Michael

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Michael

PG-13

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2h 10m

Biography

Drama

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Popcornmeter

39%

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283 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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Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (LAist)

May 6

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

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Coleman Spilde

Salon.com

May 6

“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.

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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.

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Candice McMillan

Seattle Refined

1d

There is no interior to this version of this man. The facade is all that Michael can offer in a sympathetic biopic that shoots to that first star to the right and continues straight on until we are all mourning the honest portrayal that could have been.

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Justin Brown

Medium Popcorn

1d

2/5

Despite some really strong performances and great musical numbers, this movie wasn't it if you expected a detailed Michael biopic.

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Brandon Collins

Medium Popcorn

1d

2/5

Jaffar Jackson is phenomenal in this but his performance is not enough to save this oddly formulaic biopic that is the pure definition of revisionist history.

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Mary S

17h

I thought the nephew who played his uncle, Micjael,, was excellent…he brought Michael’s true personality, big heart, and brilliance to the big screen! Can’t wait to see the continuing story.

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Valeria D

17h

Amazing movie! It was so well made. Showing us the ugly and beautiful side of his fame. Jaafar was the perfect Michael!

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Nae

17h

it was so good. I can't wait for part 2

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Corinne

18h

The late 1960s Michael Jackson goes from child star to the biggest star on the planet by the early 1980s. The film focuses on his early family life and his rise, and what propelled him to that status. A lot to cover in 2 hours. It didnt go into any accusations or all of the horrible allegations which have tarnished his legacy. I loved the film. The actors absolutely nailed it.

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John S

18h

Loved it! Brought me right back to my younger days. Phenomenal portrayal of the King of Pop!

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Cynthia

18h

I like the entire production

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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
Box Office (Gross USA): $184.2M
Runtime: 2h 10m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)