The biographical film "Michael" earned $217 million [3] worldwide during its opening weekend in late April 2026.

The film's financial success demonstrates the enduring global appeal of Michael Jackson's legacy. Despite critical pushback, the movie has become one of the highest-grossing releases of the year so far.

Of the total global debut, the film earned $97 million [2] in the U.S. and Canada. This figure marks a record for a musical biographical film in the North American market.

The box-office surge occurred despite a lukewarm reception from critics. The film holds a 41% [1] approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a gap that suggests a disconnect between professional reviews and general audience interest.

Industry observers said the high numbers are due to aggressive marketing strategies and a strong appetite for the pop icon's life story. The film faced some controversy prior to release, including discussions regarding the portrayal of Jackson's image and the narrative's approach to his complicated history.

Despite these debates, the movie's performance in international markets helped propel it to its record-breaking status. The global audience interest suggests that the brand of the "King of Pop" continues to drive significant commercial traffic to cinemas worldwide.

“The film 'Michael' earned $217 million worldwide during its opening weekend.”

The disparity between the film's critical reception and its commercial dominance indicates that for high-profile biopics, brand recognition and legacy often outweigh critical consensus. The record-breaking opening suggests that the market for Michael Jackson's image remains potent enough to overcome negative reviews and historical controversies.