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Music documentary

This Is It (2009): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

This Is It (2009) movie poster

This Is It is a 2009 music documentary directed by Kenny Ortega, starring Michael Jackson. It runs 1 hour 51 minutes and earned $268 million worldwide. Critics gave it 67 on Metacritic. Stream it on Sony Pictures Core and Sundance Now, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

worldwide gross
$268M
Metascore
67
This Is It (2009) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 51m (111 min)
Director
Kenny Ortega
Genres
Music , Documentary
Original language
Spanish
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is This Is It About?

The premise of This Is It without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

This documentary provides a revealing look at Michael Jackson’s preparations for his comeback concert series at London’s O2 Arena. Featuring extensive behind-the-scenes footage, it captures the meticulous creative process of a legendary artist. Viewers gain unprecedented access to over 100 hours of rehearsal footage, witnessing Jackson’s dedication as he perfects his iconic songs and stage production, offering a unique insight into his artistry and vision.

This Is It Themes & Keywords

· 42 tags
  • 3d
  • 3 dimensional
  • entertainment documentary
  • music documentary
  • king of pop
  • ends with a freeze frame
  • rehearsal
  • comeback
  • year 2009
  • 2000s
  • lip syncing
  • reference to kenny ortega
+30 more
  • reference to michael jackson
  • behind the scenes
  • zombie costume
  • cherry picker
  • pop music
  • show rehearsal
  • music rehearsal
  • dance routine
  • wearing sunglasses indoors
  • male singer
  • female guitarist
  • singing duet
  • pop singer
  • choreography
  • defenestration
  • greatest hits
  • split screen
  • audition
  • tryouts
  • dancing
  • singing
  • song
  • stage
  • los angeles california
  • dance
  • surprise after end credits
  • three word title
  • star died before release
  • pop star
  • live music
Where to watch

Where to Watch This Is It

Stream it on Sony Pictures Core and Sundance Now, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

This Is It Cast

Michael Jackson stars in This Is It. Directed by Kenny Ortega.

Ratings

This Is It Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave This Is It 67 on Metacritic.

Plot

This Is It Plot Summary

What happens in This Is It from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film begins with an enlightening text introduction, establishing its heartfelt purpose: “For the fans…”. As we delve deeper, we hear the voice of renowned choreographer Kenny Ortega, who guides us through Michael Jackson’s dynamic concert opening sequence. Clad in a dazzling body suit made from screens, images burst forth in vivid intensity, from which the legendary Jackson emerges on stage to kick off the electrifying performance of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”. Midway through this spirited number, an enchanting snippet of Jackson singing “Speechless” acapella captivates our attention, a brief interlude that showcases his vocal brilliance before he is joined by a vibrant group of dancers, completing this captivating first act.

Full summary

The whole story of This Is It, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

This Is It Box Office

This Is It grossed $268 million worldwide. $72.1 million came from the US and Canada and $195.9 million (73%) from the rest of the world.

2009 box office

Worldwide gross

$268M

US & Canada
$72.1M
International
$195.9M
US & Canada 27% Rest of the world 73%
Videos

This Is It Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT Official HD Trailer
  • Trailer Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT - In Theaters 10/28. TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Quiz

How Well Do You Know This Is It?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What song does Michael Jackson open the concert documentary with?

Details

This Is It Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “Michael Jackson's This Is It: The IMAX Experience” and “ไมเคิล แจ็กสัน ดิสอิสอิท”.

Also known as
  • Michael Jackson's This Is It: The IMAX Experience
  • ไมเคิล แจ็กสัน ดิสอิสอิท
  • Michael Jackson's This Is It
  • Esto es todo
  • İşte Bu
  • 迈克尔·杰克逊:就是这样
  • Майкл Джексон: Вот и всё
  • Michael Jackson's: This Is It
  • マイケル・ジャクソン This Is It
  • מייקל ג'קסון - This Is It
  • Michael Jackson: Asta-i tot
  • 마이클 잭슨의 디스 이즈 잇
+5 more
  • Майкъл Джексън This is it! 3D
  • Michael Jackson: This Is It
  • 麥可傑克森未來的未來演唱會電影
  • Maiklas Džeksonas. Pabaiga
  • Michael Jackson: Đó Là Anh

Seen This Is It?

FAQ

This Is It FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of This Is It, each answered in a sentence.

How long is This Is It?

This Is It runs 1 hour 51 minutes (111 minutes).

When was This Is It released?

This Is It was released on October 28, 2009.

Who directed This Is It?

This Is It was directed by Kenny Ortega.

More films by Kenny Ortega

Who is in the cast of This Is It?

This Is It stars Michael Jackson.

Where can I watch This Is It?

In the US, This Is It is streaming on Sony Pictures Core, Sundance Now and Tubi TV and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did This Is It make at the box office?

This Is It grossed $268 million worldwide ($72.1 million domestic, $195.9 million international).

How is This Is It rated?

This Is It has 67 on Metacritic and 72% on TMDB.

Does This Is It have a post-credit scene?

No. This Is It has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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