Nine Inch Nails Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Ranking the discography of Nine Inch Nails is a monumental task.

Trent Reznor's project has delivered decades of sound that is aggressive, intricate, and deeply personal. Each album is a world unto itself.

Here, we are looking at the Nine Inch Nails albums ranked primarily through the lens of fan sentiment. We've gathered community consensus to see which records resonate the most.

This gives us a strong indication of what many consider the best Nine Inch Nails albums, and later, we'll compare that to current popularity data.

Ranking Nine Inch Nails's albums: The fan favorites

Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.

We're starting with the most beloved.

1. The Downward Spiral (1994)

The band's second studio album, The Downward Spiral, is a landmark concept album that cemented Nine Inch Nails in music history.

It reached number two on the Billboard 200 and remains the band's highest-selling release in the United States.

The record is a dark, abrasive, and meticulously crafted journey into self-destruction and nihilism.

Key tracks:

• Closer
• Heresy

It's no surprise that The Downward Spiral claims the top spot for fans.

This album isn't just a collection of songs; it's a singular, immersive experience. Its unflinching narrative and groundbreaking production continue to influence artists and captivate listeners decades later.

2. The Fragile (1999)

Five years after its predecessor, Nine Inch Nails released The Fragile, an ambitious and sprawling double album.

It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, showcasing a vast, layered soundscape that was both a continuation and an evolution of their work.

The album explores themes of decay and recovery with a stunning level of sonic detail and emotional depth.

Key tracks:

• We're In This Together
• Into The Void

For many dedicated fans, The Fragile is the definitive Nine Inch Nails statement.

Its sheer scope and intricate layering offer endless rewards on repeat listens, solidifying its place as a fan-favorite masterpiece.

3. Still (2002)

Originally released as a companion disc to the live album And All That Could Have Been, Still is a collection of stripped-down, atmospheric reinterpretations.

The album features deconstructed versions of previous songs alongside new instrumental pieces, showcasing a quieter, more ambient side of Trent Reznor's work.

Key tracks:

• And All That Could Have Been
• Adrift & At Peace

Still holds a special place in the hearts of many fans for its raw vulnerability.

Its high ranking demonstrates a deep appreciation for the quiet, haunting beauty that lies beneath the band's industrial chaos.

4. Pretty Hate Machine (1989)

The debut album, Pretty Hate Machine, introduced the world to Nine Inch Nails' unique blend of synth-pop, industrial, and rock.

Produced while Trent Reznor worked as a studio engineer, the album's lyrics focus on angst, betrayal, and lovesickness over a heavily electronic soundscape.

It became one of the first independently released albums to achieve a triple-platinum certification.

Key tracks:

• Head Like A Hole
• Get Down, Make Love

As the starting point for everything, Pretty Hate Machine maintains a powerful hold on the fanbase.

Its fusion of raw emotion with accessible, danceable electronics created a blueprint that still feels fresh and vital.

5. Quake (1996)

In a pioneering move, Trent Reznor composed the entire soundtrack for the landmark 1996 video game Quake.

This wasn't just background music; it was a fully realized album of dark, ambient, and industrial soundscapes that perfectly captured the game's gothic and terrifying atmosphere.

The score was delivered as audio tracks on the game disc itself, a novel approach at the time.

Key tracks:

• Quake Theme
• Aftermath

The Quake soundtrack's high ranking speaks volumes about its impact beyond just the game.

Fans recognize it as a legitimate and powerful entry in the Nine Inch Nails discography, a testament to Reznor's ability to create immersive, chilling worlds with sound alone.

6. Bad Witch (2018)

Bad Witch is the ninth studio album from Nine Inch Nails and the conclusion of a trilogy that began with the EPs Not the Actual Events and Add Violence.

Clocking in at just over 30 minutes, it is the band's shortest full-length release.

The album features a notable divergence in style, including prominent saxophone performances by Trent Reznor and influences from David Bowie's final album, Blackstar.

Key tracks:

• Shit Mirror
• Ahead of Ourselves

Bad Witch resonates with fans who appreciate the band's willingness to experiment and push boundaries.

Its concise, aggressive, and sonically challenging nature is seen as a bold and welcome move late in their discography.

7. Year Zero (2007)

The fifth studio album, Year Zero, is a concept album set in a dystopian future, 15 years after its release.

The album was famously accompanied by an elaborate alternate reality game, with clues hidden in song files, websites, and even on tour merchandise.

This project marked a significant shift from introspective themes to broader social and political commentary.

Key tracks:

• Capital G
• Survivalism

Fans who engaged with the entire Year Zero experience often hold it in high regard.

While the music stands on its own as a harsh, glitchy critique of power, its placement reflects its status as a highly ambitious, multimedia art project that some connect with more than others.

8. TRON: Ares (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2025)

This soundtrack marks the first time Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have credited their film score work under the Nine Inch Nails moniker.

Following in the footsteps of Wendy Carlos and Daft Punk, the duo aimed for a sound that was "precise and unpleasant at times," avoiding any orchestral elements.

The goal was to create a score that could also be enjoyed as a conventional Nine Inch Nails album.

Key tracks:

• As Alive As You Need Me To Be
• Init

As a newer release, its position in the fan ranking is still evolving.

The decision to brand this score as an official Nine Inch Nails release has sparked much discussion, but its quality and synth-heavy aesthetic are appreciated by many listeners.

9. With Teeth (2005)

Released after a six-year gap, With Teeth saw Nine Inch Nails return with a more direct and raw sound.

This album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, featuring a more straightforward rock structure and a greater emphasis on a live band dynamic.

It captures a sense of urgency and aggression, with themes reflecting Trent Reznor's journey toward sobriety.

Key tracks:

• The Hand That Feeds
• Every Day Is Exactly The Same

With Teeth is often seen as a powerful comeback album, though its more conventional song structures make it a point of debate among fans.

Those who value its raw energy and accessible hits rank it highly, while others prefer the more experimental textures of other records.

10. Hesitation Marks (2013)

Hesitation Marks, the eighth studio album, arrived after a period where Trent Reznor had suggested Nine Inch Nails might not tour or record again.

Released through Columbia Records, the album features a more minimalist and electronic sound, exploring themes of reflection and identity from a more mature perspective.

It reached number three on the Billboard 200.

Key tracks:

• Copy of a
• Came Back Haunted

This album's placement often reflects its divisive nature among the fanbase.

Some fans celebrate its sparse, groove-oriented production as a refreshing change, while others miss the dense, aggressive layers of earlier works.

11. Further Down The Spiral (1995)

This is the companion remix album for The Downward Spiral.

It was released in two different versions and features an eclectic lineup of high-profile contributors, including Aphex Twin and Coil.

The album deconstructs the original tracks, pushing them into more experimental and electronic territory, and it remains one of the best-selling remix albums ever.

Key tracks:

• At The Heart Of It All
• Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now)

As a remix album, Further Down The Spiral is naturally seen as a companion piece rather than a core studio effort.

Its lower ranking reflects this status, though it is highly respected by fans who appreciate its avant-garde interpretations.

12. The Slip (2008)

Following the instrumental release of Ghosts I–IV, The Slip was released just two months later as a surprise free download.

Created in about three weeks, the album was a thank-you to fans and marked another step in the band's independent distribution journey.

It blends the raw energy of a live band with concise, song-focused structures.

Key tracks:

• Discipline
• The Four of Us Are Dying

While appreciated for its spontaneous creation and free release, The Slip often sits lower in fan rankings.

Some listeners feel its rapid production resulted in a collection that feels less essential compared to the meticulously crafted epics in the discography.

13. Ghosts I-IV (2008)

Ghosts I–IV was the first independent release from Nine Inch Nails after splitting from Interscope Records.

The album consists of 36 almost entirely instrumental tracks, described by Trent Reznor as "a soundtrack for daydreams."

It was released with little warning under a Creative Commons license, allowing fans to remix and share the music freely for non-commercial purposes.

Key tracks:

• 02 Ghosts I
• 13 Ghosts II

The Ghosts series is widely respected but its instrumental nature places it in a different category for many fans.

Its lower fan-ranking is less a critique of quality and more an acknowledgment that listeners often come to Nine Inch Nails for Reznor's distinct lyrical and vocal presence.

14. Ghosts V: Together (2020)

Released as a surprise free download during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Ghosts V: Together offered a more hopeful and ambient soundscape.

It was presented as a show of solidarity with fans, providing "hours and hours of music" alongside its companion, Ghosts VI: Locusts.

The album is largely meditative and aims to provide comfort and a sense of connection.

Key tracks:

• Together
• Your Touch

Like its predecessor, Ghosts V is valued for its atmospheric quality and generous release.

Fans appreciate it as a beautiful ambient work, but it generally doesn't compete with the iconic vocal-led studio albums in rankings.

15. Ghosts VI: Locusts (2020)

The darker counterpart to Ghosts V, this album was also released for free in March 2020.

Ghosts VI: Locusts explores themes of anxiety, dread, and collapse through unsettling and dissonant soundscapes.

It was described as the "not so happy" part of the dual release, reflecting the grim uncertainty of the time.

Key tracks:

• Run Like Hell
• The Cursed Clock

Ghosts VI serves as a powerful, if challenging, listen.

Its position near the bottom of the fan list is typical for the instrumental Ghosts entries, which are often considered separate from the main body of work by listeners.

16. Things Falling Apart (2000)

This is the companion remix album for The Fragile.

The album features a variety of reinterpretations from artists and producers, deconstructing the dense layers of its source material.

Unlike its predecessor, it was met with a more critical reception upon release.

Key tracks:

• Slipping Away - Remix
• Metal - Remix

Remix albums almost always land lower in fan rankings, and Things Falling Apart is no exception.

It is generally considered a non-essential release for anyone but the most dedicated collectors and completists.

17. Y34RZ3r0r3mix3d (2007)

Y34RZ3R0R3M1X3D is the remix album for Year Zero.

It features a wide array of artists reimagining the tracks from the dystopian concept album.

This was the final Nine Inch Nails album released on Interscope Records, fulfilling the band's contractual obligations before going fully independent.

Key tracks:

• The Great Destroyer - modwheelmood
• The Beginning of the End - ladytron

Holding the final spot in our fan ranking, this release is viewed similarly to other remix collections.

While it contains interesting takes, it is ultimately seen as supplemental material to the powerful original album it's based on.

Picked your top Nine Inch Nails classic? Check out Nine Inch Nails's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.

Nine Inch Nails albums: A look at popularity data

While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.

This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.

Below is a ranking of Nine Inch Nails's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.

So there you have it – a look at Nine Inch Nails's albums ranked.

We've considered both the passionate insights of fans and current popularity trends.

Ultimately, the "best" Nine Inch Nails album often comes down to personal connection. The moments those songs soundtrack in our lives are what matter.

What does your personal ranking of Nine Inch Nails's albums look like? Let us know which one holds the top spot for you.