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Michael Overtakes Oppenheimer to Become Highest-Grossing Biopic

The Jaafar Jackson starrer has reached roughly $977 million worldwide after strong overseas holds, repeat viewings, a shortened theatrical window.

Overview

  • Industry tallies reported June 28–29, 2026 show Michael has earned about $977 million globally, surpassing Oppenheimer to become the top-grossing biopic.
  • Box office breakdown places roughly $370.2 million in North America and $607.2 million in international markets, with late runs in Japan and Russia providing key boosts.
  • The film’s final theatrical cut reflected studio and Jackson estate interventions that prompted reported reshoots and edits and omitted later abuse allegations, which drew criticism from some reviewers.
  • Lionsgate’s distribution strategy used a much shorter exclusive theatrical window followed by premium VOD, accelerating revenue while the studio now prepares reported sequel development.
  • Michael’s run underscores a growing commercial appetite for large-scale music biopics and highlights how estate cooperation, global rollouts and fan repeat viewings can reshape box-office outcomes.