Despite facing mixed reviews, tough competition, last-minute changes, and legal obstacles, the Jackson family movie named “Michael” has achieved the status of being the top-grossing biographical film to date. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie has raked in an impressive $977 million globally, surpassing the 2025 film “Oppenheimer” over the weekend to claim this prestigious title. Not only did “Michael” surpass the previous record of $975 million set by its predecessor, but it also outperformed the musical biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which grossed $911 million by mid-June. Additionally, “Michael” now holds the distinction of being Lionsgate Films’ highest-grossing production, surpassing the success of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” released in 2013.
The storyline of “Michael” revolves around the life of the iconic pop sensation Michael Jackson, portrayed by his real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson. The film chronicles Jackson’s early days performing with the Jackson 5 and follows his rise to stardom with hit songs like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.”
Notably, the film does not delve into the allegations of child sexual abuse that were made against Michael Jackson, who passed away in 2009. Initially, the script was intended to address these allegations, with a scene planned to depict Jackson being searched by the police during the 1993 raid of Neverland ranch. However, due to a legal agreement between the Jackson estate and Jordan Chandler, who accused the singer of sexual misconduct when he was 13, these segments were ultimately removed from the final cut of the film.
Despite the controversies surrounding its production, “Michael” was released in theaters ending in 1988, before any public accusations were made against Jackson. The extensive reshoots, reportedly costing up to $50 million, were funded by the estate. While Jackson and his estate consistently denied the allegations of sexual abuse, the film garnered criticism for its portrayal of the singer and for omitting crucial aspects of his life story.
In addition to the subject matter, the film also faced criticism for its pacing and storytelling. Some reviewers found the plot to be shallow, primarily serving as a backdrop for musical performances, and criticized the simplistic portrayal of the central character, a common issue in musical biopics. However, others praised Jaafar Jackson’s performance and noted a significant increase in streaming numbers following the film’s release.
Despite opening with modest projections of $50 million to $70 million for the U.S. and Canadian box office, “Michael” exceeded expectations by earning nearly $100 million during its opening weekend. The film’s success has continued, prompting discussions about a potential sequel focusing on Michael Jackson’s later life.