles album, featuring a mix of previously released songs and George Martin’s orchestral score for the animated film. It reached #3 in the UK and #2 in the US. The album is now over 2.2 million sales in the US. Its quirky, psychedelic tone continues to appeal to Beatles fans. With enough sales to be #18 in this ranking at 4.8 million, it is still far and away the lowest selling album from the band catalog.
17. 1970 – All Things Must Pass – George Harrison (6,470,000)
After many albums with close sales, we suddenly jump from below 5 million to 6.5 million. From there, we get into The Beatles’ proper studio albums, plus smash albums from solo members who elevated to the heights of their former group.
The first of these is Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, a triple album that proves his depth as a solo artist. The album topped the charts in both the US and UK, selling 3.8 million and over 560,000 copies, respectively. It remains one of the most successful solo albums by any Beatle, solidifying Harrison’s place as a post-Beatles force in rock music.
16. 1963 – Please Please Me – The Beatles (6,555,000)
Please Please Me introduced The Beatles to the world, with an album that blended catchy pop and early rock influences. It topped the UK charts for 30 weeks until its follow up replaced it. It hasn’t sold more only because it wasn’t released until the 1987 CD in the US. The album’s commercial success laid the foundation for Beatlemania’s global explosion.
15. 1963 – With the Beatles – The Beatles (6,725,000)
Speaking about its follow up, With the Beatles confirmed the band’s dominance in the UK, where it spent 21 consecutive weeks at #1. It became the first artist album to ever sell a million there.
In the US, this release also didn’t come out until the 1987 CDs. Instead, local releases covering the same tracks sold in the millions as well, although these albums aren’t accounted for here. This smash proved the band’s impact wasn’t a one-off, and that they were here to stay.
14. 1964 – Beatles For Sale – The Beatles (6,790,000)
Released during the height of Beatlemania, Beatles For Sale marked a shift toward more introspective and mature songwriting. Inevitably, it topped the UK charts. This album sold over a million in their homeland, just like its predecessors. And just like them, it wasn’t available in the US until 1987. The band’s relentless pace – it was their 4th album in 18 months – and their ability to evolve quickly while maintaining commercial appeal was second to none.
13. 1988 – Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 – Traveling Wilburys (7,095,000)
Likely the most unexpected release in this list is the debut album from the Traveling Wilburys. This supergroup featured founding member George Harrison along with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. Blending rock, folk, and country influences, it became a surprise hit, reaching #3 in the US, selling 4 million, and #16 in the UK. There, it sold close to half a million, just like in Australia. It remains a beloved classic of ’80s rock.
12. 1971 – Imagine – John Lennon (8,495,000)
Imagine is one of Lennon’s most iconic albums, with the title track becoming a global anthem for peace. The album peaked at #1 in both the US and UK, selling over 2.8 million and 1 million in the process, respectively. Thanks to its universal appeal and powerful message, it remains one of the most influential and successful albums in Lennon’s solo career.
It is one of his most global as well, with over 600,000 sales in Japan, almost half a million in Germany, and over 200,000 sales in each France, Canada, Italy, Brazil, and Australia.
11. 1973 – Band on the Run – Paul McCartney/Wings (9,295,000)
We make a jump up to 9.3 million sales to met with Band on the Run. It is McCartney’s most successful solo album, with big hits like Jet and the title track. It topped the charts in the US and UK, en route for 4.2 million and 1.5 million, respectively. This huge era solidified McCartney’s place as a major solo artist after the breakup of The Beatles. His peak as a solo artist, in North America it also installed McCartney as the biggest ex-Beatle.
10. 1980 – Double Fantasy – John Lennon (10,635,000)
Released just weeks before his tragic death, Double Fantasy features the tender (Just Like) Starting Over as well as Woman. Following the sad news, the album reached #1 in both the US and UK, with respectively 4.5 million and almost a million sales. The album’s posthumous success was the last illustration of Lennon’s timeless appeal.
It is the first album from the list to crack the 10 million plateau, which opens the door to the global top 10. It’s also the best selling studio album from a former Beatle, and the top seller from this list issued in the 80s. To do so, it sold large numbers everywhere, from Germany (690,000) to Japan (595,000) to Canada (525,000), among many others.
9. 1965 – Help! – The Beatles (11,225,000)
Help! captures The Beatles at their commercial peak, with the band refining their sound and growing as songwriters. The album topped the UK charts and reached #1 in the US, although with an altered version. It’s now approaching 5 million US sales, while the million has been cleared for long in their homeland. Help! represents a pivotal moment in the band’s history, marking the end of their energetic rock era as well as their growing musical sophistication.
8. 1964 – A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles (11,345,000)
A Hard Day’s Night is the soundtrack to the film of the same name, their first such project which was, unsurprisingly, a huge success. It spent 21 weeks at #1 in the UK and 14 weeks at the top in the US. The movie marked the band’s growing international reach during their peak years of Beatlemania. Its non-UK sales in Europe almost doubled from its predecessors.
7. 1967 – Magical Mystery Tour – The Beatles (11,725,000)
Magical Mystery Tour blends pop with the experimental studio work that marked The Beatles’ late ’60s period. Unlike the previous movies, this one performed poorly, but the album was just as big. Though initially divisive, it remains a cult favorite, with enduring appeal thanks to its whimsical and psychedelic nature.
It peaked at #1 in the US and has now sold over 7 million copies there. In many countries, including the UK, this was a double EP rather than an album at first, which explains the very large share of US sales. It became globally available from 1976 onwards.
6. 1970 – Let It Be – The Beatles (13,545,000)
The Beatles’ final album, Let It Be, reflects both their creative achievements and the tensions that marked their breakup. The album reached #1 in both the UK and US, with its title track becoming an iconic anthem.
With 13.5 million sales, we are now reaching a level that requries both heavy initial sales but also great catalog results. These two elements were there for this release, which now stands over 6 million sales in the US, 1 million in te UK, and an incredible 1.7 million in Japan.
5. 1966 – Revolver – The Beatles (14,515,000)
Revolver is another highly creative entry inside The Beatles’ catalog, introducing groundbreaking studio techniques and more complex song structures. Naturally, the album topped charts in the UK and the US.
At 14.5 million global sales, it makes the overall top 5. It was especially huge in English speaking markets, as shown by its 7 million US sales, 2 million in the UK, and almost 600,000 in Canada.
4. 1965 – Rubber Soul – The Beatles (15,740,000)
The folk rock Rubber Soul was one more critical smash for the band, with its introspective lyrics receiving high praise. One more transatlantic chart topper, its sales are similar to Revolver, but with an even greater showing in the US. There, it moved past 8.5 million copies. Its success is indicative of the band’s artistic maturity and their ability to dominate both the charts and critical acclaim.
3. 1968 – The Beatles (White Album) – The Beatles (20,990,000)
The sprawling, experimental White Album captured The Beatles at their creative zenith. It topped the charts in the U.K. and US, and achieved 24x platinum certification in the US thanks to its double album status. It remains one of the most important and influential albums in rock history.
Sales-wise, its top 5 markets are the US (12 million), the UK (1.8 million), Canada (1.1 million), Japan (955,000) and Germany (770,000). Its global sales are now up to 21 million, their 3rd biggest seller ever.
2. 1967 – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles (27,905,000)
1967’s Sgt. Pepper revolutionized popular music with its experimental use of studio effects and concept album format. It was for song ranked by the Rolling Stone magazine as the greatest album ever.
It spent 15 weeks at #1 in the US and 27 weeks in the UK. The album achieved 11x platinum certification by the RIAA way back in 1997, it’s now close to 15 million pure sales, easily eligible for 15x platinum with streaming units. It’s their biggest seller in the UK at more than 3.5 million, and in Germany, nearing a million.
Often touted as a 32 million seller, this figure is incorrect, especially when this claim started to surface many years ago. These takes off nothing from its phenomenal success at nearly 28 million copies sold to date.
1. 1969 – Abbey Road – The Beatles (29,625,000)
Abbey Road is considered one of the greatest albums of all time, blending rock, classical influences, and experimental techniques. Just like Sgt. Pepper, its cover is iconic enough to realize how immensely popular this record is.
The album destroyed charts in both the UK and US and was certified 13x platinum by the RIAA. Another outdated certification – this one was last audited in 2001 – the album is now up to 16.5 million pure sales, and eligible for 17x platinum with additional formats.
While it is behind Sgt. Pepper in the UK, at a still monumental 2.3 million, and in Australia, it’s tied with it or bigger almost anywhere else. In continental Europe, both are around 3.8 million. In Japan, Abbey Road is a monster at 1.7 million units. Same story in Latin America, with 600,000 sales in Brazilian, and almost half a million in both Mexico and Argentina. These figures are unheard of from international LPs from this era.
At almost 30 million, the album is their top selling studio album. With compilations included, 2000’s best of 1 would lead at over 33.3 million.
Data by singer
Appearances among the top 30 best sellers
The fact that each of the 13 studio albums of The Beatles as a group rank inside the top 18 speaks volumes about the lasting legacy of the band. They own the top 9 positions too. Some solo efforts sold nearly as much when first released as Beatles’ powerhouses, but in the long run the catalog sales of the band’s classics are unmatched.
And it’s not only about Abbey Road and Sgt. Pepper. Their entire catalog, with its fusion of pop, rock, psychedelia, and experimental music, continues to resonate with audiences decades after their breakup. The Beatles‘ chart-topping albums remain a central part of popular culture, showing that their collective legacy is as strong as ever.
Paul McCartney leads the solo efforts with 9 albums inside the top 30, which reflects his sustained success and adaptability across decades. On the other hand, it’s noteworthy that none of his solo albums made it to the top 10. Still, from McCartney to Band on the Run to later hits like Tug of War proves his broad appeal, even if he didn’t top the charts as frequently in his solo career.
John Lennon, with 4 albums in the top 30, had a shorter discography for obvious reasons. His post-Beatles albums like Imagine and Double Fantasy are pillars of his legacy still, though Double Fantasy‘s success was tragically enhanced by his death.
George Harrison’s trio of albums inside the ranking, including the landmark All Things Must Pass, reveals the appeal of his rich spiritual journey and unique sound. Ringo Starr‘s presence with just 1 album, Ringo, is a testament to the residual goodwill he enjoyed after The Beatles, but it also shows the limitations of his solo career compared to his bandmates.
Ultimately, these numbers highlight the enduring power of The Beatles‘ collective catalog, but also the remarkable individual success each member found. Paul McCartney’s and John Lennon’s albums show they were able to carve out their own identities, while Harrison and Starr, though less commercially successful, remained respected for their contributions to music.
Cumulative total sales and averages
As for totals, The Beatles sold 181 million copies of their 13 studio sets, a stunning average of 14 million. McCartney sold 64 million units across 25 releases. While lower, the 2.5 million average is very solid especially over such a lengthy career. Lennon posts 34 million sales with only 8 albums, 4.3 million per release although this was bound to go down if he had the chance to continue to release up to now.
Harrison stands on 21 million with 10 releases, 2.1 million per album, plus 11 million from his pair of Traveling Wilburys studio efforts. Starr moved 9 million albums after 20 studio albums, less than half a million per entry.
Breakdowns album by album for each artist
The following tables provide you with detailed figures album by album for each artist.
The best selling studio albums by the Beatles
The best selling studio albums by Paul McCartney
The best selling studio albums by John Lennon
The best selling studio albums by George Harrison
The best selling studio albums by Ringo Starr
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