Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic delivers a massive, record-shattering box office opening despite mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role, the film opened to an estimated $97 million domestically from 3,955 theaters over its first three days (Friday–Sunday), with some estimates pushing toward $100 million. Worldwide, it has already grossed more than $217 million in its opening frame, including strong previews.
This performance easily sets a new all-time record for the biggest opening weekend of any music biopic, comfortably surpassing Straight Outta Compton ($60 million in 2015) and Bohemian Rhapsody ($51 million in 2018). It also marks one of the strongest non-sequel launches of 2026 and the biggest opening day of the year so far, with $39.5 million on Friday alone.
International audiences drove much of the momentum: Universal reported approximately $120.4 million from 82 territories, with the film breaking musical biopic opening records in dozens of markets, including strong showings in the UK, France, Mexico, Italy, and Germany. Audience enthusiasm has been the key differentiator. While critics gave the film a low Rotten Tomatoes score in the high 30s to low 40s, often calling it more of a greatest-hits compilation than a deep character study, moviegoers have embraced it wholeheartedly.
The film boasts a remarkable 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (Popcornmeter), one of the highest ever for any biopic, along with strong CinemaScore grades. Fans have praised Jaafar Jackson’s transformative performance and the film’s celebration of Michael’s music and legacy.
This is a major victory for theatrical cinema and Lionsgate in a challenging post-streaming era, where original mid-budget event films have struggled. The success demonstrates the enduring global power of Michael Jackson’s iconic status and the appetite for big-screen musical experiences. It also gives Lionsgate significant breathing room after years of navigating industry headwinds.
With word-of-mouth strong and repeat viewings already reported overseas, Michael is positioned for a potentially impressive long-term run as it continues rolling out in additional markets, including Japan in June.