This April, music bio-pic, Michael makes its way into cinemas. The film – from director Antoine Fuqua – focuses on the life and times of popular singer and showman, Michael Jackson.
Years in the making, the movie centres around Michael’s journey toward pop stardom, covering his early years as part of The Jackson 5, before moving on to his solo career and everything beyond. Expect sensational situations, iconic music, and a lead performance from Jaafar Jackson as Michael.
Jaafar (son of Jermaine) is Michael’s real-life nephew, so this film is very much a family affair. As such, there is a great deal of interest in his performance, as well as a great deal of interest in the Michael Jackson story in general.
During his lifetime, Michael Jackson was both an iconic megastar and a controversial figure. He also has a very dedicated fanbase who will no doubt come out in force to support the movie.
But when Michael arrives in cinemas, will it be suitable for everyone? If you plan to watch the movie with your family, is this going to be an issue?
Let’s take a look at the age rating.
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Michael (2026) UK age rating
In the UK, Michael has been awarded a ‘12A’ certificate by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). The film has received this rating due to “moderate threat (and) domestic abuse”.
With regards to the ‘abuse’, the BBFC said: “A child is repeatedly struck by his father in a scene of domestic abuse. Subsequent scenes suggest the abuse is continuing and there are multiple references to the abuse, as well as sequences in which the man intimidates and attempts to control family members.”
Meanwhile. when it comes to ‘threat’, this is in reference to a scene in which Michael Jackson’s hair catches fire while recording a commercial. It is also in reference to the iconic Thriller video, which features spooky costumes.
In the UK ‘12A’ certificate movies are deemed best suited for audiences aged 12 or above. However, children below the age of 12 can watch a ’12A’ in a UK cinema, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
Based on the rating, the BBFC believe Michael is most suited to families with children over the age of 12, but those with children below this age can view the film in a UK cinema. Just be aware of the type of movie it is (i.e. a bio-pic) and act accordingly.
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Michael (2026) US age rating
In the US, Michael has been rated ‘PG-13’ by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPA). Michael has received this rating for some thematic material, language, and smoking.
In the US, ‘PG-13’ rated movies mean that some material may not be suitable for children under the age of 13. The MPA suggests parents are urged to be cautious.
That said, anyone of any age can watch a ‘PG-13’ in a US cinema. So, a family with children of any age can watch Michael at the cinema, it’s merely up to parents to decide if it is suitable for their family.
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