Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour broke the record for the highest-grossing concert film, bringing in $92.8 million opening weekend in domestic theaters, in comparison to the previous record-holder, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, which has a lifetime gross of $73 million. Theaters sold out on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Rexburg.
Swifties, the name that Taylor Swift fans call themselves, flocked to the theaters to watch two hours and 49 minutes of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.
The audience of Taylor Swift: the Eras Tour on the opening night of the film. Photo credit: Caden McGregor
Fat Cats Cinema 6 reported that its presales were up to 70% capacity.
“It’s bringing in the littlest, youngest kids with their moms, it’s bringing everyone together for a fun evening,” said Annette Rasmussen, the training and guest service manager at Fat Cats.
Fat Cats Cinema 6 on the opening night of Taylor Swift: the Eras Tour Photo credit: Caden McGregor
Movie-goers participated in a unique theater experience where costumes, friendship bracelets, singing and dancing were all encouraged by Swift and theater management.
“I’ve already had team members going in for theater checks say how exciting it is … because of the excitement from the guests themselves … they are getting this whole concert experience even though it is on a screen,” Rasmussen said.
Lindsay Nicholes, a customer service representative for Fat Cats, said that the last movie the exciting for movie theater staff was Wakanda Forever, a Disney Marvel film that came out in 2022.
“I’m really sad I didn’t get to go to the Eras Tour,” said Ani Scholz, a junior studying elementary education. “I’ve been a fan since I can remember … I’m excited to just be in the theater with a bunch of swifties.”
Taylor Swift: the Eras Tour brought in more money on opening weekend than Justin Bieber: Never Say Never's lifetime gross. Photo credit: Caden McGregor
It’s not just fans of Swift who can appreciate the film. Grace Haller, a senior studying elementary education, said she encouraged everyone to watch at least part of the movie.
“Appreciate not only (Swift) as an artist but the dancers and the visual production of this film because it is absolutely incredible,” Haller said.
