As the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour film, released on October 13, continues to rock the world, we may see a resurgence of this cinematic genre in the near future. But it's important to remember the concert movie giants that already exist.
Here are seven of the most profitable concert films, ranked by U.S. box office performance.
7. Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012, $25.3 million)
This semi-documentary biopic features interviews with the titular artist and her loved ones as it tells the story of the singer's upbringing and explores her divorce from Russell Brand. At the same time, the film is peppered with clips from Perry's worldwide California Dreams Tour. Music legends such as Adele, Rihanna and Lady Gaga make cameo appearances in the film.
6. One Direction: This Is Us (2013, $28.9 million)
Another documentary on the list, this film revolves around the fan-favorite British boy band and follows them on their Take Me Home World Tour, featuring backstage scenes of their lives and preparations for concerts. The movie also explores each member's journey to stardom from their pre-X Factor lives to being part of One Direction.
5. Woodstock (1970, $50 million)
Documenting the eponymous cultural phenomenon, Woodstock Music and Art Fair, which took place in 1969, this concert film was a huge success upon its release, grossing $50 million at the box office, or $396.4 million when adjusted for inflation. It has a 185-minute theatrical cut and a 224-minute director's cut that feature over thirty musical performances by various artists, including Joe Cocker, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Canned Heat.
4. Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert (2008, $65.2 million)
This Disney concert film marked the dawn of Miley Cyrus' career as an actress and musician. It featured performances by the artist and her on-screen alias, as well as the up-and-coming Jonas Brothers. Today, Miley has a successful music career of her own – just this year, the singer released a new hit album, Endless Summer Vacation.
3. Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009, $72 million)
Among the other entries on our list, this movie is unique in that it doesn't follow a concert. Instead, it documents Michael Jackson's preparations and rehearsals for his eponymous concert, which never took place due to the singer's death on June 25, 2009. In addition to preparation footage, the film also includes dance rehearsals and the process of costume design.
2. Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (2011, $73 million)
Much like the other concert films on this list, this one follows the titular singer as he prepares for his 2010 My World Tour - in this case, it's a ten-day countdown to the concert. Of course, footage from the event is also included. In addition, Bieber's family and friends give interviews about the singer and his artistry.
1. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (2023, $178.9 million)
Unlike the other concert movies, this one was released at the same time as The Eras Tour. Ultimately, it's a true cinematic installment of the titular concert, running a whopping two and a half hours and featuring Taylor Swift's best songs from her past albums. It is currently the highest grossing concert movie of all time.