“Michael” just rewrote box office history. The Michael Jackson biopic became the first film in the genre to cross the $1 billion mark worldwide.
Despite receiving mixed reviews over how it portrays the pop star’s legacy, the film has continued to dominate at the box office since its release in April, 2026. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, in the lead role.
How Michael became the first Hollywood biopic to surpass $1 billion?
‘Michael ‘, the first Hollywood biopic to surpass $1 billion, crossed the mark over the weekend, three months after its release. The film reached $371.8 million in North America and $629.8 million overseas.
Along the way, it shattered several records. Its $217 million global opening was the biggest ever for a biopic. The film also surpassed “Bohemian Rhapsody”, previously the highest-grossing musical biopic, and “Oppenheimer”, another blockbuster based on a real person.
The movie became Lionsgate’s first billion-dollar release. It is only the second film to top $1 billion in 2026, following Universal’s “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” ($1.01 billion), while “Toy Story 5” currently stands at $879 million.
Audiences drove the film’s staying power from the start. “Michael” holds a 97% score on Popcornmeter by Rotten Tomatoes, with strong word of mouth and repeat viewership contributing to its success.
The biopic covers Michael from his Jackson 5 debut through the late 1980s, including iconic hits such as “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” that continue to draw audiences of all ages to theatres.
Adam Fogeison, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said, “Audiences have embraced the film from the beginning, turning it into a unique cultural phenomenon in the theaters around the world.”
TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON MICHAEL BECOMING THE FIRST BILLION-DOLLAR BIOPIC. WHICH SCENE MADE YOU FEEL NOSTALGIC?