More than 17 years after Michael Jackson’s death, his story has rewritten the record books at the global box office. Michael has officially crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing biopic of all time, according to New York Times.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring Jaafar Jackson in his feature film debut as his late uncle, the film has surpassed some of the biggest titles ever made in the biographical genre, underscoring the enduring global appeal of the King of Pop.
Surpasses Bohemian Rhapsody and Oppenheimer
Before reaching the $1 billion milestone, Michael first overtook Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned $911 million globally during its theatrical run. It then surpassed Oppenheimer, which had held the record as the highest-grossing biopic with $977 million at the worldwide box office.
The achievement also marks a major success for Lionsgate, which backed the project alongside Universal Pictures and Kino Films after several major Hollywood studios reportedly chose not to move forward with it.
According to The New York Times, the film is the first billion-dollar movie owned and released by an independent studio, making it a landmark achievement not only for the Michael Jackson estate but also for Lionsgate.
Audience support powers record-breaking run
Although Michael received mixed reviews from critics, it found overwhelming support from audiences around the world. The film currently holds a 40% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, while its audience score stands at 97%, reflecting a far stronger response from moviegoers.
Much of that praise has centred on Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his famous uncle. His performance resonated with audiences and helped drive repeat viewership, contributing to a $217 million worldwide opening weekend—the biggest ever for a musical biopic.
Rather than slowing after its debut, the film maintained momentum through strong word-of-mouth, steadily adding to its global earnings over nearly three months before crossing the historic $1 billion milestone, cementing its place as the most successful biographical film ever released.