The Michael Jackson film has now become the most profitable biographical film in history, surpassing $977 million worldwide.
With this milestone, “Michael” knocks “Oppenheimer” from 2023 off the top spot, which previously held the record as the highest-grossing film based on the life of a real person, according to Variety.
The film is now in its tenth weekend in theaters, following a record-breaking opening – earning $97 million in the U.S. and $217 million globally.
The studio Lionsgate is expected to greenlight at least one more film about Jackson’s life.
Highlights from Michael Jackson’s career
- Michael Jackson began his career as a child star with the Jackson 5 in the late 1960s, delivering hits like “I Want You Back” and “ABC.”
- His solo career took off in the 1980s with the release of Thriller (1982), which remains the best-selling album of all time.
- The music video for the title track, “Thriller,” revolutionized the music video format and remains iconic worldwide.
- Jackson dominated the 1980s and 1990s with hits such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Bad,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Black or White.”
- He popularized the moonwalk, a dance move that became one of the most imitated in history after his performance of “Billie Jean” during the Motown 25 TV special in 1983.
- His album Bad (1987) produced five consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat not matched until Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds.
- Jackson was also a deeply committed humanitarian, supporting numerous charities and using his platform to speak on social and racial issues.
- He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice – once as a member of the Jackson 5 and once as a solo artist.
- His 1992–1993 Dangerous World Tour and 1996–1997 HIStory World Tour are among the highest-grossing tours ever.
- Throughout his life, Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the Grammy Legend Award and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Despite controversies in his later years, Jackson remains one of the most influential and significant entertainers in music history.