Although these types of films have existed for decades,the highest-grossing concert films of the 21st century have set the standard for all others. They have become sensations, drawing fans to theaters worldwide. These films offer fans the opportunity to witness some ofthe greatest tours of the 21st centuryand a chance to relive them for those who attended.
Truly, these films have captured music history. Artists such as Prince have their legacy continuing on thanks to concert movies,such as his which is being rereleased. There is something special about being able to watch these artists who havedominated platforms like YouTube with some of the biggest videos,conquering yet another medium.
The biggest concert films of the 21st century demonstrate to all the artists who choose this path how it’s done. Whether by using new technology, building off momentum, or taking advantage of something else,there are numerous ways to succeed. The key is getting people into theaters and singing songs that have become massive hits.
10U2: 3D
Worldwide Gross: 26,170,402
Since their earliest days as a band,U2 have been open to trying various forms of promotion to make their name as big as possible. Making films is something they started almost immediately when they captured their revered Red Rocks Amphitheatre performance. As time went on, filming of their major triumphs on stage became commonplace.
Between 2005 and 2006, they embarked on theirVertigo Tour, which became one of the biggest of the 2000s. This was recorded and turned into the concert movieU2 3D. It became a massive success,showcasing the band in grand fashion. It turned out to be a great business move as they followed this up with their360° Tour.
9BTS: Yet To Come In Cinemas
Worldwide Gross: 29,291,883
When it comes to K-pop, there are not many acts bigger than BTS. After a few years of crafting their sound, they became a global sensation. They appeared on the biggest stages and found new ways to elevate their band. Before life took them away for some time to fulfill mandatory duties,they had another major project to unveil.
This movie showcased one of their most memorable concerts of all time, which took place in Busan, South Korea. This film played a role in helping maintain the desire for the band during their time away. Perhaps, with many more plans ahead of them, they will explore the option ofusing this type of medium again in the future.
8Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience
Worldwide Gross: 30,428,831
Once the Jonas Brothers found the right platforms to showcase their craft, such as Disney,there was no stopping the three brothers. They seized every opportunity they received and walked away each time bigger than before. Quickly, they transformed from being a prominent opening act to becoming major headliners.
One of their biggest tours in a vital part of their career was theBurnin' Up Tour. This became the basis for theirJonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience. Multiple platforms undertook the responsibility of releasing the film in 3D, which made it a sensation. With a young fanbase, this technology enhanced the allure of the already highly anticipated film.
7Metallica: Through The Never
Worldwide Gross: 31,900,000
For decades, Metallica has been one of the defining forces in metal. When it comes to their accomplishments,there isn’t much that the band hasn’t done. From playing on all seven continents to winning nine Grammy Awards, they continue to outdo themselves. One of the major projects they undertook was the making of their film,Metallica:Through the Never.
The name for this came from a song on their 1991 self-titled album. The band didn’t take the traditional route for this film by simply having concert footage; instead,they mixed their live performance with a fictional story surrounding it. This created an interesting concept, and the film received positive reviews.
6Katy Perry: Part Of Me
Worldwide Gross: 32,327,255
Katy Perry worked tirelessly for years to master her craft. With her songs and outfits, people saw her over-the-top persona that couldn’t be held down. However, behind all that was an artist who had to build such success.There was a real story behind the stage presence, and that’s what her 2012 film,Katy Perry: Part of Me, touched on.
Of course, concert footage played a big role in this, with performances taken from herCalifornia Dreams Tour, but this wasn’t all. The story also dove into her journey to becoming a superstar. It tells tales about both her personal and professional life,making this project a significant triumph for Perry and her overall perception.
5Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé
Worldwide: 44,389,684
Throughout her career,Beyoncé has accomplished everything she has set her mind to. At one point, she helped establish one of the biggest girl groups, Destiny’s Child. After that, she embarked on a solo career, which has seen her create some of the biggest hit songs. As time has passed, she has proven to be up for any challenge.
When it comes to filmmaking, she is no stranger to the medium. In 2019, she released the hit movieHomecoming: A Film by Beyoncé, but as she always does,she sought to make things even better. This is when she unveiledRenaissance: A Film by Beyoncéa few years later, receiving a greater reception and showcasing the genius she possesses.
4One Direction: This Is Us
Worldwide Gross: 68,233,799
When it comes to the greatest boy bands of all time, there are a few names always in the conversation, with one of those being One Direction. Although they weren’t together for a long time, they had a massive impact during the time they had. A few years after their formation,fans got an intimate look at the band with the film,One Direction: This Is Us.
The film showcases the band during theirTake Me Home Tour, butit goes even deeper than that. It touches on them in their early stages when they were just forming. Additionally, it provides an insight into their behind-the-scenes life and the preparation it required for them to perform on stage as one of the biggest acts in the world at that time.
3Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best Of Both Worlds Concert
Worldwide Gross: 70,712,099
There are many examples of how television can be used to enhance musicians' careers. It can provide exposure to mass audiences, just as it once did for Miley Cyrus. As she sought to forge her own path in the music industry,a major opportunity arose with Disney. She became the star of the showHannah Montana, and her fame increased.
The movieHannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concertshowcased her massive tour to the entire world. Not only was it in theaters, but Disney also aired it on their network at one point. Although Miley Cyrus isn’t a big fan of touring nowadays,no one will forget when she electrified audiences with two beloved personas.
2Justin Bieber: Never Say Never
Worldwide Gross: 99,034,125
It’s hard to find many musicianswho are more famous than Justin Bieber. His worldwide takeover was a true phenomenon as “Bieber Fever” became global. For as big as the pop star became, it took a lot for him to reach that point. He had no machine behind him; he was just a singer from Canada hoping to entertain people with his talents.
In 2011, the movieJustin Bieber: Never Say Neverprovided an intimate look into his life. It told the story of his upbringing and, of course, how he was discovered. It showcased numerous behind-the-scenes details, all while highlighting his talents on stage. This depicted him electrifying audiences and overcoming obstacles on his way to historic Madison Square Garden.
1Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour
Worldwide Gross: 267,100,000
In the music industry today, perhaps no singer is having as much success as Taylor Swift. In so many different categories, her name is near or at the top. With her popularity at an all-time high,the singer has taken advantage of this by taking on many projects. Not only wasThe Eras Tourthe biggest ever, but the movie made about it was as well.
The movieTaylor Swift: The Eras Tourallowed audiences worldwide to see the magnificent performance she was putting on. While tens of thousands flocked to stadiums each night to see her, the film allowed even more to have this experience. The movie theaters were thriving with fanssinging, dancing, and showcasing every emotion imaginable.
