The album is Thriller. But the $134 million figure needs a qualification: a 2025 World News Group article places that amount in the two years after the album’s release. It does not establish that Thriller alone generated that sum or that it was Jackson’s album royalties or personal net income.
What does the $134 million figure refer to?
The available source describes Michael Jackson as making $134 million in the two years following Thriller’s release. That is a period-earnings claim associated with the album’s release, not a documented accounting of what the album itself paid him. The source does not explain how the amount was calculated or define it as royalties, profit, or net income.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Thriller | $19.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition) | $35.16 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Michael Jackson - Thriller (Vinyl) | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Michael Jackson Vinyl Album Collection: Off the Wall / Thriller / Bad - Limited Pressing Gatefold 3 Record [LP] Set](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NIInuYyFL._SL160_.jpg)
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Michael Jackson Vinyl Album Collection: Off the Wall / Thriller / Bad - Limited Pressing Gatefold 3... | Buy on Amazon | |
| 5 |
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Off The Wall | $20.97 | Buy on Amazon |
For that reason, the more accurate answer to “Which album made Michael Jackson $134 million?” is that the figure is linked to the period after Thriller, not proven earnings from Thriller alone.
How large was Thriller?
Worldwide sales
In its October 4, 2022, 40th-anniversary announcement, Sony Music said Thriller had sold over 100 million albums worldwide and described it as the best-selling album in history. This is Sony’s attributed worldwide figure from 2022, not a current independently audited tally. Sony Music’s anniversary announcement also noted official anniversary activity, including a documentary about the album.
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U.S. certification
In a February 16, 2017, announcement, Sony Music reported that Thriller had received 33x Diamond certification for U.S. sales and streams, citing the RIAA, the Estate of Michael Jackson, Epic Records, and Legacy Recordings. This certification measure covers the United States and includes streams; it is distinct from the worldwide album-sales figure.
What the numbers do—and do not—show
- $134 million: A secondary source’s claim about Jackson’s earnings in the two years after the album’s release; it does not establish album-only earnings.
- Over 100 million albums worldwide: Sony Music’s figure in its 2022 anniversary announcement.
- 33x Diamond: Sony Music’s 2017 report of a U.S. certification for sales and streams, not a worldwide unit count.
The scale of Thriller is clear from Sony’s sales and certification announcements. Those milestones do not, by themselves, verify how much money Jackson personally earned from the album.
Rank #2
- Released: 2008-02-19...
- Format: Vinyl...
- Genre: Pop...
- Genre: Pop...
- Format: Vinyl...
Where to find Thriller
Readers interested in the album can look for a current CD or vinyl listing from a seller they trust. Check the format, edition, seller, and availability on the listing itself; the anniversary announcement does not establish what is currently in stock.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Michael Jackson Vinyl Album Collection
- Limited Gatefold Pressings
- 3 LP Set
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
