Fez — “Michael” has become the highest-grossing biopic of all time after reaching $977 million (MAD 9.18 billion) worldwide, surpassing Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.”

The Michael Jackson biopic narrowly passed “Oppenheimer,” which had held the record with $975 million (MAD 9.17 billion) globally. 

The milestone also confirms “Michael” as the biggest musical biopic ever, ahead of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which earned $911 million (MAD 8.56 billion) worldwide.

The film has earned $607.2 million (MAD 5.71 billion) overseas and $370.2 million (MAD 3.48 billion) domestically since its April release.

A record-breaking run

“Michael” opened with $97 million (MAD 912 million) in North America and $217 million (MAD 2.04 billion) globally. 

That debut broke the musical biopic opening record previously set by “Straight Outta Compton,” which opened with $60 million (MAD 564 million).

Driven by word of mouth, repeat viewings, and the global pull of Michael Jackson’s music, the film remained a box office force into the competitive summer season.

The movie has also become Lionsgate’s highest-grossing film ever, passing “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” which earned $865 million (MAD 8.13 billion) worldwide.

Jaafar Jackson steps into the spotlight

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Michael” follows Jackson’s rise from the Jackson 5 to his status as the King of Pop.

Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, portrays the singer in his acting debut. The cast also includes Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Joe and Katherine Jackson.

For many viewers, Jaafar Jackson’s family connection gave the film an added emotional layer, while its recreations of concerts and music videos helped turn the biopic into a crowd-pleasing spectacle.

Success despite criticism

The film’s box office success has come despite criticism from reviewers who argue that “Michael” presents a sanitized version of Jackson’s life.

Critics have pointed to the film’s decision not to include the child sexual abuse allegations that were leveled against Jackson later in his career.

That choice allowed Lionsgate to lean heavily into the film’s more celebratory elements, including Jackson’s music, performances, family story, and rise to global fame.

A new ceiling for music biopics

“Michael” has pushed the commercial expectations for music biopics to a new level. The film is now close to the symbolic $1 billion (MAD 9.4 billion) mark.

Lionsgate is expected to greenlight at least one more film about Jackson’s life, extending what has become one of the studio’s biggest commercial successes.

For now, “Michael” stands at the top of biopic history, showing how music, memory, and global fandom can still turn a life story into a major theatrical event.