Metallica's 1991 album spent four consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard 200.
The Billboard 200 ranks albums and extended plays in the United States using measures that have changed over time, including physical sales, digital sales, and streaming activity. At the time of Metallica's release, the chart was primarily driven by album purchases.
The record became Metallica's first album to top the US album chart. It also debuted at number one in ten countries, demonstrating that its appeal extended well beyond the United States. The album's run was especially notable because it continued to sell strongly after its initial release rather than relying only on a first-week surge.
Metallica's chart performance reflected the reach of its singles, but the album itself was equally important. “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” and “Nothing Else Matters” brought different audiences to the complete record, helping it become one of the best-selling albums in music history.