Michael Jackson Biopic Sets New Box Office Record for Music Biographical Films

Michael, the feature film biography about Michael Jackson, has overtaken Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time, with worldwide ticket sales of $911.9 million. The film opened in Japan this weekend, bringing it close to the $1 billion mark at the global box office.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, Michael is now poised to become only the second film of 2026 to pass $1 billion, after Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie. Its performance is also expected to deliver a new record for producer Graham King, who previously produced Bohemian Rhapsody, the Freddie Mercury film that held the old mark.

So far, Michael has earned $358.6 million in North America and $553.3 million in international markets. By comparison, Bohemian Rhapsody grossed $216.6 million in the U.S. and $694.3 million overseas.

The production faced major difficulties, including the reported removal and reshooting of scenes involving allegations of child sexual abuse against Jackson. According to reports, the film’s third act was scrapped because of legal concerns tied to a prior settlement with one of Jackson’s accusers. Jackson’s estate later funded extensive reshoots and altered parts of the movie.