Michael has been one of the most successful movies at this year's box office. It has surpassed all expectations due to its unbelievable longevity at the international box office. The film has continued to do well, paving the way for many of the other big releases this year. And it has now crossed another major milestone.

Michael has now officially passed the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office after 12 weekends in theaters, as Michael's official Instagram handle shared. This made it just the second film of 2026 to reach the milestone after Super Mario Galaxy. The musical biopic from Antoine Fuqua has earned about $371.8 million domestically and $629.8 million overseas.

The feat marks a historic first for Lionsgate, whose previous highest-grossing release was The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The biopic has now set a new benchmark for the studio. It became its biggest global hit ever. With this, Lionsgate has also solidified its place as one of the most commercially successful theatrical releases in its history. 

As reported by Deadline, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson said that the success at the box office is due to the hard work of filmmakers Graham King and Antoine Fuqua. The ensemble, headed by Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, and Nia Long, also did a remarkable job. Additionally, he also thanked the audience for their love and support.

Meanwhile, Japan was the last big international market for the film and was instrumental in Michael’s march toward the milestone. The release added more than $35 million to its worldwide total. Furthermore, Michael has also surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing biographical film of all time worldwide. 

From record-breaking box office milestones to global acclaim, Michael has reaffirmed the enduring appeal of the King of Pop's story.

What is Michael about? 

Michael is a biographical musical drama about the life and career of Michael Jackson. The movie takes the audience through Michael’s journey from a gifted child performer to one of the most influential entertainers in the history of music. It tells the story of Jackson’s groundbreaking artistry, record-breaking achievements, and the challenges that came with his extraordinary rise to global superstardom. 

Michael Jackson is played by Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew. The film includes many of Jackson's best-known songs, as well as his signature performances and key moments in his life. Michael hopes to present a cinematic portrait of the artist whose influence continues to shape music, dance, and popular culture around the world. 

Now, it has become a highly successful film in cinemas, having surpassed all expectations and becoming one of the most extraordinary successes at the box office in 2026. The movie sets new standards both for the company Lionsgate and for the biopic genre, reaffirming the timeless popularity of the legacy of Michael Jackson around the world. With its continued run in selected cinemas, Michael has become a phenomenon in the realm of biopic musicals.

Do you think Michael will hold onto its record as the highest-grossing biographical film, or could another biopic surpass it? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Bias Sinha

Edited by

Itti Mahajan