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Michael Jackson is once again back in the cultural conversation. New movie Michaelstarring Jaafar Jackson – Michael’s own nephew – in the title role, hits theaters this week, following the singer’s life and career from The Jackson 5 to the height of his solo career.

Luckily, there’s a mountain of Michael Jackson documentaries to help you delve deeper into the riddle behind the aviator sunglasses and curly locks. Not all of them are available for streaming… but luckily, the best ones are.

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Before going to the cinema to see Michael This week, I have selected 5 essential documentaries to watch before leaving.

That’s It by Michael Jackson (2009)

That’s it is undoubtedly the big kahuna of Michael Jackson documentaries, mainly because it’s one of the last images we have of the star.

Let’s set the scene. It’s the summer of 2009 and Jackson is preparing to make a spectacular return to London’s O2 Arena. But just weeks before that happened, he died.

The documentary, directed by the man who was to choreograph this highly anticipated concert, “offers an overview of the preparations for the shows and paints a revealing portrait of the man behind the controversy”.

• Watch That’s it on AMC+ in the United States
• Watch That’s it on Apple TV in the UK
• Watch That’s it on Apple TV in Australia

Michael Jackson: The Trial (2026)

On a more sinister tone, Michael Jackson: the trial explores the singer’s 2005 child molestation trial. Divided into four episodes, it examines Gavin Arvizo’s allegations, the intense media circus and the eventual acquittal of all charges.

Featuring never-before-seen audio and exclusive interviews, this is one of our two newest documentaries on the list, only released in February 2026.

• Watch Michael Jackson: the trial on Apple TV in the United States
• Watch Michael Jackson: the trial on Channel 4 in the UK
• Watch Michael Jackson: the trial on Apple TV in Australia

Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy (2026)

Or The trial covers 2005, and That’s it covers 2009, Michael Jackson: an American tragedy covers the intermediate time.

After being cleared of new abuse allegations, Jackson is attempting an ambitious comeback tour. When he dies suddenly, the people who control his estate begin monetizing his inheritance.

This one is a three-part documentary series trying to strike a balance between controversy and entertainment. If you’re looking for a versatile workflow, this is it (sorry).

• Watch Michael Jackson: an American tragedy on Apple TV in the United States
• Watch Michael Jackson: an American tragedy on BBC iPlayer in the UK
• Watch Michael Jackson: an American tragedy on Apple TV in Australia

Leaving Neverland (2019)

Without doubt the most famous of the lot, Leave Neverland sent shockwaves across the world when it was released in 2019. The documentary series follows Jackson’s longtime relationships with two boys, ages 7 and 10, and their families.

Aged around thirty at the time of filming, they recount how they were allegedly sexually assaulted by the singer. Described as “crucial but cautious,” Leaving Neverland is the rawest look at Jackson’s abuse allegations.

In 2025, continued series Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson was released, although critics criticized it for trying (and failing) to recreate the impact of the first installment.

• Watch Leave Neverland on Apple TV in the United States
• Watch Leave Neverland on Channel 4 in the UK
• Watch Leave Neverland on Apple TV in Australia

Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues (1989)

Ending on a good note, Michael Jackson: the legend continues was praised by fans of his music for being the best documentary capturing the impact of his career. Released in 1989, this was well before Jackson’s allegations came to light.

Although less than an hour long, we explore the singer’s life, from the child prodigy of the Jackson 5 to the peak of his years. Bad 1st solo career. Narrated by James Earl Jones, it features rare archival footage, music videos, and interviews with peers like Quincy Jones and Elizabeth Taylor.

The best part? The worldwide broadcast is free on YouTube: just click on the clip above.

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Jasmine is a streaming editor for TechRadar, having previously written for outlets including Radio Times, Yahoo! and stylist. She specializes in heartwarming TV shows and movies, ranging from Hallmark’s latest tearjerker to Netflix’s Virgin River. She was also the one who wrote an obituary for George Cooper Sr. during season 7 of Young Sheldon and still can’t watch the funeral episode.