All-Time Highest-Grossing Biopic at the Worldwide Box Office
“Michael,” the blockbuster Michael Jackson biopic, has surpassed $1 billion in worldwide box office, with the film continuing its successful theatrical run in Japan. Lionsgate, which distributes the film domestically and in partnership with Kino Films in Japan, and Universal Pictures International, which distributes the film in most other international markets, today announced that it has grossed $1.001.6 billion at the worldwide box office through Sunday — $371.8 million domestically and $629.8 million internationally.
“Michael” is Lionsgate’s highest-grossing film ever at the worldwide box office and its first film to reach the billion-dollar mark at the global box office. “Michael” is Universal’s second $1B film in 2026. During its extraordinary run, the film set biopic records in 31 territories, and musical biopic records in another 55 territories. In Japan, where the film is being distributed by Kino Films in association with Lionsgate, Michael has taken in $35.75 million to push the blockbuster over the billion-dollar mark worldwide. It is the highest-grossing biopic of all time worldwide and the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time – out grossing Graham King’s Academy Award-nominated biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
“’Michael’s’ success was driven by our phenomenal partnership with our remarkable filmmakers Graham King and Antoine Fuqua, the incomparable cast led by Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo and Nia Long, and our successful collaboration with the Michael Jackson Estate,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson. “Audiences have embraced the film from the beginning, turning it into a unique cultural phenomenon in theatres around the world. Their passion speaks to the enduring appeal of one of the greatest recording artists of all time, and it underscores the continued strength and vitality of the theatrical moviegoing experience.”
“From its opening weekend to this historic milestone, ‘Michael’ resonated with moviegoers worldwide and transcended the screen to become a cultural phenomenon,” said Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, president of Universal Pictures International. “It has been a distinct privilege to bring this groundbreaking film to international audiences, and we are grateful to Graham King, Antoine Fuqua and Jaafar Jackson for delivering a cinematic sensation that proves, decades after his stardom, Michael Jackson remains a global superstar like no other.”
“It’s been truly heartwarming to see people from all over the world, young and old, from all walks of life come together to experience this film and the joy that it’s brought to audiences everywhere,” said producer Graham King.
“Reaching this extraordinary $1 billion milestone with ‘Michael’ is a deeply humbling moment that celebrates the tireless dedication of our incredible producers, cast, crew, and partners,” said director Antoine Fuqua. “This achievement belongs to everyone who came together with a shared vision to honor one of the greatest artists the world has ever known. I am profoundly grateful to the audiences around the globe who embraced this film, showed up in theaters, and connected with this story across generations and cultures. This historic milestone is a testament to the enduring power of cinema to bring us together, and it is a chapter in movie history I will never forget.”
‘Michael’ stars Jaafar Jackson in his feature film debut as his uncle, Michael Jackson. The film also stars Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, Laura Harrier, Mike Meyers, with Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film is produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain.
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LION) is one of the world’s leading standalone, pure play content companies. It brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a world-class portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a premier talent management and production powerhouse at 3 Arts Entertainment and a more than 20,000-title film and television library, all driven by Lionsgate’s bold and entrepreneurial culture
About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Film, within NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. For more than a century, the Studio has helped to redefine global popular culture, ensuring that audiences have access to stories by artists who look like them, who see them, and who celebrate them. Universal’s deep library includes many of the world’s most beloved films and homegrown franchises, including ”Jaws,” “Back to the Future,” ”Bourne,” ”Jurassic World,” “Fast & Furious,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Fifty Shades of Grey,” Jordan Peele’s ”Get Out and Nope,” Blumhouse’s ”The Purge” franchise Christopher Nolan’s Academy Award-winning “Oppenheimer,” as well as animated blockbusters from Illumination and DreamWorks Animation.
In addition to its lineup of groundbreaking originals, Universal Pictures works with leading content creators around the world to distribute and market their films to its global audience. For more information, visit www.universalpictures.com.