“Michael” 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 on the way it portrayed the pop star’s legacy, the film has continued to dominate the box office since its release in April, 2026. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael stars Michael’s nephew Jafar Jackson in the lead role.
How did Michael become the first Hollywood biopic to gross over $1 billion?
‘Michael’, the first Hollywood biopic to cross the $1 billion markThree months after its release, the figure was crossed over the weekend. The film grossed $371.8 million in North America and $629.8 million overseas.
During this period it broke many records. Its global opening of $217 million was the biggest opening 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 film became Lionsgate’s first billion-dollar release. It is the second film to top $1 billion in 2026, after Universal’s “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” ($1.01 billion), while “Toy Story 5” currently stands at $879 million.
The audience maintained the success of the film right from the beginning. “Michael” has a score of 97% on Popcornmeter rotten tomatoesStrong word of mouth and repeat viewership contributed to its success.
The biopic covers Michael’s era with the Jackson 5 from his early to late 1980s, including iconic hits like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” that continue to draw audiences of all ages to theaters.
Adam Fogison, president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said, “Audiences have embraced the film from the beginning, making it a unique cultural phenomenon in theaters around the world.”
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