Leaving Neverland
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 3, 2019
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 295 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 156 out of 295
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 295
  3. Negative: 128 out of 295

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  1. karltanner
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Badly acted, bad scrip. bad filming, score, sound, color. Everything about it is made in an amateur beginner way. Those two where far from believable "actors". I am gonna call them actors because it felt like they where reading of a script. 90 hours of footage was recorded and this is the best they got? I wonder how many times they filmed one scene. Ne emotion, not one tear was shreddedBadly acted, bad scrip. bad filming, score, sound, color. Everything about it is made in an amateur beginner way. Those two where far from believable "actors". I am gonna call them actors because it felt like they where reading of a script. 90 hours of footage was recorded and this is the best they got? I wonder how many times they filmed one scene. Ne emotion, not one tear was shredded during the entire film. One scene he holds something he claims belongs to Michael Jackson. With out proof of course. While holding it... i dont know why he would still have that. He barely flinches. Makes no reaction. Acting school aint that expensive is it? In summary, i just wasted four hours of my life watching two people talk, just talk. Thank you so much HBO… Expand
  2. JT1967
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Horrible. There is not one inch of evidence anything they said in this movie is true. For that this is more than disgusting that it even exist. It is basically a 4 hour tabloid gossip special.
  3. AdrianLorio
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    This is everything but a documentary. It omits facts or evidence. While it shows stories that they claim happened with out having any evidence to support any of it, just words. Here is some facts the movie avoids. Clearly because bad news sells and the director had a clear agenda and biased. Which is why he interviews the two accusers and no one else. No one from the other side. That isThis is everything but a documentary. It omits facts or evidence. While it shows stories that they claim happened with out having any evidence to support any of it, just words. Here is some facts the movie avoids. Clearly because bad news sells and the director had a clear agenda and biased. Which is why he interviews the two accusers and no one else. No one from the other side. That is what we call propaganda and the actual definition of fake news. Ok. There are three cases against Michael Jackson. 93, 03 and 2013. The father who accused him in 93 is literally on tape talking about framing and blackmailing Michael Jackson with false allegations(not in the movie.. wonder why). The family who went to trial in 05 have a long history of falsely accusing others and companies for a living(there is no mention of that. Again, wonder why?) Everyone who went to trial called it a mess and a circus. They said that it should never even go to trial. It was as stated by the jurors so obvious that no molestation that ever occurred. Now these two men in the film sued the Jackson estate for huge sum of money in 2013/14 together, under the same lawyer. They where caught lying in there own lawsuit and there case was thrown-ed out. The judge did not find these two credible. The judge stated that the amount of contradictions and lies made made both of them lose credibility. Now they are appealing the lawsuit for money yet again. Thinking probably that this movie will help by having the public with them. Both of them owe the Michael Jackson estate thousands of dollars btw. Again not showned in this so called "documentary". For all the reasons I stated and believe me, there is more. This movie is a failure and a disgrace. Shame.… Expand
  4. commodore128
    Mar 4, 2019
    0
    Here are two people whom have changed their story numerous times. Now in an attempt to influence their court appeal for millions of dollars they concoct these utterly disgusting stories about someone whom cant defend themselves. The FBI investigated MJ for 10 years including tapping his phone and found absolutely nothing. This is nothing but a cynical cash grab and it the worst thing IHere are two people whom have changed their story numerous times. Now in an attempt to influence their court appeal for millions of dollars they concoct these utterly disgusting stories about someone whom cant defend themselves. The FBI investigated MJ for 10 years including tapping his phone and found absolutely nothing. This is nothing but a cynical cash grab and it the worst thing I have ever had the displeasure to watch.… Expand
  5. Forzamilan
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    I went in the theater to watch the movie thinking this would be a game changer. Considering all the promoting and hype for the movie by the media. Bare in mind. I was also suspicious considering all the interviews made by the three behind the film, which is not normal for something like this. That made it feel more and more like fiction than reality. The first 20-30 minutes seemedI went in the theater to watch the movie thinking this would be a game changer. Considering all the promoting and hype for the movie by the media. Bare in mind. I was also suspicious considering all the interviews made by the three behind the film, which is not normal for something like this. That made it feel more and more like fiction than reality. The first 20-30 minutes seemed realistic and true. After that it went downhill. The allegations was some ridiculous. Some badly how do I say this.. it was like they where reading of a script. As if it was not there own words. Very sloppy. I expect better for HBO since they have done some fine television over the years. This felt more like a cash grab than a real documentary.
    Summary: Not what I expected, but still not surprised    … Expand
  6. ShameThoseWFame
    Mar 4, 2019
    0
    "Wonderful" times we are leaving in, right? A notorious liar and violator of the constitution being the US Americans' President, the media frenzy at their height of unverified bogus stories everyday, the infamy of people who are too bugged to live a righteous life, instead seduced by the profit of ratings / fast deals / attention.

    It's interesting how biased the so-called "critics" are    "Wonderful" times we are leaving in, right? A notorious liar and violator of the constitution being the US Americans' President, the media frenzy at their height of unverified bogus stories everyday, the infamy of people who are too bugged to live a righteous life, instead seduced by the profit of ratings / fast deals / attention.

    It's interesting how biased the so-called "critics" are with sensationalized crap like Dan Reed chose to deliver - going the same route of evil as Martin Bashir who preferred ratings through shady remarks and manipulative editing over actual documental work - that cannot even remotely be compared to the true work of investigative journalists such as Bob Woodward.

    Through Dan Reed's distracting statements you'll get the picture: the director and the two alleged "victims" (rather profiteers) can deny and lie about it as much as they want but they are on the same boat and have headed for the treasure of gold that is the big name MICHAEL JACKSON that conveniently guarantuees sensational stories such as this to easily be big sellers due to his uncommon life, with decades of tabloid trash from people allegedly knowing just about everything regarding his private life.

    Unlike Reed's attempt to say this would not be tabloid trash because it lasts over 4 hours - as if time would suddenly justify public character assassination - this shows pretty well how you do NOT investigate facts, how you do NOT claim your "work" would be the result of proper research.

    This very kind of slanderous work is only possibly because the deceased persons have no voice in the court of public opinion - which due to the free riders of the "#metoo" has been misused by insincere people that come up with bogus allegations. The real victims are those whose voices cannot be heard. In many countries it is also not easy to file a lawsuit for defamation for a deceased person, especially if any such tabloid trash would be "in the public's interest" as courts might argue because the public does not always seek the truth but rather wants to read stories about persons of interest, be it true or completely false.

    As you can see, Michael Jackson is being lynched in the court of public opinion - as it has ever been popular since the first bogus allegations. In the USA and other countries there are CURRENTLY no laws that would stop the (malicious) exploitation of popular figures in death by defamation / slander / libel...

    Dan Reed knows very well - such as Martin Bashir - how to properly build up the mood he wants to achieve. As, for example, you are being taught in literature in school, you first act as if you had a true intent of being objective and then you present the side you don't want to acknowledge because it doesn't fit with your narrative - here painting Michael Jackson as a pedophile - with very trivial and random arguments.

    Part 1 skilfully ends on a cliffhanger, having built up its viewer to be convinced that they are listening to two real victims of sexual abuse - even though that's not the case. Part 2 then acts as the coffin nail to literally destroy MJ while ignoring his naivety made him a sort of "monster" and "text book pedophile" in the eyes of those who do not wish to understand that a man that had no proper childhood, still behaved like a kid when he was grown up and saw the world differently, not wanting to understand he could not be "Peter Pan" and have children in his bed because humanity will rather believe the families and boys that could turn against him when they could no longer be near to him and benefit from his generosity regarding money, gifts and sharing his property with them.

    It also distracts from real perpetrators such as Harvey Weinstein. That's why Oprah Winfrey (a friend of Weinstein) rather gives the two leeches a platform instead of providing her audience with real victims' reports about actual sexual harassment.

    Ironically Weinstein has power & money but it is Michael Jackson who the media portrays as someone who could get away with it... because of money and power. MJ could not silence the bad news about him. And his lawyers did rightfully show to the world what horrible families the Chandlers and Arvizos have been when their lies have been well-documented, yet the media wants to sell tabloid stories as the truth doesn't make similar headlines, the damage will last forever and bad news are good news as it is well known by business people.

    Wade Robson has messed up his career and in order to be relevant again (getting money via production credits and royalties + possible choreography deals) he had no issue with spitting on the person that is no longer alive to defend himself. It is easy to turn against someone who is no longer here and if you are not near to his relatives, there's nothing that would hold you back. Right, Wade?

    Do what the director of this "fake-umentation", Dan Reed, won't do. Get to know Robson's and Safechucks's real life issues!    … Expand
  7. LiamCross
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    "Just because you read it in a magazine
    Or see it on the TV screen
    Don't make it factual" - Michael Jackson
    This quote above says all you need to know. Leaving Neverland takes baseless debunked allegations and treat it like fact. How shameful and sad by HBO
  8. Reuben1
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    The entire story is a copy past version of a fictional NAMBA pedo book in the late 90s. That Michael sued for making up stories about him, the NAMBA member who wrote that fictional book lost the lawsuit. He ran away from the US, instead of paying. It is clear that these two men used that book as a script for this film. They did not even try to hide it. Its so obvious for anyone who hasThe entire story is a copy past version of a fictional NAMBA pedo book in the late 90s. That Michael sued for making up stories about him, the NAMBA member who wrote that fictional book lost the lawsuit. He ran away from the US, instead of paying. It is clear that these two men used that book as a script for this film. They did not even try to hide it. Its so obvious for anyone who has studied the case.… Expand
  9. kobiesmart
    Mar 4, 2019
    0
    Not an honest picture of what most kids says did happen at Neverland. I think those should have been heard. Brett Barnes and Macaulay Culkin was alluded heavily to be victims in the film. But both of them till this day have nothing but praise and love for Michael Jackson. Brett is even threatening to sue HBO for this shameful act. This is very disgraceful by HBO. Brett Barnes is a veryNot an honest picture of what most kids says did happen at Neverland. I think those should have been heard. Brett Barnes and Macaulay Culkin was alluded heavily to be victims in the film. But both of them till this day have nothing but praise and love for Michael Jackson. Brett is even threatening to sue HBO for this shameful act. This is very disgraceful by HBO. Brett Barnes is a very private person and you cant just make up stories about him. That is not right. About the film itself, i did not find anything Wade or Jame say to be truthful. The way they talked did not seem sincere at all. I did not like the predictable spooky music in the film, very cliche. What really was the point of this film. Wade and James claim they are not getting paid directly for this film. But they certainly are getting some percentage of what the movie makes. Wade did open a found me donation in his own website and they are both appealing the case, and what they are asking for is money in there lawsuit. All of that put together makes this film even more ridiculous and just plain wrong.… Expand
  10. MoeKson
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    This was a disturbing watch. I find it very disturbing that the person who is being accused is not here to defend himself. Is this allowed?

    I can only give this a one out of ten stars. Nothing can be said to make this attack on a dead man acceptable.
  11. finofin
    Mar 4, 2019
    0
    These guys went on the stand and told the truth, that MJ did not molest them. Now with secret powers behind them and no money trail on how they could afford to do this, they make a secret attempt to go after the estate of MJ. But what it really boils down to is the embarrassment that MJ caused Sony and others from his purchase of the Beatles catalog and others sony had to buyback. at aThese guys went on the stand and told the truth, that MJ did not molest them. Now with secret powers behind them and no money trail on how they could afford to do this, they make a secret attempt to go after the estate of MJ. But what it really boils down to is the embarrassment that MJ caused Sony and others from his purchase of the Beatles catalog and others sony had to buyback. at a cost of 750 million. David Geffen, Oprah and Tommy Mottola, MJ had accused of coming after him appears to have legs. This is a dreadful and despicable documentary and I would advise you not to waste your time.… Expand
  12. NicoCarey
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Boring, long and i did not believe a single word they said. you can only lie to many times until you lose it all. money seems to be the motive. I could not wait for the film to end and when it ended. I realized what a waste of time it was. The film is more than deserving of a zero score
  13. Ulfemanuel
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    This was one of the worst Michael Jackson "documentaries" i have ever seen. And I have seen plenty. I seen lot of negative hit piece movies about him. But this still takes the cake as the worst one of them all. Not to mention everyone from the family/estate/the people mentioned in the film have written a letter threatening to fill a lawsuit for the lies in it. 1 out of 1
  14. Johnjaysmith
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    A one sided manipulated documentary. When you think of a documentary you usually think of something based on facts. But this one had no such things. Just the words of two very unreliable people who have lied multiply times that they cant even keep up with there own lies.
  15. Affe
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Only reason this movie has got good reviews from so called critics is that they are afraid to give anything that is related to the me too movement a bad review. Like, it does not matter to them how bad or ridiculous cringe something is. They do not have the balls. Leaving Neverland had not a single redeeming quality about it. It is quite simple a propaganda piece. The Michael JacksonOnly reason this movie has got good reviews from so called critics is that they are afraid to give anything that is related to the me too movement a bad review. Like, it does not matter to them how bad or ridiculous cringe something is. They do not have the balls. Leaving Neverland had not a single redeeming quality about it. It is quite simple a propaganda piece. The Michael Jackson estate made 400 million last year. More than any other celebrity dead or alive. 20% of that money went to charity. the rest to his children and mother(as in his will)

    This is the Adam Sandler of documentaries. Its that bad.    … Expand
  16. Rickyrick1
    Mar 5, 2019
    0
    Fake news. Biased propaganda film with no real evidence to back up anything they say. We don't believe these people. They have lost all of there credibility many years ago. They have lied multiply times and changed there stories multiply times. Shame on them
  17. tearsofjoy
    Mar 4, 2019
    0
    Both men are so untrustworthy. They are perfect actors with no actual proof. This film is a complete failure as a production and as a "documentary".
  18. DrewJim
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Long boring never ending drone shots. The people interviewed did not seem real. Looked more like b Hollywood actors. The stories did not seem believable. There is so many problems with this movie its not even funny. Complete waste of time.
  19. Domeeno12
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    The film and stories said in the film was hilarious. It was hard to take anything they say seriously. I was laughing my ass of when watching this with my friend. They could at least rehearsed more to make it more believable. The directing, sound and colors are also so bad. They try the hardest to make it look as creepy and negative as possible. Using the oldest most beginner techniques inThe film and stories said in the film was hilarious. It was hard to take anything they say seriously. I was laughing my ass of when watching this with my friend. They could at least rehearsed more to make it more believable. The directing, sound and colors are also so bad. They try the hardest to make it look as creepy and negative as possible. Using the oldest most beginner techniques in the book. And I here i taught i was going to see a well made serious film. I was wrong.… Expand
  20. DukeJon
    Mar 7, 2019
    0
    Was Michael Jackson guilty of these heinous crimes? Maybe. Maybe not. Though in a court of law in 2005 he was declared innocent of all counts, and you can bet your bottom dollar the FBI checked everything in gathering a case against him. Why should we now believe the work of two individuals, both proven liars under oath, and both standing to receive a significant financial windfall,Was Michael Jackson guilty of these heinous crimes? Maybe. Maybe not. Though in a court of law in 2005 he was declared innocent of all counts, and you can bet your bottom dollar the FBI checked everything in gathering a case against him. Why should we now believe the work of two individuals, both proven liars under oath, and both standing to receive a significant financial windfall, against a deceased celebrity who is not here to defend themselves. Not one shred of evidence in the entire film. The only grooming going on here is the grooming by the director.… Expand
  21. mariola
    Mar 11, 2019
    0
    Here in Europe, we do believe in Innocent Until Proven Guilty. Not many in this continent have fallen for this documentary, given the background information available. Unfortunately, too many Americans are so gullible just because the descriptions shock people. Then again, their country mistreats black people even today, even the successful ones.
  22. PedroH5523
    Mar 8, 2019
    0
    Pure garbage, it's pure lies, pure trash, I will never believe in this lies, facts don't lie, people do, Michael suffered A LOT with the trial and the accusations, it's unbelievable that someone suffered so much and have helped so many people had done such disgusting things, Michael was and STILL innocent, this mockumentary is trying to get money over Michael Jackson's painful and fakePure garbage, it's pure lies, pure trash, I will never believe in this lies, facts don't lie, people do, Michael suffered A LOT with the trial and the accusations, it's unbelievable that someone suffered so much and have helped so many people had done such disgusting things, Michael was and STILL innocent, this mockumentary is trying to get money over Michael Jackson's painful and fake accusations, using fake and graphic testimonies from two so-called victims, don't believe in this lies!!!… Expand
  23. ECD80
    Mar 8, 2019
    0
    The FBI investigated Michael Jackson for more than 10 years - tracking his whereabouts, his computers, phone calls, and released more than a three hundred page file completely vindicating him, stating there was nothing to suggest he was an abuser of children. The general public, the media and critics completely ignores these facts. Yet two admitted liars and perjurers (one of whom evenThe FBI investigated Michael Jackson for more than 10 years - tracking his whereabouts, his computers, phone calls, and released more than a three hundred page file completely vindicating him, stating there was nothing to suggest he was an abuser of children. The general public, the media and critics completely ignores these facts. Yet two admitted liars and perjurers (one of whom even refers to himself as a ‘master of deception’) can come out with a well corroborated, completely one-sided, sensationalized story, which contains literally no evidence whatsoever (and is full of inconsistencies) and it is embraced by the court of public opinion and by the media as truth!?

    I keep asking myself why that is? Is it because the public and media are pressured to embrace all victims and are afraid to not be in support with the #MeToo movement? Is it because Surviving R. Kelly was so dark and upsetting and successful? Could it be because Michael Jackson looked strange and acted strangely compared to typical adults? Is it because a once highly respected cable network and quite possibly the most famous woman on the planet supported this hate piece - so then it must be true! Well, here is some more interesting information mainstream media doesn’t seem to be covering - Oprah Winfrey lost 48 million with Weight Watches recently, and coincidentally signed a deal with HBO too (desperate to stay relevant much?!). HBO is struggling to compete with Netflix and Hulu. Interesting, isn’t that?

    The jurors who found Michael Jackson not guilty in his 2005 trial agreed with the FBI. Juror Paulina Coccoz said: ‘It was pretty obvious there was no molestation done, it was pretty obvious that there were ulterior motives on behalf of the family. And the mother, she orchestrated the whole thing, there wasn’t a shred of evidence”

    Just because a story is graphic and disturbing does not make it factual. Before you judge anything do your research and think for yourself. Facts do not lie, people do.

    The bottom line is...

    The #MeToo movement is very important. Generally, believing victims is crucial and helps our society evolve. And If you want to view Michael Jackson as a pedophile, you will. It is easy to do. He admitted to allowing children to sleep in his bedroom and has been accused of child molestation more than once (both cases completely discredited). He was not the guy next door, was undeniably eccentric, and most certainly did not live a conventional life. But that does not make him guilty of abusing children.

    Anyone who has bothered to look into the allegations against him - and I mean really look into them - there is more than enough evidence to demonstrate that he was a victim of extortion and of copycat false claims for the past twenty five years! Yet despite the Los Angeles Police Department stating that Jackson should be presumed to be innocent, despite a jury finding him not guilty on every single charge against him, despite the LAPD and Family Services twice investigating and clearing him of wrongdoing, despite the FBI conducting a thorough investigation in which no evidence of wrongdoing was found, and despite the cash grab lawsuits of his posthumous accusers being tossed out of court (one of those being Wade Robson’s case from 2013) this crap still makes headlines and believers.

    Well, the court of public opinion and media and critics agendas may sadly be what defines this saga and a large part of his legacy, and that is depressing. The wave of critics and news outlets supporting this character assassination piece and the ignorant people sharing hateful nonsense is upsetting to me. Michael Jackson was actually a great humanitarian, and sure he was a deeply haunted individual with issues, but a sexual attraction to children was not one of those issues. Leaving Neverland is nothing more than slander and personal agendas for self gain. MJ deserves more than this. RIP    … Expand
  24. wales7388
    Mar 11, 2019
    0
    ABSOLUTELY VILE FULL OF LIES and it jsuts goes to show how these two rats easily wanted a paycheck to ruin a legend's career that has so much evidence that obviously cleared him from these ridiculous allegations to a point where he's not even alive to testify
  25. TalulaGrey
    Mar 8, 2019
    0
    It's so easy to attack a dead man but impossible to go after the living, breathing pedophiles isn't it? It is obvious that hollyweird and cohorts have an agenda and that is to allow those same living, breathing pedophiles to escape justice. They have no shame. This is a disgusting campaign to go after someone that cannot defend himself. Nice try but every one knows who the real pos criminals are.
  26. Junglistflex
    May 31, 2019
    0
    People will do ludicrous things for money. Here in the UK a man accused multiple MP's (Politicians) of child rape, torture and even murder. He was lying for compensation and is now on trail looking at a long time in prison. We'll never know for sure with Jacko, even though every sinew of me is saying yes.
  27. espereunmomento
    Aug 1, 2019
    0
    Bad acting, and yes, they're actors. Zero evidence, just words. They're trying to destroy MJ's legacy, or at least steal some. I feel sorry for the true cases that are being ignored.
  28. Tymunia
    Apr 20, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dirty liars. This is a trash. Please leave Micheal alone. Rest in peace MJ. Someday people will know the truth. MJ is innocent and he is always a good person.… Expand
  29. moonlite
    Jun 25, 2019
    0
    honestly disgusting and false im honestly sick all of this to try to ruin a dead icon's career... it remains untouched
  30. Ronhall
    Mar 5, 2019
    0
    Why should we believe them? They gave no evidence whatsoever. Not one. Also they have a shady past which makes it hard to believe them. Also the film was boring and obviously one sided and clearly biased. I could see the agenda from a mile away.
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Awards & Rankings

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#23 Best TV Season of 2019
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#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019
39
#39 Most Shared TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. The Times
    Reviewed by: Carol Midgley
    Jan 7, 2020
    80
    Reed did not over-egg the material. ... This is a strange, dark and complex story, but I believed them [Wade Robson and James Safechuck].
    Read full review
  2. The Independent
    Reviewed by: Ed Cumming
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    For all its gripping testimony, Leaving Neverland is not a great documentary. It is too long, for one. ... None of this diminishes the power of the interviews, which show how much damage Jackson did and continues to do, 10 years after his death.
    Read full review
  3. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Tim Robey
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    The film has to pick its way through some troubling thickets of motive, and frames earlier denials as proof of the psychological damage he wrought. Setting about this side of things with necessary tact, Reed bolsters the case using only the building blocks of what these two families have to say. No authorities weigh in, no lawyers. The purity is that it begins and ends with survivor testimony, chillingly credible in its details, from Safechuck and Robson.
    Read full review
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