Michael (2026)
Kernel Score: 38% · 3,952 ratings · Rated PG-13
Released: 2026-04-22
Runtime: 127 minutes
Is Michael worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A biopic following Michael Jackson from the Jackson Five to global fame. Audiences have loved it far more than the wider scores suggest, so it suits fans of his music and story more than neutral viewers.
Watch it if you
- love Michael Jackson's music
- enjoy music biopics with big performances
- want a fan-pleasing celebration of a legend
Skip it if you
- want a critical or complete portrait
- dislike music biopics
Best for: Fans' night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Michael
- Stream: Philo, Starz
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-29.
Overview
The story of Michael Jackson, one of the most influential artists the world has ever known, and his life beyond the music. His journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world, highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career.
Michael parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Michael is a PG-13 Michael Jackson biopic that depicts childhood abuse and an abusive father alongside his rise to fame.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Thematic depictions of child abuse and an abusive father shadow the story of Jackson's early life, handled dramatically rather than graphically.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Michael
If you liked Michael, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) — 89%: Big music biopic built around a legendary star
- Elvis (2022) — 84%: Flashy biography of a world-changing performer
- Rocketman (2019) — 81%: Pop star biopic with spectacle and music
- What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) — 78%: Music biography about fame and a painful private life
- TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR (2023) — 90%: Concert film for fans of big pop spectacle
- Love & Mercy (2015) — 78%: Music biography about a gifted, troubled artist
Cast
Michael FAQ
Is Michael worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A biopic following Michael Jackson from the Jackson Five to global fame. Audiences have loved it far more than the wider scores suggest, so it suits fans of his music and story more than neutral viewers.
Where can I watch Michael?
In the US you can stream Michael on Philo and Starz and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home and Plex.
Is Michael OK for kids?
Michael is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Michael is a PG-13 Michael Jackson biopic that depicts childhood abuse and an abusive father alongside his rise to fame.
What movies are like Michael?
If you liked Michael, try Bohemian Rhapsody, Elvis, Rocketman and What's Love Got to Do with It.