The Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has solidified its position as the highest-grossing music biopic of all time, surpassing the phenomenal success of Bohemian Rhapsody, the film chronicling the life of Freddie Mercury and the band Queen. As of Sunday, August 2, Michael has achieved a remarkable worldwide gross of $1.016 billion, a figure that not only cements its dominance in the music biopic genre but also propels it to the forefront of all biopics, irrespective of subject matter.
A New Benchmark for Biopics
Michael‘s ascent to the top of the box office charts marks a significant milestone, making it the first biopic in history to breach the $1 billion worldwide gross mark. This achievement places it ahead of Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed 2023 biopic Oppenheimer, which documented the life of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his pivotal role in the development of the atomic bomb. Oppenheimer had previously held the record for the highest-grossing biopic, earning $975.8 million globally.
The international market has proven to be a crucial driver for Michael‘s success, accounting for an impressive 63.4% of its total worldwide box office revenue, according to figures from Box Office Mojo. The remaining revenue comes from ticket sales in the United States and Canada. For comparative context, Bohemian Rhapsody also saw substantial international appeal, with 76.2% of its $911 million global gross originating from overseas markets.
Echoes of Legends: Jackson and Mercury
The unprecedented success of Michael inevitably draws parallels with Bohemian Rhapsody, highlighting the enduring appeal of musical legends and the power of biographical films to captivate global audiences. Michael Jackson, a figure who consistently dominated charts and cultural conversations, has a storied history of topping "number one" lists, dating back to The Jackson 5’s first Billboard Hot 100 hit, "I Want You Back," in January 1970.
Both Jackson and Freddie Mercury rose to international superstardom through iconic bands, The Jackson 5 and Queen, respectively. They are widely celebrated as two of the most electr Granadaic performers of all time, known for their electrifying stage presence and unparalleled showmanship. Tragically, both artists passed away prematurely, leaving behind indelible legacies. Mercury died in 1991 at the age of 45 due to complications from AIDS, while Jackson succumbed to cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol intoxication in 2009 at the age of 50.
A Shared History and Artistic Connections
The lives of these two musical titans intersected in the early 1980s, with Jackson attending Queen concerts in Los Angeles. Their interactions extended beyond mere fandom, as they occasionally shared dinners and even embarked on an unfinished collaborative project, recording three demo tracks together. This shared history adds another layer of poignancy to their respective biopics’ box office rivalry.
Beyond their personal connections, both artists have inspired successful theatrical productions that celebrate their musical catalogs. Queen’s musical, We Will Rock You, premiered in London’s West End in 2002, achieving significant acclaim. Similarly, MJ: The Musical has become a Broadway staple since its debut on December 6, 2021, further demonstrating the lasting impact of their music on popular culture.
Industry Connections and the Biopic Landscape
The success of Michael is also intertwined with the broader landscape of music biopics, with shared industry figures playing a pivotal role. Graham King, a co-producer of Michael alongside longtime Jackson associates John Branca and the late John McClain (who passed away on May 26 at age 71), also served as a co-producer on Bohemian Rhapsody. King’s involvement extends to another prominent music biopic on Billboard’s list: Jersey Boys, which chronicles the story of the iconic vocal group The Four Seasons.
This recurring presence of key producers in successful music biopics underscores the specialized knowledge and strategic approach required to bring these complex artist narratives to the screen. The genre has seen a resurgence in popularity, with audiences eager to relive the stories and music of their favorite performers.
Defining the Music Biopic: A Curated List
The compilation of a definitive list of top-grossing music biopics requires careful consideration of what constitutes a "music biopic." For the purpose of this ranking, films that focus on real-life music personalities but where the subjects are not widely recognized music stars in their own right have been excluded. This criteria ensures that the list accurately reflects the box office performance of films centered on established musical icons.
Excluded from this specific ranking are films such as The Sound of Music, which tells the story of Maria von Trapp and the Trapp Family Singers; Green Book, a film that features pianist and composer Don Shirley on a road trip; Florence Foster Jenkins, a biographical comedy-drama about an heiress with a lack of singing talent; and Music of the Heart, which starred Meryl Streep as violinist and music educator Roberta Guaspari. These films, while featuring musical elements, are not primarily biographical accounts of renowned music stars.
The Top 25: A Global Phenomenon
The following list represents the 25 highest-grossing biopics of music stars worldwide, based on their cumulative box office performance. The unprecedented success of Michael at the global box office signals a strong and sustained audience appetite for narratives that explore the lives and careers of legendary musicians, further solidifying the genre’s place in cinematic history. The continued success of films like Michael and Bohemian Rhapsody suggests that the stories of musical icons, when told compellingly, can achieve universal appeal and extraordinary commercial success. The $1 billion milestone is not just a financial achievement but a testament to the enduring power of music and the artists who create it to connect with audiences across generations and cultures.
The ongoing impact of these films extends beyond their box office numbers, influencing cultural discourse, inspiring new artists, and reminding audiences of the profound contributions these musicians have made to the global soundtrack of our lives. The journey of Michael from its premiere to becoming the highest-grossing music biopic ever is a narrative in itself, one that highlights the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson and the powerful draw of his life story on the silver screen.
