Biographical films based on music have proven themselves among the most profitable genres in Hollywood. Such films have brought the stories of celebrated artists to cinema screens and have received mass appeal. Some films based on legendary musicians have broken box office records and simultaneously achieved critical acclaim and award recognition. Now, the major new release in the field, Michael, has reached an incredible milestone that is rewriting the genre’s box office history. 

The film’s latest box office achievement has now placed it ahead of one of the most successful music biopics ever released; 2018's Bohemian Rhapsody. 

Michael is creating history with its phenomenal box office performance. It is the second music biopic in history to join this elite club, following Bohemian Rhapsody. The movie had been racking up record numbers among music biopics. It is already the highest-grossing music biopic at the North American box office with a whopping $97 million earned in its opening weekend, a record $7 million ahead of 2015's American Sniper. Bohemian Rhapsody, in fact, happens to be only the second contender it leaves behind, with its $51 million North American-opening weekend gross.

Worldwide, Antoine Fuqua’s biopic has grossed over $430 million, which sets it up to easily cross Bohemian Rhapsody's $910 million gross to date. The film has passed both Elvis and Straight Outta Compton at the domestic box office and is projected to hit $200 million in the US before its third weekend. It is tracking toward a potential $800 million to $1 billion global run with a lot of international momentum. 

Additionally, the movie grossed $4.7 million on its second Wednesday, down 34.7% from last week, according to the latest figures from Box Office Mojo. That figure tops the $2.2 million Bohemian Rhapsody made, the biggest second Wednesday gross for a musical biopic so far. The film quickly crossed the $200 million mark, finishing its North American box office run with $199.9 million, cementing its place in box office history. 

‘Michael’ Sets Record for Highest-Grossing Biopic Opening Day, Surpassing ‘Oppenheimer’

Beyond its strong theatrical run, the film has also drawn attention for its portrayal of Michael Jackson’s life and career. 

Michael is a 2026 biopic about the life of Michael Jackson, one of the most renowned performers of all time. The movie details Jackson’s rise from being part of the Jackson 5 to becoming the king of pop as a solo artist. It also highlighted the music successes, concerts, and private life of Michael Jackson, especially the debated relationship he had with his father, Joe Jackson. 

It is a rags-to-riches story, following Jackson’s early days with the Jackson 5 to his emergence as a visionary solo artist. The film leaps from one event to another without any complication. Michael is now one of the most commercially successful music biopics of all time after its record-breaking domestic debut. The film’s strong box office run, combined with growing audience interest worldwide, has helped it edge out several major titles in the genre, including Bohemian Rhapsody.

As the film continues to run in theaters, projections in the industry suggest it could set an even bigger benchmark for future music biopics at the global box office. 

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Do you think Michael can continue its record-breaking run and become the highest-grossing music biopic globally? Let us know in the comments.