‘Michael’ Becomes Highest-Grossing Biopic to Date

The Michael Jackson movie, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as his megastar uncle, is now the most successful movie in its category.

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in 'Michael'. Photo Credit: Glen Wilson.

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‘Michael’ is now the highest-grossing biopic in box office history.
It overtook ‘Oppenheimer’ to claim the title.
The film has earned $977.4 million worldwide.

Even as ‘Michael’ prepares to wind down its theatrical run after two months on screens, the Michael Jackson biopic is continuing to set records.

The latest to fall is that of highest-grossing biopic of all time, as the movie has now made $977.4 million worldwide.

Michael

"Discover the making of a king."

PG-13Drama Music

Review
Score

Release Date: Apr 24, 2026

Run Time: 2 hr 8 min

Budget: $250,000,000

Watch Michael Online

That puts it ahead of Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning 2023 movie ‘Oppenheimer,’ which previously held the record with $965 million.

What’s the story of ‘Michael’?

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in 'Michael'. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

The biopic, scripted by John Logan (‘Gladiator’ ) charts the rise of Michael Jackson, one of the most influential artists the world has ever known, and his life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world, highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career.

Will there be a sequel?

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in 'Michael'. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

While there hasn’t yet been an official announcement of a sequel, Lionsgate is certainly making noises about making at least one more movie (especially since the first film ends around the release of the ‘Bad’ album).

Here’s Lionsgate film chief Adam Fogelson on what has happened so far:

“We are really excited about the progress we’re making with respect to a second ‘Michael’ film. All the conversations that we’ve been having with all of the appropriate parties continue to go exceptionally well.”