Michael Jackson Biopic “Michael” Tops North American Box Office with $97M Weekend Gross

The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” has topped the North American box office with a record-setting $97 million opening weekend, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com and confirmed by multiple industry sources.

Lionsgate’s musical biopic debuted in theaters on April 24, 2026, and earned $97 million domestically and $217.4 million globally in its first weekend, marking the biggest opening ever for a music biopic and the second-largest debut of the year behind “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.”

The film surpassed the previous record holder for music biopic openings, 2015’s “Straight Outta Compton,” which opened to $60.1 million, and also exceeded the domestic opening of 2018’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” at $51 million. “Michael” now holds the record for the biggest domestic opening of all time for a biopic, not adjusted for inflation, surpassing Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” at $80 million.

Audiences responded strongly to the film despite mixed critical reception, giving it an “A-” grade on CinemaScore exit polls. According to PostTrak data, ticket buyers were 61% female and 66% were 25 years or older.

This record-breaking performance is a testament to the incredible filmmaking team of producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua, an amazing cast led by Jaafar Jackson’s singular performance, our world-class partners at Universal, the cooperation and support of the Michael Jackson Estate, and our tireless and exceptionally talented Lionsgate team.

Adam Fogelson, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair

Box office stat firm EntTelligence reports that there were 6.3 million people who watched Michael in North America alone, off a general ticket price of $15.01 and average PLF ticket price of $18.56.

EntTelligence

Michael is also the highest grossing Imax opening weekend for a Lionsgate release in North America, with $13.8 million from 427 North American screens, representing 14% of the domestic weekend.

Deadline

The film’s global total reached $217.4 million, with $120.4 million coming from 82 international markets distributed through Universal. Overseas Imax contributions amounted to $10.6 million.

Lionsgate had initially tracked the film for a $50 million to $60 million opening, but expectations rose significantly in the lead-up to release. The production faced challenges related to the controversial subject matter and required 20 days of additional shooting, which the Michael Jackson Estate covered at a cost of $50 million, bringing the net production cost to $200 million.