Film · 1988
Moonwalker
Himself; Michael (lead character across segments)
Synopsis
An anthology film built around Michael Jackson's music rather than a single plot. It moves through several distinct sequences: a career retrospective, playful and animated bits, and longer story-driven segments. Its centerpiece is Smooth Criminal, a stylish 1930s gangster fantasy in which Jackson leads a nightclub full of dancers through the famous anti-gravity lean. In the film's main story, Jackson protects three children from a menacing drug lord named Mr. Big, played by Joe Pesci, transforming into a car, a robot, and a spaceship to defeat him. The result is less a conventional movie than a feature-length showcase of Jackson's imagination, blending music video, fantasy, and spectacle.
Michael's Role
Himself; Michael (lead character across segments)
Production
The film assembled multiple directors and segments into one release, with elaborate sets, effects, and choreography, especially for the Smooth Criminal sequence. It reached cinemas in some territories and became a major home-video release in others.
The Music
Anchored by songs from the Bad era, most memorably Smooth Criminal, along with Leave Me Alone and other tracks. The Smooth Criminal sequence introduced the gravity-defying lean that became one of Jackson's signature moves.
Reception
Response was mixed from critics, who found it uneven, but it was popular with fans and sold well on home video. The Smooth Criminal segment in particular became iconic.
Behind the Scenes
The anti-gravity lean seen in Smooth Criminal was later achieved on stage using specially engineered shoes that locked into the floor, a system Jackson helped patent. Claymation and animation segments added to the film's variety.
Interesting Facts
The film is an anthology, built from separate segments rather than a single continuous story.
Its centerpiece is the Smooth Criminal sequence, featuring the anti-gravity lean.
Joe Pesci played the villain, Mr. Big.
Jackson later co-patented a shoe system that recreated the lean live on stage.[reported]
It performed better on home video than in theaters in several markets.[reported]
Moonwalker — Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Michael Jackson play in Moonwalker?
Michael Jackson appears as himself and in various character segments throughout Moonwalker, an anthology film built around his music. He is the central figure across the film's connected stories and performances.
When was Moonwalker released?
Moonwalker was released in 1988.
What is Moonwalker about?
Moonwalker is an anthology film combining music videos, short stories, and performances centered on Michael Jackson. It mixes several segments rather than telling one continuous story.
Who starred in Moonwalker?
Moonwalker starred Michael Jackson in its lead segments. The film was designed as a showcase of his music and screen presence.
Is Moonwalker on streaming?
Availability of Moonwalker varies by region and platform. Check current streaming services and digital rental stores for the latest options.