The post-Thanksgiving, early December box office saw Beyoncé’s concert film, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, steal the show, raking in an impressive $21 million in North American ticket sales during its opening weekend.
This marked a historic moment, breaking a 20-year record since The Last Samurai for a film opening with over $20 million during this traditionally slow period.
The multi-talented artiste not only starred in the film but also took on the roles of writer, director and producer. Renaissance focused on the tour for Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning album and made its debut in 2,539 theatres across the US and Canada, along with 94 international territories, earning an additional $6.4 million.
Elizabeth Frank, AMC Theatres executive vice president of worldwide programming, expressed gratitude to Beyoncé for bringing the film directly to her fans and acknowledged the impact of the film resonating with both audiences and critics during a typically neglected weekend in the industry.
Despite facing competition from other releases, including Godzilla Minus One and the Hindi-language Animal, the slow weekend overall allowed Renaissance to shine. With positive reviews, a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and an A+ CinemaScore from opening weekend audiences, the film’s success was further highlighted.
While Renaissance didn’t match the debut of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, it still marked a substantial start for a concert film. Both Beyoncé and Swift chose AMC Theatres for distribution, showcasing a shift away from traditional studios. The concert film landscape seems to be thriving, with audiences turning out to enjoy these unique cinematic experiences.
As the industry anticipates upcoming releases like “Wonka” and “The Color Purple,” coupled with a potential $9 billion year in 2023, the success of Renaissance signals a positive note for moviegoers and the entertainment industry alike.
