For years, it was the great “what if” of Hollywood: who could possibly make a movie about the life of Michael Jackson? The most famous, celebrated, and controversial entertainer in history presented a monumental challenge. Now, the wait is over. The film, simply titled Michael, arrived in theaters in April 2025, and it is every bit as ambitious, dazzling, and debated as the man himself.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan who has already seen it twice, or you’re curious about whether the film is worth your time, this guide is your definitive resource. We’ll break down the performances, the story, how the film handles the tough questions, and the ultimate verdict on whether it succeeds in capturing the King of Pop on screen.
Key Takeaways
- Current Status: The movie Michael was released in U.S. theaters on April 18, 2025. It is currently available for digital purchase and rental, with a subscription streaming debut expected later this year.
- The Star: It stars Michael’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, whose performance has been universally praised as a stunningly accurate and heartfelt portrayal.
- Public vs. Critic Reception: Michael is a box office hit with overwhelmingly positive audience scores. Critical reviews are more mixed, with many praising the musical sequences but questioning the film’s objectivity due to the Jackson family’s involvement.
- Handling of Controversy: The film directly addresses the child abuse allegations against Jackson but portrays them from his perspective as false accusations, a creative choice that has become a major point of discussion.
- The Verdict: A spectacular celebration of Michael Jackson’s musical genius and a must-see for fans. However, those seeking a neutral, investigative look at the darker aspects of his life may find the film’s estate-approved narrative wanting.
Where to Watch the ‘Michael’ Movie Right Now
As of late July 2025, you have a couple of options to watch Michael.
- In Theaters: The film’s primary theatrical run has concluded in most major cinemas. However, it may still be playing in some second-run or discount theaters. Check your local listings on sites like Fandango or the official AMC Theatres website.
- Streaming and Digital Release:Michael is available now for digital purchase and rental in 4K on major platforms. A physical Blu-ray release is expected in the fall.
A subscription streaming debut is anticipated on a platform like Peacock or STARZ by late 2025, as part of Lionsgate’s distribution agreements.
The Story: What Parts of Michael Jackson’s Life Does the Movie Cover? (Spoiler-Light)
The film takes a comprehensive “cradle-to-grave” approach, chronicling Jackson’s life from his earliest days as a child prodigy to his final moments preparing for the “This Is It” tour.
From Jackson 5 to the King of Pop
The narrative begins with his demanding childhood under his father, Joe Jackson, and follows the meteoric rise of The Jackson 5. It then transitions to his decision to go solo, meticulously covering the creative process and explosive success of his history-making albums, including Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad.
Recreating Iconic Moments: Thriller, Motown 25, and the Tours
The film shines brightest when it recreates Jackson’s most iconic moments. Viewers are treated to stunning, shot-for-shot remakes of music videos like “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal,” as well as a breathtaking recreation of his legendary 1983 performance of “Billie Jean” at Motown 25, where he first unveiled the moonwalk to the world.
The Star of the Show: Who Plays Michael Jackson?
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson: A True Family Affair
The film’s biggest triumph is the casting of Michael’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson (the son of Jermaine Jackson). His performance is more than just an impersonation; it’s a channeling. Jaafar not only has an uncanny physical resemblance but has perfectly captured his uncle’s soft-spoken voice, intricate dance moves, and on-stage electricity.
The Supporting Cast: Who Plays the Rest of the Jackson Family and Key Figures?
The film is rounded out by a stellar supporting cast bringing key figures in Michael’s life to the screen.
| Character | Actor |
| Joe Jackson | Colman Domingo |
| Katherine Jackson | Nia Long |
| Berry Gordy | Larenz Tate |
| John Branca | Miles Teller |
| Young Michael Jackson | Juliano Krue Valdi |
The Big Question: How Does the Biopic Handle the Controversies?
This was the central challenge for the filmmakers, and the result is the most debated aspect of the movie.
Addressing the Child Abuse Allegations
The movie does not shy away from depicting the 1993 and 2005 child abuse allegations. However, it presents these events firmly from Jackson’s point of view, portraying him as an innocent, misunderstood man-child who fell victim to extortion and a ruthless media determined to tear him down. The film does not explore the accusers’ perspectives in any depth.
The Portrayal of His Changing Appearance and Personal Life
The film attributes Jackson’s changing skin tone to the skin disorder vitiligo, a diagnosis he maintained throughout his life. His use of plastic surgery is touched upon as a consequence of childhood insecurity and the immense pressures of global fame.
The Verdict: What Are Critics and Audiences Saying?
A Summary of Critical Reviews
Critical reception has been divided. Virtually all critics have praised Jaafar Jackson’s transformative performance as “Oscar-worthy.”
The musical sequences are also lauded as spectacular and exhilarating. However, many reviewers have criticized the screenplay for feeling “sanitized” and “one-sided,” noting that the estate’s involvement results in a hagiography rather than a truly balanced biopic. You can read a roundup of reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Box Office Performance and Audience Scores
Audiences have been far more enthusiastic. Michael was a major box office success, grossing over $400 million worldwide. It holds a high audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and received an “A” CinemaScore from opening-night crowds, indicating that for fans, the film delivered exactly what they wanted.
Behind the Camera: The Team That Made ‘Michael’
Director Antoine Fuqua’s Vision
Known for gritty dramas like Training Day and The Equalizer, Antoine Fuqua brings a cinematic weight to the film. His direction focuses on the immense pressure and isolation of Jackson’s fame, framing him as a man at war with the outside world.
The Involvement of the Jackson Family Estate
The film was produced by Graham King (who also produced the hit Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody) and made with the full cooperation of the Jackson family estate, co-executors John Branca and John McClain. This granted the production unprecedented access to Jackson’s entire music catalog and personal archives but has also led to accusations of bias in its storytelling.
Is This the First Michael Jackson Biopic? A Look Back
Remembering ‘The Jacksons: An American Dream’ (1992)
For many, the definitive on-screen portrayal of the family’s story was the 1992 ABC miniseries, The Jacksons: An American Dream. That beloved series focused on the family’s rise to fame and was a more sanitized, feel-good story. Michael is the first major theatrical biopic to attempt to cover the entirety of Michael’s complex adult life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is Jaafar Jackson related to Michael Jackson? Yes, Jaafar Jackson is the second-youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother and fellow member of The Jackson 5.
- Does the movie use Michael Jackson’s real singing voice? The film uses a blend of Michael Jackson’s original recordings for the iconic musical numbers and Jaafar Jackson’s own vocal performance for more dramatic scenes.
- Is the Jackson family involved in the movie? Yes, the Jackson estate is a producing partner on the film, which is why the movie had the rights to all of Michael’s music and archives.
- What is the movie’s official MPAA rating? Michael is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some violence, suggestive material, and brief strong language.
Our Final Take: Should You Watch ‘Michael’?
Use this checklist to decide if Michael is the right movie for you.
You should definitely watch ‘Michael’ if:
- [x] You are a Michael Jackson fan who wants to celebrate his art.
- [x] You want to see his iconic musical moments recreated on a grand scale.
- [x] You are interested in witnessing a stunning, potentially award-winning lead performance.
- [x] You appreciate films that focus on the creative genius of an artist.
You might want to manage your expectations or skip it if:
- [x] You are seeking an objective, journalistic investigation into the controversies.
- [x] You are uncomfortable with a narrative that is produced and approved by the subject’s estate.
- [x] You prefer documentaries that present multiple viewpoints over a dramatized narrative.
Conclusion
Michael is a dazzling, powerful, and unapologetically biased tribute to its subject. It functions less as a critical biography and more as a cinematic testament, aiming to cement Michael Jackson’s preferred legacy for a new generation.
While it may not answer all the difficult questions, it succeeds spectacularly in reminding us why the world fell in love with the King of Pop in the first place. For the music, the moves, and the jaw-dropping performance at its center, it is an undeniable cinematic event.