Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' Sets Record with $217 Million Global Opening Weekend

It also surpassed the opening weekends of other music biopics, including 'Bohemian Rhapsody' at $51 million domestically, 'Elvis' at $31 million, 'Rocketman' at $25 million, 'Walk the Line' at $22 million, and 'Ray' at $20 million.

Critics have given the film a 38 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews that noted the movie ends its story in 1988, before child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson emerged. In contrast, audience scores are high, with 97 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.6 out of 10 on IMDb, and an average of 3.6 out of 5 on Letterboxd, where most ratings fall between 4 and 5 stars.

Lionsgate reported the $217 million global figure on Sunday, indicating strong public interest despite the critical divide.

“The draw of Michael, Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King’s turn at the life of the King of Pop, isn’t the desire to understand Jackson as a person or as an artist, or to grapple with the weight of his legacy as one of the most pivotal cultural figures of the 20th century. It exists to be consumed as an act of allegiance, as proof of fandom. this year, behind only 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.' 'Bohemian Rhapsody' eventually grossed $910 million worldwide, suggesting potential for 'Michael' to build on its start. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for 'Training Day,' the biopic was produced by Graham King, who also worked on 'Bohemian Rhapsody.' Sources vary slightly on the exact global figure, with one reporting $217.4 million, but all confirm the record-breaking status.”

The movie portrays Jackson's life and career, emphasizing performances like the 'Thriller' video and a 1988 Wembley concert. Reviewers noted that the narrative avoids later controversies by concluding in 1988. Audience feedback platforms show no widespread evidence of manipulation, though review bombing remains a possibility in such cases.