Michael Jackson in Film

Michael Jackson certainly had a flare for theatrics.

The Wiz\r - A Black musical rendition of The Wizard of Oz, this performance marked Jackson's first appearance in a film. Despite the poor critical reception to the film in the 70s, the film has gone on to become a cult classic and a favorite amongst movie buffs to this day.\r \r(Photo: Universal Studios)

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The Wiz\r - A Black musical rendition of The Wizard of Oz, this performance marked Jackson's first appearance in a film. Despite the poor critical reception to the film in the 70s, the film has gone on to become a cult classic and a favorite amongst movie buffs to this day.\r \r(Photo: Universal Studios)

"Thriller," Michael Jackson - A horror epic film captured on wax, the title song from the biggest-selling album of all time remains the most cinematic track of Michael Jackson's entire musical catalogue. The infectious disco-funk dance track mixed with the King of Pop's early '80s melodic vocals and, of course, Vincent Price's haunt-rap makes this song, excuse the pun, an outstanding thriller. (Photo: Epic Records)

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"Thriller"\r - Inspired by old horror movies, Jackson and John Landis came together to create a 20th century classic that may very well be the greatest music video in history. Whether it qualifies as a mini-movie or an extended music video one thing is for certain — "Thriller" will certainly be remembered as a great piece of art.\r \r(Photo: Epic Records)

Captain EO\r - Although not released theatrically, the film was produced and shown at Disney theme parks, incorporating special laser and smoke effects during viewings. The film was directed and executively produced by Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas respectively, and has still never been released on Blu-ray or DVD to this day.\r\r \r(Photo: Three D D D Productions)

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Captain EO\r - Although not released theatrically, the film was produced and shown at Disney theme parks, incorporating special laser and smoke effects during viewings. The film was directed and executively produced by Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas respectively, and has still never been released on Blu-ray or DVD to this day.\r\r \r(Photo: Three D D D Productions)

Michael Jackson's Ghosts\r - Similar to Thriller, Jackson shot Ghosts as a companion piece to HIStory and Blood on the Dance Floor. It has been honored as the longest music video in history and features the King of Pop playing five roles at once.\r \r(Photo: Epic Records)

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Michael Jackson's Ghosts\r - Similar to Thriller, Jackson shot Ghosts as a companion piece to HIStory and Blood on the Dance Floor. It has been honored as the longest music video in history and features the King of Pop playing five roles at once.\r \r(Photo: Epic Records)

"You Rock My World"\r - The release of "You Rock My World" marked the return of Jackson after a lengthy hiatus. Although not as visually dazzling as "Thriller", "You Rock My World" is remembered in the same vein as the former, as it was also 14 minutes long.\r \r(Photo: Epic Records)

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"You Rock My World"\r - The release of "You Rock My World" marked the return of Jackson after a lengthy hiatus. Although not as visually dazzling as "Thriller", "You Rock My World" is remembered in the same vein as the former, as it was also 14 minutes long.\r \r(Photo: Epic Records)

This Is It\r - Released posthumously, this documentary was the last film that Jackson ever appeared in. The film follows Jackson's rehearsal for a series of London concerts —  which he was planning to be his last — for the city.\r\r \r(Photo: John Shearer/AEG/Concerts West via Getty Images)

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This Is It\r - Released posthumously, this documentary was the last film that Jackson ever appeared in. The film follows Jackson's rehearsal for a series of London concerts —  which he was planning to be his last — for the city.\r\r \r(Photo: John Shearer/AEG/Concerts West via Getty Images)