Taylor Swift continues to make music history as she welcomes 2024 with yet another remarkable achievement. Her latest concert film, “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” has officially become the highest-grossing film in the history of concert and documentary films, raking in an impressive $261.6 million worldwide. This milestone comes just a week after the film’s release in China, where it earned an additional $8.7 million on its opening day.
Breaking Records
“The Eras Tour” has not only surpassed all concert films but also dethroned the previous record holder, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” which grossed $261.2 million in 2009. Swift’s film made a splash with a record-breaking opening weekend, earning $92.8 million in North America and $30.7 million internationally, totaling a staggering $123.5 million. This phenomenal start has made it the highest-grossing concert film opening of all time, surpassing the 2011 film “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never,” which earned $73 million in the same time frame. It also secured the second-biggest October debut ever and ranked as the seventh-biggest opening weekend of 2023, only surpassed by blockbuster hits like “Joker.”
A Non-Traditional Release
What makes this accomplishment even more impressive is Swift’s non-traditional approach to the film’s release. Instead of partnering with a major studio, she joined forces with AMC Theatres, the world’s largest cinema chain. Through this partnership, Swift, as a producer on the film, received approximately 57% of the ticket sales, while the remaining revenue went to theaters, with AMC taking a small distribution fee. “The Eras Tour” was shown in a staggering 3,855 theaters across the United States and Canada, as well as 4,527 venues internationally.
Gratitude and Recognition
AMC Chairman and CEO Adam Aron expressed his congratulations and gratitude to Taylor Swift, stating, “Her spectacular performance delighted fans around the world and serves as another strong reminder about the power of extraordinary filmmaking and the magic of movie theaters.” This unique collaboration between an artist and a theater chain has undoubtedly paid off, both creatively and financially.
Extended Version and Future Plans
For those unable to catch the film in theaters, Swift released an extended version on streaming platforms starting from December 13. This updated version included additional fan-favorite songs like “Wildest Dreams,” “The Archer,” and “Long Live,” which were not featured in the original 2 hours and 45 minutes runtime.
As Swift’s global fanbase eagerly awaits the continuation of her Eras Tour, she will kick off her international tour in Japan with a four-night stint at the prestigious Tokyo Dome on February 7. Throughout the year, she will embark on a world tour, culminating in a grand finale in Vancouver, BC, in December.
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