5 unmissable Michael Jackson documentaries you need to stream before watching the late singer's new movie biopic Michael | Tech Radar

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5 unmissable Michael Jackson documentaries you need to stream before watching the late singer's new movie biopic Michael

This is it, to paraphrase the tour that never happened

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Michael Jackson during rehearsals for the 2009 This Is It tour. (Image credit: Netflix)

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Michael Jackson is once again back in the cultural conversation. New movie Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson — Michael's own nephew — in the leading role, lands in theaters this week, following the singer's life and career from The Jackson 5 to the peak of his solo career.

However, this isn't the be-all and end-all of Jackson's story, particularly considering the singer's untimely death weeks before his 2009 This Is It tour was supposed to start.

Thankfully, there's a mountain of Michael Jackson documentaries out there to help delve deeper into the enigma behind the aviator sunglasses and curly locks. Not all of them are available on streaming... but luckily, the best ones are.

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Before hitting the cinema to see Michael this week, I've picked 5 unmissable documentaries to need to see before you go.

This Is It is undoubtedly the big kahuna of Michael Jackson documentaries, mostly because it's some of the last-ever footage we have of the star.

Let's set the scene. It's summer 2009, and Jackson was set to stage a spectacular comeback at London's O2 arena. But just weeks before it was set to happen, he died.

The documentary, directed by the man who was set to choreograph the highly anticipated gig, "offers a look at preparations for the shows and provides a revealing portrait of the man behind the controversy."

In a more sinister tone, Michael Jackson: The Trial explores the singer's 2005 child molestation trial. Divided into four episodes, it examines the allegations made by Gavin Arvizo, the intense media circus, and the eventual acquittal on all charges.

Featuring previously unheard audio and exclusive interviews, it's one of our two most recent documentaries in the list, having only been released in February 2026.

Watch Michael Jackson: The Trial on Apple TV in the US

Watch Michael Jackson: The Trial on Channel 4 in the UK

Watch Michael Jackson: The Trial on Apple TV in Australia

Where The Trial covers 2005, and This Is It covers 2009, Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy covers the time in between.

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After being cleared of further abuse allegations, Jackson attempts an ambitious comeback tour. When he dies suddenly, the people who control his estate start monetising his legacy.

This one is a three-part docuseries trying to strike a balance between controversy and entertainment. If you're looking for an all-rounder documentary stream, this is it (sorry).

Watch Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy on Apple TV in the US

Watch Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy on BBC i Player in the UK

Watch Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy on Apple TV in Australia

Arguably the most famous of the lot, Leaving Neverland sent shockwaves around the world when it was released back in 2019. The docuseries follows Jackson's long-running relationships with two boys, aged 7 and 10, and their families.

In their 30s at the time of filming, they tell the story of how they were allegedly sexually abused by the singer. Branded as "crucial yet careful," Leaving Neverland is the starkest look at Jackson's abuse allegations.

In 2025, sequel series Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson was released, though reviews panned it for trying (and failing) to recreate the first installment's impact.

Ending on a high note, Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues has been praised by fans of his music for being the best documentary for capturing the impact of his career. Released in 1989, this was long before any of Jackson's allegations came to light.

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

The best part? It's free to stream globally on You Tube — just click the clip above.

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Jasmine is a Streaming Staff Writer for Tech Radar, previously writing for outlets including Radio Times, Yahoo! and Stylist. She specialises in comfort TV shows and movies, ranging from Hallmark's latest tearjerker to Netflix's Virgin River. She's also the person who wrote an obituary for George Cooper Sr. during Young Sheldon Season 7 and still can't watch the funeral episode.

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• 5 unmissable Michael Jackson documentaries you need to stream before watching the late singer's new movie biopic Michael

• This is it, to paraphrase the tour that never happened