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2026’s Latest Billion-Dollar Blockbuster Officially Overtakes ‘The Dark Knight’
Michael, Antoine Fuqua's biopic of Michael Jackson, has passed $1 billion (£790 million) at the worldwide box office, overtaking Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight on the all-time chart. The milestone is notable given the film's troubled path to release, including a reported overhaul of its third act, controversy over how it portrays its subject, and a mixed critical reception, yet it has proved a major draw with audiences.
The film currently holds just 38% on Rotten Tomatoes' critics' score, with the site's consensus praising star Jaafar Jackson's portrayal while criticising the film for playing like a "greatest hits" package lacking real insight. Audiences have responded far more warmly, however, giving it a 97% score on the same platform. The news comes as Nolan enjoys a career-best global opening for his own new film, The Odyssey, offsetting the demotion of two of his previous hits down the all-time worldwide rankings.
In short
- Michael Jackson biopic Michael passes $1 billion worldwide, overtaking The Dark Knight.
- Critics gave it 38% on Rotten Tomatoes; audiences rated it 97%.
- Nolan's The Odyssey posted his biggest-ever global opening this same week.
Explained simply
Michael Jackson was one of the most significant entertainers of the twentieth century, renowned as the "King of Pop" for his record-breaking albums, iconic music videos, and innovative choreography. His legacy encompasses both extraordinary professional success and lasting personal controversy, establishing him as a complex and contested cultural figure.
Director Antoine Fuqua's biopic Michael stars Jaafar Jackson (Michael's nephew) and chronicles the singer's life and career. The production underwent reported script revisions and faced other challenges before its release, generating divided critical responses—some praising the lead performance but others questioning its depth—whilst audiences have responded with considerable enthusiasm.
Box office milestones reflect the scale of a film's audience and public engagement. That a biographical film with a complicated production history and mixed critical reception has achieved major box office success demonstrates sustained public interest in Michael Jackson's story, independent of critical or industry assessments.