ENTERTAINMENT

United States film 'Michael' sets biopic box office record

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LOS ANGELES, United States – The biographical film "Michael," directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, has become the highest-grossing biopic in box office history. Over the weekend of June 28, 2026, the film’s global ticket sales reached $977 million, edging past the $975 million record set by Christopher Nolan’s 2023 film "Oppenheimer." Released in April 2026, "Michael" has earned $370.2 million in the domestic market and $607.2 million internationally. The film opened to $217 million worldwide, setting a new benchmark for the strongest debut ever for a musical biopic and quickly establishing itself as a major commercial release for Lionsgate Films. LOS ANGELES, United States – "Michael" went on to surpass the 2018 Queen biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody," which grossed $911 million, to become the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time and the top-grossing release in Lionsgate’s history, overtaking "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" from 2013. The film dramatizes the life of pop superstar Michael Jackson, tracing his trajectory from his early years performing with his brothers in the Jackson 5 under the strict guidance of his father, Joe Jackson, through the peak of his solo career in the 1980s and culminating in the 1988 Bad World Tour. The cast includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson and Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, and the film’s box office performance has solidified its status despite the critical backlash and legal challenges reported during production.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

1988 Jackson's Bad World Tour storyline climax
2013 Lionsgate record set by Catching Fire
2018 Bohemian Rhapsody biopic grosses $911 million
2023 Oppenheimer biopic reaches $975 million
April 2026 Michael opens in global theaters
Opening weekend 2026 Michael earns $217 million
Late June 2026 Michael surpasses Oppenheimer record
June 28 2026 Worldwide total reaches $977 million

Why This Matters to You

"Michael" isn't just a movie, it's a cultural phenomenon. If you're a fan of the King of Pop, this film offers a deep dive into his life and legacy. Plus, it's now the highest-grossing biopic ever, so it's a major topic of conversation. Check out local showtimes if you haven't seen it yet.

The Bottom Line

"Michael" has set a new standard for biopics, both in terms of box office earnings and cultural impact. Despite the controversy, it's clear that Michael Jackson's story continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Worth forwarding if you know a MJ fan who's yet to see it.