Michael becomes first biopic to cross $1bn at global box office

Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has become the first biographical film to cross the $1 billion mark at the global box office, becoming the highest-grossing biopic of all time and giving Lionsgate its first billion-dollar film.

The Antoine Fuqua-directed film has grossed $1.001 billion after 12 weekends in cinemas, with $371.8 million from North America and $629.8 million from international markets. Japan, where Michael Jackson remains one of the country’s most popular international music stars, pushed the film past the milestone with $35.75 million, while Russia also contributed to its latest box office earnings. The achievement makes Michael the second film released in 2026 to surpass the $1 billion mark after Super Mario Galaxy.

The film had earlier become the highest-grossing music biopic after its worldwide earnings surpassed the $910.9 million grossed by Bohemian Rhapsody. It later took over  Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which generated $975.8 million, to become the highest-grossing biopic. The latest milestone also gives producer Graham King a new box office record, having previously produced Bohemian Rhapsody.

For Lionsgate, the film marks a turnaround after a prolonged slowdown at the box office. The studio generated $251 million in domestic ticket sales from 17 releases in 2024, down 85 percent from its 2012 peak of $1.72 billion, when franchises including The Hunger Games, Twilight, Madea and The Expendables drove ticket sales. The decline had fuelled speculation over the studio’s future before Michael became its biggest theatrical success.

According to the Cinema Exhibitors Association Of Nigeria(CEAN),the film recorded high earnings in Nigeria, where it has grossed N801.2 million, making it one of the country’s highest-grossing international releases. It opened to $217.4 million worldwide, including $97 million from the United States and Canada and $120.4 million across 82 international markets. Premium format screenings also contributed to its performance, with IMAX recording $24.4 million, the biggest opening for a music biopic in the format.

Starring Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, in the title role, the film follows Michael Jackson’s rise from the Jackson 5 to global stardom, including the success of Thriller, the world’s best-selling album. Juliano Krue Valdi plays the younger Michael, while Nia Long and Colman Domingo portray Katherine and Joe Jackson.