Michael biopic boosts Sony's financial results

According to Sony’s Q1 earnings report, Sony Music Entertainment recorded a 22% jump in sales, as Michael Jackson's Thriller and Bad surge.

According to financial figures reported by Deadline, the box office run of Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has put a serious burst of energy into Sony’s Q1 financial results.

The success of the biographical drama triggered a massive resurgence in Michael Jackson’s classic discography, sending fans back to the iconic tracks that built his legacy.

Sony Music Soars as “Thriller” and “Bad” Surge

According to Sony’s Q1 earnings report, Sony Music Entertainment recorded a 22% jump in sales, reaching 557.9 billion yen ($3.5 billion) in the three months ending June 30.

Sony Music confirmed that Jackson’s legendary albums Thriller and Bad climbed back into its top 10 best-selling recorded music projects for the quarter. The sales surge directly coincided with the theatrical buzz and release of the Lionsgate biopic, proving that the King of Pop’s catalog continues to be an unrivaled commercial juggernaut.

Sony Pictures Navigates a Quiet Theatrical Slate

While the music division celebrated massive catalog growth, Sony Pictures Entertainment experienced a quieter period at the box office. The film arm reported a 13% drop in overall revenue to $1.98 billion year-on-year. However, operational efficiency kept profitability afloat, with operating income climbing 21% to $156 million.

The theatrical side saw a light schedule in North America during Q1, featuring the release of Nate Bargatze’s comedy The Breadwinner. Domestic theatrical revenue settled at $30 million—a drop of roughly $100 million compared to the same window in 2025, which saw heavy hitters like 28 Years Later and Karate Kid: Legends.

Television production also felt the squeeze. Despite releasing the final season of Amazon’s tentpole series The Boys, TV sales declined 32% year-over-year (from $841 million down to $571 million) due to fewer series deliveries during the three-month period.