Michael Jackson biopic fuels Sony Music’s strongest quarter

The enduring commercial power of Michael Jackson's catalog lifted Sony Music Entertainment to one of its strongest quarters in recent memory, as the Lionsgate biopic "Michael" drove a surge in streaming and sales of the late artist's work.

Sony Group reported fiscal first-quarter results on Friday showing its music segment posted revenue of ¥562 billion ($3.5 billion), up 20.8% year-on-year for the three months ending June 30, 2026. Recorded music revenue climbed 26.4% to ¥381 billion ($2.38 billion), with Jackson's "Thriller" and "Bad" ranking as the top two best-selling recorded music projects globally during the period.hollywoodreporter+2

A Biopic's Ripple Effect

The theatrical success of "Michael," distributed by Lionsgate Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. ↘ 4.41%, triggered what Music Week described as a "nearly four-fold increase" in Jackson's catalog activity. Streaming revenue for recorded music rose 9.7% year-on-year to $1.49 billion on a U.S. dollar basis, while the "Other" category — encompassing live, merchandise, and sync — surged 39.7% to $671.7 million.musicweek+1

Beyond Jackson, Sony's quarter was powered by Ella Langley, whose album "Dandelion" reached No. 1 on the U.S. albums chart, along with strong performances from Bad Bunny, Raye, SZA, Luke Combs, and Peso Pluma.hollywoodreporter+1

Quiet Quarter for Pictures

The music division's strength helped offset a subdued period at Sony Pictures Entertainment, which released only the Nate Bargatze comedy "The Breadwinner" theatrically in North America during the quarter. SPE revenue fell 13% to $1.98 billion, with theatrical revenue dropping to $30 million from $132 million a year earlier. Television revenue declined 32% to $571 million due to fewer series deliveries. Despite lower revenue, SPE's operating income rose 21% to $156 million, aided by reduced marketing costs.variety+2

Broader Sony Performance

Overall, Sony Group posted quarterly revenue of ¥2.837 trillion ($17.8 billion), up 8%, with net income rising 32% to ¥342.2 billion ($2.15 billion). The company raised its full-year music segment guidance by ¥50 billion, citing favorable exchange rates and the completed acquisition of Recognition Music Group by Sony Music Publishing.musicbusinessworldwide+1

Sony noted that its semiconductor facilities in Kumamoto were affected by a recent earthquake but said it could not yet estimate the financial impact.variety