The King of Pop has reclaimed the crown.
After months of dominating the global box office, Michael has officially surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing music biopic ever released. The milestone marks a historic achievement for the film and adds another chapter to what has already been one of the biggest theatrical success stories of 2026.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as his legendary uncle, Michael has captivated audiences around the world since its release. The film opened to record-breaking numbers and has continued to demonstrate impressive staying power throughout its theatrical run, ultimately pushing past the worldwide total achieved by Bohemian Rhapsody.
Released in 2018, Bohemian Rhapsody became a global phenomenon, earning more than $900 million worldwide while introducing a new generation of fans to the music of Queen. The film’s remarkable success helped reignite interest in music biopics across Hollywood and established a box office benchmark that many believed would stand for years.
Eight years later, Michael has managed to do what no other music biopic could.
A Global Event For Audiences
Part of the film’s success can be attributed to the enduring popularity of Michael Jackson himself. Widely regarded as one of the most influential entertainers in history, Jackson’s music continues to resonate across multiple generations and international markets.
That global appeal translated directly into ticket sales. From North America to Europe, Asia, and Latin America, audiences turned out in massive numbers to experience Jackson’s story on the big screen. The film’s combination of iconic musical performances, elaborate production design, and emotional storytelling helped create an event that appealed to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
While critical reactions were more mixed, audience enthusiasm remained consistently strong throughout the film’s run. Positive word-of-mouth helped sustain momentum well beyond opening weekend, allowing Michael to maintain impressive box office legs as it climbed toward the record.
Jafaar Jackson, Michael [credit: Universal Pictures]
The Latest Win For Music Biopics
The success of Michael also reinforces the continued popularity of music biopics in Hollywood. Over the past decade, films such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, Elvis, and A Complete Unknown have demonstrated that audiences remain eager to learn more about the artists behind some of the world’s most beloved songs.
However, Michael has now established a new standard for the genre.
Its record-breaking performance proves that compelling stories centered around legendary musicians can still attract massive theatrical audiences in an era increasingly dominated by franchises, superheroes, and established intellectual properties.
What’s Next?
With its newest box office milestone secured, Michael has cemented its place in cinematic history. Surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody is more than just another record—it represents a defining moment for both the film and the music biopic genre as a whole.
Whether the record stands for years or eventually falls to another musical icon’s story remains to be seen. For now, however, Michael sits alone at the top of the mountain as the highest-grossing music biopic ever released.
And judging by the film’s incredible run so far, that achievement feels like a fitting tribute to one of the most successful entertainers the world has ever known.
