‘Michael’ Becomes the Highest-Grossing Biopic of All Time, Surpassing $1 Billion at the Global Box Office

According to the latest figures from Box Office Mojo, the film has earned $371.8 million domestically and an additional $629.8 million internationally, bringing its global total to more than $1 billion. The milestone allows Michael to overtake Bohemian Rhapsody, which previously held the record for the highest-grossing music biopic with approximately $911 million worldwide, while also surpassing Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which grossed around $975 million globally.

The achievement makes Michael only the second film of the year to cross the coveted $1 billion threshold, following The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, further cementing its status as one of 2026’s biggest theatrical successes.

Released in April, Michael opened to an impressive $97 million in North America and $217 million worldwide during its debut weekend, setting a new opening-weekend record for a musical biopic. The film comfortably eclipsed the previous benchmark established by Straight Outta Compton in 2015 and quickly established itself as one of the year’s most talked-about releases.

Industry observers note that the film’s remarkable box office performance was driven not only by the enduring popularity of Michael Jackson’s music but also by strong word-of-mouth among audiences. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics ahead of its release and facing significant scrutiny throughout production, the film maintained exceptional momentum throughout the summer movie season, benefiting from repeat viewings and sustained audience interest.

Entertainment publication Variety noted that Michael consistently defied expectations, continuing to set new commercial milestones despite the controversies surrounding both its subject matter and the creative decisions made during production.

The film’s extraordinary success also marks a historic moment for Lionsgate. With more than $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales, Michael has officially become the studio’s highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing previous record holders The Hunger Games: Catching Fire ($865 million) and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 ($850 million).

Speaking about the film’s performance, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Adam Fogelson said the box office triumph reflects Michael Jackson’s lasting cultural influence across generations while also demonstrating that theatrical moviegoing continues to thrive in the streaming era when audiences are presented with compelling cinematic experiences.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Antoine Fuqua, Michael traces the extraordinary journey of Michael Jackson from his early years performing alongside his brothers in The Jackson 5 to his emergence as one of the most influential entertainers in modern history. Rather than functioning solely as a chronological retelling of events, the film seeks to explore the emotional, artistic and personal experiences that shaped the legendary performer behind the global phenomenon.

One of the film’s most distinctive creative decisions was casting Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, in the lead role. The casting immediately attracted worldwide attention, with many fans noting the remarkable physical resemblance between Jaafar and his famous uncle. Beyond the similarities in appearance, critics and audiences alike praised Jaafar’s ability to capture Michael’s unmistakable stage presence, vocal style and signature dance movements.

Supporting performances from Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson have also been widely recognized as major strengths of the production. Together, the cast presents a portrait of the Jackson family that balances ambition, discipline and emotional complexity while highlighting the pressures that accompanied Michael’s extraordinary rise to fame.

Although Michael currently holds a relatively modest 38% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, audience reception has been significantly more enthusiastic. Many viewers have embraced the film’s emotionally driven approach and praised its celebration of Michael Jackson’s artistry rather than its focus on the controversies that dominated the latter years of his life.

Instead of devoting substantial screen time to the child sexual abuse allegations or the singer’s numerous legal battles, director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan chose to emphasize Michael’s unparalleled musical talent, relentless work ethic and the enormous psychological burden of global superstardom. The filmmakers portray Jackson as an artist constantly striving for perfection while navigating extraordinary public scrutiny throughout his career.

Several critics have observed that the film’s emotional core lies in its depiction of Michael’s childhood. Drawing attention to his strict upbringing under father Joseph Jackson, Michael explores how intense discipline, demanding rehearsals and immense expectations shaped both his artistic brilliance and his personal vulnerabilities.

According to CultureMap, the film succeeds in humanizing the global superstar by presenting quieter moments rarely associated with his public image. Scenes featuring Michael spending time with family members, interacting with security staff and visiting seriously ill children help create a more intimate portrait of a man who often struggled with loneliness despite worldwide fame. These moments underscore his desire for emotional connection while offering audiences a glimpse beyond the headlines that defined much of his later life.

Music, unsurprisingly, remains the film’s greatest strength. The production recreates many of Michael Jackson’s most iconic performances on a grand cinematic scale, combining elaborate choreography, cutting-edge visual effects and immersive concert staging. Classic songs including Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, Smooth Criminal and Man in the Mirror are reimagined with contemporary filmmaking techniques while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original performances.

Jaafar Jackson’s recreation of the legendary Billie Jean performance has become one of the film’s standout sequences, earning praise from longtime fans for its authenticity and attention to detail. Many have highlighted his ability to reproduce not only Michael’s signature dance moves—including the moonwalk—but also the subtle mannerisms and charisma that made him one of the greatest performers in entertainment history.

Beyond its commercial accomplishments, Michael has reignited global interest in Jackson’s musical legacy. Streaming numbers for his catalog have surged following the film’s release, while sales of albums, merchandise and concert documentaries have also experienced noticeable increases across multiple international markets.

According to multiple U.S. media reports, Lionsgate is already considering expanding the project into a larger franchise, with discussions reportedly underway regarding at least one additional installment exploring later chapters of Michael Jackson’s life and career. While the studio has yet to make an official announcement, the unprecedented commercial success of Michael has made further development increasingly likely.

Whether viewed as a tribute to one of music’s most influential figures or as a fresh introduction to Michael Jackson for a new generation, Michael has undeniably established itself as a landmark achievement in the biographical film genre. By combining spectacular musical sequences with an intimate portrayal of one of popular culture’s most enduring icons, the film has not only rewritten the box office record books but also reaffirmed the lasting global impact of the King of Pop decades after his greatest triumphs.