Michael Becomes Highest-Grossing Biopic Ever, Surpasses $1 Billion Globally

Twelve weeks after its release, the biographical film "Michael," produced by Lionsgate and Universal Studios, officially surpassed $1 billion in global box office revenue, according to U.S. media reports on Sunday. It is the second film in 2026 to reach this milestone, following "Super Mario Galaxy - The Movie," and the first in Lionsgate's history to do so, breaking the studio's previous record set by "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" in 2013, which earned $865.2 million.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, "Michael" has grossed approximately $371.8 million domestically in the United States and $629.8 million internationally. The Japanese market, known for its strong Michael Jackson fanbase, was the final major contributor pushing the film past the billion-dollar mark with about $35.75 million in earnings. The Russian market also significantly boosted recent revenues.

With this achievement, "Michael" set new industry records as the highest-grossing musical biopic ever, surpassing "Bohemian Rhapsody" which earned $911 million, and the highest-grossing biopic overall, overtaking "Oppenheimer" which made $975.8 million. The film marks an unprecedented professional success for those involved: it is the most profitable film in the careers of producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua, and the second highest-grossing for screenwriter John Logan, after 2012's "Skyfall."

The movie tells the life story of musician Michael Jackson, with his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, making his cinematic debut portraying the star. The cast also includes Nia Long, Coleman Domingo, Miles Teller, and Mike Myers. The production was made in collaboration with Jackson's estate managers John Branca and John McClain.

"Michael" continues to draw attention as a major cultural and commercial success, highlighting the enduring legacy of the pop icon.