As compared to the blockbuster biopic Michael, Netflix’s Michael Jackson: The Verdict appears to be a divisive retelling of a gruelling period from the legendary pop star’s life. It really eschews the hunky-dory narrative style of the trending biopic and picks up a more grim tone in telling viewers the different perspectives on the 2005 Michael Jackson trial and what they mean for the legitimacy of the charges. 

The Netflix documentary has indeed made a significant stride in that effort, gaining favor from critics with a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, on the same site, the audience reviews tell another story altogether. They do not seem to resonate with critics’ views and have a very different idea about the documentary that is in stark contrast with the great reviews from critics.

Some viewers have raised concerns regarding the intent behind Netflix's Michael Jackson: The Verdict, with some characterizing the documentary as a commercially motivated production that seeks to challenge the long-standing legacy of the late pop icon. A segment of the audience has found the documentary's portrayal to be insensitive to the artist's history, leading some to advise others against viewing it. Overall, these viewers have voiced clear reservations and disagreement with the documentary’s narrative approach.

On the contrary, critics have praised the documentary for its approach to the matter, bringing in all the sides of the matter for the audience to formulate their own conclusion. Most of them have called it urgent and a must-watch for those who want to understand the full story behind the trials. Some are of the opinion that it makes looking away from the matter much harder by asking some tough questions through this narrative.

For the unversed, the Netflix documentary, Michael Jackson: The Verdict, follows the 2005 trial against the ‘Thriller’ artist.

Michael Jackson: The Verdict reopens Pandora’s Box    

Michael Jackson: The Verdict was released in June 2026 on Netflix. During the nearly four-month criminal trial, which featured testimony from the victim, his family, and celebrities Macaulay Culkin and Chris Tucker, cameras were not permitted in the courtroom. Public opinion remained split despite Jackson's insistence on his innocence and eventual acquittal of all ten charges against him.

Jurors, reporters, attorneys, witnesses, and those close to the case are all featured in the documentary. The filmmakers tried to recreate the trial using archive material and first-hand recollections. Whether the documentary tries to sway public opinion in one direction or the other is debatable, but the critics consider it a worthy watch, and it reflects on its 75% RT ratings.

What are your thoughts on Michael Jackson: The Verdict on Netflix? Share your thoughts.

Written by

Harshit Kumar

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra