In a year marked by several high-grossing films, Antoine Fuqua's 'Michael' stands out for its unprecedented achievement. The film, which chronicles the life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has officially become the first biopic ever to reach $1 billion in worldwide box office revenue, according to Collider. This milestone saw it surpass Christopher Nolan's acclaimed 'Oppenheimer' in a category historically dominated by action franchises, animated sequels, and epic dramas.

The film's journey to this historic figure was bolstered by a late surge in the Japanese market, pushing it past the nine-figure threshold in July. Its theatrical success places 'Michael' among the top 60 highest-grossing films of all time globally, a testament to its widespread appeal and the enduring legacy of its subject matter.

But the success story for 'Michael' doesn't end with its theatrical run. The biopic has continued to capture audiences on digital platforms, recently rejoining the list of most-watched movies on the U.S. iTunes charts. This sustained performance on streaming services highlights the film's ability to maintain relevance and attract viewers long after its initial big-screen debut, proving that its commercial power extends far beyond cinemas.

While 'Michael' broke new ground for biopics, 2026 has been a lucrative year for several other major releases. 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', starring Tom Holland, has been a colossal hit, not only earning widespread critical praise but also becoming the highest-grossing film domestically and the third-highest worldwide, with nearly $2.5 billion. Animated features also continued their strong showing, with 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' and 'Toy Story 5' both comfortably crossing the billion-dollar threshold. Christopher Nolan also saw significant success with his adaptation of Homer's 'The Odyssey', which also starred Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jon Bernthal, breaking his personal box office records.