'Michael' Audience Reactions Clash With Critic Reviews
The long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, finally released Thursday after a long journey to the silver screen.
The story of Jackson’s ascend to one of the most iconic figures in the history of the entertainment industry has always had the potential to be the ultimate musical biopics of all musical biopics. Since being announced in 2022, 12 years after the King of Pop’s death, Michael is one of the most anticipated ever of the genre.
First teaser for Antoine Fuqua’s ‘MICHAEL’ starring Jaafar Jackson.
— Movie Coverage (@MovieCoverage_) November 6, 2025
In theaters April 24, 2026. pic.twitter.com/L9YCEkO5kn
Like its subject, the film has had its own trial and tribulations, facing delays due to the writer’s strike in 2023 and having to reconstruct the third act of the movie. Due to legal restrictions connected to allegations towards Jackson that were originally apart of the film, the final portion had to be mostly scrapped and recreated from scratch.
Despite the challenges, the event movie, starring Michael’s real-life nephew, Jafar Jackson, as his polarizing uncle and directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer), is finally here.
After years of waiting with excitement, fans were shocked and disappointed to see the extremely negative response from critics released Tuesday. Michael opened to a 27% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as almost universally being called awful on social media.
No matter where you come down on Michael Jackson as a person, this biopic is entirely the opposite of what he was, both as an iconic performer and a controversial tabloid figure.
— IGN (@IGN) April 21, 2026
Our review: https://t.co/nX3g5k9Ai3 pic.twitter.com/t9VLpoPWy8
Many critics have claimed the film is a shallow greatest hits montage, criticizing it, as well for not addressing the controversial accusations against the music icon, as the movie concludes in 1988 before they were brought forward.
The scathing reviews left most moviegoers prepared to be let down, but that has not been the case at all. Since releasing Thursday, general audience reviews have been nearly the complete opposite of critic response. Garnering high praise, Michael currently holds a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to the slightly increased 39% from critics. Fans are endorsing the film online for being an exciting experience that captures the spectacle of Jackson’s career and impact.
Just finished watching Michael.
— Oyiga Micheal (@Nsukka_okpa) April 22, 2026
This movie is the greatest biopic ever made. Don’t listen to the critics. Please go and see it for yourself.
I’m already planning to watch it again.
Ignore the noise and judge for yourself. pic.twitter.com/UWBJ98xeKR
Just one day of screenings and there has been a phenomenon of viral videos showing audience members dressed up, dancing and singing along during the movie.
In a post on X, Michael’s nephew Taj Jackson wrote:
“Sorry, media, you don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was. The public gets to watch this movie … they will decide for themselves. And you can’t handle that. Can’t wait until some critics have to eat crow. And yes, I will be that petty.”
The strong divide between the audience and critics has led many to believe that critics are unfairly bashing the film due to Jackson’s personal life allegations. This has reinforced the belief, held by some moviegoers, that critics’ opinions shouldn’t be trusted. A stark contrast of opinion between the two groups happens fairly often with films tackling polarizing subjects like religion, politics and controversial figures. Michael could end up being the biggest movie ever with such a case.
Whether critics like it or not, the film is shaping up to be a colossal success, getting a lot of love from audiences and projecting an opening weekend of $150 million globally.
Michael is out now in theaters worldwide.