How to – After its blockbuster run, “Michael” debuts on digital video-on-demand platforms on June 9. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the biopic is available to rent or buy now—then arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on July 14.
The moment the credits stop rolling, the question changes: when can you actually watch “Michael” at home?
That answer arrived on June 9. when the 2026 biopic—already one of the biggest box office hits of the year—debuted on digital video-on-demand platforms including Prime Video and Apple TV. The film is built around Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of Michael Jackson. and it’s already drawing a wildly different kind of reaction than the reviews did when it hit theaters.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and penned by John Logan. “Michael” traces the rise of the King of Pop from a child star in the Jackson 5 to one of the most influential entertainers in music history. Jaafar Jackson—who is 29 and whose father is Michael’s older brother. Jermaine Jackson—leads the cast in the title role.
The movie also uses live vocals from both Jaafar Jackson and Juliano Krue Valdi. Those performances are mixed with Michael’s original recordings, aiming to bridge what the audience remembers with what the story needs to feel authentic.
Alongside Jaafar Jackson, the ensemble cast includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller. Janet Jackson—Michael’s sister and fellow music icon—does not appear in the film, a detail that has stood out for viewers since the project went public.
Behind the scenes, family involvement is split. Jackson’s eldest son, Prince Jackson, is credited as an executive producer on the film. His siblings, Bigi and Paris Jackson, were not involved in the project. Paris Jackson has publicly criticized the biopic on social media on multiple occasions. writing that there’s a lot of “inaccuracy” and “full-blown lies.”.
The stakes behind all of this have been financial, too. “Michael” has earned more than $888 million worldwide. and the film’s success came under pressure because of the Jackson estate’s significant investment in the project. Forbes reported that the estate could have been on the hook for millions if the movie failed to break even. while also standing to benefit substantially if “Michael” became a blockbuster on the level of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”.
As the audience moved toward home viewing, the numbers showed a split screen between public appetite and critical judgment. “Michael” is currently the second-highest-grossing film of 2026. behind The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. which has surpassed $1 billion at the global box office. Audience response has been far more positive than critics’ reviews: the film holds a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. while critics gave it a much lower 39% rating.
Right now, if you want to watch, you can. “Michael” is available to stream on video-on-demand platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. You can purchase the movie for $24.99 or rent it for $19.99.
Rental terms are standard but specific: for rentals, you have 30 days to start watching the video and 48 hours to finish once started.
If you’re waiting for the physical release, “Michael” is scheduled to arrive on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on July 14. The bonus features included with the digital and physical releases are:
Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough: The Making of Michael
Home Is Where His Heart Is: Behind the Gates of Hayvenhurst
In the Mirror: Becoming Michael & Joe Time-lapses
In the Mirror: “Billie Jean” Time-lapse
In the Mirror: “Thriller” Zombie Time-lapse
In the Mirror: “Off the Wall” Time-lapse
In the Mirror: Joe Jackson Time-lapse
First Look
Becoming Michael
Before the Big Screen
On the Set of Michael
Trailers.
There’s also a note about where some extras will live: “On 4K UHD and Blu-ray only, not on DVD.”
Streaming next follows a window. Because “Michael” is a Lionsgate release. it’s expected to make its streaming debut on Starz before becoming available on Prime Video. In January 2025. Starz renewed its output agreement with Lionsgate. giving the network exclusive first-pay TV and subscription streaming rights to the studio’s 2026 theatrical slate. Starz said those titles will arrive “on an accelerated basis closer to their initial theatrical release.”.
In recent Lionsgate releases, that pattern has been roughly a four- to five-month gap between theaters and Starz. The example points are familiar: Now You See Me: Now You Don’t premiered in theaters in November before reaching Starz in March. while The Long Walk made its streaming debut roughly four months after opening in cinemas. After the exclusive window on Starz. “Michael” is also expected to stream on Prime Video through Amazon’s long-term licensing agreement with Lionsgate. with additional details likely to be announced later.
For now, the most immediate shift is simple: on June 9, “Michael” moved from the big screen to the living room. And with audience enthusiasm running far ahead of critics, the home release feels less like a follow-up—and more like the next wave of the conversation.
Michael 2026 biopic Jaafar Jackson Antoine Fuqua John Logan Michael Jackson biopic Prime Video Apple TV Fandango At Home Starz streaming Lionsgate July 14 release
So it’s on Prime now? I’ll probably forget and buy it later lol.
Wait Janet doesn’t show up?? That seems super weird, like why would they leave her out if it’s about him.
Prince is the executive producer… so is that why it’s like the “approved” version? But then the article says Paris wasn’t involved, which sounds like drama for no reason. Also I don’t even get the live vocals thing—like they used his real recordings but then also Jaafar sings too? Confusing.
I saw this on my feed and thought they meant a movie about King Michael like the pastor or something. Then I read it’s Michael Jackson and I’m like okay, whatever. June 9 digital release then July 14 physical… so basically you gotta pay twice if you’re impatient. And the fact that his sister isn’t in it, man people are gonna be mad no matter what. I just hope it doesn’t rewrite history or whatever.