Jaafar Jackson-led film makes history as the highest-grossing biopic ever
The Michael Jackson biographical film Michael has reached a historic milestone at the global box office, becoming the first biopic in cinema history to surpass the $1 billion mark worldwide.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson in his feature film debut as his legendary uncle, the movie has now earned an estimated $1.001 billion globally, including $371.8 million in North America and $629.8 million from international markets.
The achievement officially makes Michael the highest-grossing biographical film ever released, overtaking Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, while also extending its lead as the highest-grossing music biopic of all time after previously surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody.
A Box Office Triumph Against the Odds
Released in April, Michael enjoyed a record-breaking opening weekend before continuing its remarkable run in cinemas across the world. Despite attracting mixed reviews from critics and generating debate over its portrayal of the King of Pop’s life, audiences turned out in massive numbers, pushing the film to one record after another. The film chronicles Michael Jackson’s rise from his early years with the Jackson 5 to his emergence as one of the world’s most influential entertainers.
Jaafar Jackson’s performance has been widely praised by fans, many of whom noted his striking resemblance to the late music icon in both appearance and stage presence.
Breaking Records Across the Globe
Before crossing the billion-dollar milestone, Michael had already rewritten the history books by becoming the highest-grossing biopic ever after surpassing Oppenheimer. It also became the highest-earning musical biopic, ending the long-standing reign of Bohemian Rhapsody. Industry analysts say the film’s international appeal played a major role in its success, with particularly strong performances across Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa.
In Nigeria, the film also enjoyed an impressive theatrical run, crossing the ₦800 million mark and ranking among the country’s most successful cinema releases. The movie’s commercial performance has also made it the highest-grossing film ever released by Lionsgate, marking another significant achievement for the studio.
Praise, Debate and Lasting Impact
While audiences embraced the film, Michael has also remained one of the year’s most discussed releases. Some critics argued that the story does not fully address the controversies that surrounded Michael Jackson during his later years, while supporters praised the production for focusing on his extraordinary musical career and cultural influence.
The debate, however, did little to slow ticket sales. The film continued attracting moviegoers months after its release, demonstrating the enduring global fascination with Jackson’s music and legacy. Members of the Jackson family also celebrated the achievement, thanking fans worldwide for supporting the film and helping it reach a milestone no other biographical movie has accomplished.
A Historic Moment for Music Biopics
Crossing the $1 billion threshold places Michael in an exclusive group of blockbuster films while creating a brand-new benchmark for biographical dramas. For years, films based on real-life figures have enjoyed critical acclaim, but none had managed to achieve such extraordinary commercial success on a global scale.
The accomplishment further highlights Michael Jackson’s enduring influence more than a decade after his death. His music continues to attract new generations of fans, while the success of Michael demonstrates that interest in his life and career remains as powerful as ever.
Whether viewed as a celebration of one of music’s greatest entertainers or a film that continues to spark discussion, Michael has undeniably secured its place in cinema history. By becoming the first biopic to earn more than $1 billion worldwide, the film has set a record that future biographical movies will now aim to match, or surpass.
