Moonwalking into a $217M global debut
The King of Pop is once again everywhere: in playlists, in cinemas, and in memories that feel brand new all over again. With the global release of the biopic 'Michael' on April 24, 2026, Michael Jackson’s music has returned to the spotlight in a wave of nostalgia.
At the box office, 'Michael' is performing on a historic scale. The film opened to around $217 million worldwide, including $97 million in the U.S alone., making it the biggest opening ever for a music biopic.
But beyond the numbers, the feeling it has brought back stands out most. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, the film has become one of the year’s most talked-about releases. It has drawn huge crowds to theatres and brought back memories for fans, while also boosting streams of Michael Jackson’s music across platforms.
Finding a fresh wave of love since the film’s release, Michael Jackson’s music has seen a major boost on Spotify, crossing 73 million monthly listeners and placing him among the platform’s top 20 artists.
Seven of his classic songs have returned to the Spotify Global Top 200, including “Billie Jean,” which alone gained 17 million streams, as fans old and new revisit his timeless hits. Social media has also lit up with dance clips, tributes, and a full-blown “Moonwalk” revival. Classics like “Thriller” continue to perform strongly, while the compilation Number Ones is also seeing renewed popularity.
Michael has outperformed earlier music biopics like Straight Outta Compton ($60.2 million debut in 2015) and Bohemian Rhapsody ($51 million in 2018).
Beyond its commercial success, the film is also credited with introducing Jackson’s legacy to a new generation while deepening appreciation among long-time fans.
Decades later, the world is listening again - and remembering why Michael Jackson never truly left.
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