Editing Smooth Criminal

{{Short description|1988 single by Michael Jackson}}
{{For|the Polo G song|Bad Man (Smooth Criminal)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox song
| name          = Smooth Criminal
| cover         = Smooth Criminal.jpg
| type          = single
| artist        = [[Michael Jackson]]
| album         = [[Bad (album)|Bad]]
| B-side        = "Smooth Criminal" (instrumental)
| released      = {{start date|1988|11|14}}<ref name="Every">{{cite book |first1= Richard |last1= Lecocq |first2= François |last2= Allard |year= 2018 |title= Michael Jackson All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track |chapter= Bad |location= London, England |publisher= [[Cassell (publisher)|Cassell]] |isbn= 9781788400572 |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=4qJfDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT494 |access-date= March 9, 2020 |archive-date= May 16, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210516095435/https://books.google.com/books?id=4qJfDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT494 |url-status= live }}</ref>
| recorded      = November 1986 – April 1987<ref>{{Cite book|title=Michael Jackson All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track|last=Lecocq|first=Richard|publisher=Cassell|year=2018|isbn=9781788400572|location=London, England|pages=1201}}</ref>
| studio        = [[Westlake Recording Studios|Westlake]] (studio D), Los Angeles, California
| genre         = * [[Dance-pop]] 
* [[Pop music|pop]]<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/song/smooth-criminal-mt0010540062|title=Smooth Criminal - Michael Jackson &#124; Song Info|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213064959/https://www.allmusic.com/song/smooth-criminal-mt0010540062|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]<ref name="auto"/>
| length        = 4:18
| label         = [[Epic Records|Epic]]
| writer        = Michael Jackson
| producer      = * [[Quincy Jones]]
* Michael Jackson ({{abbr|co.|co-producer}})
| prev_title    = [[Another Part of Me]]
| prev_year     = 1988
| next_title    = [[Leave Me Alone (Michael Jackson song)|Leave Me Alone]]
| next_year     = 1989
| misc          = {{Audio sample
 | type = single
 | file = Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson.ogg
 | description = 
}}
}}

"'''Smooth Criminal'''" is a song by the American singer [[Michael Jackson]], released on November 14, 1988 as the seventh single from his seventh studio album, ''[[Bad (album)|Bad]]'' (1987). It was written by Jackson and produced by Jackson and [[Quincy Jones]]. The lyrics describe a woman who has been attacked in her apartment by a "smooth criminal".

The music video for "Smooth Criminal", which premiered internationally on [[MTV]] on October 13, 1988,<ref name="premiere" /> is the centerpiece of the 1988 film ''[[Moonwalker]]''. The 1930s setting and Jackson's white suit and [[fedora]] pay tribute to the [[Fred Astaire]] musical comedy film ''[[The Band Wagon]]''. In the video, Jackson and the dancers perform an apparently physically impossible "anti-gravity lean".

"Smooth Criminal" reached number seven on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], becoming the sixth top-10 single from ''Bad''.<ref name="awards">{{cite web |title=Bad > Awards |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/bad-mw0000650293/awards |access-date=January 27, 2010 |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |archive-date=September 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922062836/http://www.allmusic.com/album/bad-mw0000650293/awards |url-status=live }}</ref> It reached number two on the [[Hot Black Singles|''Billboard'' Hot Black Singles]] chart. It was certified [[RIAA certification|double platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA). It reached number one in Belgium, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Spain.

Retrospective reviews have praised "Smooth Criminal" as a standout track on ''Bad'' and one of Jackson's best songs.<ref name="RollingStone50">{{cite magazine|date=June 23, 2014|title=50 Best Michael Jackson Songs|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-best-michael-jackson-songs-22188/|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=November 7, 2019|archive-date=September 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929202440/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-best-michael-jackson-songs-22188/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' wrote that it was "his best blend of R&B groove and rock edginess, and a turning point in his shift toward darker, harder-edged material".<ref name="RollingStone50" /> It has appeared on numerous greatest hits albums and was performed on all of Jackson's solo tours. "Smooth Criminal" was re-released in 2006 as a single as a part of Jackson's ''[[Visionary: The Video Singles]]'' boxset. In 2001, a version by [[Alien Ant Farm]] became an international hit.

==Composition==
"Smooth Criminal" evolved from an earlier song written by Jackson, "Al Capone" (named after real life gangster [[Al Capone]]), released on the 2012 reissue ''[[Bad 25]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Eisen|first=Benjy|date=July 10, 2013|title=Five Must-Hear Michael Jackson Rarities|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/five-must-hear-michael-jackson-tracks-from-the-ultimate-fan-extras-collection-122669/|access-date=February 1, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=December 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228035427/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/five-must-hear-michael-jackson-tracks-from-the-ultimate-fan-extras-collection-122669/|url-status=live}}</ref> It is in the key of [[A minor]],<ref name="sheet">{{cite web |url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0037339& |title=Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson Digital Sheet Music (Digital Download) |work=MusicNotes.com |date=August 21, 2000 |publisher=[[Alfred Publishing|Alfred Publishing Co. Inc]] |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213138/http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0037339& |url-status=live }}</ref> and Jackson's vocal spans from G<sub>3</sub> to C<sub>6</sub>.<ref name="sheet" /> The lyrics describe a narrator who finds a bloodstained carpet and an unconscious body.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/31/arts/pop-michael-jackson-s-bad-follow-up-to-a-blockbuster.html|title=Pop: Michael Jackson's 'Bad,' Follow-Up To A Blockbuster|last=Pareles|first=Jon|date=August 31, 1987|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 12, 2017|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618002853/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/31/arts/pop-michael-jackson-s-bad-follow-up-to-a-blockbuster.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The chorus refrain, "Annie, are you OK?", was inspired by [[Resusci Anne]], a dummy used in [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation]] training. Trainees learn to say "Annie, are you OK?" while practicing resuscitation on the dummy.<ref name="annie">{{Cite news|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/367450/new-michael-jackson-documentary-spike-lee-s-bad-25-is-a-funky-gem-you-can-watch-online|title=Michael Jackson's Bad at 25: The Movie|date=December 1, 2012|publisher=E!|access-date=November 11, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=November 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111173848/https://www.eonline.com/news/367450/new-michael-jackson-documentary-spike-lee-s-bad-25-is-a-funky-gem-you-can-watch-online|url-status=live}}</ref> The original mix of the song includes the sound of Jackson's fast-thumping heart and heavy breathing, which travel from left to right thanks to Hugo Zuccarelli's [[Holophonics]] system.<ref>{{cite news|date=November 18, 1987|title=New system puts sound all around|work=[[Detroit Free Press]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|page=3B|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-new-system-puts-sound/140909145/|access-date=February 14, 2024|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

==Chart performance==
"Smooth Criminal" peaked at number seven on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], becoming the sixth top 10 single from ''Bad''.<ref name="awards"/> It is certified [[RIAA certification|2× platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]], and [[BPI certification|2x platinum]] by the [[British Phonographic Industry]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/brit-certified/|title=British single certifications – Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal|website=[[British Phonographic Industry]]|access-date=November 6, 2019|archive-date=April 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407115905/https://www.bpi.co.uk/brit-certified/|url-status=live}}</ref> The song reached number one in Belgium, Iceland, the Netherlands and Spain and the top 10 in Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and the UK.

==Music video==
[[File:Smooth criminal video.jpg|thumb|Jackson performing the "anti-gravity lean" in the "Smooth Criminal" music video|alt=|255x255px]] Jackson asked [[Vincent Paterson]] to conceive a concept for the short film. Paterson listened to the unfinished song and came up with the concept of a 1930s gangster club.<ref>Michael Jackson's Private Home Movies, 2003</ref> Paterson, who was a lead dancer in the music videos for "[[Beat It]]" and "[[Michael Jackson's Thriller (music video)|Thriller]]", co-choreographed the "Smooth Criminal" video with Jackson and [[Jeffrey Daniel]] of the soul music group [[Shalamar]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} The video and Jackson's white suit and [[fedora]] pay tribute to the [[Fred Astaire]] musical comedy film ''[[The Band Wagon]]'', particularly the "Girl Hunt Ballet" (itself inspired by the novels of [[Mickey Spillane]]) scene.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=Bad 25 |language=en |time=1:23:24}}</ref> The video, directed by [[Colin Chilvers]], was shot between mid-February and April 1987 at [[Culver City, California]], and in the [[backlot]] at [[Universal Studios Hollywood]]<ref name="Every2">{{cite book |first1= Richard |last1= Lecocq |first2= François |last2= Allard |year= 2018 |title= Michael Jackson All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track |chapter= Bad |location= London, England |publisher= [[Cassell (publisher)|Cassell]] |isbn= 9781788400572 |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=4qJfDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT500 |access-date= November 26, 2019 |archive-date= June 12, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200612012319/https://books.google.com/books?id=4qJfDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT500 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="rollingstone.com2">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/is-michael-jackson-for-real-19870924|title=Is Michael Jackson For Real?|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=September 24, 1987|access-date=August 22, 2017|archive-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509044804/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/is-michael-jackson-for-real-19870924|url-status=live}}</ref> and premiered internationally on [[MTV]] on the night of October 13, 1988.<ref name="premiere">{{Cite journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94316983/another-bad-video/|title=Another 'Bad' Video|journal=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|location=New York|last=Weingrad|first=Jeff|date=October 13, 1988|page=104|issn=2692-1251|access-date=February 6, 2022|archive-date=February 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206020058/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94316983/another-bad-video/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the video, Jackson and the other dancers perform a lean that appears physically impossible.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news|last=LaMotte|first=Sandee|date=May 22, 2018|title=How Michael Jackson's Tilt Defied Gravity|publisher=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/22/health/michael-jackson-dance-moves/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=January 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126131633/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/22/health/michael-jackson-dance-moves/index.html|archive-date=January 26, 2019}}</ref> The dancers lean forward 45 degrees with their backs straight and feet flat on the floor, and hold the pose before returning upright.<ref name=":02" /> The lean moves the body's [[center of mass]] further than it can support.<ref name=":02" /> The illusion was achieved using cables and a harness.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hedges-Stock|first=Zoah|date=May 22, 2018|title=The Science of Smooth Criminal: Michael Jackson's Gravity-Defying Dance Moves Explained|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/news/science-smooth-criminal-michael-jacksons-gravity-defying-dance/|url-status=live|access-date=January 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126140023/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/news/science-smooth-criminal-michael-jacksons-gravity-defying-dance/|archive-date=January 26, 2019|quote="In the Smooth Criminal video, Jackson just used wires to support himself in that impossible position, but he wanted to be able to perform the move live. Being hooked on and off a fishing line by stagehands would rather ruin the spectacle."}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite news|date=May 22, 2018|title=Doctors Explain Michael Jackson's Impossible Dance Move|publisher=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/health-44195073|url-status=live|access-date=January 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126160606/https://www.bbc.com/news/health-44195073|archive-date=January 26, 2019|quote="Prior to the patented footwear invention, Michael had relied on supporting cables and a harness around his waist to create the illusion."}}</ref> In October 1993, Jackson's team patented a method of performing the lean in concert using specially designed shoes that hook into pegs that rise from the stage.<ref name=":02" /> Even with the shoes, the move requires good athletic [[Core stability|core strength]].<ref name=":12" />

The video won Best Music Video at the 1989 [[Brit Awards]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/brit-awards/11432476/The-Brit-Awards-most-successful-acts.html?frame=3210691|title=The Brit Awards' most successful acts|journal=The Daily Telegraph|date=2015-02-25|access-date=2020-01-17|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=December 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230220857/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/brit-awards/11432476/The-Brit-Awards-most-successful-acts.html?frame=3210691|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Critic's Choice awarded Jackson the "Best Video" award and the People's Choice Awards for "Favorite Music Video" for that same year.<ref>{{cite book |last=Lewis |first=Jel |title=Michael Jackson, the King of Pop: The Big Picture : the Music! the Man! the Legend! the Interviews!|year = 2005 |page=113|publisher=Amber Books Publishing|isbn=0-974977-90-X}}</ref>

In 2019, American television personality [[Kim Kardashian]] bought Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" fedora, which still had his makeup on it, for her daughter North West.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a30345187/kim-kardashian-north-west-michael-jackson-jacket-hat-christmas-twitter-reactions/|title=Twitter Is So Divided About Kim and Kanye Giving North a Michael Jackson Jacket and Hat for Christmas|last=Barbour|first=Shannon|date=2019-12-27|website=Cosmopolitan|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-27|archive-date=December 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227175124/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a30345187/kim-kardashian-north-west-michael-jackson-jacket-hat-christmas-twitter-reactions/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The style of clothing as well as mannerisms Jackson portrayed were reused in the numerous adaptations of the video game ''[[Michael Jackson's Moonwalker]]''. The song serves as the background music for the "Club 30s" stage, the nightclub seen in the music video, that appears in the game.<ref>{{cite web|title=Good Game Stories - Memory Cache: Michael Jackson's Moonwalker|url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s4203746.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=June 22, 2018|archive-date=August 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823093040/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s4203746.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The video is the centerpiece of the 1988 film ''[[Moonwalker]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/michael-jackson-singer-songwriter-american-inventor-180950165/ |title=Michael Jackson: Singer, Songwriter, American Inventor |date=March 25, 2014 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=[[Smithsonian Magazine]] |last=Stamp |first=Jimmy}}</ref> 

On October 23, 2024, the video achieved 1 billion views on YouTube, making it the fifth of Jackson's video to reach this milestone after "[[Billie Jean]]", "[[They Don't Care About Us]]", "[[Beat It]]" and "[[Michael Jackson's Thriller (music video)|Thriller]]."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=2024-10-30 |title=Michael Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal' Joins YouTube Billion Views Club |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/michael-jackson-smooth-criminal-youtube-billion-views-1235815381/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241101221351/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/michael-jackson-smooth-criminal-youtube-billion-views-1235815381/ |archive-date=2024-11-01 |access-date=2024-11-01 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:Michael Jackson white fedora (Smooth Criminal), close up, Hard Rock Cafe, Nice.jpg|thumb|A fedora worn by Jackson while performing "Smooth Criminal", displayed at [[Hard Rock Cafe]], [[Nice]]]]

== Critical reception ==
Jason Elias of [[AllMusic]] wrote that "Smooth Criminal" was "a gorgeous and exhilarating record ... [it] presents Michael Jackson at his most captivating and it never fails to impress".<ref>{{cite web|title=Smooth Criminal - Michael Jackson - Song Info|url=http://www.allmusic.com/song/smooth-criminal-mt0010540062|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=August 12, 2013|archive-date=November 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122132048/http://www.allmusic.com/song/smooth-criminal-mt0010540062|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' named it the sixth best Jackson song, writing that it was "his best blend of R&B groove and rock edginess, and a turning point in his shift toward darker, harder-edged material."<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=June 23, 2014|title=50 Best Michael Jackson Songs|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-best-michael-jackson-songs-22188/|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=June 13, 2019|archive-date=April 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416200109/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-best-michael-jackson-songs-22188/|url-status=live}}</ref> In a retrospective review of ''Bad'', ''[[Newsweek]]'' wrote: "[Smooth Criminal] is a sleek, exhilarating action sequence of a song that's unlike anything else in Jackson's catalog ... an urgent and inspired highlight. ''Bad'' is at its best when it explores the darker, more paranoid side that began to consume Jackson's life in the late '80s, and this song captures that impulse."<ref>{{cite web|last=Schonfeld|first=Zach|date=August 31, 2017|title=Michael Jackson's 'Bad' at 30: Every song, ranked from best to worst|url=https://www.newsweek.com/michael-jackson-bad-video-smooth-criminal-king-pop-657221|access-date=June 14, 2019|website=Newsweek|language=en|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726135105/https://www.newsweek.com/michael-jackson-bad-video-smooth-criminal-king-pop-657221|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' wrote: "If there was one song on ''Bad'' that truly captured the sense of artistic freedom that Jackson felt after ''[[Thriller (Michael Jackson album)|Thriller]]'', it was this track ... This is pop music as suspense drama."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Michael Jackson Dropped 'Bad' 30 Years Ago Today. Here's the Definitive Song Ranking.|url=https://ew.com/music/2017/08/31/michael-jackson-bad-album-song-ranking/|access-date=June 14, 2019|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|language=en|archive-date=May 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514011337/https://ew.com/music/2017/08/31/michael-jackson-bad-album-song-ranking/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Track listings==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
* '''7-inch single'''<ref name="tracklistings">{{cite web |url=http://www.lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Michael+Jackson&titel=Smooth+Criminal&cat=s |title=Michael Jackson&nbsp;– Smooth Criminal (Chanson) |work=LesCharts.com |publisher=Hung Medien |access-date=January 27, 2010 |archive-date=July 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707072656/http://www.lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Michael+Jackson&titel=Smooth+Criminal&cat=s |url-status=live }}</ref>
# "Smooth Criminal" (single mix)&nbsp;– 4:10
# "Smooth Criminal" (instrumental)&nbsp;– 4:10
			
* '''12-inch maxi and CD-maxi'''<ref name="tracklistings"/>
# "Smooth Criminal" (extended dance mix)&nbsp;– 7:46
# "Smooth Criminal" (extended dance mix radio edit)&nbsp;– 5:20
# "Smooth Criminal" ("Annie" mix)&nbsp;– 5:35
# "Smooth Criminal" (dance mix&nbsp;– dub version)&nbsp;– 4:45
# "Smooth Criminal" (a cappella)&nbsp;– 4:12

* '''''Visionary'' single'''<ref name="tracklistings"/>
CD side:
# "Smooth Criminal"&nbsp;– 4:10
# "Smooth Criminal" (extended dance mix)&nbsp;– 7:45

DVD side:
# "Smooth Criminal" (music video (Shortened Version))&nbsp;– 4:11
{{col-2}}
* '''Cassette single'''<ref name="tracklistings"/>
# "Smooth Criminal"
# "Smooth Criminal" (instrumental)

* '''3-inch CD single'''<ref name="tracklistings"/>
# "Smooth Criminal" (extended dance mix)&nbsp;– 7:46
# "Smooth Criminal" ("Annie" mix)&nbsp;– 5:35
# "Smooth Criminal" (dance mix&nbsp;– dub version)&nbsp;– 4:45

* '''Japanese 3-inch CD single'''<ref name="tracklistings"/>
# "Smooth Criminal"
# "Smooth Criminal" (instrumental)
{{col-end}}

==Personnel==
Adapted from single liner notes and Michael Jackson's website.<ref name="mj_davidwilliams">{{cite web|title=Smooth Criminal &#124; CREDITS|url=https://www.michaeljackson.com/ms/track/smooth-criminal-6/|publisher=[[Michael Jackson]]|quote="David Williams: Guitar"|access-date=February 27, 2021|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227183735/https://www.michaeljackson.com/ms/track/smooth-criminal-6/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
* Michael Jackson – vocals
* [[Bill Bottrell]] – drum machine
* [[Bruce Swedien]] – police announcement
* [[David Williams (guitarist)|David Williams]] – electric guitar
* Kim Hutchcroft – saxophone
* [[Larry Williams (jazz musician)|Larry Williams]] – saxophone
* [[Gary Grant (musician)|Gary Grant]] – trumpet
{{col-2}}
* [[Jerry Hey]] – trumpet and horn arrangement
* Kevin Maloney – muted piano
* Christopher Currell – [[Synclavier]]
* [[Denny Jaeger]] – Synclavier
* [[Michel Rubini|Michael Rubini]] – Synclavier
* John Barnes – synthesizer
* [[Michael Boddicker]] – synthesizer
* Dr. Eric Chevlen – heartbeat recording
{{col-end}}

==Charts==
===Weekly charts===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 1988{{ndash}}1989 weekly chart performance for "Smooth Criminal"
!scope="col"|Chart (1988–1989)
!scope="col"|Peak<br />position
|-
{{single chart|Australia|29|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Austria|17|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Flanders|1|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|Denmark ([[IFPI Denmark|IFPI]])<ref>Danish Singles Chart 13 January 1989</ref>
|5
|-
!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine |title= Eurochart Hot 100 Singles |magazine= [[Music & Media]] |volume= 6 |issue= 4 |page= 30 |date= January 28, 1989 |access-date= November 30, 2020 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/80s/1989/M&M-1989-01-28.pdf |archive-date= January 19, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210119113357/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/80s/1989/M%26M-1989-01-28.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>
|5
|-
!scope="row"|Finland ([[Suomen virallinen lista|Suomen virallinen singlelista]])<ref name = "Finland">{{cite book |url=https://musiikkiarkisto.fi/oa/_tiedostot/julkaisut/sisaltaa-hitin.pdf#page=113|first=Timo |last=Pennanen |year=2021 |title=Sisältää hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960–30.6.2021 |section=Michael Jackson|page=113|publisher=Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava |location=Helsinki|access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref>
|1
|-
{{single chart|France|4|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|Iceland ([[Íslenski listinn|Íslenski Listinn Topp 10]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timarit.is/files/20035609.pdf#navpanes=1&view=FitH|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 10 (27. janúar 1989)|publisher=Dagblaðið Vísir|access-date=July 23, 2018|language=is|archive-date=April 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409230941/http://timarit.is/page/2554585#navpanes=1&view=FitH|url-status=live}}</ref>
|1
|-
!scope="row"|Ireland ([[Irish Singles Chart|IRMA]])<ref name="IRL">{{cite web |url=http://www.irishcharts.ie/search/placement |title=Smooth criminal in Irish Chart |publisher=IRMA |access-date=June 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602061251/http://www.irishcharts.ie/search/placement |archive-date=June 2, 2009 }} Only results when searching "Smooth criminal"</ref>
|4
|-
!scope="row"|Italy (''[[Musica e dischi]]'')<ref name = "MandD">{{cite web|url=https://www.musicaedischi.it/classifiche_archivio.php|title=Classifiche|work=[[Musica e dischi]]|language=it|access-date=May 29, 2022}} Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Michael Jackson".</ref>
|10
|-
{{single chart|Dutch40|1|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Dutch100|1|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|New Zealand|29|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|- 
!scope="row"|Spain ([[Productores de Música de España|AFYVE]])<ref>{{cite book|last= Salaverri |first= Fernando |title= Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 |edition= 1st |date=September 2005 |publisher= Fundación Autor-SGAE |location= Spain |isbn= 84-8048-639-2}}</ref> 
|1
|-
{{single chart|Switzerland|5|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK Singles]] ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref name="UK">{{cite web |url= http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/michael%20jackson/ |title= Michael Jackson |publisher= [[Official Charts Company]] |access-date= July 13, 2013 |archive-date= June 4, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150604025132/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/16519/MICHAEL%20JACKSON/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
|8
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/michael-jackson/chart-history/hsi/|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=20 September 2021|title=Michael Jackson Chart History (Hot 100)|language=en|date=20 September 2021|archive-date=October 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008004113/https://www.billboard.com/music/Michael-Jackson/chart-history/HSI|url-status=live}}</ref>
|7
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Hot Dance Club Songs|Hot Dance Club Play]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name="awards" />
|10
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Dance/Electronic Singles Sales|Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name="awards" />
|13
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name="awards" />
|2
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Contemporary Hit Radio|CHR/Pop]] (''[[Radio & Records]]'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wweb.uta.edu/faculty/gghunt/charts/mjackson.html|title=Michael Jackson|access-date=December 8, 2020|archive-date=January 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106235320/http://wweb.uta.edu/faculty/gghunt/charts/mjackson.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|8
|-
{{single chart|West Germany|9|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|songid=1879|rowheader=true}}
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2006 weekly chart performance for "Smooth Criminal"
!scope="col"|Chart (2006)
!scope="col"|Peak<br />position
|-
{{single chart|France|61|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|Ireland ([[Irish Singles Chart|IRMA]])<ref name="IRL"/>
|14
|-
{{single chart|Italy|6|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Dutch100|20|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Spain|1|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK Singles]] ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref name="UK"/>
|19
|}

{{col-2}}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2009 weekly chart performance for "Smooth Criminal"
!scope="col"|Chart (2009)
!scope="col"|Peak<br />position
|-
{{single chart|Australia|16|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Austria|30|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|Canada ([[Billboard charts|Hot Canadian Digital Singles]])<ref name="awards" />
|22
|-
{{single chart|Denmark|28|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100 Singles]])<ref>{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=michael jackson|chart=European Hot 100}}</ref>
|20
|-
!scope="row"|France ([[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|SNEP]]) Download Chart<ref>{{cite web |url= http://lescharts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=si&year=2009&date=20090711 |title= Download French Single Top 50 - July 11, 2009 |work= LesCahrts.com |publisher= Hung Medien |access-date= January 27, 2010 |archive-date= August 2, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090802223122/http://lescharts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=si&year=2009&date=20090711 |url-status= live }}</ref>
|10
|-
{{single chart|Italy|17|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Dutch100|22|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|New Zealand|37|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Spain|33|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Sweden|12|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Switzerland|12|artist=Michael Jackson|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK Singles]] ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref name="UK"/>
|13
|-
!scope="row"|[[UK Download Chart|UK Download]] ([[Official Charts Company|CC]])<ref>{{cite web|url= http://theofficialcharts.com/top40_downloads_last.php?week=29&end=05/07/2009%20-%2011/07/2009 |title= Top 40 Downloads Archive :: WEEK 28 : 05/07/2009 – 11/07/2009 |publisher= Official Charts Company |access-date= January 27, 2010}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
|13
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Hot Digital Songs]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name="awards" />
|12
|}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ 2016 weekly chart performance for "Smooth Criminal"
!scope="col"|Chart (2016)
!scope="col"|Peak<br />position
|-
{{single chart|Poland|76|chartid=2022|year=2016|access-date=July 4, 2016|rowheader=true}}
|}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2024 weekly chart performance for "Smooth Criminal"
! scope="col"| Chart (2024)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"| Kazakhstan Airplay ([[TopHit]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/kz/weekly/20240614-20240620|title=Top Radio Hits Kazakhstan Weekly Chart: Jun 20, 2024|publisher=[[TopHit]]|access-date=February 13, 2025}}</ref>
| 79
|-
|}

===Monthly charts===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2024 monthly chart performance for "Smooth Criminal"
! scope="col"| Chart (2024)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"| Kazakhstan Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/kz/monthly/202406|title=Top Radio Hits Kazakhstan Monthly Chart: June 2024|publisher=[[TopHit]]|access-date=February 13, 2025}}</ref>
| 97
|-
|}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (1988)
!scope="col"|Position
|-
!scope="row"|Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1988|title=Jaaroverzichten 1988|publisher=Ultratop|access-date=July 4, 2021|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521194029/https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1988|url-status=live}}</ref>
|73
|-
!scope="row"|Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/1988|title=Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 1988|publisher=Dutch Top 40|access-date=July 4, 2021|archive-date=January 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128132044/https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/1988|url-status=live}}</ref>
|50
|-
!scope="row"|Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1988&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten – Single 1988|website=dutchcharts.nl|access-date=July 4, 2021|archive-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617115722/http://www.dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1988&cat=s|url-status=live}}</ref>
|43
|-
!scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 100 Singles: Year-End Chart 1988|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=12|date=March 4, 1989}}</ref>
|79
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (1989)
!scope="col"|Position
|-
!scope="row"|Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1989|title=Jaaroverzichten 1989|publisher=Ultratop|access-date=July 4, 2021|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140447/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1989|url-status=live}}</ref>
|70
|-
!scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite magazine |date=December 23, 1989 |title=1989 The Year in Music: Top Pop Singles |page=Y-22 |magazine=Billboard |volume=101 |issue=51 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://longboredsurfer.com/charts/1989|title=Longbored Surfer – 1989|website=longboredsurfer.com|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507012143/https://longboredsurfer.com/charts/1989|url-status=live}}</ref>
|93
|-
!scope="row"|US Hot Black Singles (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1989/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1989|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 4, 2021|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204092800/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1989/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|58
|-
!scope="row"|West Germany (Media Control)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/single-jahr/for-date-1989|title=Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 1989|language=de|publisher=[[GfK Entertainment]]|access-date=July 4, 2021|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612200540/https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/single-jahr/for-date-1989|url-status=live}}</ref>
|57
|}
{{col-end}}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|title=Smooth Criminal|artist=Michael Jackson|award=Platinum|relyear=1988|certyear=2023|id=12001|access-date=January 10, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=single|title=Smooth Criminal|artist=Michael Jackson|award=Silver|relyear=1988|certyear=1988|certmonth=12|source=infodisc|access-date=May 19, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Michael Jackson|title=Smooth Criminal|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=1988|certyear=2023|access-date=February 18, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=single|title=Smooth Criminal|artist=Michael Jackson|award=Gold|relyear=2009|certyear=2019|access-date=May 20, 2019|refname="fimi"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|artist=Michael Jackson|title=Smooth Criminal|award=Gold|relyear=1988|certyear=2010|certmonth=6|type=ringtone|note=Full-length ringtone|access-date=May 23, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Mexico|title=Smooth Criminal|artist=Michael Jackson|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=1988|certyear=2015|access-date=October 6, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=single|artist=Michael Jackson|title=Smooth Criminal|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=1988|access-date=January 9, 2025|certyear=2025|source=radioscope}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1988|certyear=2024|artist=Michael Jackson|title=Smooth Criminal - Visionary|note=Visionary {{noitalics|version}}|accessdate=May 29, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|title=Smooth Criminal|artist=Michael Jackson|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2004|certyear=2025|id=9270-168-1|note=Digital Sales}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Michael Jackson|title=Smooth Criminal|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=1988|certyear=2018}}
{{Certification Table Summary}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Worldwide|nocert=true|date=September 18, 2012|salesamount=7,500,000|salesref=<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.michaeljackson.com/track/smooth-criminal-6/|publisher=[[Sony Music Entertainment]] |title=Smooth Criminal |date=September 18, 2012|website=michaeljackson.com|access-date=November 26, 2024|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926045430/https://www.michaeljackson.com/track/smooth-criminal-6/}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true|streaming=true/}}

==Alien Ant Farm version<!-- This section is linked from [[Alien Ant Farm]] -->==
{{Infobox song
| name          = Smooth Criminal
| cover         = alien ant farm smooth criminal.png
| alt           = 
| type          = single
| artist        = [[Alien Ant Farm]]
| album         = [[Anthology (Alien Ant Farm album)|Anthology]]
| B-side        = * "Orange Appeal"
* "Denigrate"
| released      = {{Start date|2001|5|22}}
| recorded      = 
| studio        = 
| venue         = 
| genre         = * [[Nu metal]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/alien-ant-farm-smooth-criminal-history|title=The Untold Story of Alien Ant Farm's 'Smooth Criminal'|last=Grierson|first=Tim|date=November 21, 2019|work=Mel Magazine|access-date=June 30, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-10-best-songs-by-the-10-worst-nu-metal-bands|title=The 10 best songs by the 10 worst nu metal bands|publisher=Louder Sound}}</ref>
* [[alternative metal]]<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/best-songs-2001-top-100-9550936/ | title=The 100 Greatest Songs of 2001: Staff Picks | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] }}</ref>
* [[hard rock]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/alien-ant-farm-smooth-criminal-top-21st-century-hard-rock-songs|title= No. 38: Alien Ant Farm, 'Smooth Criminal' - Top 21st Century Hard Rock Songs|last=Ramanand|first=Liz|date=June 28, 2012|website=[[Loudwire]]|access-date=January 4, 2024}}</ref>
| length        = {{Duration|m=3|s=29}}
| label         = [[DreamWorks Records|DreamWorks]]
| writer        = Michael Jackson
| producer      = Jay Baumgardner
| prev_title    = [[Movies (Alien Ant Farm song)|Movies]]
| prev_year     = 2001
| next_title    = [[Movies (Alien Ant Farm song)|Movies]]
| next_version  = re-release
| next_year     = 2001
| misc          = {{External music video|{{YouTube|CDl9ZMfj6aE|"Alien Ant Farm - Smooth Criminal (Official Music Video)"}}}}
}}

In May 2001, the American rock band [[Alien Ant Farm]] released a "[[funk metal|funky metallic]]"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/alien-ant-farm-mn0000743709/biography|title=Alien Ant Farm|author=MacKenzie Wilson|website=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> cover of "Smooth Criminal" as the second single from their second studio album, ''[[Anthology (Alien Ant Farm album)|Anthology]]'' (2001). According to the singer, Dryden Mitchell, the band would play a few riffs of the song while warming up before gigs and audience members would request the entire song.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kindamuzik.net/interview/alien-ant-farm/alien-ant-farm/1255/|title=Alien Ant Farm interview|last=Nijssen|first=Bart|date=February 8, 2002|work=KindaMuzik}}</ref> 

The cover became a number-one hit on the US ''Billboard'' [[Modern Rock Tracks]] chart and was also a number-one hit in Australia for eight weeks. In Europe, it reached number three in the United Kingdom and charted within the top 10 in 10 other countries. Alien Ant Farm's 1999 album ''[[Greatest Hits (Alien Ant Farm album)|Greatest Hits]]'' includes a hidden track named "Slick Thief", which is an early version of "Smooth Criminal".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-05 |title=Alien Ant Farm Share Mixed Feelings on "Smooth Criminal" |url=https://www.whosampled.com/sample/842087/Alien-Ant-Farm-Slick-Thief-Michael-Jackson-Man-in-the-Mirror/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003101258/https://primordialradio.com/alien-ant-farm-share-mixed-feelings-on-smooth-criminal/ |archive-date=2024-10-03 |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=[[Primordial Radio]]}}</ref>

Mitchell said he came to resent how popular the cover was, and did not want to perform it, thinking: "We're a better band than just this song." However, he accepted that fans wanted to hear it and decided he was being immature. He described it as a "fun party song" like the [[Beastie Boys]]' "[[(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)|Fight for Your Right]]".<ref name=":0" />

===Music video and reaction from Jackson===
The music video was directed by [[Marc Klasfeld]] and shot in San Fernando, California.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-21 |title=The Untold Story of Alien Ant Farm's 'Smooth Criminal' |url=https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/alien-ant-farm-smooth-criminal-history |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=MEL Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> It features the band performing in a wrestling ring, and in front of a suburban house. The video also references various Jackson music videos and elements of his personal life, including the original "Smooth Criminal" video, Jackson's [[Moonwalk (dance)|Moonwalk]], and his pet chimp [[Bubbles (chimpanzee)|Bubbles]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fife |date=2022-02-18 |title=Throwback Track: Alien Ant Farm – Smooth Criminal |url=https://wixx.com/2022/02/18/throwback-track-alien-ant-farm-smooth-criminal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003101700/https://wixx.com/2022/02/18/throwback-track-alien-ant-farm-smooth-criminal/ |archive-date=2024-10-03 |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=WIXX 101}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grierson |first=Tim |date=2019-11-21 |title=The Untold Story of Alien Ant Farm's 'Smooth Criminal' |url=https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/alien-ant-farm-smooth-criminal-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003102044/https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/alien-ant-farm-smooth-criminal-history |archive-date=2024-10-03 |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=MEL Magazine}}</ref>

Before its release, Alien Ant Farm sent the video to Jackson for his approval. At his request, they reshot some scenes to remove a child wearing a surgical mask, a reference to how Jackson wore them in public to cover cosmetic surgeries. However, Jackson decided he preferred the video with the mask. Reflecting on the video in 2022, Mitchell said, "We went through quite a bit of money and bullshit to make sure that we were appeasing Michael Jackson."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Villasenor |first=Yvonne |date=2022-06-30 |title=Catching up with Alien Ant Farm, unlikely distractions during a week of doomscrolling |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-06-30/alien-ant-farm-smooth-criminal-michael-jackson-twitter |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Track listings===
{{col-begin|width=74%}}
{{col-2}}
'''UK CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Smooth Criminal|year=2001|type=UK CD single liner notes|publisher=[[DreamWorks Records]], Newnoize|id=DRMDM50887}}</ref>
# "Smooth Criminal"
# "Orange Appeal"
# "Denigrate"
# "Smooth Criminal" (CD-ROM video)

'''UK cassette single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Smooth Criminal|year=2001|type=UK cassette single sleeve|publisher=DreamWorks Records, Newnoize|id=DRMCS50888}}</ref>
# "Smooth Criminal"
# "Denigrate"

'''European CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Smooth Criminal|year=2001|type=European CD single liner notes|publisher=DreamWorks Records, Newnoize|id=450 888-2}}</ref>
# "Smooth Criminal" (album version)
# "Orange Appeal"
{{col-2}}
'''European maxi-CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Smooth Criminal|year=2001|type=European maxi-CD single liner notes|publisher=DreamWorks Records, Newnoize|id=450 885-2}}</ref>
# "Smooth Criminal" (album version)
# "[[Movies (Alien Ant Farm song)|Movies]]"
# "Denigrate" (non-LP version)
# "Smooth Criminal" (video)

'''Australian CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Smooth Criminal|year=2001|type=Australian CD single liner notes|publisher=DreamWorks Records, Newnoize|id=450 887-2}}</ref>
# "Smooth Criminal" (album version)
# "Orange Appeal"
# "Denigrate" (non-LP version)
# "Smooth Criminal" (video)
{{col-end}}

===Charts===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

====Weekly charts====
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (2001)
!scope="col"|Peak<br />position
|-
{{single chart|Australia|1|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Austria|6|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Flanders|3|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Wallonia|4|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|Canada ([[Nielsen BDS|BDS]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jamshowbiz.com:80/JamMusicCharts/BDS_1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011101043234/http://www.jamshowbiz.com:80/JamMusicCharts/BDS_1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2001-11-01|title=The Hits Charts (Airplay) : Top 100 singles|access-date=January 10, 2025}}</ref>
|align="center"|15
|-
{{single chart|Denmark|3|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2001/MM-2001-10-20.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=18|issue=43|page=9|date=October 20, 2001|access-date=February 9, 2020|archive-date=July 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709175041/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2001/MM-2001-10-20.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|6
|-
{{single chart|Finland|2|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|France|27|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Germany|5|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|songid=4893|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|Ireland ([[Irish Singles Chart|IRMA]])<ref name="IRL"/>
|2
|-
{{single chart|Italy|11|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Dutch40|4|year=2001|week=44|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Dutch100|4|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|New Zealand|4|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Norway|7|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Scotland|3|date=20010923|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Sweden|5|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Switzerland|4|artist=Alien Ant Farm|song=Smooth Criminal|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|UK|3|date=20010923|rowheader=true|access-date=June 11, 2013}}
|-
{{single chart|UKrock|1|date=20010923|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|23|artist=Alien Ant Farm|rowheader=true|access-date=February 9, 2020}}
|-
{{single chart|Billboardalternativesongs|1|artist=Alien Ant Farm|rowheader=true|access-date=February 9, 2020}}
|-
{{single chart|Billboardmainstreamrock|18|artist=Alien Ant Farm|rowheader=true|access-date=February 9, 2020}}
|-
{{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|12|artist=Alien Ant Farm|rowheader=true|access-date=February 9, 2020}}
|}
{{col-2}}

====Year-end charts====
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (2001)
!scope="col"|Position
|-
!scope="row"|Australia (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2001/singles-chart|title=ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2001|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|access-date=September 29, 2020|archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924052300/https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2001/singles-chart|url-status=live}}</ref>
|8
|-
!scope="row"|Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=s&id=2001|title=Jahreshitparade Singles 2001|language=de|access-date=December 15, 2018|archive-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606150859/https://austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=s&id=2001|url-status=live}}</ref>
|61
|-
!scope="row"|Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2001|title=Jaaroverzichten 2001|publisher=[[Ultratop]]|language=nl|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-date=October 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001123408/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2001|url-status=live}}</ref>
|24
|-
!scope="row"|Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2001|title=Rapports annuels 2001|publisher=Ultratop|language=fr|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-date=October 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019212314/http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2001|url-status=live}}</ref>
|55
|-
!scope="row"|Canada Radio ([[Nielsen BDS]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/100page2_2001.html|title=BDS CHART : Top 100 of 2001|publisher=[[Jam!]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020726115818/http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/100page2_2001.html|archive-date=July 26, 2002|access-date=March 26, 2022}}</ref>
|90
|-
!scope="row"|Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2001/MM-2001-12-22.pdf|title=Year in Focus – Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 2001|magazine=Music & Media|volume=18|issue=52|page=14|date=December 22, 2001|access-date=February 9, 2020|archive-date=July 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704045012/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2001/MM-2001-12-22.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|31
|-
!scope="row"|Germany (Media Control)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/single-jahr/for-date-2001|title=Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 2001|publisher=[[GfK Entertainment]]|language=de|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612185001/https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/single-jahr/for-date-2001|url-status=live}}</ref>
|43
|-
!scope="row"|Ireland (IRMA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irma.ie/#verticalTab16|title=Best of Singles 2001|publisher=[[Irish Recorded Music Association|IRMA]]|access-date=December 15, 2018|archive-date=June 19, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170619022406/http://www.irma.ie/%23chartTab4#verticalTab16|url-status=live}}</ref>
|17
|-
!scope="row"|Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/2001|title=Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2001|publisher=[[Dutch Top 40]]|access-date=February 7, 2020|archive-date=January 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108052736/https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/2001|url-status=live}}</ref>
|40
|-
!scope="row"|Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2001&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten – Single 2001|publisher=[[MegaCharts]]|language=nl|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-date=February 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208122346/http://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2001&cat=s|url-status=live}}</ref>
|42
|-
!scope="row"|Sweden (Hitlistan)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/43?dspy=2001&dspp=1|title=Årslista Singlar, 2001|publisher=[[Sverigetopplistan]]|language=sv|access-date=September 29, 2020|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605173000/https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/43?dspy=2001&dspp=1|url-status=live}}</ref>
|48
|-
!scope="row"|Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://swisscharts.com/charts/jahreshitparade/2001|title=Swiss Year-End Charts 2001|language=de|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-date=January 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116193821/http://swisscharts.com/charts/jahreshitparade/2001|url-status=live}}</ref>
|39
|-
!scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2001.pdf|title=The Official UK Singles Chart 2001|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-date=May 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525173433/http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2001.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|32
|-
!scope="row"|US Mainstream Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2001|magazine=[[Airplay Monitor]]|volume=9|issue=51|page=60|date=December 21, 2001}}</ref>
|78
|-
!scope="row"|US Modern Rock Tracks (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Year in Music 2001: Hot Modern Rock Tracks|magazine=Billboard|volume=113|issue=52|page=YE-72|date=December 29, 2001}}</ref>
|8
|}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (2002)
!scope="col"|Position
|-
!scope="row"|Australia (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2002/singles-chart|title=ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2002|publisher=ARIA|access-date=September 29, 2020|archive-date=October 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025202820/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2002.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|60
|-
!scope="row"|Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2002_singles2.html|title=Canada's Top 200 Singles of 2002 (Part 2)|publisher=[[Jam!]]|date=January 14, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040906184715/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2002_singles2.html|archive-date=September 6, 2004}}</ref>
|143
|}

====Decade-end charts====
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (2000–2009)
!scope="col"|Position
|-
!scope="row"|Australia (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/2000sDecadeChartssingles.pdf|title=ARIA Chart Sales – ARIA End of Decade Singles/Top 100|publisher=ARIA|access-date=June 23, 2018|archive-date=September 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917082727/http://aria.com.au/pages/documents/2000sDecadeChartssingles.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|48
|}
{{col-end}}

===Certifications===
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2001|certyear=2001}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2001|certyear=2001|access-date=December 10, 2018}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|type=single|artist=Alien Ant Farm|title=Smooth Criminal|award=Gold|relyear=2001|certyear=2018|access-date=May 17, 2018}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|award=Platinum|artist=Alien Ant Farm|title=Smooth Criminal|relyear=2001|certyear=2021|type=single|source=radioscope|refname="RMNZ"|access-date=February 6, 2025}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Norway|type=single|artist=Alien Ant Farm|title=Smooth Criminal|award=Gold|relyear=2001|certyear=2002|nosales=true|access-date=October 23, 2020}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2001|certyear=2001|access-date=July 3, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|type=single|artist=Alien Ant Farm|title=Smooth Criminal|award=Gold|relyear=2001|certyear=2002|access-date=December 10, 2018}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Alien Ant Farm|title=Smooth Criminal|award=Platinum|relyear=2001|certyear=2019|id=9270-489-1|access-date=September 29, 2020}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

===Release history===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
!scope="col"|Region
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Format(s)
!scope="col"|Label(s)
!scope="col"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
!scope="row"|United States
|May 22, 2001
|[[Alternative radio]]
|rowspan="5"|[[DreamWorks Records|DreamWorks]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2001/RR-2001-05-18.pdf|title=Alternative: Going for Adds|magazine=[[Radio & Records]]|issue=1402|page=105|date=May 18, 2001|access-date=April 24, 2021|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309120652/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2001/RR-2001-05-18.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|Europe
|August 20, 2001
|{{hlist|CD|cassette}}
|align="center"|<ref name="dove">{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2001/MM-2001-09-29.pdf|title=Airborne|last=Stavenes Dove|first=Siri|magazine=Music & Media|volume=19|issue=40|page=14|date=September 29, 2001|access-date=September 29, 2020|archive-date=August 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825145906/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2001/MM-2001-09-29.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|United States
|August 21, 2001
|[[Contemporary hit radio]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2001/RR-2001-08-17.pdf|title=CHR/Pop: Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1415|page=39|date=August 17, 2001|access-date=April 24, 2021|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309122700/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2001/RR-2001-08-17.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|United Kingdom
|September 17, 2001
|{{hlist|CD|cassette}}
|align="center"|<ref name="dove"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2001/Music-Week-2001-09-15.pdf|title=New Releases – For Week Starting September 17, 2001: Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=37|date=September 15, 2001|access-date=August 16, 2021|archive-date=August 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816221544/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2001/Music-Week-2001-09-15.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|Australia
|October 15, 2001
|CD
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/issue607.pdf|title=The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 15th October 2001|publisher=ARIA|page=24|date=October 15, 2001|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20020220130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20020221-0000/www.aria.com.au/issue607.pdf|archive-date=February 20, 2002|access-date=April 24, 2021}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
|}

==Other covers==
[[Croatia]]n duo [[2Cellos]] performed the song in a viral YouTube video.<ref>{{cite AV media |date=July 27, 2013 |title=2CELLOS - Smooth Criminal [OFFICIAL VIDEO] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx0xCI1jaUM |access-date=March 24, 2022 |publisher=[[2Cellos]]}}</ref> [[Jean Rodríguez]]  sang lead vocals for [[Tony Succar]]'s Latin-flavored version of "Smooth Criminal", from the album ''[[Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson]]'' (2015), including a section in Spanish.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin-notas/6443407/latin-tribute-michael-jackson-smooth-criminal-video |title=Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson Salsifies 'Smooth Criminal': Watch It Here |date=January 15, 2015 |last=Cantor-Navas |first=Judy |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |date=January 13, 2015 |title=Tony Succar, Jean Rodriguez – Smooth Criminal |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74EIxwiGgWE |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref> A video of their 2016 performance at the offices of [[Sirius XM]] went viral.<ref>{{cite AV media |date=February 18, 2016 |title='Smooth Criminal' Live @ Sirius XM – Tony Succar & Jean Rodriguez |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjbDSTQ-4mk |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Bad (album)}}
{{Michael Jackson songs}}
{{Alien Ant Farm}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1987 songs]]
[[Category:1988 singles]]
[[Category:2001 singles]]
[[Category:Michael Jackson songs]]
[[Category:Alien Ant Farm songs]]
[[Category:Music videos directed by Marc Klasfeld]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Australia]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Denmark]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Finland]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Iceland]]
[[Category:Dutch Top 40 number-one singles]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Spain]]
[[Category:Ultratop 50 Singles (Flanders) number-one singles]]
[[Category:Songs written by Michael Jackson]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Michael Jackson]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Quincy Jones]]
[[Category:Epic Records singles]]
[[Category:DreamWorks Records singles]]
[[Category:Songs about crime]]
[[Category:Songs about criminals]]