The Michael biopic has officially rewritten box office history, emerging as the highest-grossing music biopic of all time. Backed by confirmation from Lionsgate via Rolling Stone, the film has reached an impressive $911.9 million globally, overtaking Bohemian Rhapsody, which previously held the record with around $910 million.
The milestone cements the enduring global appeal of Michael Jackson, even as the film continues to generate debate among critics and audiences alike. Despite mixed reviews and controversy, the film’s commercial performance has remained strong across both domestic and international markets.
A Record-Breaking Run at the Global Box Office
According to Lionsgate’s reported figures, “Michael” has earned approximately $358 million domestically and $553 million internationally, with its total expected to climb further as it continues its theatrical run. That combined total pushed it just past the long-standing benchmark set by “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Freddie Mercury biopic that dominated the genre since 2018.
The success is particularly notable given the film’s turbulent path to release. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for “Training Day,” the project faced multiple delays and underwent significant reshoots before finally hitting theaters. Still, audience turnout has remained strong, suggesting that Jackson’s cultural impact continues to translate into box office power.
Beyond ticket sales, the film has sparked a renewed wave of interest in Michael Jackson’s music catalog. Data reported by Billboard highlights a major spike in streaming activity following the film’s release. Jackson’s iconic album Thriller climbed back into the Billboard 200, reaching No. 7, while his overall catalog recorded over 137 million on-demand streams in a single week in the United States.
This marked a 146 percent increase from his previous streaming peak, showing how the film has reignited global engagement with his music. Songs from his earlier years with the Jackson 5 also experienced a sharp rise, generating more than 10 million streams in the same period.
The numbers underline a familiar trend in the entertainment industry, where successful biopics often lead to a resurgence in an artist’s popularity. In Jackson’s case, the effect has been particularly pronounced due to the breadth of his catalog and his cross-generational fanbase.
Controversy and Creative Choices
While “Michael” has been a commercial triumph, it has not been without criticism. One of the most debated aspects of the film is its decision to exclude the child sexual abuse allegations that surrounded Jackson later in life. Reports indicate that the filmmakers were legally restricted from depicting certain claims, particularly those related to accuser Jordan Chandler.
This limitation reportedly led to major changes in the film’s narrative structure, including a complete reshoot of its third act. The production also experienced a release delay of nearly a year as a result. Despite these challenges, the studio chose to move forward with a version focused primarily on Jackson’s rise to fame and peak career years, including his journey from the Jackson 5 to his “Bad” era.
It is important to distinguish between what the film portrays and the broader public discussions surrounding Michael Jackson’s life. “Michael” focuses heavily on his early career, family dynamics, and musical achievements, presenting a largely celebratory narrative.
However, the omission of later controversies has fueled ongoing debate about whether the film offers a complete picture of the artist. Critics argue that leaving out such significant aspects creates an incomplete portrayal, while supporters believe the film stays true to its intended scope.
