Michael, the biographical drama based on the life of Michael Jackson, has crossed the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office after 12 weekends in cinemas, becoming Lionsgate’s first film to achieve the milestone.
According to Deadline, the film is only the second release of 2026 to surpass $1 billion globally, following Universal, Illumination and Nintendo’s Super Mario Galaxy.
The Antoine Fuqua-directed film has earned $371.8 million in North America and $629.8 million overseas, taking its worldwide total beyond $1 billion. The release in Japan, distributed by Kino, pushed the film over the landmark. Japan, one of Michael Jackson’s strongest markets, has contributed $35.75 million so far. Russia has also continued to boost the film’s international earnings.
The film had already overtaken Lionsgate’s previous highest-grossing release, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), which finished its global run with $865.2 million.
The success has also broken several other records. Producer Graham King has surpassed the worldwide earnings of Bohemian Rhapsody ($911 million), making Michael the biggest film of his career. The biopic has also overtaken Oppenheimer ($975.8 million) to become the highest-grossing biographical film ever released worldwide.
It is now director Antoine Fuqua’s biggest box office hit, eclipsing King Arthur ($203 million worldwide), while screenwriter John Logan records the second-highest-grossing film of his career after the James Bond blockbuster Skyfall ($1.1 billion).
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson credited the achievement to the collaboration between the filmmakers, cast and the Michael Jackson Estate.
“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. 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,” he said.
Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of Universal Pictures International, said the film had become a global cultural event.
“From its opening weekend to this historic milestone, Michael resonated with moviegoers worldwide and transcended the screen to become a cultural phenomenon. 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,” she said.
Producer Graham King described the audience response as deeply rewarding.
“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,” he said.
Director Antoine Fuqua said reaching the $1 billion milestone reflected the dedication of everyone involved in the project.
“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. This achievement belongs to everyone who came together with a shared vision to honour 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 theatres, 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,” he said.
Michael stars Jaafar Jackson in his feature film debut as his uncle, Michael Jackson. The cast also includes Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, Laura Harrier, Mike Myers, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo. Antoine Fuqua directed the film from a screenplay by John Logan. Graham King, John Branca and John McClain served as producers.
