The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" has officially become the highest-grossing biographical film of all time, surpassing Christopher Nolan’s "Oppenheimer" at the worldwide box office. The film has amassed $977 million globally, edging past the previous record holder's $975.8 million haul .

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film chronicles the life of the King of Pop from his early days as a child star in the Jackson 5 to his reign as a global solo sensation . It features Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s real-life nephew, in his acting debut alongside a cast that includes Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Joe and Katherine Jackson .

Prior to this milestone, "Michael" had already topped the charts as the highest-grossing musical biopic ever, surpassing the Queen biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody," which grossed $911 million . The film achieved this success despite a mixed reception from critics, who have noted that the movie takes a largely sanitized look at the pop star's life . However, audience turnout and word-of-mouth have driven its steady performance.

The film’s domestic haul stands at $370.2 million, with an additional $607.2 million coming from international markets . The film's box office strength has also made it the most successful release in Lionsgate's history, surpassing 2013's "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," which earned $865 million . The studio is now reportedly considering a follow-up project.

With "Michael" continuing to see releases in international markets like Japan, industry analysts suggest it is on track to cross the $1 billion milestone, which would be a first for a biographical film . The film's commercial triumph underscores the enduring global appeal of Michael Jackson’s legacy and music, which has seen a resurgence in streaming since the film's release .

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