Pop legend, Michael Jackson leads Forbes’ list with $105 million in posthumous earnings, driven by streaming, music rights, and revived global interest.
Michael Jackson has once again claimed the title of the world’s highest-earning deceased celebrity, topping Forbes’ annual list for 2025 with an estimated $105 million in posthumous earnings. The figure underscores the enduring economic power of the “King of Pop,” more than 15 years after his death.
Forbes, which has been tracking the earnings of late celebrities for over two decades, reported that Jackson’s estate benefited from a combination of music royalties, licensing deals, and continued global interest in his legacy. Streaming remains a significant driver, as the artist’s catalog remains a mainstay across digital platforms worldwide, from Spotify to Apple Music.
The estate’s continued ability to leverage Jackson’s cultural influence has also played a key role. In 2025, renewed public interest coincided with the international re-release of the 1982 album Thriller in Dolby Atmos sound, driving a spike in downloads and streams. Additionally, “MJ: The Musical,” which continues to play to sold-out audiences on Broadway and in London’s West End, remains a key contributor to earnings.
Merchandise sales have also surged, fueled by both nostalgic fans and younger generations discovering Jackson’s influence for the first time. Industry analysts say that Jackson’s legacy has not only remained intact, but also grown stronger as contemporary artists continue to acknowledge his impact on pop music, dance, and entertainment culture at large.
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The late singer’s estate has also secured lucrative licensing deals in the gaming sector. A new partnership with a leading virtual reality platform introduced a first-of-its-kind digital experience featuring Jackson’s iconic music videos, including “Beat It” and “Smooth Criminal,” enabling fans to explore interactive storylines tied to his body of work.
Despite the controversies that have shadowed Jackson’s legacy in recent years, particularly following the release of the documentary Leaving Neverland in 2019, the estate’s revenue streams have held steady. Resurgence in popularity during global “throwback” trends, coupled with proactive management of intellectual property, has largely shielded the estate from long-term commercial fallout.
Following Jackson on the 2025 Forbes list are other late cultural icons, including Elvis Presley, who earned an estimated $65 million, and author J.R.R. Tolkien, whose estate reportedly brought in $50 million, thanks in part to renewed interest sparked by ongoing adaptations of his works.
Yet, for now, Jackson remains at the summit of the posthumous earnings chart. More than a decade after his untimely passing, he remains a towering figure in global entertainment — one whose artistry, and commercial appeal, show no sign of fading.
