Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Surpasses ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ as Highest-Grossing Music Biopic

The biographical film Michael has officially overtaken 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing music biopic in history, reaching a global box office total of $911.9 million. According to official figures reported by Rolling Stone, the film earned $358 million domestically and $553 million in international markets, surpassing the $910 million worldwide run of the Queen-centered film starring Rami Malek.

How ‘Michael’ Achieved Record-Breaking Box Office Success

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael chronicles the life of pop icon Michael Jackson from his early years in the Jackson 5 through his 1988 Bad tour. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and facing public scrutiny regarding the film’s narrative omissions—specifically its decision not to address child sexual abuse allegations—the movie maintained strong theatrical performance. The production experienced a significant delay of nearly a year, reportedly due to challenges involving the script and legal constraints regarding the depiction of specific allegations brought by accuser Jordan Chandler, which forced a rewrite of the film’s third act.

Impact on Michael Jackson’s Musical Catalog

The film’s theatrical release triggered a substantial surge in interest for Jackson’s discography, according to Billboard. During the week of April 24–30, Jackson’s solo catalog recorded 137.5 million official on-demand streams in the U.S., marking a 146 percent increase from his previous career-high. Additionally, music credited to the Jackson 5 and The Jacksons saw a 135 percent rise in streams, generating 10.1 million plays during that same period. The album Thriller re-entered the Billboard 200 chart, reaching the number seven spot.

Comparison: ‘Michael’ vs. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

While both films achieved massive commercial success, their paths to the top of the box office differed in critical reception and production history. Bohemian Rhapsody was widely praised for Rami Malek’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. In contrast, Michael has faced significant controversy regarding the Jackson estate’s involvement and the editorial choice to exclude the legal scandals that defined the singer’s later life. The following table highlights the comparative global earnings:

Future Outlook for Music Biopics

The financial success of Michael signals a continued appetite for music-focused biographical dramas among global audiences. By prioritizing the early career narrative, the film managed to avoid the direct confrontation with later-life allegations that might have hindered its commercial viability in certain markets. As the Jackson estate continues to manage the late singer’s intellectual property, the performance of this film suggests that long-form musical storytelling remains a dominant force in the film industry, often acting as a catalyst for renewed digital consumption of classic catalogs.