The King of Pop is ruling the box office once again. The Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael’ has officially grossed over $500 million globally, becoming only the second musical biopic in history to reach the milestone.
The film now stands alongside ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (2018), the Queen biopic that earned more than 910 million worldwide. For an agency that often struggles to cross 200 million, this is historic territory.
Released to strong reviews and even stronger audience turnout, ‘Michael’ has surpassed all pre-release expectations. The film chronicles Jackson’s rise from child star to global phenomenon, with intense focus on his creative genius and the controversies that surrounded him.
Despite early concerns about how the film would handle Jackson’s complicated legacy, audiences showed up in droves. The $500 million figure includes domestic and international grosses, with particularly strong performances in Europe and Asia.
The musical biopic genre has produced dozens of hits over the years. “Walk the Line.” “Ray.” “Rocketman.” All successful. None crossed half a billion. Only ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and now ‘Michael’ sit in this exclusive club.
What sets them apart? Both films focus on larger-than-life lead singers with devoted global fanbases. Both feature electrifying performance sequences that demand to be seen on the big screen. And both arrived after their subjects’ deaths, turning the films into celebrations as much as biographies.
Crossing $500 million ensures that ‘Michael’ will be discussed as one of the most successful music films ever made. It also opens the door for more high-budget biopics about pop royalty. Executives are already eyeing similar projects for artists like Prince, Madonna, and Beyoncé.
For now, the King of Pop has done what he always did: break records. The film continues its theatrical run, with digital release expected later this year. But the box office story is already written. Half a billion. And counting.
