Metallica's The Black Album was ranked number 235 in Rolling Stone's 2020 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
The ranking appeared in Rolling Stone's revised edition of its long-running greatest-albums list. The album had previously been placed at number 255 in the magazine's 2012 version, so the 2020 revision moved it 20 positions higher.
The list is an editorial ranking rather than a sales chart or award category. It reflects the magazine's assessment of cultural impact, influence, critical reputation, and lasting importance across many musical styles.
The album also appeared in other retrospective rankings. Rolling Stone placed it number 25 on its 100 Greatest Metal Albums list in 2017, while the broader 2020 ranking positioned it among the most highly regarded albums across all genres.