Michael Jackson is as soon as once more again within the cultural dialog. New film Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson — Michael’s personal nephew — within the main position, lands in theaters this week, following the singer’s life and profession from The Jackson 5 to the height of his solo profession.
Fortunately, there is a mountain of Michael Jackson documentaries on the market to assist delve deeper into the enigma behind the aviator sun shades and curly locks. Not all of them can be found on streaming… however fortunately, one of the best ones are.
Article continues beneath
Earlier than hitting the cinema to see Michael this week, I’ve picked 5 unmissable documentaries to want to see earlier than you go.
Michael Jackson’s This Is It (2009)
This Is It is undoubtedly the massive kahuna of Michael Jackson documentaries, principally as a result of it is a few of the last-ever footage we’ve got of the star.
Let’s set the scene. It is summer time 2009, and Jackson was set to stage a spectacular comeback at London’s O2 area. However simply weeks earlier than it was set to occur, he died.
The documentary, directed by the person who was set to choreograph the extremely anticipated gig, “gives a have a look at preparations for the exhibits and supplies a revealing portrait of the person behind the controversy.”
Michael Jackson: The Trial (2026)
In a extra sinister tone, Michael Jackson: The Trial explores the singer’s 2005 little one molestation trial. Divided into 4 episodes, it examines the allegations made by Gavin Arvizo, the extraordinary media circus, and the eventual acquittal on all fees.
That includes beforehand unheard audio and unique interviews, it is one in every of our two most up-to-date documentaries within the record, having solely been launched in February 2026.
Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy (2026)
The place The Trial covers 2005, and This Is It covers 2009, Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy covers the time in between.
After being cleared of additional abuse allegations, Jackson makes an attempt an bold comeback tour. When he dies out of the blue, the individuals who management his property begin monetising his legacy.
This one is a three-part docuseries attempting to strike a steadiness between controversy and leisure. When you’re in search of an all-rounder documentary stream, that is it (sorry).
Leaving Neverland (2019)
Arguably essentially the most well-known of the lot, Leaving Neverland despatched shockwaves all over the world when it was launched again in 2019. The docuseries follows Jackson’s long-running relationships with two boys, aged 7 and 10, and their households.
Of their 30s on the time of filming, they inform the story of how they have been allegedly sexually abused by the singer. Branded as “essential but cautious,” Leaving Neverland is the starkest have a look at Jackson’s abuse allegations.
In 2025, sequel collection Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson was launched, although opinions panned it for attempting (and failing) to recreate the primary installment’s impression.
Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues (1989)
Ending on a excessive observe, Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues has been praised by followers of his music for being one of the best documentary for capturing the impression of his profession. Launched in 1989, this was lengthy earlier than any of Jackson’s allegations got here to mild.
Although lower than one hour lengthy, we discover the singer’s life from little one prodigy within the Jackson 5 to the height of his Unhealthy period solo profession. Narrated by James Earl Jones, it options uncommon archive footage, music movies, and interviews with friends like Quincy Jones and Elizabeth Taylor.
The very best half? It is free to stream globally on YouTube — simply click on the clip above.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our professional information, opinions, and opinion in your feeds.
Source link
