Michael Jackson Biopic Hits $1 Billion — And Now It’s Streaming on Starz

Michael Jackson Biopic Hits $1 Billion — And Now It’s Streaming on Starz

The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" just became the first music biopic in history to cross $1 billion at the worldwide box office. And if you haven’t seen it yet, you can now stream it at home — it officially landed on Starz on August 10, 2026.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua (the filmmaker behind The Equalizer franchise and Training Day), the film chronicles Michael Jackson’s rise from childhood stardom in Gary, Indiana, all the way through his iconic "Bad" World Tour in 1988. It’s a sweeping, emotional look at the King of Pop’s early years — and audiences have shown up in record numbers.

Jaafar Jackson Steals the Show

The biggest surprise of "Michael" is Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew and son of Jermaine Jackson, who delivers a powerhouse performance as the adult King of Pop. Playing both Michael’s teen and adult years, Jaafar brings an uncanny resemblance and emotional depth that critics — even the skeptical ones — couldn’t ignore.

Rounding out the cast is a seriously impressive lineup: Colman Domingo and Nia Long play Michael’s parents Joseph and Katherine Jackson, while Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick) takes on the role of longtime manager John Branca. Juliano Valde handles the younger version of Michael during the Jackson 5 era, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones plays Michael’s trusted bodyguard Bill Bray.

How to Watch and What’s Next

After its April 24 theatrical release and a June 9 digital VOD debut, "Michael" is now streaming exclusively on Starz. If you don’t have a Starz subscription, you can add it through Amazon Prime Video (which offers a 7-day free trial before the $11.99/month fee kicks in). The film is also available on Blu-ray and DVD for those who prefer to own it.

And here’s the real kicker: a sequel is already in the works. With the first film ending at the "Bad" tour, there’s still decades of Michael Jackson’s story left to tell — from Thriller’s cultural domination to his later years. Lionsgate is clearly banking on this becoming a multi-film franchise.

Whether you’re a die-hard MJ fan or just curious about one of 2026’s biggest blockbusters, "Michael" is absolutely worth your time. It’s not just a biopic — it’s a cultural event that rewrites the record books for what a music movie can do at the box office.

Streaming now on Starz.