From his first steps onto a movie set to the posthumous celebration of his genius, Michael Jackson’s relationship with film was as ambitious and spectacular as his music.
He wasn’t just a pop star who acted; he was a visionary who saw the screen as another stage for his unparalleled creativity.
Jackson didn’t just make music videos; he crafted “short films” that redefined a genre and captivated a generation. Now, with the recent release of the major motion picture biopic about his life, his cinematic legacy is being introduced to a whole new audience.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer curious after seeing the new film, this guide will walk you through every major Michael Jackson movie, documentary, and short film.
The New Michael Jackson Biopic: ‘Michael’ (2025)
The most talked-about film of the year, Michael, hit US theaters in April 2025, offering an authorized and epic look at the complex man who became the King of Pop. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film has been a massive topic of conversation since its release.
What is the ‘Michael’ Movie About? The film chronicles Jackson’s life from his early days in The Jackson 5 to his rise as the biggest solo superstar on the planet. It covers the creation of his iconic music and revolutionary short films, his legendary performances, and the immense pressures of a life lived entirely in the public eye. The movie gives fans an inside look at his creative process as well as his personal struggles.
Release Date: When did it Come to US Theaters?Michael was released in theaters across the United States on April 18, 2025.
Who is in the Cast? Meet Jaafar Jackson In a move celebrated by fans, Michael’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, was cast in the lead role. His performance has been widely praised for capturing not only his uncle’s look and mannerisms but also his iconic voice and electrifying dance moves. The cast also features Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson.
Behind the Scenes: The Director and Production Team Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) and produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), the film had the full support of the Michael Jackson estate, granting the production access to his extensive musical catalog.
Michael Jackson’s Major Film Roles
Long before the biopic, Michael Jackson had already made his mark in Hollywood with several memorable film roles.
The Wiz (1978): A Star Turn as the Scarecrow In this beloved, star-studded Motown retelling of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a young Michael Jackson stole scenes as the Scarecrow. Starring alongside Diana Ross as Dorothy and Richard Pryor as The Wiz, Jackson’s heartfelt and physically nimble performance was a highlight of the film and a glimpse of the superstar he was about to become.
Moonwalker (1988): The Sci-Fi Musical Anthology A must-see for any fan, Moonwalker is not a traditional movie. Instead, it’s a creative anthology of music videos and short films centered around Jackson. The film’s centerpiece is the extended “Smooth Criminal” sequence, a 40-minute noir-inspired fantasy that showcases some of his most iconic choreography. It’s a fascinating look directly into his creative mind.
Captain EO (1986): The Groundbreaking 3D Disney Parks Epic For nearly a decade, visitors to Disney parks could experience this futuristic 3D space fantasy. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by George Lucas, the 17-minute film starred Jackson as a spaceship captain on a mission to deliver a gift of music to a dark, desolate planet. With its cutting-edge effects and original songs, Captain EO was a blockbuster attraction that merged film and theme parks like never before.
Miss Cast Away and the Island Girls (2004): A Final Cameo Jackson’s final scripted film appearance was a surreal cameo as “Agent M.J.” in this B-movie comedy. While a minor role, it remains a unique and curious part of his filmography for dedicated fans.
Pioneering the “Short Film”: Michael’s Most Cinematic Music Videos
Michael Jackson famously disliked the term “music video,” preferring to call his creations “short films.” This was no exaggeration—he hired A-list film directors and used narrative storytelling to create cultural events.
Thriller (1983): The 14-Minute Horror Masterpiece Directed by film veteran John Landis (An American Werewolf in London), Thriller changed music and television forever. It was a horror-comedy short, complete with a plot, dialogue, and groundbreaking special effects. Its premiere on MTV was a global event, and in 2009, it became the first music video to be selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
Ghosts (1996): The Stephen King Collaboration Co-written by horror legend Stephen King, this 39-minute film features Jackson playing multiple roles, including a strange maestro haunted by ghouls. With special effects from Stan Winston, Ghosts is a testament to Jackson’s love for the horror genre and his ambition to push the boundaries of what a music video could be.
Bad (1987): The Martin Scorsese-Directed Short For the full version of his “Bad” short film, Jackson enlisted none other than legendary director Martin Scorsese. The 18-minute film, inspired by West Side Story, tells a story of a young man returning to his old neighborhood from a prep school. It established the tough, leather-clad image that would define that era of his career.
Smooth Criminal (1988): The Iconic Lean and Gangster Fantasy While part of Moonwalker, the “Smooth Criminal” short film stands on its own as a masterpiece of choreography and style. The stunning white suit, the fedora, the 1930s “Club 30’s” setting, and the physics-defying “anti-gravity lean” have made it one of the most imitated and beloved music videos of all time.
Behind the Legend: Key Documentaries and Concert Films
Beyond his own creative projects, numerous documentaries have sought to capture the man behind the music.
Michael Jackson’s This Is It (2009): A Poignant Look at the Final Tour Released just months after his death, This Is It is a powerful and heartbreaking look at the concert series that never was. Assembled from hundreds of hours of rehearsal footage, the film showcases Jackson’s incredible work ethic, creative genius, and dedication to his craft, even in his final days. It stands as the highest-grossing concert film of all time.
Spike Lee’s Documentaries: ‘Bad 25’ and ‘Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall’ Acclaimed director and fan Spike Lee directed two fantastic documentaries that celebrate Jackson’s artistry. Bad 25 (2012) explores the making of the Bad album, while Journey from Motown to Off the Wall (2016) chronicles his evolution from child star to the architect of his game-changing 1979 solo album.
Key Takeaways
- The new biopic ‘Michael’ was released in April 2025, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson in a widely praised performance.
- Michael Jackson’s major acting roles include ‘The Wiz’, ‘Moonwalker’, and the Disney 3D film ‘Captain EO’.
- He revolutionized music videos by creating narrative “short films” like ‘Thriller’, ‘Ghosts’, and ‘Bad’ with top Hollywood directors.
- Key documentaries like ‘This Is It’ and Spike Lee’s films offer an inside look at his creative process and work ethic.
Where Can I Watch Michael Jackson’s Movies Today?
Finding Michael Jackson’s films is easier than ever. Here’s a quick guide for viewers in the USA:
Streaming Services (Disney+, Peacock, etc.)Captain EO can often be found in special features or classic collections on Disney+. Documentaries and concert films frequently rotate on services like Peacock, Paramount+, and Pluto TV.
Digital Rentals and Purchases (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV)The Wiz, Moonwalker, and This Is It are consistently available to rent or buy in HD on major digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
Finding Physical Copies (Blu-ray & DVD) For the best quality and bonus features, Blu-ray and DVD copies of The Wiz, Moonwalker, This Is It, and the Michael Jackson’s Vision collection (which contains many short films) are available from online retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new Michael Jackson movie called? The new biopic is simply titled Michael. It was released in the United States on April 18, 2025.
Did Michael Jackson ever direct a movie? While he was the creative force and producer behind many of his projects, he co-directed his short film Ghosts with special effects director Stan Winston.
What was the last movie Michael Jackson appeared in? His last scripted acting role was a cameo in the 2004 film Miss Cast Away and the Island Girls. His final film appearance overall was in the 2009 concert documentary Michael Jackson’s This Is It.
Are Michael Jackson’s short films available to stream? Yes, many of his most famous short films are available on his official YouTube channel for free. They are also available for purchase in collections like Michael Jackson’s Vision.
Conclusion: The Enduring Cinematic Legacy of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s impact on film and video is undeniable. He saw no barrier between sound and vision, music and story. He used the language of cinema to elevate his art, creating timeless works that did more than just sell albums—they defined a culture. From his joyful turn as the Scarecrow to the dark fantasy of Thriller and the posthumous look at his genius in This Is It, his body of work remains a testament to a