Michael box office hits $733M worldwide, 2nd highest-grossing film of 2026
The Condemned
Last updated: May 25, 2026
The biopic "Michael," starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, has achieved significant box office success, grossing $738.5 million worldwide and becoming the second-highest-grossing film of 2026. This performance indicates a strong market for music-centered biopics, following the precedent set by "Bohemian Rhapsody."
- The film details Michael Jackson's early life and rise with the Jackson Five, earning $97.2 million domestically and $217 million internationally on its opening weekend, with substantial IMAX contributions. This opening weekend performance exceeded that of "Bohemian Rhapsody."
- Despite critical reviews labeling it as "sanitized" or lacking depth, "Michael" boasts a 97% Audience Tomatometer score, highlighting a significant gap between critical and public reception. This suggests audiences prioritize entertainment and the musical catalog over complex narrative exploration.
- "Michael" has shown strong theatrical legs, remaining in the global top-five for weeks, demonstrating repeat viewership and word-of-mouth appeal. Its success solidifies music-centered narratives as viable box office draws, especially when tied to iconic music and cultural relevance. The film's performance, along with other 2026 blockbusters, points to a strong global box office for event cinema.
