The Bcl‐2 family member Mcl‐1 is essential for melanoma survival; however, the influence of oncogenic BRAF signalling remains elusive. In this study, Mcl‐1 splice variant expression was determined in a panel of melanoma cell lines in relation to BRAF mutational status. Mcl‐1L mRNA expression was increased in melanoma cells compared with primary melanocytes with significantly increased mRNA and protein expression observed in BRAFV600E mutant melanoma cells. Although no change in Mcl‐1S mRNA was observed, Mcl‐1S protein expression also increased in BRAF mutant melanoma cells. Additionally, while over‐expression of mutant BRAFV600E increased both Mcl‐1L and Mcl‐1S expression, inhibition of hyperactive BRAF signalling resulted in decreased Mcl‐1L expression. These studies suggest that the regulation of Mcl‐1 expression by BRAF signalling is increased by oncogenic activation of BRAF, revealing a mechanism of apoptotic resistance which may be overcome by the use of more specifically targeted Mcl‐1 inhibitors.