Michael Jackson's long-awaited biographical film Michael has officially made cinematic history, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing music biopic of all time.
The blockbuster film has amassed an impressive $911.9 million worldwide, including $358.6 million domestically and $553.3 million internationally, overtaking the previous record held by the 2018 Freddie Mercury and Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned $910.9 million globally during its theatrical run.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Antoine Fuqua and written by Academy Award nominee John Logan, Michael chronicles the extraordinary life and career of the King of Pop. The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, in his feature-film debut, delivering a performance that has drawn praise from fans and critics alike for its striking resemblance to the late entertainer.
The film's record-breaking success marks a major achievement for Lionsgate and Universal Pictures. Universal, which handled international distribution rights, generated more than $540 million of the film's overseas total, helping propel Michael to the top of the music-biopic genre.
Industry observers note that the achievement is particularly significant because Bohemian Rhapsody was widely viewed as the benchmark for modern music biopics. The Queen-centered film not only became a worldwide box-office phenomenon but also earned four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Rami Malek's portrayal of Freddie Mercury.
Producer Graham King now holds the distinction of producing both the second and first highest-grossing music biopics in history. Having guided both Bohemian Rhapsody and Michael to record-setting success, King has effectively broken his own box-office record.
Beyond becoming the highest-grossing music biopic ever released, Michael has established several additional milestones. The film delivered the largest global opening weekend in music-biopic history, became the highest-grossing domestic biopic ever released, and set records in multiple international markets. In France, the film surpassed the lifetime earnings of La Vie en Rose, becoming the country's most successful biographical film centered on a musical artist.
More than 40 international territories ultimately outperformed the lifetime box-office totals of Bohemian Rhapsody, including key markets such as Brazil, France, and Mexico. The film has also become the highest-grossing theatrical release in Lionsgate's history.
The road to the screen was not without challenges. Reports indicate the production underwent approximately $50 million in reshoots after concerns emerged regarding a screenplay storyline involving one of Jackson's accusers. The revisions ultimately delayed the project but allowed filmmakers to move forward with a version approved by the Jackson estate.
Despite the controversy that has continued to surround Jackson's legacy, audiences worldwide have embraced the film, demonstrating the enduring cultural impact of one of music's most influential performers.
Michael Jackson remains among the best-selling artists of all time, with an estimated 350 million records sold worldwide. His groundbreaking catalog includes chart-topping hits such as "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Smooth Criminal," "Black or White," and "Man in the Mirror." His landmark album Thriller remains the best-selling album in music history, with global sales exceeding 70 million copies.
Jackson's influence extends far beyond record sales. His innovations in music videos, live performance, dance, and popular culture helped redefine the entertainment industry and inspired generations of artists across multiple genres.
With the film opening in Japan and additional international revenue still expected, industry analysts believe Michael could soon become the first music biopic in history to surpass the $1 billion mark worldwide, adding yet another chapter to the remarkable legacy of the King of Pop.
