Few artists have influenced modern pop music like Michael Jackson. Decades after redefining music videos, stadium tours and pop superstardom, his songs still dominate playlists and dance floors worldwide. Now fans can revisit that legacy at home as Michael arrives on DIRECTV beginning June 9.
DIRECTV customers can rent Michael at a DIRECTV Exclusive Price beginning June 9, taking in the cinematic event chronicling the rise of the King of Pop from child star to international icon. Packed with unforgettable music, electrifying performances and a behind-the-scenes look at the creative force behind some of the biggest albums ever made, the film captures the ambition and artistry that transformed Michael Jackson into a cultural phenomenon.
And yes, you may suddenly find yourself trying the moonwalk in your living room again. No judgment here.
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Quick Facts: How to Watch ‘Michael’ on DIRECTV
Transactional Availability
- Available to rent or buy starting June 9
- DIRECTV Exclusive Rental Price: $17.99
Where to Watch
- Satellite customers: Visit Channel 125
- Streaming customers: DIRECTV Video Store
Bonus Content
- Behind-the-scenes content available on Showroom Channel 1999 for satellite customers
What Is ‘Michael’ About?
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the Oscar-winning producer behind Bohemian Rhapsody, Michael follows Michael Jackson’s journey from his early days with The Jackson 5 through the era-defining success of albums like Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad.
The film explores the artist’s extraordinary rise during the late 1970s and 1980s, highlighting the performances, studio sessions and creative risks that reshaped modern entertainment. Rather than simply recreating famous moments, Michael aims to showcase the drive, creativity and performance style behind the music that captivated audiences around the world.
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, stars in the lead role alongside an ensemble cast that includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long and Miles Teller.
Like many modern music biopics, the film also arrives amid ongoing public conversation around Jackson’s legacy, artistry and cultural impact.
The Global Legacy of Michael Jackson
Long before streaming and social media turned music into a nonstop global conversation, Michael Jackson was already operating at an international scale.
According to Guinness World Records, Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time with estimated worldwide sales exceeding 70 million copies. Jackson’s albums collectively have sold hundreds of millions worldwide, while his groundbreaking music videos for songs like “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” helped transform MTV into a cultural powerhouse and reshape visual storytelling in music.
Jackson’s influence extended far beyond the charts. His fashion, choreography and stage production style became instantly recognizable across generations. From sold-out stadium tours to unforgettable televised performances, he helped define what modern pop stardom looks like today.
That cultural impact is a major reason why Michael has become one of the most talked-about music films in recent years.
Why the Michael Jackson Biopic Is Generating Buzz
Music biopics have become major box office events over the past several years, and Michael arrived in theaters with enormous anticipation from both fans and the entertainment industry.
The film delivered one of the strongest opening weekends ever for a music biopic, generating more than $217 million globally during its debut and setting opening-weekend records in several international markets. Industry analysts have pointed to the enduring popularity of Jackson’s catalog and the film’s cross-generational appeal as key drivers behind its success.
The movie also arrives during a renewed era of music biopics that has brought legendary performers back into the cultural spotlight for new audiences. Following the success of films centered on artists like Freddie Mercury, Elvis Presley and Whitney Houston, Michael aims to reintroduce Jackson’s creative legacy to both longtime fans and younger viewers discovering his catalog for the first time.
For longtime fans, the movie revisits an era when Michael Jackson dominated radio, MTV and live entertainment. For younger audiences, it offers a closer look at the artist whose influence can still be heard across today’s biggest pop records.
The Music Is Every Bit as Iconic as You Remember
Michael features many of Jackson’s most beloved hits from both his Jackson 5 years and solo career, bringing the energy of classics like “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Beat It” and “Man in the Mirror” back into the spotlight.
Whether you know every lyric by heart or you’re rediscovering the catalog for the first time, the soundtrack is a reminder of just how many era-defining songs Jackson created during his rise to superstardom. Listen to the soundtrack here!
How to Watch ‘Michael’ on DIRECTV
With exclusive pricing, easy access for both satellite and streaming customers and bonus behind-the-scenes content available through DIRECTV, Michael is set to become one of the must-watch movie events of the summer.
Starting June 9, DIRECTV customers can rent the movie for a DIRECTV-exclusive price of $17.99.
- Satellite customers: Channel 125
- Streaming customers: DIRECTV Video Store
Relive the music, the performances and the unforgettable rise of one of entertainment’s most influential artists — all from the comfort of home.
Frequently asked questions
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