Michael’ film drives massive surge in streaming and chart performance
The late Michael Jackson has reclaimed the No. 1 spot on the global digital artist ranking as of May 2026.
His return to the top follows the massive success of the biopic Michael.
Biopic Sparks Global Resurgence
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, premiered on April 24, 2026, in the United States.
It earned $97 million in its opening weekend in North America. This set a new record for a music biographical film.
The movie has now grossed over $423 million worldwide. It ranks as the highest-grossing music biopic for an American artist.
Streaming Numbers Hit Record Highs
Jackson’s music catalogue has seen a sharp rise in global streams.
He now records over 81 million monthly listeners on Spotify, the highest in his career.
On the Kworb Global Digital Artist Ranking, he leads with 8,628 points.
He currently ranks ahead of major stars like Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Drake, and Rihanna.
Classic Hits Return to Charts
Several of Jackson’s iconic songs have re-entered global charts.
“Billie Jean” climbed to No. 5 on the Spotify Global Chart.
“Beat It” rose sharply to No. 15, while “Thriller” returned to the Billboard 200 top 10.
Other hits like “Smooth Criminal” and “They Don’t Care About Us” also entered the global top 100.
Jaafar Jackson Earns Praise
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew, in the lead role.
Critics have praised his performance for capturing Michael Jackson’s style and stage presence.
The movie explores Jackson’s early career with the Jackson 5 through his peak years in the late 1980s.
The cast also includes Nia Long, Colman Domingo, and Miles Teller.
Legacy Continues to Grow
Michael Jackson has not released new music since his death in 2009.
However, the success of the biopic has introduced his legacy to a new generation of fans.
His return to the top of global rankings highlights the lasting impact of his music.
