Michael

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Michael

PG-13

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2h 7m

Biography

Drama

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37%

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241 Reviews

97%

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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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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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Spencer Kornhaber

The Atlantic

21h

Unfortunately, Michael is a botched job. After Fuqua does interesting work sowing seeds of folly amid the star’s glorious rise, the movie gives up and turns to total sanctification.

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G. Allen Johnson

San Francisco Chronicle

22h

3/4

Domingo provides depth and nuance to a movie that might otherwise have none, his tough-as-leather performance meshing well with the tender turn by Nia Long as matriarch Katherine Jackson.

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Sam Adams

Slate

1d

The purpose of a biopic is to show us aspects of a public figure that the public never had access to. But Michael utterly fails at giving us any sense of who Jackson was behind closed doors.

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James Mottram

South China Morning Post

1h

2/5

It is an utterly sanitised view of Jackson, appealing to fans who do not want to wrestle with the allegations their hero faced.

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Calum Cooper

Cinerama Film

3h

1/5

It opts for mechanical storytelling and a sanitised portrayal so vacant of nuance or substance that it leaves one unsettled. The film clearly loves Michael Jackson and his music, but it’s painfully uninterested in understanding him.

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Bob Grimm

Reno News and Review

15h

2/5

Say, did Michael Jackson get plastic surgery? It kind of looks like he did.

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Tony

14h

Best movie experience. Holy criticism should’ve been longer. I know there’s a part two coming, but I didn’t see anyone wanting to leave the theater. Should’ve been a trilogy three hours each.

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Anastasia S

14h

Great music and dancing! Jaafar Jackson was outstanding.

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Thomas V

14h

Well done movie from start to finish. Two things I especially enjoyed, the storyline followed Michael from his start with the Jackson Five, and ended with the final concert with his brothers at Dodger Stadium. The second thing that stood out was the feeling of being in a concert, every time Michael sang. It was fabulous in a theater setting!!

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Traci

14h

So good!!! Took me back to my childhood. He was an amazing performer and his nephew did an amazing job!!! Highly recommend!!

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Jeff

14h

An exceptional movie. His nephew played the part. He should get a Oscar. I could see it again. Loved it!!

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Dom

14h

I loved it! A great behind the scenes feel of the music and life of Michael. Colman Domingo was Joseph, straight up buzzkill controlling father!

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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

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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
Runtime: 2h 7m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)