As of July 9, 2026, the biographical film Michael has earned $991.7 million worldwide, cementing its status as the highest-grossing musical biographical film ever released. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the Lionsgate production has outperformed industry expectations to become the second-highest-grossing film of 2026, trailing only The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
Box Office Milestones and Record-Breaking Performance
The financial ascent of Michael has been nothing short of historic for Lionsgate. By crossing the $911.9 million mark on June 14, the film officially surpassed the $911 million lifetime total of Bohemian Rhapsody to claim the title of the highest-grossing musical biographical film ever released. The momentum continued through late June, when the film surged past the $975 million total of Oppenheimer on June 28, earning the distinction of the highest-grossing biographical film of all time.
Domestically, the film’s success was evident from its opening weekend. Michael debuted at $97.2 million, marking the highest opening ever for a biographical musical film and significantly eclipsing the $60.2 million debut of Straight Outta Compton in 2015. With $24.4 million of its opening haul coming from IMAX screens, the film also set a record for the highest opening amount for a musical biopic on the format.
The Creative Team and Casting Decisions
At the center of the project is Jaafar Jackson, the 29-year-old nephew of the late Michael Jackson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film chronicles the icon’s journey from a child star in the Jackson 5 to a global music legend. The production’s musical authenticity is supported by a mix of original Michael Jackson recordings blended with live vocals from both Jaafar Jackson and Juliano Krue Valdi.
The ensemble cast includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller. According to Forbes, Janet Jackson does not appear in the film at all. Furthermore, while Michael Jackson’s eldest son, Prince Jackson, served as an executive producer, his siblings Bigi and Paris Jackson were not involved. Paris Jackson has been vocal about her opposition to the project, publicly criticizing the film on social media for what she described as inaccuracy
and full-blown lies.
Critical Reception Versus Audience Sentiment
There is a stark divide between how professional critics and general audiences have received the film. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Michael holds a 38% critical approval rating based on 296 reviews, with a consensus describing the film as a greatest hits
album that lacks deep insight. Metacritic reflects a similar sentiment, assigning the film a score of 39 out of 100, indicating generally unfavorable
reviews.
Conversely, audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. CinemaScore polls recorded an average grade of A−
from moviegoers, while PostTrak surveys indicated a 90% positive score, with 84% of respondents saying they would definitely recommend the film. Some critics, such as Owen Gleiberman of Variety, found merit in the performance, noting that Jaafar Jackson nails the look, the voice, the electrostatic moves — and the mix of delicacy and steel that made Michael who he was.
Digital Transition and Financial Stakes
Following its theatrical run, Michael became available on digital video-on-demand platforms, including Prime Video and Apple TV, on June 9. The move to home viewing comes after significant financial pressure on the project. Because the Jackson estate served as an equity partner, there was substantial risk involved; Forbes reported that the estate could have been liable for millions had the film failed to break even. However, as the film solidified its position as a blockbuster, the estate stood to benefit significantly.
This financial success elevates Michael to the status of the highest-grossing Lionsgate film in history, surpassing the $865 million record previously held by The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. With its current worldwide total nearing $1 billion, the film serves as a testament to the enduring commercial power of the Jackson brand, even as critical consensus remains sharply divided from the public’s enthusiastic reception.
