More than 16 years after his death, Michael Jackson returns to the spotlight in Michael (2026), the long-awaited musical biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua. Starring Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, the film follows Michael’s journey from a young boy growing up in Gary, Indiana, to becoming one of the biggest entertainers the world has ever seen.
The film focuses on Michael Jackson’s rise to fame, his difficult childhood, and the pressure he faced throughout his career. From the early days of the Jackson 5 to the record-breaking success of Thriller, Michael explores the moments that shaped one of music’s most influential artists while showing the sacrifices that came with fame.
The movie starts off with Michael performing “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” immediately throwing viewers into one of the most recognizable songs in history. It doesn’t take long before the film flashes back to Gary, Indiana, where viewers are introduced to the Jackson family and the beginnings of the Jackson 5.
A large portion of the film focuses on Michael’s childhood and his relationship with his parents. Joseph Jackson, his father, is portrayed as strict, demanding, and completely focused on success, constantly pushing his sons through tough rehearsals and performances. Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson, on the other hand, serves as Michael’s biggest source of comfort and support. Some of the movie’s strongest moments come from the contrast between the two, helping viewers understand the pressure Michael faced from such a young age.
As the Jackson 5 becomes more successful, opportunities begin opening up. The group eventually signs with Motown, and the movie does a good job showing just how quickly Michael’s talent caught the attention of people around him.
The film really comes to life once Michael begins his solo career. Determined to create music that reflected his own ideas and creativity, he started working on what would become some of the most famous and influential songs ever recorded. Watching the creation of tracks like “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller” is easily one of the most entertaining parts of the movie.
The recreation of the “Thriller” music video was extremely captivating and arguably the best part of the movie. Between the choreography, costumes, and attention to detail, it feels like watching the original music video. These scenes are also where Jaafar Jackson shines the most. His voice, movements, and mannerisms are so similar to Michael’s that there are moments where it may even feel like you are watching the King of Pop himself.
The film also spends time exploring Michael’s personal struggles. It touches on his diagnosis with vitiligo, his desire to constantly improve himself, and the pressure that came along with being one of the most influential artists on the planet. One of the movie’s most emotional scenes depicts the Pepsi commercial accident, where Michael suffers severe burns while filming. The scenes that follow highlight both his recovery and the pressure put upon him by his father to keep on performing no matter what, neglecting his overall well-being.
As Michael’s fame grows, so does his desire to break away from his father’s control and eventually leads to the Victory Tour. One of the most satisfying moments comes when Michael announces it will be his final tour with his brothers, finally choosing his own path after years of living under his father’s brutal expectations.
The movie closes with a performance of “Bad,” bringing everything full circle. During this performance, security struggles to hold back the crowd and we see some even passing out. It serves as a reminder of just how massive his impact is on music and pop culture.
This film succeeds in displaying the great legacy of Michael Jackson, and the concert recreations are some of the strongest moments of the film. Whether you grew up listening to Michael Jackson or are being introduced to his story for the first time, the movie offers an entertaining look at the life and career of one of music’s most influential artists.
