The King of Pop is once again dominating the cultural conversation. Michael, the new big-budget Michael Jackson biopic, has opened as a certified blockbuster, earning $97 million in North America and more than $217 million worldwide in its opening weekend. The launch marks the biggest global opening ever for a biopic, surpassing previous music and historical biopic records.
Starring Jaafar Jackson as his legendary uncle, the film has overcome mixed reviews and a complicated production history to become one of the strongest theatrical launches of 2026. While critics have debated the film's portrayal of Jackson's life, audiences have responded with enthusiasm, helping turn Michael into a major box office event.
The film's impact is also being felt across music platforms. According to reports, Michael Jackson's Spotify monthly listeners jumped by roughly 5 million, rising from just over 68 million to 73 million following the film's release. The Jackson 5 also saw renewed interest, gaining about 1 million monthly listeners during the same period.
Streaming data reflects the same surge. Luminate reported that Jackson's U.S. catalog streams nearly doubled over the opening weekend, rising from 16.3 million to 31.7 million, while The Jackson 5's streams climbed from 1.3 million to 2.4 million.
The renewed attention has also reignited conversation around Joseph Jackson's role in shaping one of entertainment's most successful families. His methods remain controversial, but his influence on the rise of Michael, Janet, The Jackson 5, and the wider Jackson family legacy remains undeniable.
With Michael breaking records in theaters and Jackson's music surging again online, the film has done more than revisit a legacy. It has introduced the King of Pop's catalog to a new wave of listeners while reminding longtime fans why his impact remains unmatched.
