The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has been a huge box office success in its opening days, despite negative reviews from critics.
Following its first weekend of release, the film launched with $97 million in the US and $217 million globally, breaking the box office record for a musical biopic – which had previously been held by Bohemian Rhapsody.
The movie, which features Michael’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, charts the life and legacy of the late musician from his early beginnings as a member of the Jackson 5 through to his 1987 Bad tour.
With a decision yet to be made on whether there will be a follow-up to the movie, exploring Michael’s later life, there are a number of documentaries available to watch that chart much of the singer’s life, including the allegations made against him in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
If you’re looking to watch more about Michael Jackson, these are five documentaries to tune into.
Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson
Released: 2025
Where to watch: Channel 4
Leaving Neverland was first released in 2019 and featured Wade Robson and James Safechuck as they alleged they were sexually abused by Michael Jackson. Leaving Neverland 2 covers Robson and Safechuck’s attempt to take their allegations to trial.
The Jackson estate responded to the original documentary, calling it “the kind of tabloid character assassination Michael Jackson endured in life, and now in death”.
“The film takes uncorroborated allegations that supposedly happened 20 years ago and treats them as fact,” they added. You can read the statement in full here.
The 2019 film is currently unavailable to stream in the US, after the Jackson estate sued HBO, claiming the film went against a non-disparagement clause in a 1992 contract between the singer and HBO over the rights to Michael Jackson in Concert in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour.
In 2024, a settlement was reached between the estate and HBO, with a spokesperson for the network telling The New York Times: “It was resolved amicably.”
Louis, Martin & Michael
Released: 2003
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
The interview that never was. In the early 2000s, Louis Theroux set out on a mission to interview Michael Jackson and in trying to attain that, he examined the world that surrounded him and those who worshipped him.
Finding himself on the same hotel floor as Michael Jackson during a visit to the UK and a trip to Las Vegas that saw Theroux interview Joe Jackson in bizarre conditions to speaking with Jackson’s friend Uri Geller who arranged an interview with Martin Bashir and Jackson that ultimately became Living with Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy
Released: 2026
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
This three-parter charts the life of Michael Jackson from “child prodigy to global pop icon”, exploring each major moment in his life.
It tracks early beginnings in the Jackson 5, to allegations of abuse, to his death in 2009 while planning a comeback.
The documentary features contributions from major figures in Jackson’s life, including his sister La Toya Jackson, singer Dionne Warwick, his manager Dieter Wiesner, bodyguard Bill Whitfield, family attorney Brian Oxman and prosecutor Ron Zonen.
Michael Jackson: The Trial
Released: 2026
Where to watch: Channel 4
This documentary focuses on the 2005 trial of Michael Jackson, featuring exclusive footage and previously unheard audio tapes of Jackson, those close to him and the Los Angeles police.
People v Jackson was a 2005 criminal trial. Jackson had been charged with molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo at his Neverland Ranch. Jackson denied all accusations and was acquitted on all counts.
Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall
Released: 2016
Where to watch: YouTube
Directed by Spike Lee, this documentary film chronicles the rise of Michael Jackson through the creation of his solo album, Off the Wall.
This period of Jackson’s life is explored in the biopic, with this documentary likely to feature further context behind his rise to fame.
Check out more of our Documentaries coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
