In the battle of the musical biopics, Michael has significantly outperformed Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere at the box office. While both artists dominated 1980s FM radio, moviegoing audiences have responded very differently.
The response suggests the difference goes beyond how the stories were adapted for the screen. It also reflects the lasting place each musician holds in pop culture.
Box Office Results Tell Two Different Stories
According to The Numbers, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere opened on October 24, 2025, in 3,460 theaters. While the film earned a 61% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, that was only enough to secure a “Fresh” designation. The biopic debuted domestically with roughly $8.9 million, landing in fourth place at the box office. Meanwhile, Black Phone 2, in its second weekend, earned $12.9 million.
Jeremy Allen White in Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere – 20th Century Studios, YouTube
In its second weekend, Springsteen dropped 58% and fell to seventh place. The biopic ultimately finished its theatrical run with a worldwide box office total of roughly $45.2 million.
Comparatively, Michael, which opened on April 24, 2026, in 3,955 theaters, faced heavy criticism before release. The long-delayed film held a 27% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of its debut. Despite that, Michael generated significant audience interest. The film opened in first place domestically with more than $97.2 million. In its second weekend, it dropped only 44% and slipped to second place.
Rotten Tomatoes critic scores for Michael – Rotten Tomatoes
However, by its fourth weekend, Michael had reclaimed the number one spot at the U.S. box office. At the time of this writing, Box Office Mojo reports the Michael Jackson biopic has earned nearly $738.5 million worldwide.
The gap between Springsteen and Michael is more than significant—it is massive.
Bruce Springsteen’s Image Has Changed
Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen clearly represent different musical genres. Yet the performance of their biopics likely goes beyond simple differences in taste.
In recent years, Springsteen has become increasingly outspoken politically. Over the course of his career, he has also recorded several protest songs. Critics argue that his current concert tour has turned into a series of activist events, featuring anti-Trump rhetoric and sales of “No Kings” merchandise. Some have even suggested Springsteen is using political outrage to generate revenue.
Bruce Springsteen performs Purple Rain in Minneapolis – Bruce Springsteen, YouTube
Premium seats for a Bruce Springsteen concert reportedly cost as much as $2,900. Springsteen himself approved those prices despite backlash from fans. To many, that decision clashes with The Boss’s longtime blue-collar, working-man image. Critics argue his concerts now cater primarily to wealthy audiences.
Notably, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere has yet to earn an official score on Criticless, suggesting a continuing lack of interest.
Michael Jackson Remains a Pop Culture Icon
Michael Jackson’s life, of course, was not without controversy. Reportedly, a third of Michael had to be reshot to comply with a settlement involving one of Jackson’s accusers. One of the film’s major criticisms is that it largely avoids his legal troubles. Defenders of the movie counter that it still portrays Jackson as a deeply troubled figure.
An image from Michael – YouTube, Universal Pictures
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Michael currently holds an 88% “Most Excellent” score on Criticless with 188 voters.
While some songs in Jackson’s catalog address social and environmental issues—and could even be classified as protest music—they now feel more reflective of the era in which they were recorded. The Michael soundtrack, however, focuses primarily on the King of Pop’s timeless hits, including Thriller, Billie Jean, and Bad.
The Audience Response Speaks for Itself
Ultimately, the more than $700 million gap in worldwide box office grosses between Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere and Michael speaks for itself. Bruce Springsteen has seemingly tied himself to the current political moment while alienating portions of his fanbase. Meanwhile, Michael Jackson, his music, and his image continue to endure long after his death.
Are you surprised by the sharp difference in box office totals? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
