Michael Movie: Michael Jackson's Biopic Opens To Shocking First Reactions and Ratings On Rotten Tomatoes

Mumbai, April 21 - The long-awaited biographical drama Michael, chronicling the life of global pop icon Michael Jackson, has taken a surprisingly rough start at the hands of critics. Despite massive anticipation and the cultural weight attached to Jackson's legacy, the film has debuted with a disappointing 27% score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 52 reviews.

Scheduled to release on April 24, the low rating has come as a shock for a project that was widely expected to dominate both critically and commercially, given the enduring popularity and global influence of its subject. While it is still expected to rule the box office, critics seem to have mixed reactions to it.

#MichaelMovie is another formulaic biopic that’s more interested in shoving as many songs in front of you than exploring its central subjects in any sort of meaningful way. Jaafar Jackson does a nice job in the leading role and the performance moments are exciting but there’s… pic.twitter.com/usq8Y2EFET

— adam patla 🔜 chicago critics film festival (@apat10) April 21, 2026

Jaafar Jackson delivers a truly remarkable performance in #Michael, embodying the spirit, the ambition and the physicality of Michael Jackson in a way that's dazzling to watch. The kid is so good, and longtime fans will adore this film.

Director Antoine Fuqua delivers a fun,… pic.twitter.com/owfYimBWCH

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) April 10, 2026

MICHAEL presents an overly audience-friendly take on Michael Jackson’s life story (only up until the release of “Bad”) that will work for the masses and devoted fans eager to watch one of the world’s largest entertainers at the peak of his popularity “play the hits” and find the… pic.twitter.com/CS2Q1HpbGP

— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) April 17, 2026

Just saw the Michael movie.

Tough.

— Van Lathan Jr (@VanLathan) April 21, 2026

#MichaelMovie is the best musical biopic I’ve ever seen, and it’s fitting for arguably the greatest performer of all time. What separates this film is the fact that Jaafar is LITERALLY MICHAEL. It’s insane. Gorgeously shot, beautifully performed, but the music is the legacy.… pic.twitter.com/xARVCiUAAD

— Jones Vibes (@jonesvibesonly) April 21, 2026

I’m still gathering my thoughts, but the #michaelmovie was incredible. Jaafar, Colman, Nia… Academy Award worthy. If you go in looking for a caricature of Michael Jackson, you will be “disappointed” because that’s not who he was. If you go in with an open mind, you’ll walk away…

— Jael Rucker (@RuckerJael) April 21, 2026

MICHAEL is an extraordinarily sanitized, overly audience-friendly music biopic that makes Bohemian Rhapsody look like a complex, nuanced character study. With the dramatic depth of a Wikipedia article, the film introduces but fails to even remotely explore fascinating aspects of… pic.twitter.com/eCPTUTmVeX

— The HoloFiles - Movie/TV News & Reviews (@theholofiles) April 21, 2026

#MichaelMovie brought me back to the awe & wow I felt when first discovering Michael’s music as a kid. Jaafar Jackson nails the role. Colman Domingo is a chilling presence. Fan bias aside it can feel safe/surface level while just playing the greatest hits. Still really enjoyed it pic.twitter.com/22r1vaucl4

— Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) April 21, 2026

So I just saw Antoine Fuqua’s #MichaelMovie and it only asks a few things of you… bring your singing voice, your restraint to stay seated, and a few friends who understand the assignment. At its core, Michael is a celebration one designed to take you inside the mind of a… pic.twitter.com/wQyoQc7LKr

— Klepcx (@Klepcx) April 17, 2026