The Michael Jackson biopic Michael is continuing its impressive worldwide theatrical run, crossing ₹5,800 crore globally and emerging as one of the highest-grossing Hollywood films of 2026, per a report by Financial Express.
The film, which stars Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, has now become one of the year’s biggest entertainment success stories and is reportedly competing closely with The Devil Wears Prada 2 at the global box office.
Michael has earned over $611 million worldwide since its release. The film has maintained strong momentum in both domestic and international markets even weeks after opening in theatres. Industry trackers have pointed out that the movie’s consistent collections reflect not only the continued popularity of Michael Jackson’s music but also the strong curiosity surrounding the late singer’s personal and professional journey.
Strong collections across markets
The biopic has collected more than $250 million in North America alone, while overseas markets contributed approximately $358 million to the total worldwide earnings. The film performed particularly well in Europe, Latin America and several Asian territories where Michael Jackson continues to enjoy an enormous fan following, reported Financial Express.
Also Read | Did The Simpsons really predict the future? Inside TV’s most uncanny ‘prophecy machine’
The film currently ranks among the top worldwide grossers of the year and has surpassed many action franchises and studio releases released during the same period. Analysts have noted that musical biopics have seen renewed audience interest globally over the past few years, and Michael appears to have benefited strongly from that trend.
The film has also witnessed a solid theatrical response in India. Reports claimed that Michael earned close to ₹67 crore in the Indian market, with collections showing significant growth over weekends due to positive word-of-mouth and nostalgia-driven audience turnout.
Jaafar Jackson’s performance praised
One of the biggest highlights of the film has been Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of Michael Jackson. Being the nephew of the late pop icon, Jaafar’s casting had already generated considerable attention before the film’s release. Following the release, viewers and critics praised his recreation of Michael Jackson’s stage performances, dance style and expressions.
The movie follows Michael Jackson’s rise from his early days with the Jackson Five to his transformation into one of the world’s most influential entertainers. The cast also includes Miles Teller, Colman Domingo, Nia Long and Juliano Valdi in important roles.
Competition with The Devil Wears Prada 2
At the same time, The Devil Wears Prada 2 has also emerged as one of the biggest global box-office performers of the year. The sequel starring Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci reportedly crossed $433 million (nearly Rs 4,244 crore) globally and continues to attract audiences worldwide.
As per the reports of Financial Express, entertainment analysts believe both films have heavily benefited from nostalgia and strong fan communities. While Michael taps into the legacy of one of the biggest music icons in history, The Devil Wears Prada 2 draws viewers through fashion nostalgia and the return of its beloved cast.
Also Read | Did Drake just break Spotify? Streaming platforms struggle after triple release
With its current momentum, Michael could continue adding significantly to its global collections in the coming weeks, further strengthening its position among the biggest films of 2026.
