WATCH: Fans ignore controversy as Michael Jackson movie drives record crowds and viral scenes

‘Michael’, the new biopic about Michael Jackson, is smashing box office records globally, despite mixed reactions from critics.

The film has set a new opening weekend record in the United States and is performing strongly across international markets.

Criticism has focused partly on whether the film addresses long-standing allegations against the singer, but that has not slowed ticket sales.

Fans turn cinemas into concert venues

Audiences are transforming screenings into live experiences.

From Europe to the Middle East, Asia and the United States, videos show packed theatres with fans singing along, dancing and refusing to leave after the film ends.

Many are attending in full Michael Jackson-inspired outfits, while others use phone lights to recreate concert-like atmospheres inside cinemas.

The trend has drawn comparisons to cult film experiences such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but on a much larger, global scale.

Viral clips and global participation

Clips circulating online show multi-level theatres filled with fans singing in unison, with some screenings resembling live performances more than traditional movie viewings.

The phenomenon spans multiple regions, with reported scenes from cities in Europe and beyond.

The scale of participation suggests the film has moved beyond marketing hype into a broader cultural moment.

New generation drives renewed popularity

Younger audiences have fueled the surge.

Despite Jackson having died 16 years ago, his music is gaining new traction. His official Spotify following reportedly grew by around five million over the film’s opening weekend.

This indicates a significant influx of new fans discovering his work through the biopic.

Debate over legacy resurfaces

The film’s success has reignited debate around Jackson’s legacy.

He faced multiple allegations during his lifetime but was never criminally convicted. He was acquitted in court cases, though a civil settlement in 1993 remains part of the public record.

Supporters, including figures like Macaulay Culkin, have defended him over the years.

The renewed attention highlights what some describe as a contrast in how audiences respond to different artists facing allegations.

A global cultural moment

The biopic’s impact appears to cut across age groups, regions and demographics.

Fans are dancing in theatres, in streets and in homes, with many describing a sense of unity around the music.

For many, the resurgence reinforces Jackson’s enduring status as the “King of Pop”, with a cultural influence that continues to resonate worldwide.

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