Who could have predicted that the very film critics were quick to write off with a 38% score would end up outpacing both Oppenheimer and Bohemian Rhapsody at the same stage of its box-office run? Michael, the long-awaited biopic of the King of Pop, has barely given the box office a moment to breathe, marching its way to a staggering million worldwide haul. And with Japan still awaiting its release, the road to $1 billion is beginning to look so inevitable that critics may soon need something stronger than a tissue to cope.

And if the current pace holds, Michael may soon find itself rewriting biopic history, adding yet another record-breaking chapter to Hollywood's surprisingly dominant 2026 slate.

Following its sixth weekend in theaters, Michael has surged to an impressive $851 million worldwide, comfortably outperforming both Oppenheimer ($777 million) and Bohemian Rhapsody ($539 million). The achievement is particularly striking given the film's enormous $200 million production budget, making it the most expensive music biopic ever produced. Currently, Michael stands as the second highest-grossing film of 2026 worldwide, trailing only The Super Mario Galaxy Movie's massive $894 million-plus haul.

Yet what once appeared to be a costly risk has rapidly transformed into one of 2026's biggest box-office success stories, with the film having already amassed a staggering $430.4 million globally by the end of just its second weekend. Fresh off a No. 1 debut in Russia, Michael now turns its attention to Japan, officially releasing nationwide in Japan on Friday, June 12, 2026. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the biopic follows Jackson's journey from The Jackson 5 to the heights of Thriller-era superstardom, concluding in 1988 before the controversies of his later years enter the picture. 

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While Michael is yet to moonwalk past The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, it has already danced its way past some of 2026's biggest box-office contenders.

Michael's dominance becomes even more striking when compared to the rest of 2026's box-office landscape. Sitting at $851 million worldwide, the biopic has comfortably raced past Project Hail Mary's $677 million haul, The Devil Wears Prada 2's $666 million, Pegasus 3's $653 million, Hoppers' $434 million, and Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu's $246 million. 

Much of the film's success has been driven by Jaafar Jackson's widely praised portrayal of his legendary uncle, with fans applauding his uncanny ability to capture Michael Jackson's voice, mannerisms, and stage presence. Supported by a cast that includes Juliano Krue Valdi, Colman Domingo, and Nia Long, the biopic offers a sweeping look at the King of Pop's rise from Jackson 5 prodigy to global superstar, delivering the celebration many longtime fans had been waiting for.

And with the $1 billion milestone now just around the corner, Michael has proved once again that audiences and critics can live in completely different worlds.

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Have you watched Michael yet? Which part of the King of Pop's journey resonated with you the most? Let us know in the comments.