Michael

Play trailer

1:00

Michael

PG-13

Now Playing

2h 10m

Biography

Drama

Music

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

39%

Tomatometer

276 Reviews

97%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ 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.

Now in Theaters

Now Playing

Buy Tickets

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.

Read Critics Reviews

Audience Says

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

Read Audience Reviews

Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (LAist)

5d

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

Go to Full Review

Coleman Spilde

Salon.com

5d

“Michael” might be a self-evident, self-sustaining, self-indulgent piece of PR. But layer a catchy tune over all that artifice, and the music is the only thing many people will hear.

Go to Full Review

Cortlyn Kelly

Chicago Reader

May 1

The film is so chopped and screwed that my heart beat fewer times than the number of cuts in a single scene.

Go to Full Review

Marcelo Paredes

Cinencuentro

18h

...Michael opts for a narrative that, while effective in its basics, ultimately feels superficial. [Full review in Spanish]

Go to Full Review

Ilan Preskovsky

Channel24 (South Africa)

1d

3/5

It is clearly, demonstrably most interested in being a tribute to this fallen pop star than anything that scratches below the surface. And to enjoy Michael, you absolutely have to meet it at its own level.

Go to Full Review

Luke Goodsell

ABC News (Australia)

3d

Perhaps it’s just as Jackson himself would have wanted — to remain a mystery.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Diana

13h

This movie was AMAZING

See more

jowan D

13h

I thought Michaels nephew did a wonderful job. He mastered Michaels voice, mannerisms and dance moves.

See more

Angela

13h

Amazing! Cant stop thinking about the movie, and playing songs on repeat since I saw it last night!! Jaafar embodied Michael perfectly! This movie had me and my daughter in our feelings in the best way possible

See more

Pasha Marie

13h

It was like I was seeing Micheal Jackson LIVE!!! It was amazing as my cup runth over!

See more

MMA

13h

Amazing! Storyline was captivating, set design incredible, actors top notch! Jaafar Jackson, I mean, I have no words. Stunning look alike, mannerisms check, voice check, dancing - next to none. I did not sit still in my seat! Jaafar should be beyond proud of his outstanding performance!

See more

Kevin P

13h

Seemed like a money making ploy by the family. Although it was entertaining

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Antoine Fuqua

Director

Jaafar Jackson

Michael Jackson

Miles Teller

John Branca

Colman Domingo

Joe Jackson

Nia Long

Katherine Jackson

Jayden Harville

Young Jermaine Jackson

Michael: Music Clip - Billie Jean

0:59

View more videos

Elvis

77%

94%

Elvis

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Elvis

A Complete Unknown

82%

95%

A Complete Unknown

Watchlist

TRAILER

for A Complete Unknown

Straight Outta Compton

89%

91%

Straight Outta Compton

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Straight Outta Compton

Girl You Know It's True

85%

89%

Girl You Know It's True

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Girl You Know It's True

Dreamin' Wild

90%

65%

Dreamin' Wild

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Dreamin' Wild

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Weekend Box Office: The Devil Wears Prada 2 Wins Battle of the Sequels Against Mortal Kombat II

Weekend Box Office: The Devil Wears Prada 2 Shines With $77 Million Weekend

Audience Says: Michael Is Pure Entertainment for MJ Fans

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

View more videos

View more photos

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)