Despite receiving mostly negative reviews, the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has performed very well at the box office since its release.
The film opened to $97 million domestically and $217 million worldwide during its first weekend, making it the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time, surpassing the previous record held by Bohemian Rhapsody.
The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life and career, from his start with the Jackson 5 to his iconic 1987 Bad tour. It stars Jaafar Jackson, who is Michael’s nephew.
Although it’s still unclear if a film about his later years will be made, several documentaries already cover much of Michael’s life, including the accusations made against him from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
If you’re looking to watch more about Michael Jackson, these are five documentaries to tune into.
Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson
Released: 2025
Where to watch: Channel 4
Originally released in 2019, Leaving Neverland presented allegations of sexual abuse against Michael Jackson made by Wade Robson and James Safechuck. The follow-up, Leaving Neverland 2, documents their efforts to pursue these claims in court.
The Jackson estate criticized the documentary as a sensational and unfair attack on Michael Jackson, similar to the negative media he faced during his lifetime and after his death.
They criticized the film for presenting claims from 20 years ago as if they were proven true, even though these claims haven’t been verified. The full statement is available here.
The 2019 film isn’t currently available for streaming in the United States. This is because the Jackson estate filed a lawsuit against HBO, arguing the film violated a 1992 agreement between the singer and HBO regarding the rights to footage from Michael Jackson’s Bucharest concert during his Dangerous Tour. The agreement included a clause preventing disparagement of Michael Jackson.
In 2024, HBO and the estate reached an agreement. A network spokesperson told The New York Times that the matter was settled peacefully.
Louis, Martin & Michael
Released: 2003
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Louis Theroux attempted to interview Michael Jackson in the early 2000s. While that interview never happened, Theroux explored the world around Jackson and the people who were devoted to him.
From unexpectedly sharing a hotel floor with Michael Jackson while in the UK, to a strange interview with Joe Jackson in Las Vegas, and arranging a meeting with Martin Bashir through Jackson’s friend Uri Geller – all of this led to the creation of the documentary Living with Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy
Released: 2026
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
This three-part documentary follows Michael Jackson’s life, from his early years as a talented child to his rise as a worldwide pop star, and examines the key events that shaped his journey.
The story follows Michael Jackson’s life from his start with the Jackson 5, through accusations of abuse, and up to his death in 2009 as he prepared for a return to performing.
As a huge fan, I was really struck by who all contributed to this documentary. They managed to get insights from so many key people in Michael’s life – his sister La Toya, the incredible Dionne Warwick, people who worked closely with him like his manager Dieter Wiesner and bodyguard Bill Whitfield, plus legal figures like his family attorney Brian Oxman and even the prosecutor, Ron Zonen. It really felt like a complete picture was being painted.
Michael Jackson: The Trial
Released: 2026
Where to watch: Channel 4
As a huge movie buff, I recently watched this documentary about the 2005 trial involving Michael Jackson, and it was gripping. What really sets it apart is the access they had – it’s packed with footage you’ve never seen before, and includes audio recordings of Michael himself, people in his inner circle, and even the LAPD. It gives a really intimate look at everything that went on.
The 2005 trial of Michael Jackson, known as People v. Jackson, centered around accusations that he had molested a 13-year-old boy, Gavin Arvizo, at his Neverland Ranch. Jackson maintained his innocence and was ultimately found not guilty on all charges.
Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall
Released: 2016
Where to watch: YouTube
This documentary, directed by Spike Lee, tells the story of Michael Jackson’s early success and how he made his breakthrough solo album, Off the Wall.
The film delves into a significant time in Jackson’s life, and a new documentary promises to reveal even more about how he became famous.
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2026-04-28 18:13