The Michael Jackson biopic Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, has achieved a record-breaking opening in the United Kingdom, grossing £11.6 million during its debut weekend. This figure surpasses the previous benchmark set by Bohemian Rhapsody, which opened with £6.4 million. The authorised film covers Jackson's life up to 1988, before the allegations of child sexual assault against the singer emerged.
In the United States, Michael outperformed Bohemian Rhapsody by 90%, earning $97 million compared to the latter's $51 million. However, in the UK, the ratio was slightly lower at 81%, with Michael taking £11.6 million to Bohemian Rhapsody's £6.4 million. Despite this, the film accounted for 68% of all box office takings in the UK and Ireland over the three-day weekend, marking a resounding success for Universal Pictures.
Other notable music biopics in the UK include Rocketman (£4 million), Elvis (£4 million), and A Complete Unknown (£2.6 million). Universal’s animated film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie secured second place at the UK box office, bringing its rolling total to $46.5 million. Sony’s Project Hail Mary came third, with a current UK total of $43.1 million.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie retains the crown for the biggest UK opening of 2026 so far with £15 million, followed by Michael, and then Wuthering Heights and Project Hail Mary, each earning around £7 million over their first three days.
Globally, Michael has earned $217 million, with the film yet to open in Japan. This result is a remarkable achievement for Jackson’s estate and positions the film to become the first music biopic to surpass $1 billion in worldwide box office revenue. Bohemian Rhapsody, the current highest-grossing music biopic, took $900 million.
