Michael Jackson has topped a list of highest-earning dead celebrities for the second year in a row.

The money came from Cirque du Soleil shows 'Immortal' and 'One', as well as his half of the Sony/ATV publishing catalogue, his own Mijac catalogue and his posthumous album, 'Xscape', which was released earlier this year.

Forbes commented: "Few celebrities prove the point that there is (financial) life after death better than Michael Jackson."

The staggering sum was more than twice what second-placed Elvis Presley, who died in 1977, earned in the last 12 months, and the 'Jailhouse Rock' singer's $55 million was considerably higher than the earnings of third-placed Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, who made $40 million.

Michael's late friend Dame Elizabeth Taylor - who died in 2011 and took top spot on the Forbes list a year later - came in at fourth place with $25 million, one spot ahead of late reggae legend Bob Marley, who generated $20 million.

Completing the list were Marilyn Monroe in sixth spot thanks to earnings of $17 million, Beatles legend John Lennon and scientist Albert Einstein, with their $12 million and $11 million earning them seventh and eighth place respectively.

Five stars - 'Dr Seuss' writer Theodor Geisel, actors Bruce Lee, Steve McQueen and James Dean, and model Bettie Page - tied with $9 million earnings to take the final place on the list.

According to Forbes - who compiled the list using estimated earnings and spoke to estate managers, lawyers and licensors - the 13 deceased stars earned a total of $363.5 million between October 2013 and 14.




Forbes' Highest-Earning Dead Celebrities 2014:

1. Michael Jackson, $140 million

2. Elvis Presley, $55 million

3. Charles Schulz, $40 million

4. Dame Elizabeth Taylor, $25 million

5. Bob Marley, $20 million

6. Marilyn Monroe, $17 million

7. John Lennon, $12 million

8. Albert Einstein, $11 million

9= Theodor Geisel, $9 million

9= Bruce Lee, $9 million

9= Steve McQueen, $9 million

9= Bettie Page, $9 million

9= James Dean, $9 million.