Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson earned a lot of money when he was alive, and he still earns after his death.
The pop star is the first on the list of the highest-earning dead celebrities. The singer pulled in $275 million since he died (in June 2009) with his back catalog and merchandising deals.
His concert film 'This Is It', which documented preparations for his London concert, also made $250 million at the box office.
Forbes magazine's top five list also includes Elvis Presley, 'Lord of the Rings' author J.R.R. Tilkien, 'Peanuts' animator Charles Schulz and Beatles legend John Lennon.
Actually Jackson's earnings were greater than the total combined earnings of the 12 other dead stars on Forbes magazine's list, including the other stars in top five.