*Michael Jackson’s cinematic story is closing in on another piece of history.
With more than $788 million earned worldwide, “Michael” is now within striking distance of becoming the highest-grossing music biopic ever released. The film has already moved past “Elvis” and is steadily gaining ground on “Bohemian Rhapsody,” whose $911 million global haul has stood as the genre’s benchmark since 2018.
According to figures reported by Variety and highlighted by Just Jared, the film added another $28.5 million overseas during its latest frame, bringing its international total to roughly $468 million alongside more than $319 million domestically.
The achievement is even more impressive because one of the world’s most important movie markets has yet to weigh in. “Michael” is scheduled to open in Japan on June 12, giving the film another opportunity to significantly boost its worldwide earnings.
Scroll to continue reading
Closing In on Box Office History
With nearly $800 million already in ticket sales, “Michael” has emerged as one of the biggest theatrical success stories of 2026. The film’s next major milestone is overtaking “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Queen biopic that generated approximately $911 million worldwide during its celebrated run.
Industry observers believe the Michael Jackson film has a legitimate chance of eclipsing that figure, particularly once revenue from Japan is added to the total. If it succeeds, “Michael” would claim a record that has remained untouched for nearly a decade.
If the film ultimately surpasses “Bohemian Rhapsody,” it would become the most successful music biopic in box-office history—a remarkable achievement for a project centered on an artist whose influence continues to resonate with audiences around the world nearly two decades after his death.
The movie has already crossed another major benchmark by moving ahead of Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” further solidifying its place among the most successful music-focused films ever released.
Audience Interest Remains Strong Worldwide
Since arriving in theaters on April 24, “Michael” has demonstrated impressive staying power. Rather than fading after opening weekend, the film has continued drawing audiences across domestic and international markets more than a month into its theatrical run.
The sustained momentum reflects the enduring fascination with Michael Jackson’s life, music and cultural legacy. From his beginnings as a child star with the Jackson 5 to his rise as the King of Pop, Jackson remains one of the most recognizable and influential entertainers in modern history.
The film’s success also reinforces the continued popularity of music biopics at the global box office. Recent years have produced several major hits in the genre, but “Michael” now appears poised to set a new standard for commercial success.
Jaafar Jackson Takes Center Stage
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Michael” stars Jaafar Jackson as his late uncle in one of the year’s most closely watched performances. The cast also includes Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier and Juliano Krue Valdi.
The film chronicles Jackson’s rise from gifted young performer to international superstar, highlighting the ambition, talent and determination that transformed him into a global cultural phenomenon.
For Jaafar Jackson, the role marked a high-profile introduction to movie audiences and placed him at the center of a production that carried enormous expectations from fans worldwide.
The $800 Million Milestone Appears Inevitable
Crossing the $800 million threshold now appears to be a matter of when, not if. The bigger question is whether “Michael” can continue its momentum long enough to claim the top spot in music-biopic history.
With Japan still awaiting its premiere and international audiences continuing to show up, that possibility remains very much alive. If current trends hold, Michael Jackson’s cinematic story could soon add another record to an already extraordinary legacy.
(If You Like/Appreciate This EURweb Story, Please SHARE it!)
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Steven Ivory: The Phenomenon that is ‘Michael’
We Publish Breaking News 24/7. Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
