Michael

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Michael

PG-13

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2h 10m

Biography

Drama

Music

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Popcornmeter

39%

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289 Reviews

97%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Verified Ratings

MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson's life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.

Critics Consensus

While Jaafar Jackson's smooth moves bring the King of Pop to uncanny life, this musical biopic mostly plays like a "greatest hits" album that could've benefitted from including liner notes to give actual insight into the icon.

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Audience Says

Boosted by stellar performances, most notably Jaafar Jackson’s breakout turn, Michael tops the charts and has fans moonwalking across the globe.

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Sergio Burstein

Los Angeles Times

13h

Michael is a work with high production values whose ability to entertain makes it susceptible to being watched several times, even though its superficiality extends to other areas. [Full review in Spanish]

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Dwight Brown

DwightBrownInk.com

1d

2.5/4

You feel his presence, joy and music. Does the footage push biofilm genre boundaries? No.

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Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (LAist)

May 6

A hokey, corny, safe, clichéd, sanitized look at Michael Jackson.

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Harmony Holiday

4Columns

5d

The biopic is an inherently imperious and extractive genre that mostly fails to deliver plots worthy of their subjects. This one leans into that ritual of gaudy shorthand, crisis-proofing itself in advance.

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John Odette

Pop Culture Leftovers

May 27

Michael is the type of film that markets itself as the latest in the trendy wave of biopics but sidesteps deep introspection for crowd-pleasing sequences. This is not a study, but a celebration.

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Ruben Peralta Rigaud

Cocalecas

May 26

As a cinematic biography, it leaves a constant sense of emotional distance. The feeling of watching a carefully edited version of a life too complicated to fit within such a controlled celebration. [Full review in Spanish]

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Nicole

36m

Ive seen other Michael Jackson movies so going in I was like I already know how this goes BUT I was 100% engaged and learning new things AND reliving some of Michaels classic hits like it was the first time! Loved it sooo much and so did my 10 year old!

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Carolyn

1h

BEST MOVIE EVER, BEST BEST BEST

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Janece W

2h

It was very eye opening as I felt it portrayed Michaels life in a relatable manner as to what can happen in a family. It was also very inspirational and entertaining without depicting too much garbage like you often see and hear in movies nowadays.

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Chris

2h

Love it from the beginning to the end. King of pop forever.

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Cindy

2h

I loved the music and showing how he grew up you understand more about his life.

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Travis

3h

Great actors played the roles wonderfully, hit the dance moves like crazy definitely a go watch

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Antoine Fuqua

Director

Jaafar Jackson

Michael Jackson

Miles Teller

John Branca

Colman Domingo

Joe Jackson

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Katherine Jackson

Jayden Harville

Young Jermaine Jackson

Michael: Music Clip - Billie Jean

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See 'Michael' on the Big Screen!

0:26

Michael: Featurette - Before the Big Screen

1:47

Michael: Final Trailer

1:00

The Michael Cast Reveal Their Favorite Scenes

1:22

Colman Domingo on Playing Joe Jackson

1:06

Michael: Featurette – A Conversation with Jaafar Jackson

1:50

Jaafar on Getting the Role of Michael Jackson

1:09

Recreating the Thriller Music Video

1:02

Michael: Teaser - Early Access Event

1:15

Antoine Fuqua & the 'Michael' Cast on Familial Bonds and Capturing Michael Jackson's Essence on Film

16:57

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Synopsis

MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson's life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.

Director: Antoine Fuqua
Producer: Graham King, John Branca, John McClain
Screenwriter: John Logan
Distributor: Lionsgate
Production Co: GK Films
Rating: PG-13 (Smoking|Language|Some Thematic Material)
Genre: Biography, Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 24, 2026, Wide
Box Office (Gross USA): $184.2M
Runtime: 2h 10m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)