In a stunning turn of events at the global box office, the Michael Jackson biopic Michael has officially surpassed Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer to become the highest-grossing biopic in cinema history. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, has now earned a cumulative $977 million worldwide, edging out Oppenheimer's $975 million run.
The milestone comes during a weekend dominated by the underwhelming debut of the DC Universe's Supergirl, which landed at number two domestically behind Toy Story 5. Meanwhile, Michael quietly held the number 10 spot on the domestic chart, adding roughly $10 million in its 10th weekend—a remarkable feat for a film already available on premium video-on-demand.
A Polarizing Hit
Unlike Oppenheimer, which earned widespread critical acclaim and won seven Oscars including Best Picture, Michael has been a divisive release. The film holds a 38% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics accusing it of glossing over the more controversial aspects of Jackson's life. However, audiences have embraced it wholeheartedly, awarding it a 97% audience score on the same platform. This stark divide between critics and viewers has fueled its box office longevity.
The film's journey to the screen was anything but smooth. With a reported budget of $200 million, Michael weathered a difficult production before finally hitting theaters. Its cast includes Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, and a breakout performance from Jaafar Jackson, who channels his uncle's iconic stage presence.
Box Office Breakdown
As of its 10th weekend, Michael has grossed $370 million domestically and $607 million internationally. With momentum still strong, the film is now eyeing the coveted $1 billion mark—a milestone that seemed unlikely given its mixed critical reception. Lionsgate is already moving forward with a sequel, capitalizing on the film's unexpected success.
For context, Oppenheimer—Nolan's three-hour epic about the father of the atomic bomb—was a cultural phenomenon in 2023, earning rave reviews and a 93% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its success was driven by strong word-of-mouth and the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon. Yet, as one industry insider noted, the King of Pop's global appeal may have simply been too powerful to compete with.
This record-breaking achievement also highlights a broader trend: audiences are increasingly willing to embrace controversial figures on screen, especially when the performances are compelling. The success of Michael mirrors that of other biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis, which also faced critical skepticism but found massive audiences.
As Michael continues its theatrical run, all eyes are on whether it can cross the $1 billion threshold. If it does, it will join an elite club of films that have achieved that feat despite mixed reviews—a testament to the enduring power of Michael Jackson's legacy.
