The Michael Jackson biographical film "Michael" has officially crossed the $1 billion mark in worldwide ticket sales, making it the first biopic in cinematic history to reach that benchmark. The milestone solidifies the picture as not only a commercial triumph but a record-setter across multiple categories.
The film has earned approximately $371.8 million from domestic audiences and $629.8 million from international markets, bringing its combined global total to roughly $1.001 billion. Released in theaters this past April, the movie defied considerable behind-the-scenes turbulence and mixed critical reception to become one of the year's biggest theatrical draws.
A Record-Breaking Opening and Sustained Momentum
"Michael" launched with a domestic opening weekend of $97 million and a global debut of $217 million, easily surpassing the previous musical biopic opening record held by 2015's "Straight Outta Compton," which opened to $60 million. Strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewings helped sustain the film's momentum throughout the peak summer moviegoing season, keeping it near the top of box office charts for weeks on end.
The picture now holds the distinction of being the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time, eclipsing 2018's "Bohemian Rhapsody," which grossed $911 million globally. It also claims the title of the biggest film based on a real person, overtaking 2023's "Oppenheimer," which collected $975 million worldwide.
A Landmark Achievement for Lionsgate
For Lionsgate, "Michael" represents a transformative moment. The studio produced the film and managed its distribution in North America, while Universal Pictures handled the international rollout. The movie is now Lionsgate's highest-grossing release ever and the studio's first to reach the billion-dollar threshold.
Prior to "Michael," Lionsgate's top-performing titles were "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" from 2013, which earned $865 million, and 2012's "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2," which brought in $850 million. The Jackson biopic has now redefined the studio's commercial ceiling.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson attributed the success to audience enthusiasm and the lasting cultural impact of the artist at the center of the story. He said audiences turned the film into a unique cultural phenomenon in theaters around the world, and that their passion speaks to the enduring appeal of one of the greatest recording artists of all time while underscoring the continued strength of the theatrical moviegoing experience.