Concert Documentaries: A Popular Genre
Concert documentaries offer fans a unique experience, allowing them to relive favorite concerts or discover tours they missed. The subgenre of music documentaries experienced a surge in popularity between 2008 and 2013, with major releases from artists like Miley Cyrus, Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and One Direction.
During this period, ten of the 20 highest-grossing concert films were released, generating approximately $318 million in domestic box office revenue, according to Box Office Mojo data. This trend continued into the early 2020s, with a 2024 survey indicating a strong desire among viewers to see more concert films.
Top-Grossing Concert Films (Domestic)
Here is a list of the 20 highest-grossing concert films based on domestic ticket sales:
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20. Amazing Grace (2018) - $4,450,456
- This documentary captures Aretha Franklin's landmark recording sessions for her 1972 gospel album, featuring performances with the Southern California Community Choir.
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19. Bring the Soul: The Movie (2019) - $4,809,800
- Directed by Park Jun-soo, the film offers a behind-the-scenes look at BTS's 2018 "Love Yourself" world tour, exploring the band members' lives outside of the spotlight.
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18. Shine a Light (2008) - $5,505,267
- Martin Scorsese's documentary films The Rolling Stones over two concerts at New York City's Beacon Theatre, featuring archival footage and guest appearances.
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17. Justin Bieber's Believe (2013) - $6,206,566
- Jon M. Chu provides a behind-the-scenes and onstage look at Justin Bieber's 2013 "Believe" tour, as he navigates fame and career challenges.
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16. Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience - $7,232,818
- This theatrical music film, directed by Paul Dugdale and Farah Khalid, combines concert footage and behind-the-scenes content from Stray Kids' sold-out performances at SoFi Stadium.
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15. BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas (2023) - $8,481,053
- Oh Yoon-dong's documentary features footage from BTS's October 2022 concert in Busan, South Korea, their last performance with all seven members before military enlistments.
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14. U2: Rattle and Hum (1988) - $8,600,823
- Phil Joanou's film follows U2 on their "The Joshua Tree" tour, exploring the band's connection to American blues, gospel, folk, and rock music.
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13. Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft (2026) - $9,901,485
- Co-directed by Billie Eilish and James Cameron, this 3D concert film captures her sold-out "Hit Me Hard and Soft" world tour, featuring performances of tracks from her album.
The release of concert documentaries continues to thrive, with recent and upcoming releases from artists like Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, BTS, and Harry Styles.