Published: November 9, 2026 · Last updated: November 9, 2026 · 2 min read
These films examine the personal and professional lives of musicians through the lens of drama. Both titles explore the relationships and experiences that shaped the subjects' careers.
Spoiler-free comparison using public data.
Michael vs I Can Only Imagine: Side by Side
| Michael (2026) | I Can Only Imagine (2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Genres | Music, Drama | Music, Drama |
| Runtime | 128 min | 110 min |
| Directed by | Antoine Fuqua | Jon Erwin, Andrew Erwin |
| Top cast | Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, Nia Long | J. Michael Finley, Madeline Carroll, Dennis Quaid |
| US rating | PG-13 | PG |
| IMDb | — | — |
| Rotten Tomatoes | — | — |
| Metacritic | — | — |
| TMDB score | 8.6/10 | 7.5/10 |
How They Compare on the Numbers
- Michael is the longer film by 18 minutes (128 vs 110).
- Michael has the higher TMDB score (8.6 vs 7.5).
- I Can Only Imagine came out first (2018-02-14).
- Shared genres: Music, Drama.
What Each Movie Is About
Michael
The story of Michael Jackson, one of the most influential artists the world has ever known, and his life beyond the music. His journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest…
I Can Only Imagine
Growing up in Greenville, Texas, Bart Millard suffers physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his father, Arthur. When Arthur becomes terminally ill, he finds redemption by embracing his faith and rediscovering his love for his son.
Which Should You Watch First?
Start with Michael if:
- Michael covers the life and performances of artist Michael Jackson.
- This 128-minute music drama features Jaafar Jackson and Colman Domingo.
Start with I Can Only Imagine if:
- I Can Only Imagine follows the upbringing and creative inspiration of Bart Millard.
- The 110-minute drama depicts a father-son relationship and the origin of a hit song.
Both titles are music dramas, but Michael has a longer 128-minute runtime and a higher TMDB score of 8.6 compared to the 110-minute I Can Only Imagine, which holds a 7.5 score.
More guides: Movies Like Bound by Honor: 8 Picks to Watch Next · Movies Like Michael: 8 Picks to Watch Next · 10 Hidden Gem Fantasy Movies With High Audience Scores
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is longer, Michael or I Can Only Imagine?
Michael is longer by 18 minutes, according to TMDB.
Where do the ratings come from?
From TMDB and, where shown, OMDb (IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic). They were checked on November 9, 2026 and change over time.
Data checked on November 9, 2026. Movie and TV data from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings via OMDb (IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic) where shown. Scores change over time; check the source for the latest numbers.
Related: Sunset Boulevard vs The Day of the Locust.
Related: movies like Back to the Future.
About this guide. Published by Morfeli on November 9, 2026. Facts come from public data sources (TMDB, OMDb, Deezer) and are summarized with AI assistance. This page is a data summary, not a critic’s review or a personal opinion; nobody here claims to have rated the title. Scores and details change over time. See our Editorial Policy.
0 Comments