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Michael

Play trailer 1:00 Poster for Michael PG-13 Now Playing 2h 10m Biography Drama Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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39% Tomatometer 274 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.
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Michael

Michael

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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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Critics Reviews

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Christy Lemire FilmWeek (LAist) 2d
A hokey, corny, safe, clichéd, sanitized look at Michael Jackson. Go to Full Review
Coleman Spilde Salon.com 2d
“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
Luke Goodsell ABC News (Australia) 13h
Perhaps it’s just as Jackson himself would have wanted — to remain a mystery. Go to Full Review
Laura Hiros Rincón de cine 18h
2/5
It devolves into a public family squabble rather than a true tribute to an idol of millions. [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Terry Staunton Radio Times 1d
2/5
This syrupy biopic becomes a test of endurance – packed with over-simplified plot points and mawkish, underwritten scenes. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Kelli 16h Michael is Phenomenal!!!!!! It was a great biopic! Jaffar did an excellent job! I highly recommend this movie! See more Sue 16h well done, I grew up loving Michael and remember much of the content. I hope there will be a part two. See more LynMack 16h Of course the music was great. Jaafar did a wonderful job as Michael, totally believable. KeiLyn Jones was fantastic as Mr Bill Bray. He brought the love and compassion for Michael very convincingly. Nia Long - beautiful all round as Mother Jackson See more Wanita 17h Brought me back to the time when Michael was wonderful. Loved his nephew in the rolefantastic dancer.just like his uncle. Thoroughly enjoyed it. See more D 17h Loved everything about the movie! #LLMJ See more Lisa 17h I loved all of it!!! Michael was a great movie. I liked it so much, I may see it again! See more Read all reviews
Michael

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Michael

Michael: Music Clip - Billie Jean Michael: Music Clip - Billie Jean 0:59 View more videos
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Movie Info

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)