Michael Jackson has once again secured the top spot on Forbes’ annual list of the Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities, bringing in an estimated $105 million in pre-tax earnings over the past year.
This marks the 13th time in the 16 years since his passing that he has led the ranking. The latest financial surge cements his status as a “posthumous financial powerhouse,” with his total earnings since 2009 now reaching a staggering $3.5 billion.
The 2025 list highlights a “canyon-sized” gap between Jackson and other late icons, driven by a strategic combination of catalog sales and live entertainment. A major portion of this year’s earnings stems from the landmark 2024 deal in which the estate sold a 50% stake in Jackson’s master recordings and publishing to Sony Music for roughly $600 million.
MJ: The Musical, a jukebox musical celebrating Michael Jackson’s artistry, has grossed nearly $300 million worldwide since its 2022 debut, while the Las Vegas residency, Michael Jackson ONE, surpassed 5,000 performances this year and has been extended through 2030.
Jackson’s earnings far outpaced the rest of the top five, which included: Dr. Seuss ($85 million), Richard Wright & Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd ($81 million each), The Notorious B.I.G. ($80 million)
The ongoing commercial success of the King of Pop’s estate is expected to continue its upward trajectory with the highly anticipated biopic, “Michael,” starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, which is set to premiere in April 2026.
