Michael Jackson Is Highest-Earning Dead Celebrity, According to Forbes

Michael Jackson is still making a lot of money, 5 years since he passed away at 50 years old. The "Thriller" hitmaker tops Forbes' list of the Top-Earning Dead Celebrities of 2014 with $140 million in earnings over the last 12 months, thanks to his second posthumous album "Xscape" which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard Hot 200 chart in May this year.

Elvis Presley, with an estimated $55 million in earnings, lands at No. 2 on the list. The King of Rock and Roll earns from Graceland admissions, licensing and merchandizing and a Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show.

Cartoonist Charles Schulz who created the popular comic strip "Peanuts", brought in $40 million over the last year. Elizabeth Taylor follows next at No. 4 with $25 million from her perfume sales, and reggae singer Bob Marley trails behind with $20 million.

Also making into the list are Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Steve McQueen and James Dean among other famous figures. The 13 late celebrities who rank on the list brought in a total of $363.5 million over the last 12 months.