“Michael” has grossed $977 million worldwide at the box office, overtaking “Oppenheimer” to become the highest-grossing biopic ever, according to Variety’s coverage. This 2026 music biopic also outperformed 2018’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which earned $911 million globally

‘Michael’ Surpasses ‘Oppenheimer’ As Highest-Grossing Biopic With $977 Million Worldwide: What happened

“Michael” debuted on April 24 and opened to $97 million domestically, setting a new record for the largest opening weekend ever by a musical biopic, Screen Rant reported. Globally, the film pulled in $217 million in its first weekend, beating 2015’s “Straight Outta Compton,” which held the previous record with a $60 million opening. Its international markets played a main role by generating $607.2 million — nearly two-thirds of the total gross. Japan contributed an estimated $12.5 million in its first full week, edging out “ Oppenheimer’s” $12.2 million in the same market.

Lionsgate confirmed “Michael’s” total haul of $977 million surpassed “Oppenheimer’s” worldwide total of $976.8 million. The production budget reportedly hit $200 million, reflecting the scale of the project and the studio’s confidence in box office potential office. The movie kept strong weekend holds — a 44 percent drop in its second weekend followed by consistent declines. Comicbasics reports these suggest ongoing audience interest. Its solid domestic take of $370.2 million combined with increasing international figures boosted its box office dominance.

Market reaction and expert analysis

“Michael’s” record-breaking performance triggered notable moves in Lionsgate’s stock and caught industry analyst attention. Variety pointed out the film beat Lionsgate’s previous highest-grossing release: 2013’s “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” which earned $865 million worldwide without inflation adjustment. This breakthrough boosted Lionsgate’s market standing and investor confidence in large-budget musical biopics. The Hollywood Reporter noted the film’s second-week North American earnings of $70 million confirmed its staying power despite robust competition.

Industry analysts credit “Michael’s” smart release timing and vigorous word of mouth for its global success. The musical biopic genre has gained momentum recently, with “Michael” joining standout titles like “Elvis,” which grossed $288.7 million globally, and “Rocketman,” with $195.3 million.

What it means

The box office achievement of “Michael” signals a shift in how biopics, especially musical ones, get financed and marketed. Studios will likely invest more in high-profile biopics with big budgets — seeing their blockbuster potential. Observers say this $977 million haul challenges the old idea that biopics are niche.

Fans can expect a high-budget production, as the reported budget is as high as $200 million.