Michelle Obama's 'Becoming' surges on Netflix amid 'Melania' movie release
- - Michelle Obama's 'Becoming' surges on Netflix amid 'Melania' movie release
Anna Kaufman, USA TODAYFebruary 6, 2026 at 1:00 AM
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So many first lady documentaries, so little time.
On the heels of the release of "Melania," a new movie chronicling first lady Melania Trump's life in the lead-up to her husband's second inauguration, viewership has surged for another film. "Becoming," another documentary following former first lady Michelle Obama on her first book tour, is inching its way back to popularity on Netflix.
The film, first released in 2020, saw a viewership hike in the U.S., Entertainment Weekly reports, citing data provider Luminate. Luminate reports that the film, which shares a title with Obama's first memoir, saw an increase of more than 13,000% through February.
First lady Melania Trump embraces Michelle Obama as they meet at the inauguration of President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2017.
'Becoming' media moguls? Michelle Obama, Melania Trump pursue Hollywood
Despite a cloud of criticism surrounding its release, "Melania" has been a box office surprise. The film notched a $7 million opening weekend, according to estimates released Sunday, Feb. 1, by Amazon MGM Studios.
Directed by Brett Ratner, who has been in Hollywood exile since denying multiple sexual harassment allegations in 2017, "Melania" had been tracking for a $3 million to $5 million opening. Anything over $1 million is "a huge number," said Jeff Bock, senior media analyst for Exhibitor Relations, in an interview with USA TODAY the week before release. "That would mean that a lot of folks who don't normally go to the movies went to this."
new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AuflJSdfP94oxyUgR9mjCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a2edc32f6e613f9a491d837917d87636 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
">The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AuflJSdfP94oxyUgR9mjCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a2edc32f6e613f9a491d837917d87636 class=caas-img>The first couple steps out for the world premiere.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XCbrufzd1aQIchWivaoTRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc6ab8a2e4a51cba14521238ff7c556b class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The first couple steps out for the world premiere.
">The first couple steps out for the world premiere.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XCbrufzd1aQIchWivaoTRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc6ab8a2e4a51cba14521238ff7c556b class=caas-img>First lady Melania Trump
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rOn68.tno45_MSGugazHcw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5289bd9e53770f84dbbdbb564e09e3b9 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
First lady Melania Trump
">First lady Melania Trump
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rOn68.tno45_MSGugazHcw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5289bd9e53770f84dbbdbb564e09e3b9 class=caas-img>Brett Ratner
" style=padding-bottom:56%>"Melania" director Brett Ratner
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LTJME__61YBNJWX28MZDlw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cee855fcc6f979a91c9ad618c882d967 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
"Melania" director Brett Ratner
">"Melania" director Brett Ratner
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LTJME__61YBNJWX28MZDlw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cee855fcc6f979a91c9ad618c882d967 class=caas-img>U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1PgTs9f61pMb78x198UPdQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c906d3399866f010e40b65f414765945 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
">U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1PgTs9f61pMb78x198UPdQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c906d3399866f010e40b65f414765945 class=caas-img>Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/loYo5fkZFfDanEdvBBFeLA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/138988c57a056ecf2bcad1b31f0c1d45 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz.
">Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/loYo5fkZFfDanEdvBBFeLA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/138988c57a056ecf2bcad1b31f0c1d45 class=caas-img>"Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1BJxy90rQdjAdOyp8rsd.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4ebbc5bb8533c00ca2ca5bac0022994b class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
"Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman
">"Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1BJxy90rQdjAdOyp8rsd.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4ebbc5bb8533c00ca2ca5bac0022994b class=caas-img>
House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.6Q3fbyh7jGlC475XRx3FQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c7299d83bd21129cbd83fa3be294928 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly.
">House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.6Q3fbyh7jGlC475XRx3FQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c7299d83bd21129cbd83fa3be294928 class=caas-img>U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Fb.Tn9ME649OygOvfQSyKQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/85e4bc2fb39e99bd1a0f21096c6e2a10 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet
">U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Fb.Tn9ME649OygOvfQSyKQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/85e4bc2fb39e99bd1a0f21096c6e2a10 class=caas-img>Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YKWcDjbiEFiMWhzMPcsh7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1403022c9f5d26856782a7864c4f8c77 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet.
">Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YKWcDjbiEFiMWhzMPcsh7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1403022c9f5d26856782a7864c4f8c77 class=caas-img>
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZyIl1W7qsDoN2wthd3gRaQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NzI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa2c79cf7946e3c7179fab0c89fddb9e class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.
">U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZyIl1W7qsDoN2wthd3gRaQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NzI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa2c79cf7946e3c7179fab0c89fddb9e class=caas-img>Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pGK4RVixEkQfGN677aEj3w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8ad4ad4651efc2ad9faff0acd67575ec class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin
">Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pGK4RVixEkQfGN677aEj3w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8ad4ad4651efc2ad9faff0acd67575ec class=caas-img>Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/geX2hGBZFYjr8SzGS5DQig--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c513bcc40c5a33515586616e1af7a948 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell
">Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/geX2hGBZFYjr8SzGS5DQig--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c513bcc40c5a33515586616e1af7a948 class=caas-img>
Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UDwzl31hMrHESvJzW4tK9g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9624d5253a091ffc199f2bea3319b81f class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum
">Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UDwzl31hMrHESvJzW4tK9g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9624d5253a091ffc199f2bea3319b81f class=caas-img>Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SSWZYPl.CdkQpJinIHjpZQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/56f974c313f804108feda29421698fd7 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher
">Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SSWZYPl.CdkQpJinIHjpZQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/56f974c313f804108feda29421698fd7 class=caas-img>Doug Collins and Lisa Collins
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6icwlPBTfBj6J3.R12Usuw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0c5ef7e0dd2ed2aad51cc3c158c46888 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Doug Collins and Lisa Collins
">Doug Collins and Lisa Collins
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6icwlPBTfBj6J3.R12Usuw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0c5ef7e0dd2ed2aad51cc3c158c46888 class=caas-img>Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0kN85GjTVVHL1_qPRDBHlA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/58f42e7dd1c8cb975d4f50882d6d02e1 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin
">Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0kN85GjTVVHL1_qPRDBHlA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/58f42e7dd1c8cb975d4f50882d6d02e1 class=caas-img>
Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Vwbdwq_5Z8SoBgFwJQa2jA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aea3607bbc7b4508c38836bce604bb7d class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman
">Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Vwbdwq_5Z8SoBgFwJQa2jA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aea3607bbc7b4508c38836bce604bb7d class=caas-img>
1 / 27Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere
The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
In 'Melania' movie, the first lady doesn't want you to see the seams
Even though "Melania" bested box-office expectations, it has a ways to go before being profitable: Jeff Bezos' Amazon MGM Studios bought the movie and a companion docuseries for $40 million and reportedly spent an additional $35 million in marketing. Both are expected to stream on Prime Video later this year, and Amazon will recoup some of its "Melania" costs through ads and streaming service sign-ups.
Obama's "Becoming" followed more of a traditional format for former first ladies. While Trump broke norms by releasing a commercial project while still in the White House, Obama's documentary arrived four years after her husband left office.
Contributing: Brian Truitt, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michelle Obama 'Becoming' doc surges on Netflix amid 'Melania' movie
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
