When Taylor Swift began her Eras Tour in 2023, we couldn’t have expected the sheer influence and magnitude it would have on society as a whole. No one is arguing that Taylor is the best singer or songwriter or performer of all time, and as someone who has seen the Eras Tour, one thing can be confirmed: Taylor Swift is an expert at being a famous artist. She knows how to unite fans across the world, put on a show worthy of its high price tag, and manage her reputation with grace.
Boyfriends in Travis Kelce jerseys and girls dressed to the nines in glitter with 13 written on their hands and full sleeves of friendship bracelets continue to attend her stadium sell-outs as she extends the Eras Tour. While she showcases almost every “Era” in the live concert, we’ve figured out the ultimate film pairing experience to match each Era we want to live through by watching a fitting film at home.
Self-Titled (2006) / Fearless (2008) – ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ (2002)
Taylor’s first “era,” which she doesn’t actually showcase on tour, comes from her debut self-titled album, which feeds into the greater success of her second album (and first true “era”) in Fearless. An element of magical realism in Sweet Home Alabama makes it the perfect film to define Taylor’s first era, which started in her country roots with a fairytale perspective. The film is, in many ways, like a fairytale, and holds onto the young romance of Taylor’s early albums.
Speak Now (2010) – ‘(500) Days of Summer’ (2009)
Speak Now was Taylor’s foray into blending genres as she matured her lyrics to transform from country princess to radio-monopolizing superstar. At the time, the album was a “loose concept album” with “confessional songwriting” as a way to go beyond what was said. It’s not the kindest or happiest album, although there is an air of freedom and female empowerment among the break-up ballads, making (500) Days of Summer the perfect match.
Red (2012) – ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ (1999)
In Red, Taylor proves her longevity with bops like “I Knew You Were Trouble” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” And if there’s any movie that those bad boy anthems make us think of, it’s easily 10 Things I Hate About You, which stars Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger as the good girl and bad boy romantic duo. Even Taylor’s “22” reflects the vibes at the house party in 10 Things.
1989 (2014) – ‘Legally Blonde’ (2001)
With songs like “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” “Bad Blood,” and more, 1989 has become one of Taylor’s most iconic albums. But what movie could possibly match the energy of freedom, self-love, messy romance, and bad exes? Legally Blonde, of course! Elle goes to Harvard to win back her ex, but in the process, she learns to trust in herself, her voice, and her fellow women, just as Taylor does with 1989.
Reputation (2017) – ‘Easy A’ (2010)
Not only are Taylor and Emma Stone, the star of Easy A, besties, but Easy A is all about a literal reputation. Both had a bit of controversy as both broke down the experience of how a woman’s public image often differs from her private life. Vengeful songs like “Look What You Made Me Do” feed into the rebellious moments of Easy A, while the more romantic bops like “Delicate” show off the rom-comesque moments of the movie.
Lover (2019) – ‘Dirty Dancing’ (1987)
Lover is first and foremost about love — deep, mature, complex love. There’s also a little bit of feminism and a sprinkle of political commentary in songs such as “Me!” and “You Need to Calm Down,” which is what makes Dirty Dancing the perfect pairing. With beautiful colors, lights, and choreography, a deep romance, and a political pro-choice theme, we should be saying, “Nobody puts Taylor in a corner!”
Folklore / Evermore (2020) – ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ (2012)
While Folklore and Evermore were separate eras at the beginning of the Eras Tour, they’ve now merged into one, which can only be represented by Perks of Being a Wallflower. Not only does the film have a similar visual and sonar aesthetic to Taylor’s albums, but both focus on themes of escapism, growing up, and dealing with mental health struggles.
Midnights (2022) – ‘Black Mirror’ Season 3, “San Junipero” (2016)
When she released Midnights, Taylor shared: “This is a collection of music written in the middle of the night, a journey through terrors and sweet dreams.” What is dreamier and more terrifying than the award-winning Season 3 episode of Black Mirror, “San Junipero”? It’s not *technically* a movie, but nothing captures the fun-loving nocturnal hopeful, vengeful, and emotional vibe of Midnights better than San Junipero.
The Tortured Poets Department (2024) – ‘The Artist’ (2011)
Both Taylor’s latest album and the 2011 film, The Artist, are black and white departures from the norm. While TPD has an aesthetic of “dark academia,” The Artist harkens back to the early days of film in the 1920s. The content and thematic lessons of both, however, are similar, in that they include elements of romance amidst managing fame and public image.
