The success of Michael, the blockbuster biopic about the life of Michael Jackson, is not only dominating cinemas but also giving a major boost to Sony Music's business.
Sony recently reported that its music division generated approximately $3.5 billion in revenue during the quarter ending in June, representing a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. According to the company, the renewed popularity of Michael Jackson's music catalog played a significant role in that growth, with legendary albums such as Thriller and Bad ranking among its best-performing music releases.
The impressive financial results come just weeks after Michael became one of the biggest films of 2026. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as his famous uncle, the movie has earned more than $1 billion worldwide, making it Lionsgate's highest-grossing film ever and one of the most successful music biopics in history.
As moviegoers filled theaters around the world, millions also returned to Michael Jackson's music, leading to a dramatic increase in album sales and streaming activity across multiple platforms.
Several of Jackson's classic albums have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence on the charts. Thriller, Bad, Off the Wall, Number Ones, The Essential Michael Jackson, and Xscape all returned to the spotlight as fans rediscovered his music and new listeners explored his catalog for the first time.
The renewed interest wasn't limited to his biggest hits. "Chicago," a song from the 2014 posthumous album Xscape, recently entered the Billboard Hot 100 after going viral on streaming platforms and TikTok, proving that even lesser-known songs from Jackson's catalog are finding new audiences.
Sony's earnings report highlights just how valuable that renewed interest has become. While the company's music business experienced strong growth, Sony Pictures faced a more challenging quarter. Revenue from its film division declined by 13% year over year to approximately $1.98 billion, largely because it released only one major theatrical film, The Breadwinner, in North America during the period.
In contrast, Sony Music benefited from the worldwide excitement surrounding Michael. The company specifically identified Thriller and Bad as two of its 10 best-selling recorded music projects during the quarter, directly linking their strong performance to the release of the film.
The movie itself attracted significant attention long before reaching cinemas. Reports revealed that Michael underwent extensive revisions because of legal issues related to decades-old settlement agreements. Director Antoine Fuqua also acknowledged that several scenes were removed before the final version was released.
Despite those challenges, the film has received a positive response from audiences and many critics. Musician and filmmaker Questlove praised the project, saying it "gave him back his humanity," while cast members, including Nia Long and Jaafar Jackson, have spoken publicly about the responsibility of portraying one of the most famous and closely scrutinized entertainers in history.
The overwhelming commercial success of the film has also sparked discussions about a possible sequel. Lionsgate executives have confirmed that updates regarding the future of the franchise are expected, suggesting Michael Jackson's story could continue on the big screen while his music continues to attract a new generation of fans.
