Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael’ ends theatrical run with first biopic to pass $1bn worldwide

The Antoine Fuqua directed film stars Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in his acting debut

Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, has completed its worldwide theatrical run with approximately $1.029bn at the global box office, according to Box Office Mojo. The final total stands at $1,028,706,645, including $372,303,388 from the United States and Canada and $656,403,257 from international markets.

The result places Michael among the biggest releases of 2026 and makes it the highest grossing biopic recorded at the worldwide box office. The film previously became the first biopic to cross the $1bn milestone in July, surpassing Oppenheimer and Bohemian Rhapsody in the process.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael stars Jaafar Jackson as his late uncle and follows the singer's early life, his rise with the Jackson 5 and his development into one of the most recognised performers in music history. Colman Domingo plays Joseph Jackson, while Nia Long portrays Katherine Jackson.

The film opened internationally in April, with Box Office Mojo recording a domestic opening of $97.2m. Its worldwide performance was driven particularly strongly by international markets, which accounted for about 63.8% of the final gross.

The billion dollar milestone was confirmed by Lionsgate and Universal in July, when the studios announced that the film had passed $1bn worldwide. At that stage, Michael had already become Lionsgate's first release to reach the figure.

The final tally gives the film a substantial theatrical run despite the discussion surrounding its portrayal of Jackson's life. Its commercial performance also places Jaafar Jackson's first major screen role at the centre of one of 2026's biggest box office stories.

With the theatrical run now complete, Michael leaves behind a billion dollar worldwide total and a new benchmark for biographical films.