Michael Jackson film surpasses Oppenheimer globally and nears the $1 billion milestone
Michael, the biographical drama based on the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, has become the highest-grossing biopic in cinema history, surpassing Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer at the worldwide box office.
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and released globally on April 24, has generated $977.4 million in worldwide ticket sales, edging past Oppenheimer, which earned $975.8 million during its theatrical run.
Released by Lionsgate, Michael stars Jafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, in the title role. The film chronicles Jackson’s rise from child star to global music phenomenon and has drawn strong audience interest across international markets.
Industry estimates show the movie added another $9.2 million worldwide over the latest weekend, pushing it to the top of the all-time biopic rankings.
The film is now on course to surpass the $1 billion mark, a milestone reached by only a handful of films each year. If achieved, Michael would become the second movie of 2026 to cross that threshold, following the success of Super Mario Galaxy.
The achievement is particularly notable given the speed of its box-office performance. Michael reached its current total in just 46 days of theatrical release, significantly faster than many previous record holders.
By comparison, Oppenheimer remained in cinemas for more than six months before moving to streaming platforms. The Michael Jackson film has also overtaken Bohemian Rhapsody, the Freddie Mercury biopic that earned $911 million worldwide and previously ranked among the most successful music-based biographical films.
Despite facing controversy before and during its release, the film has received strong support from moviegoers and Michael Jackson fans. Many viewers have praised the production for its musical performances and portrayal of the singer’s legacy.
With momentum continuing in key international markets, analysts expect Michael to remain a strong performer in the weeks ahead as it closes in on the coveted $1 billion global box-office milestone.
