Critics gave "Michael" a 40% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences gave it 96%. That gap has defined the film's entire run — and now it's crossed $1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing biopic in history and the highest-grossing film built around a real person's life.
The Divide That Defined Its Run
Few films this year have split critics and audiences as sharply as "Michael." Forbes reported the movie opened with a 40% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes — among the lowest for a major biopic in years — against a record-setting 96% from ticket-buying audiences, along with an "A-" CinemaScore matching acclaimed music biopics like "Elvis" and "Rocketman."
The disagreement wasn't just about taste. Reviewers frequently used the word "sanitized" to describe the film's treatment of Michael Jackson's life, according to World of Reel. That criticism had a factual basis: a prior settlement involving an accuser legally barred filmmakers from depicting the child molestation allegations against Jackson, forcing a costly reshoot of the film's entire third act, per AOL/ComingSoon. The finished film ends during Jackson's 1980s "Bad" tour, sidestepping the more controversial decades entirely — a choice audiences largely didn't mind, but one critics repeatedly flagged.
The Numbers Behind the Milestone
Whatever the critical verdict, moviegoers kept showing up. According to Deadline, Lionsgate confirmed the film reached a cumulative worldwide total of $1.001 billion after 12 weekends in theaters, with $371.8 million from North America and $629.8 million from international markets. A late surge in Japan, a historically strong market for Michael Jackson's music, combined with robust business in Russia, pushed the film past the billion-dollar threshold in early July.
The film leaned heavily on international audiences throughout its run, with early strength in Germany, France, Brazil, Mexico, and the UK — all markets tied closely to Jackson's touring history.
Beating Oppenheimer and Bohemian Rhapsody
The milestone reshuffles the record books. Per HNGN, "Michael" is now the highest-grossing musical biopic ever, surpassing 2018's "Bohemian Rhapsody" ($911 million), and the highest-grossing biopic of any genre, overtaking Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" ($975.8 million). It's worth noting this record is specifically for scripted biographical dramas; it doesn't include documentaries or concert films.
The film also becomes Lionsgate's all-time highest-grossing release, well ahead of the studio's previous record holders, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" ($865 million) and "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2" ($850 million), according to UPI. "Michael" is also only the second film to cross $1 billion in 2026, trailing Universal, Illumination, and Nintendo's "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie."
"Michael 2" Is Already Happening
The story doesn't end at the box office. "Michael" was always designed to set up a continuation — it closes on a title card teasing more story to come — and Lionsgate confirmed a sequel is in active development. Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson told investors on a May earnings call, as reported by Deadline, that the studio already has 25% to 30% of a second film shot from the original production.
According to MSN, "Michael 2" is expected to cover Jackson's "Dangerous," "HIStory," and "Invincible" eras, potentially through his preparation for the "This Is It" residency and his 2009 death. Director Antoine Fuqua is expected to return, with filming targeted for late 2026 or 2027. The same legal settlement that shaped the first film will still apply, meaning the more difficult chapters of Jackson's later life are likely to remain off-limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has "Michael" made at the box office?
The film has grossed $1.001 billion worldwide — $371.8 million domestically and $629.8 million internationally.
Why did critics dislike "Michael" if audiences loved it?
Critics largely felt the film sanitized Jackson's life story, partly because a legal settlement barred the filmmakers from depicting certain allegations against him. Audiences responded more to Jaafar Jackson's performance and the film's music-driven spectacle.
Is "Michael" the highest-grossing biopic ever?
Yes. It surpassed "Bohemian Rhapsody" ($911 million) as the top musical biopic and "Oppenheimer" ($975.8 million) as the top biopic of any genre.
Is there going to be a "Michael 2"?
Yes. Lionsgate has confirmed a sequel is in active development, expected to cover Jackson's later career eras, with filming targeted for late 2026 or 2027.
Who plays Michael Jackson in the film?
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's real-life nephew, in his acting debut, alongside Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, and Mike Myers.
Sources
- Deadline – 'Michael' Crosses $1 Billion at Box Office
- HNGN – 'Michael' Biopic Crosses $1 Billion
- UPI – Michael Jackson Biopic Passes $1 Billion
- Forbes – 'Michael' Sets Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score Record
- World of Reel – CinemaScore Despite Harsh Critic Reviews
- Deadline – Lionsgate Talks 'Michael 2'
