Michael Jackson’s music has delivered another powerful reminder of its commercial strength. During Sony’s first fiscal quarter of 2026, the company’s music sales climbed 22% from the same period a year earlier, reaching 557.9 billion yen across a fast-changing global music market. The jump arrived as the hit biopic Michael introduced Jackson’s life, performances and classic recordings to a fresh global audience.
Sony’s own earnings material placed Thriller and Bad among its ten best-selling recorded music projects for the quarter ending June 30. That means two albums released decades ago competed beside current stars during one of the year’s biggest music periods. The timing also followed the April release of Michael, starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson.
Michael 2026 Official Trailer
The trailer shows why the film could send viewers back to the original recordings. It presents the familiar songs, costumes and performances through a new actor while keeping Michael Jackson’s music at the center. For longtime fans it creates nostalgia. For younger viewers it offers an introduction to the artist behind Thriller and Bad.
That renewed attention stood out because Sony’s movie business had a quieter quarter. Pictures revenue fell 13% to $1.98 billion as the studio released only one North American title. Music moved in the opposite direction, helped by streaming growth and catalog projects that continued selling long after their original release.
Michael Retakes No. 1 Box Office Spot and Passes $700 Million
The film’s box office story adds another layer. Michael returned to No. 1 in North America during May and passed $700 million worldwide at that stage. Its reach helps explain how a theatrical event could become a discovery engine, sending audiences from cinema screens to streaming services, music videos and complete albums.
Michael Jackson needed no new album to become one of Sony Music’s strongest sellers again. Thriller and Bad defined modern pop, broke barriers and turned music videos into major events. Decades later, their return near the top proves the audience is still growing. Watch the videos and rediscover why his music continues to move millions.