Horror films have long been a staple of the movie-going experience, dominating the box office and proving time and again that fear is a universal language. While some horror flicks fade into obscurity, others manage to strike a nerve and become box office sensations, terrifying audiences while raking in impressive profits.
Brace yourselves, as we delve into the terrifying, the suspenseful, and the truly horrifying films that dominated the box office year after year. Below is a comprehensive list of the highest-grossing horror films of the past 52 years.
However, the horror genre often blurs lines with other categories like science fiction, thriller, and dark comedy, leading to some debate about what truly constitutes a horror film. In these controversial years, we’ve included additional contenders, allowing you to decide which film deserves the crown as that year’s horror champion. Let the screams begin…
1973
The Exorcist
Plot Synopsis: When a teenage girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two priests to save her daughter.
In December 1973, a new terror was unleashed upon moviegoers with the release of The Exorcist. Initially uncertain how to market the film, Warner Bros. cautiously decided to give The Exorcist a limited theatrical release after Christmas, only premiering the film on 30 screens its opening weekend. What they couldn’t have predicted was the response the film received that first weekend. Audiences flocked to theatres many waiting hours in the frigid December temperature to see the film. In total The Exorcist managed to earn $1.9 million, proving it appeared to be an excellent weekend for an exorcism. In response to the initial success of the film, Warner Bros. quickly expanded the film’s release to an additional 366 screens. As the film continued to prove itself as a box office hit reports began to circulate around the country of movie patrons fainting and vomiting in the theatre, from the sheer terror they witnessed on screen. It appeared that The Exorcist became more than just a movie—it became an experience. The Exorcist continued to haunt the box office for two years, grossing $193 million during its box office run and earning the title of being the highest-grossing film of 1973.
Budget: (Estimated) $11,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $193,000,000
(Like an unwavering demon refusing to be expelled, the film has since returned to theaters multiple times over the years, bringing its worldwide total to $441 million.)
1974
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Plot Synopsis: Five friends head out to rural Texas to visit the grave of a grandfather. On the way they stumble across what appears to be a deserted house, only to discover something sinister within. Something armed with a chainsaw.
Some reports have identified that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was released on October 01st, 1974, when it was screened at a single theatre in Director Tobe Hooper’s hometown of Austin, Texas. While other sources identify that the film was officially released on October 11th. Whether it was the 1st or the 11th when this gory masterpiece first splattered onto the screen, one thing’s for sure, it managed to carve out a whopping $30,859,000 at the box office during its initial cinematic run, making it the highest-grossing horror movie of the year, and despite being an R-rated gore-fest, Leatherface and the Sawyer clan managed to claim the title of the 15th highest grossing movie of 1974. For a film as iconic as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre you would think there would be better records kept of the film’s box office success, but perhaps the film’s troubled history and alleged connection to the mob have something to do with the film box office success being shrouded in mystery.
Budget: (Estimated) $140,000
Worldwide Gross: $30,859,000
Young Frankenstein
Further adding to the controversy of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, is the fact that we already have our first disputed claim to the horror title of 1974, with some claiming that the honor goes to the Mel Brooks horror comedy Young Frankenstein. The film, which is a spoof of Mary Shelley’s famous novel went on to earn $86,273,333 at the box office and claim the title of being the 4th highest-grossing film of 1974. While the film certainly pays homage to the classic Universal monster movies and features many horror elements, its primary focus on laughs over scares has sparked ongoing debate about its genre classification. It’s worth noting that this wouldn’t be the last time a horror-comedy would challenge the definition of what constitutes a horror film.
1975
Jaws
Plot Synopsis: When a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape Cod, it’s up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down.
On June 20th, audiences learned that it wasn’t safe to go into the water when Jaws premiered on 464 screens across North America. Proving itself to be a powerhouse out of the gate, Jaws earned $7,061,513 its opening weekend, claiming the number one spot at the box office, a title that the film would hang onto for 14 consecutive weeks. Following its initial release Jaws received additional screenings and by August, Jaws was now terrifying audiences on over 900 screens. It would take Jaws just a little under three months to become the first film to earn $100 million at the domestic box office, surpassing The Exorcist to the title, which was still playing in theatres at the time. Like The Exorcist, Jaws would have a lengthy stay at the box office, receiving numerous re-releases and eventually debuting overseas in December of 1975. By the time Jaws was finished at the box office, the film had grossed $260,000,000 worldwide and had earned the title of being the highest-grossing film of all time, a title it would eventually lose to Star Wars.
Budget: (Estimated) $7,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $260,000,000
(Following its initial box office run, Jaws continued to find its way back into theatres, proving that audiences couldn’t get enough of the iconic film. In total, Jaws has earned $476,512,065 across all of its theatrical runs.)
1976
The Omen
Plot Synopsis: Mysterious deaths surround an American ambassador. Could the child that he is raising actually be the Antichrist? The Devil’s own son?
Following a marketing campaign that included sneak previews of the film and advertising that displayed the infamous number of the beast “666” inside the film’s title, audiences were buzzed when The Omen finally released on June 25th, 1976, in 516 theatres across North America. That first weekend The Omen managed to earn $4,273,886, proving that the clever marketing strategy worked. When it was released, the film received mostly negative reviews, with many critics referring to it as a knockoff of The Exorcist. Despite receiving negative reviews, The Omen still continued to prove itself at the box office, with the film managing to earn $60,922,980 during its theatrical run, earning it the title of being the highest-grossing horror film of the year and the 7th highest-grossing film of 1976.
Budget: (Estimated) $2,800,000
Worldwide Gross: $60,922,980
1977
Exorcist II: The Heretic
Plot Synopsis: A teenage girl once possessed by a demon finds that it still lurks within her. Meanwhile, a priest investigates the death of the girl’s exorcist.
In 1977, Warner Bros. released Exorcist II: The Heretic, a follow-up to the terrifying box office sensation The Exorcist. Expectations were high for the sequel to the film that had shocked audiences and shattered records just four years earlier, but Exorcist II struggled to replicate the success of its predecessor. Opening in roughly 725 theaters, the film debuted with $6,735,000 in its first weekend—a respectable start that earned it the number two spot at the box office. However, even in its debut, Exorcist II found itself overshadowed by a cinematic juggernaut: Star Wars. George Lucas’s sci-fi epic, which had premiered a month earlier, dominated the box office and would go on to reclaim the top spot repeatedly throughout its historic run. Adding to its challenges, Exorcist II faced stiff competition from other summer hits, including The Deep, which briefly dethroned Star Wars the week after Exorcist II’s release. But while these films soared, Exorcist II began a steep decline in ticket sales after its opening weekend, plagued by poor reviews and a lack of the terrifying appeal that had made the original film a cultural phenomenon. By the end of its run, Exorcist II: The Heretic had grossed $30,749,142, making it the 14th highest-grossing film of 1977. While this was a modest success by most standards, it paled in comparison to the original Exorcist, which had terrified its way to over $441 million worldwide and revolutionized the horror genre.
Budget: (Estimated) $14,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $30,749,142
1978
Jaws 2
Plot Synopsis: Police Chief Brody must protect the citizens of Amity after a second monstrous shark begins terrorizing the waters.
Just when audiences thought it was finally safe to go back in the water, Jaws 2 surfaced in the summer of 1978, ready to reignite fears of the deep. The highly anticipated follow-up to Steven Spielberg’s legendary shark thriller premiered on June 16th in 640 theaters, unleashing a wave of excitement at the box office. In its opening weekend, Jaws 2 devoured $9,866,023—a record-shattering debut that marked the highest-grossing opening weekend of any film to date. No movie before it had managed to rake in such massive earnings in its first three days, cementing Jaws 2 as a box office juggernaut right out of the gate. Ironically, Jaws 2 wasn’t the only cultural phenomenon to hit theaters that weekend. Grease, another highly anticipated release, also debuted, earning $8,941,717 in its first weekend. Despite narrowly beating Grease in their shared opening weekend showdown, Grease would go on to become the highest-grossing film of 1978, leaving Jaws 2 trailing in the long run. Still, Jaws 2 made an undeniable splash, holding its own in the shadow of its iconic predecessor. By the end of its theatrical run, the sequel had amassed $77,737,272 at the box office, making it the 7th highest-grossing film of the year.
Budget: (Estimated) $20,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $77,737,272
Another horror heavy hitter would be released this year, as Halloween would officially premiere on October 27th. Halloween managed to gross $47,000,000 and earn the spot of the 10th highest-grossing film of 1978.
1979
The Amityville Horror
Plot Synopsis: Newlyweds and their three children move into a large house where a mass murder was committed. They start to experience strange, inexplicable manifestations which have strong effects on everyone living in or visiting the house.
Breaking the streak of sequels, The Amityville Horror, which told the alleged true horror of the Lutz family experiences in their Amityville, New York home, took the spot of the highest-grossing horror film of 1979. The Amityville Horror premiered on July 27th and was shown in 748 theaters on its opening weekend, earning $7,843,467 that first weekend. Word of mouth quickly spread and by the end of the week, the film had expanded to 810 theatres and had earned over $13 million. The Amityville Horror proved to be a hit with moviegoers as it is reported that over the course of the next month, the film managed to pull in an estimated $41 million. All said and done, the film managed to gross $86,432,000 at the worldwide box office, securing its place as the 2nd highest-grossing film of 1979.
Budget: (Estimated) $4,700,000
Worldwide Gross: $86,432,000
1980
The Shining
Plot Synopsis: A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future.
At the start of a new decade, another film about an infamous haunted location managed to secure itself as the highest-grossing horror film of the year. Although, unlike the previous year, The Shining didn’t receive the red carpet. Perhaps it could be due to the fact that the film had the misfortune of opening the same weekend as The Empire Strikes Back. Due to going up against the Stars Wars sequel, The Shinning premiered in just 10 theatres on its opening weekend, managing to only gross $622,337, a staggeringly low amount when you consider how beloved the movie is today. Despite its limited theatrical release, the film managed to earn $44,081,930 at the worldwide box office and claim the spot as the 14th highest-grossing film of 1980.
Budget: (Estimated) $19,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $44,081,930
Similar to 1978, another horror heavy hitter would also be released this year, as Friday the 13th would be released the same year. The first installment of the franchise managed to gross $39.754,601 and earn the spot of the 18th highest-grossing film of 1980.
1981
An American Werewolf in London
Plot Synopsis: Two American college students on a walking tour of Britain are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists.
The following year, audiences were taken out of America and transported to London, where the highest-grossing horror film of the year, An American Werewolf in London was set. The now cult classic werewolf film debuted on August 21st and managed to gross $3,786,512 in its opening weekend. The creature feature would also receive acclaim that year, especially for Rick Baker’s groundbreaking makeup effects in the iconic transformation scene. These innovative effects led Baker to become the first recipient of the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, a new category introduced that same year. Despite having a successful run at the box office and receiving praise from the Academy, this year proved to not be as kind to horror, as An American Werewolf in London, only managed to claim the spot of the 23rd highest-grossing film of the year.
Budget: (Estimated) $10,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $30,565,292
Halloween II would also be released this year and just like its predecessor, it was denied the spot of the highest-grossing horror film of the year. The film, released on October 30th grossed significantly less than the original, earning $25,533,818, and claiming the spot of the 30th highest-grossing film of the year.
Further proving that 1981 was not the year of the slasher film, Friday the 13th Part 2 also debuted this year but only managed to earn the spot of the 35th highest-grossing film of the year, grossing $21,722,776 at the box office.
1982
Poltergeist
Plot Synopsis: A family’s home is haunted by a host of demonic ghosts.
Despite having to go up against an alien who was determined to phone home, horror was determined to prove itself at the box office and secure itself a spot in the top ten films of the year. Although it lost out to the candy-loving E.T., which claimed the top spot that year, 1982’s Poltergeist made its box office presence known with a scream, grossing $6,896,612 in its opening weekend. Proving “They’re here” to make money, the horror classic excelled in its debut, scaring up big earnings for the studio. The film which is now unfortunately remembered more for the tragedies that befell two of its stars and for the infamous use of real human skeletons, managed to gross $76,606,280 at the box office during its theatrical run and earn the spot of the 8th highest-grossing film of the year.
Budget: (Estimated) $10,700,000
Worldwide Gross: $76,606,280
Once again proving itself incapable of earning the top spot, Friday the 13th Part 3 was released the same year, but this third installment in the franchise faired much better than the previous film, earning $34, 581,519 at the worldwide box office and claiming the spot of 21st highest-grossing film of the year.
1983
Jaws 3-D
Plot Synopsis: A giant thirty-five-foot shark becomes trapped in a SeaWorld theme park and it’s up to the sons of police chief Brody to rescue everyone.
Swimming its way back onto the highest-grossing horror movie list is 1983’s Jaws 3-D. Clearly expecting it to live up to the legacies of its predecessors, the film was released on 1,311 screens, marking the widest release for the franchise. This strategy initially worked, as the film grossed $13,422,500 on its opening weekend, making it the second highest grossing opening weekend for a film that year. Though it clinched the top spot at the box office on its opening weekend, Jaws 3-D’s fortunes quickly reversed in the following weeks as returns diminished. However, the film still managed to turn a profit, with reports indicating it generated more money per screen than the latest “Star Wars” film despite the declining box office. The film ended up grossing $45,517,055 at the box office, a steep decline compared to the previous two installments in the franchise, earning it a spot as only the 15th highest-grossing film of the year.
Budget: (Estimated) $20,500,000
Worldwide Gross: $45,517,055
(The film has since gone on to increase its total lifetime worldwide box office gross to $87,987.055, thanks to the film receiving additional theatrical screenings over the years)
1984
Gremlins
Plot Synopsis: A young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town.
Gremlins crawled into theaters on June 8th, the same day the Ghostbusters were hunting specters. But the mischievous creatures proved they could hold their own, even against paranormal competition. Despite going claw to claw with the comedic quartet, Gremlins managed to earn $12,511,634 on its opening weekend – just over a million shy of its competitor’s take. The horror comedy continued its success following its debut, proving itself to be a force at the box office. By the end of its theatrical run, Gremlins had grossed $148,168,459, earning itself the title of the 4th highest-grossing film of the year. This would not mark the end of the mogwai’s appearance on the big screen. The film would return to theatres the following year, receiving an additional domestic and worldwide release, bringing its box office lifetime total to $153,083,102.
Budget: (Estimated) $11,000,000
Worldwide Gross: (1984) $148,168,459
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
Now, if you’re one of those who claim that Gremlins is not a horror movie, then that means that this marks the first time the “Friday the 13th” franchise will find itself on your list. Released the same year was Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter. The film opened with $11,183,148 and ended up grossing $32,980,880 at the box office and earning the spot as the 26th highest-grossing film of the year.
1984 also introduced the world to Freddy Kreuger and the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise. The first installment in the franchise managed to earn $25,504,513 at the box office and earn the title of the 40th highest-grossing film of the year.
1985
A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge
Plot Synopsis: A teenage boy is haunted in his dreams by deceased child murderer Freddy Krueger, who is out to possess him in order to continue his reign of terror in the real world.
It appears that your nightmares really do come true, for despite not making the cut the following year, it appeared Freddy was back with a vengeance the next year, as the second installment in the franchise A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge proved itself capable of securing the spot of the highest-grossing horror film of the year. Something that seemed to have been eluding the other notable slasher franchises. When the film was released on November 01th, it opened on 522 screens and earned $2,865,475. This number has been disputed, as other sources have claimed that the film grossed an additional million. Despite the film receiving a limited theatrical screening the film reportedly earned a higher per-screen total than a number of the films that landed in the top 10 spots of 1985. A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge would end up grossing $29,999,213 at the box office and secure the spot as the 30th highest-grossing film of the year.
Budget: (Estimated) $3,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $29,999,213
1986
Poltergeist II: The Other Side
Plot Synopsis: The Freeling family have a new house, but their troubles with supernatural forces don’t seem to be over.
In 1986, the second installment in the “Poltergeist” franchise earned the spot for highest-grossing horror film of the year, undoubtedly with audiences hoping to relive the terror of the original. When Poltergeist II was released on May 26th, it managed to double the opening weekend gross of the first film, earning $12,357,190. But despite this promising start, the sequel wasn’t able to replicate the full success of the original Poltergeist, with Poltergeist II only managing to earn $40,996,665 – roughly $36.6 million less than the first film. Though it topped the horror genre, Poltergeist II failed to scare up the same level of overall box office success as its predecessor but did manage to score the spot of being the 20th highest-grossing film of the year.
Budget: (Estimated) $19,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $40,996,665
Aliens
1986 is another year where there is some debate as to what the highest-grossing horror film of the year was. While James Cameron’s 1986 film Aliens is primarily classified as a science fiction and action movie, there is also a case to be made for it being classified as a horror film as well. With its dark, suspenseful atmospheres and terrifying alien creatures that haunt the characters, Aliens contains many components classic to horror movies.
If you are one who considers Aliens to fall under the horror category then Aliens takes the spot as the highest-grossing horror movie, earning $85,160,248 at the box office, surpassing Poltergeist II as the highest-earning horror movie of the year.
1987
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
Plot Synopsis: A psychiatrist familiar with knife-wielding dream demon Freddy Krueger helps teens at a mental hospital battle the killer who is invading their dreams.
In February 1987, the nightmarish saga of Freddy Krueger continued to haunt the American box office with the release of A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. This return to Elm Street proved again to be a lucrative one for New Line Cinema, as the film clawed its way to the top, securing the number one spot with an impressive opening weekend gross of $8.9 million. A spot that it ended up losing the following week to Lethal Weapon. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors went on to gross $44.8 million domestically, making it not only New Line Cinema’s highest-grossing film that year but also the 24th highest-grossing film of 1987 overall. This marked the second time a “Nightmare on Elm Street” film made the highest-grossing list, after the success of A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge just two years prior, further cementing Freddy Krueger’s status as a horror icon.
Budget: (Estimated) $4,500,000
Worldwide Gross: $44,793.222
1988
A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master
Plot Synopsis: Freddy Krueger returns once again to terrorize the dreams of the remaining Dream Warriors, as well as those of a young woman who may be able to defeat him for good.
After the previous year’s Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors topped the box office, Freddy once again proved he still had what it takes, as the fourth installment in the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise, A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master would dominate the box office. Released on August 19th, the film debuted at the number one spot, earning $12,833,403 on its opening weekend. The film would continue to remain in first place for the next two weekends before finally dropping out of the top spot in its fourth week. In total, A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master ended up grossing $49,369,899, making it not only the highest-grossing horror film of 1988 but also the 19th highest-grossing film overall that year. However, this would be the last time a “Nightmare” film would claim the top spot, as the franchise began to lose steam. But in 1988, Freddy Krueger was still the king of dreams and the box office.
Budget: (Estimated) $13,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $49,369,899
1989
Pet Sematary
Plot Synopsis: After tragedy strikes, a grieving father discovers an ancient burial ground behind his home with the power to raise the dead.
It appeared that Stephen King’s nightmarish tales were still haunting audiences at the box office in 1989, as when it was released on April 21st Pet Sematary easily secured the top spot at the box office, dethroning Major League and earning $12,046,179 its opening weekend. Pet Sematary would go on to spend three weeks at number one and finish its box office run with $57,469,467, making it the highest-grossing horror film of 1989, and the 23rd highest-grossing film overall of 1989. Pet Sematary would mark the second time a film inspired by the works of King would claim the title of the highest-grossing horror film, but it wouldn’t be the last time, as King’s work would go on to claim more titles on this list.
Budget: (Estimated) $11,500,000
Worldwide Gross: $57,469,467
1990
Flatliners
Plot Synopsis: Five medical students experiment with “near death” experiences until the dark consequences of past tragedies begin to jeopardize their lives.
On August 10th, 1990, Columbia Pictures released Flatliners, a psychological horror-thriller that took audiences on a chilling journey into the afterlife. Opening on 1,319 screens, the film debuted at number one at the box office, pulling in $10,034,685 during its first weekend. Starring Kiefer Sutherland, Julia Roberts, and Kevin Bacon, Flatliners capitalized on its intriguing premise of medical students experimenting with near-death experiences. However, despite its strong opening, the film quickly found itself in a battle for box office dominance. The following weekend, Flatliners expanded to even more screens but slipped to number three, losing the top spot to The Exorcist III. In its fourth week, the film reached its widest release, playing on 1,483 screens, though it dropped to number four at the box office. By the end of its theatrical run, Flatliners had grossed $61,489,265, making it the 18th highest-grossing film of the year. While it wasn’t able to maintain its early momentum, Flatliners proved to be a solid hit, combining supernatural thrills with stylish direction that resonated with audiences and left a lasting, eerie impression.
Budget: (Estimated) $26,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $61,489,265
Misery
1990 is another year that sparks debate when it comes to crowning the highest-grossing horror film. If you don’t consider Flatliners a horror film, then another Stephen King-inspired tale earns the title for the second consecutive year: Misery. The film earned $10,076,834 in its debut weekend, securing the number two spot at the box office, behind the reigning holiday juggernaut Home Alone, which had debuted a week earlier and would remain at number one for an impressive seven consecutive weeks. Despite this uphill battle, Misery went on to gross $61,276,872 during its theatrical run, making it the 19th highest-grossing film of 1990, coming in just one spot below Flatliners. So, if you believe that Flatliners doesn’t quite qualify as horror, then Misery takes its rightful place as the highest-grossing horror film of 1990.
1991
The Silence of the Lambs
Plot Synopsis: A young F.B.I. cadet must receive the help of an incarcerated and manipulative cannibal killer to help catch another serial killer, a madman who skins his victims.
You could say audiences had a taste for The Silence of the Lambs when it premiered on Valentine’s Day 1991, proving that romance wasn’t the only thing on moviegoers’ minds. The film quickly ate up the competition, devouring the number one spot at the box office on its opening weekend, earning $13,766,814. Along with some fava beans and a nice chianti, moviegoers feasted on the film for weeks, as the psychological thriller managed to secure the top box office spot for five consecutive weeks – a rare achievement for any film, let alone a horror movie. During its initial theatrical run, The Silence of the Lambs managed to gross $272,742,922 and secure its spot as the 4th highest-grossing film of the year. The film wasn’t just a commercial success; it made history by becoming only the third film to win all five major Academy Awards (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay), with Anthony Hopkins winning despite having only 16 minutes of screen time as the unforgettable Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The Silence of the Lambs proved that horror could not only terrify audiences but also earn critical acclaim at the highest level.
Budget: (Estimated) $19,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $272,742,922
1992
Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Plot Synopsis: The centuries old vampire Count Dracula comes to England to seduce his barrister Jonathan Harker’s fiancée Mina Murray and inflict havoc in the foreign land.
In 1992, moviegoers were reminded to beware the creatures of the night when Bram Stoker’s Dracula debuted on November 13th, sinking its teeth into the box office and claiming the title of the highest-grossing opening weekend for a vampire film. In that first weekend, Bram Stoker’s Dracula opened at number one, earning $30,521,679 and setting another record for the highest weekend debut for November, a record previously held by Back to the Future Part II. A record that the film wouldn’t hold for long, as the following week, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York debuted, dethroning Bram Stoker’s Dracula and setting a new record with $31,126,882. Despite its short reign on the top, the film managed to gross $82,522,790 at the domestic box office during its theatrical run, combined with its ticket sales overseas, Bram Stoker’s Dracula grossed $215,862,692, making it the highest-grossing horror film of the year and the 15th highest-grossing film on 1992. While this marks the first time a film about a bloodsucker made the highest-grossing horror list since 1970’s House of Dark Shadows, it wouldn’t have to wait long for another to join its undead ranks.
Budget: (Estimated) $40,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $215,862,692
1993
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday
Plot Synopsis: Serial killer Jason Voorhees’ supernatural origins are revealed.
For this year, you have to travel all the way down to the 87th highest-grossing film of the year to find the ninth installment of the “Friday the 13th” franchise, Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday to find this year’s winner of the highest-grossing horror film of 1993. The film was released on August 13th, making it the third film of the franchise at the time to actually be released on a Friday the 13th. In its opening weekend, Jason Goes to Hell managed to earn $7,552,190 and earned the number two spot at the box office, losing out to The Fugitive which was enjoying its second consecutive weekend in the number one spot. Going into its second weekend the film earned an additional $2,189,55, dropping down to the number 11th spot at the box office. Following this second weekend ticket sales for the film greatly diminished and the film struggled to make an impact. When it was finally removed from the theatre the film had only earned $15,935,068, making it the second lowest-grossing film in the franchise after Friday the 13th Part VII: Jason Takes Manhattan, which had only earned $14,343,976 during its theatrical run. With films like Jurassic Park, The Fugitive, and Mrs. Doubtfire ruling the box office, it was clearly apparent that the horror genre was taking a backseat in 1993.
Budget: (Estimated) $3,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $15,935,068
Hocus Pocus
1993 is another year where there is some debate as to who earned the title of being the highest-grossing film of the year, as released the same year as Jason Goes to Hell was the Halloween comedy Hocus Pocus. While the film revolves around a trio of witches attempting to drain the life force of children in order to prolong their existence, like 1974’s Young Frankenstein some believe that, although the film contains horror elements Hocus Pocus falls more under the comedy genre. Despite being a Halloween film, the film was released on July 16th and managed to earn $39,514,713 during its original theatrical run. So if you believe that Hocus Pocus is more scary than funny, then that makes Hocus Pocus in your opinion the highest-grossing horror film of 1993.
(Hocus Pocus has gone on to obtain a cult following over the years and the film has also returned to the box office since its initial run, bringing its worldwide total to $50,789,441)
1994
Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles
Plot Synopsis: A vampire tells his epic life story: love, betrayal, loneliness, and hunger.
Two years after Bram Stoker’s Dracula terrified audiences, another film centering on vampires made its box office debut, when the Anne Rice novel, Interview with the Vampire was adapted for the screen. Interview with the Vampire premiered on November 11th, earning $36,389,705 and securing the top spot at the box office, beating out the Tim Allen Christmas film, The Santa Clause, which opened the same weekend with $19.3 million. Along with securing the top box office spot, Interview with the Vampire also broke numerous records on its opening weekend, including the highest weekend debut in November, previously held by Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and the highest weekend debut for an R-rated film. Perhaps the most substantial of all was the fact that it took the title away from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, as the biggest opening for a vampire film. Despite taking a bite out of the competition on its opening weekend, Interview with the Vampire proved itself incapable of staying at the number one spot, as the following week it lost to Star Trek Generations, and by the third week, it was pushed even further down when The Santa Claus, a film it had initially beaten proved itself a sleeper hit and claimed the top spot that week. Interview with the Vampire would continue to fall further down the list in the following weeks, but by the time it finished its run, the film managed to earn a worldwide gross of $223,664,608 and claim the title of being the 10th highest-grossing movie of the year. Despite both Interview with the Vampire and Bram Stoker’s Dracula proving themselves capable of being box office draws, it would be some time before another film about vampires would make the highest-grossing horror list.
Budget: (Estimated) $60,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $223,664,608
1995
Species
Plot Synopsis: A group of scientists try to track down and trap a killer alien seductress before she successfully mates with a human.
In 1995, horror took a sci-fi turn with Species, a film that warned, “Our time is up.” Premiering on July 7th in 2,310 theaters, the movie opened with a solid $17,161,943. However, it wasn’t enough to claim the top box office spot, as Apollo 13—which had launched the week prior—continued its commanding run, holding onto number one spot for four consecutive weeks. Described in its marketing as “the reply” to a message scientists sent into space two decades earlier, Species intrigued audiences with its chilling premise and blend of extraterrestrial terror. In its second weekend, the film slipped to number four as summer blockbusters dominated the charts, but it ultimately managed a respectable worldwide gross of $113,354,449. Despite its earnings, Species landed as only the 30th highest-grossing film of the year, reflecting a challenging time for horror at the mid-’90s box office. While the genre struggled to compete with the year’s heavy-hitting blockbusters, Species left its mark with its unique fusion of science fiction and horror—and its ominous reminder that humanity’s time might truly be running out.
Budget: (Estimated) $35,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $113,354,449
Tales From the Crypt: Demon Knight
1995 is another year where there’s debate over what truly earns the title of the highest-grossing horror film. While Species features gory moments and suspenseful elements, many argue that its focus on alien contact and genetic engineering places it more firmly in the sci-fi genre. If you don’t consider Species to be a horror film, then the title goes to Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight. The supernatural spinoff of HBO’s popular anthology series premiered on January 13, grossing $10,019,555 in its opening weekend and finishing with $21,089,146. Although its earnings pale in comparison to Species, Demon Knight narrowly avoids being the lowest-grossing film on this list, beating out Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday.
1996
Scream
Plot Synopsis: A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly game.
Scream initially failed to earn the reputation of being your favorite scary movie when it opened in 1,413 theaters on December 20th. The slasher flick could only manage to gross $6,354,586 in its debut weekend, losing out to the live-action version of 101 Dalmatians, Jerry Maguire, and Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, with the latter claiming the number one spot and earning $20.1 million. Some critics were quick to label Scream “dead on arrival” based on its modest start. However, through positive word of mouth and increased promotion, Scream soon earned a reputation as a new horror favorite, garnering buzz and curiosity from audiences. In its second weekend, Scream increased its gross to $9.1 million, surpassing its debut. The film continued to gain momentum in its third weekend, with its earnings rising to $10 million and Scream clawing its way to the number three spot. Although its position continually moved in the ranks, Scream was able to hang onto a top ten spot for nine consecutive weeks and earn an estimated $173,046,663 at the box office, making it the highest-grossing slasher film at the time, and the 13th highest-grossing film of the year – Not bad for a film that critics appeared to wash their hands of. Further slashing the competition, Scream went on to outgross Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, which could only manage $63,118,386 for a #22 ranking.
Budget: (Estimated) $14,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $173,046,663
1997
Scream 2
Plot Synopsis: Two years after the first series of murders, as Sidney acclimates to college life, someone donning the Ghostface costume begins a new string of killings.
With its predecessor having previously established itself as a powerhouse slasher film the year prior, when Scream 2 was released the following December it was a hit its opening weekend, earning $32,926,342 in 2,663 theatres, proving that the sequel was everyone’s favorite scary movie at the time. This was reinforced by the fact that the film earned the top box office spot of the weekend and as if still holding a vendetta against Beavis and Butthead Do America, the film broke the record for the highest weekend debut in December, the record previously held by Beavis and Butthead Do America. Along with claiming the top December spot, Scream 2 also broke the record for the highest weekend debut for a slasher film, a title that previously belonged to another Kevin Williamson film, I Know What You Did Last Summer. Regrettably, the slasher flick was unable to keep its box office reign in its second week, as James Cameron’s Titanic premiered the same weekend and smashed the box office – if you got to be dethroned there’s no shame in it being by Titanic. Despite having a huge debut Scream 2 wasn’t able to generate as much box office power as the original, as when the film ended its box office run it had earned $172,363,301, just shy of surpassing its predecessor.
Budget: (Estimated) $24,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $172,363,301
1998
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later
Plot Synopsis: Laurie Strode, now the dean of a Northern California private school with an assumed name, must battle the Shape one last time, as the life of her own son hangs in the balance.
It should come as no surprise to fans of the horror genre that when Jamie Lee Curtis chose to reprise her iconic role of Laurie Strode after 17 years, the world would take notice. Released on August 5th, audiences once again saw Laurie Strode go up against the face of evil, a sight that earned the film $16,187,724 in its opening weekend, but despite almost earning back its budget, Halloween H20 was only able to earn the number three spot at the box office, as Saving Private Ryan had a secure grip on the number one spot. While the long-awaited clash between Laurie and Michael never managed to break any box office records, it did manage to earn a worldwide total of $55,041,738 during its theatrical run, making Halloween H20 the highest-grossing installment in the franchise at the time, until the release of 2018’s Halloween. Proving once again that the slasher genre was a force to be reckoned with, as for the third consecutive year in a row a slasher film claimed the title of being the highest-grossing horror film of the year. Despite being such an iconic horror franchise, this would also mark the one and only time that a “Halloween” film would ever make the list.
Budget: (Estimated) $17,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $55,041,738
1999
The Sixth Sense
Plot Synopsis: Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist, starts treating a young boy, Cole, who encounters dead people and convinces him to help them. In turn, Cole helps Malcolm reconcile with his estranged wife.
On August 06, 1999, audiences were prepared to see dead people when M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense opened on 2,161 screens, earning an impressive $26,681,262 during its opening weekend. This ghostly performance shattered the record for the largest August opening weekend, previously held by The Fugitive, a title it would hold onto for two years until Rush Hour 2 broke its record. The Sixth Sense demonstrated an otherworldly staying power, haunting the number one spot at the box office for five consecutive weeks – a feat only achieved by Titanic before it. Even more impressive, it became only the second film after Titanic to also gross more than $20 million for five weekends in a row, proving that audiences couldn’t get enough of this spectral spectacle. The film’s Labor Day weekend performance was particularly spine-tingling, raking in $29.2 million and setting a record that would remain unbroken until losing the title to 2007’s Halloween. By the time The Sixth Sense finished its theatrical run, it had earned a staggering $672,806,292 worldwide, claiming the title of the second-highest-grossing film of 1999. This marked the first time since The Silence of the Lambs in 1991 that a horror film had cracked the top five spot for the year. This also wouldn’t be the last time ghosts haunted the box office, as the following year another haunted film also took the title of the highest grossing horror film.
Budget: (Estimated) $40,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $672,806,292
2000
What Lies Beneath
Plot Synopsis: The wife of a university research scientist believes that her lakeside Vermont home is haunted by a ghost – or that she is losing her mind.
In the summer of 2000, a chilling presence loomed over theaters as What Lies Beneath, a Hitchcockian thriller took the box office by storm. Debuting on July 23rd, the film opened across 2,813 screens and audiences were immediately spellbound by the film’s haunting allure, contributing to a staggering $29,702,959 debut. It easily claimed the number one spot on its opening weekend, eclipsing the previous week’s champion, X-Men. Although its grip on the coveted spot, would unfortunately only last one week, as going into its second weekend the film would slip from the number one spot. Despite this fact, the film continued to prove itself capable at the box office, amassing a worldwide box office total of $291,420,351. The supernatural success of What Lies Beneath did not go unnoticed, as the film earned itself a nomination for Best Horror Film at the 27th Saturn Awards. It also became the 10th highest-grossing film of 2000, echoing the eerie achievement of The Sixth Sense the year prior, and proving once again the allure the horror genre had at the box office.
Budget: (Estimated) $100,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $291,420,351
Scary Movie
If you don’t consider What Lies Beneath to be a horror film, then maybe the winner of this year’s highest-grossing horror film belongs to Scary Movie, the first film in the successful horror spoof franchise. Scary Movie premiered on July 09th, earning $42,346,669 its opening weekend, breaking the record of the highest weekend debut for an R-rated film, previously held by Air Force One’s $37.1 million. During its theatrical run the film grossed $278,019,771 and earned the position of the 11th highest-grossing film of the year, just one spot below What Lies Beneath. While Scary Movie is primarily considered a comedy that parodies horror films, some argue it should be classified within the horror genre. So, if you don’t consider What Lies Beneath as a horror movie, then maybe in your opinion, the title of 2000’s highest-grossing horror film would go to Scary Movie.
Hollow Man
Now, if you don’t consider What Lies Beneath or Scary Movie to be a horror film, then the next option goes to Hollow Man, a modern adaptation of the Invisible Man story starring Kevin Bacon. Opening on August 4th, Hollow Man grossed $26,414,386 in its opening weekend, claiming the number one spot at the box office—a position it held for two consecutive weeks. By its third week, the film dropped to the number seven spot but still managed to rake in an impressive $190,213,455 worldwide by the end of its theatrical run, securing its place as the 22nd highest-grossing film of the year.
2001
Hannibal
Plot Synopsis: Living in exile, Dr. Hannibal Lecter tries to reconnect with now disgraced F.B.I. Agent Clarice Starling, and finds himself a target for revenge from a powerful victim.
Proving that the original film had aged like a fine chianti, audiences still had an insatiable appetite for the brilliant yet sinister Dr. Lecter when Hannibal was released ten years after its predecessor. The sequel quickly devoured the competition, opening domestically on February 09th and earning $58,003,121 from 3,230 screens, breaking the record for the biggest opening weekend for an R-rated film, surpassing Scary Movie’s $42 million debut just the previous summer. Similar to the original, Hannibal secured the top domestic box office spot its opening weekend, but unfortunately for the Jodie Foster-less sequel, it only managed to cling to that top spot for three weeks, before losing the title to The Mexican. Overseas, the film was released on various dates throughout February and managed to earn $186,600,000 at the international box office during its run. When you combine that with the total domestic box office earnings, Hannibal managed to gross $351,692,268 worldwide, and just as What Lies Beneath had achieved the previous year, the film earned the title of being the 10th highest-grossing film of the year.
Budget: (Estimated) $87,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $351,692,268
2002
Signs
Plot Synopsis: A widowed former reverend living with his children and brother on a Pennsylvania farm finds mysterious crop circles in their fields, which suggests something more frightening to come.
On August 02nd, 2002, audiences discovered that crop circles were more than just elaborate pranks when M. Night Shyamalan’s alien invasion thriller Signs landed in 3,264 theaters, grossing an impressive $60,117,080 during its opening weekend and earning the number one spot at the box office. This otherworldly performance secured the second-highest August opening weekend at the time, just behind Rush Hour 2. Signs dominance at the box office would be initially short lived as the following week XXX, would knock Signs out of the top spot, but like a persistent UFO sighting, Signs circled back to reclaim the number one position in its fourth week. In a feat that was truly out of this world, Signs became the first film since Shyamalan’s own The Sixth Sense to top the box office in its fifth weekend. By the time the last cornfield had been flattened, Signs had harvested a cosmic $408,247,917 worldwide, securing the title of the 7th highest grossing film of 2002. It seemed that in 2002, moviegoers were more than willing to shell out their hard-earned cash for a close encounter of the cinematic kind.
Budget: (Estimated) $72,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $408,247,917
The Ring
Much like in other years, 2002 presents a debate about what truly counts as a horror film. While Signs is often considered the highest-grossing horror film of the year, some might argue that its blend of sci-fi and suspense makes it more of a thriller. If you don’t consider Signs to be a horror film, then the title of 2002’s highest-grossing horror film belongs to The Ring. This chilling tale of a cursed videotape opened on October 18th and, despite starting modestly, built momentum to gross $249,348,933 worldwide. The Ring not only became the 17th highest-grossing film of 2002, but it also sparked a trend of American remakes of Japanese horror films, a trend that would start to dominate the horror box office in the coming years.
2003
Gothika
Plot Synopsis: A depressed psychiatrist wakes up as a patient in the asylum where she worked, with no memory of why she is there or what she has done.
On November 21st, 2003, audiences were ready to check themselves into a supernatural asylum when the psychological horror thriller Gothika opened in 2,382 theaters. The film, starring Halle Berry as a psychiatrist who finds herself committed to her own mental hospital, managed to conjure up $19,288,438 during its opening weekend. Despite its star power, Gothika couldn’t quite reach the top spot at the box office, debuting at number two behind the Dr. Seuss inspired The Cat in the Hat. Unlike its predecessors in previous years, Gothika never managed to earn the number one position throughout its theatrical run. However, the film still proved it had some staying power, eventually accumulating a total of $141,591,324 worldwide. It seemed that in 2003, horror was once again not as big of a box office draw as it had been just the previous years, as Gothika only managed to secure the spot of the 41th highest-grossing film of 2003.
Budget: (Estimated) $40,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $141,591,32
Scary Movie 3
Not since 1993’s Hocus Pocus debate have we faced a similar question, as 2003 saw the release of Scary Movie 3. This third installment in the parody franchise actually ranked higher than Gothika, placing 19th on the year-end charts. Released on October 24th, it earned $49,700,00 in its opening weekend, breaking the record for the highest October debut previously held by Red Dragon. The film went on to gross $220,673,217 during its theatrical run, leaving you to decide whether Scary Movie 3 qualifies as a horror film. If you think it does, then Scary Movie 3 would be your rightful winner this year, far surpassing Gothika in the standings.
Freddy vs. Jason
Now, if you’re not convinced that Gothika or Scary Movie 3 is a horror movie, then that means the long-awaited silver screen battle between two of the most iconic slasher villains claims the top spot this year. It had been ten years since the iconic hockey mask-wearing killer Jason made this list—unless, of course, you considered Hocus Pocus a horror movie in 1993—and we hadn’t seen Freddy make the list since the 1980s. Freddy vs. Jason premiered on August 15th, earning $36,400,00, breaking Scream 3’s record for the highest-grossing weekend for a slasher film. The film managed to rake in $116,632,628, securing the title of the 52nd highest-grossing film of the year—one spot above the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake.
2004
The Grudge
Plot Synopsis: An American nurse living and working in Tokyo is exposed to a mysterious supernatural curse, one that locks a person in a powerful rage before claiming their life and spreading to another victim.
In 2004, The Grudge haunted its way to the top of the box office when it was released in 3,348 theaters on October 22nd. The American remake of the Japanese horror film Ju-On: The Grudge opened to a chilling $39,128,715, easily claiming the number one spot and breaking Freddy vs. Jason‘s record for the highest weekend debut for a horror film. Holding onto the top position for a second weekend, The Grudge eventually lost the number one spot to The Incredibles in its third weekend, but it continued to draw in audiences, finishing its theatrical run with a worldwide gross of $187,281,115, making it the 27th highest-grossing film of the year. If you consider The Ring to be the highest-grossing horror film of 2002, then The Grudge marks the second American adaptation of a Japanese horror film to dominate the box office—solidifying the appeal of J-horror remakes in the early 2000s—and it wouldn’t be the last time a remake would claim the title of the highest-grossing horror film of the year.
Budget: (Estimated) $10,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $187,281,115
2005
The Ring Two
Plot Synopsis: 6 months after the incidents involving the lethal videotape, new clues prove that there is a new evil lurking in the darkness.
While there may be debate over whether 2002’s American remake of The Ring was the highest-grossing horror film of its year, there’s no question that its sequel, The Ring 2, earns the title for 2005. Released on March 18th across 3,332 screens, the highly anticipated follow-up opened with $35,065,237, debuting at number one at the box office. However, like its predecessor, it only held the top spot for one week before dropping to third place in its second weekend, losing out to Guess Who. The Ring 2 ultimately grossed $163,995,949 worldwide, falling short of the original’s total and ranking as the 25th highest-grossing film of the year. This also marked the third consecutive year where a horror film failed to break into the top 20, despite the genre’s consistent box office presence.
Budget: (Estimated) $50,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $163,995,949
2006
Saw III
Plot Synopsis: Jigsaw abducts a doctor in order to keep himself alive while he watches his new apprentice put an unlucky citizen named Jeff through a brutal test.
Saw III marks the first time the horror franchise makes this list, despite the undeniable impact the previous two films had on the horror community. This third installment in the franchise premiered on October 27th at number one on 3,167 theaters, grossing $33,610,391 million in its opening weekend. The film not only managed to earn the number one spot but it also broke Saw II’s record for the highest Halloween opening weekend, a feat it held for five years until it was beaten in 2011 by Puss in Boots. Despite its strong debut, Saw III couldn’t hold the top spot going into its second weekend, losing the title to Borat and dropping to the number four spot. The film ended up earning $164,874,275 at the box office, grossing more than the previous installment in the franchise, securing its title as the 27th highest-grossing film of the year, marking yet another year that horror was unable to crack the top 20. But this also wouldn’t be the last time that a film in the “Saw” franchise would make this list, proving that the series would have a lasting impact on the horror genre and its fans.
Budget: (Estimated) $10,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $164,874,275
2007
I Am Legend
Plot Synopsis: Years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure.
In 2007, audiences were reintroduced to Richard Matheson’s post-apocalyptic world with I Am Legend, the third adaptation of the novel after The Last Man on Earth and The Omega Man. Opening on December 14th, I Am Legend dominated the box office with an impressive $77,211,321 debut, securing the top spot and beating out Alvin and the Chipmunks. The film also shattered the record for the highest December weekend debut, previously held by The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Though I Am Legend would lose its crown the following week to National Treasure: Book of Secrets, it maintained strong momentum throughout its run, ultimately grossing $585,410,052 worldwide. This performance not only cemented I Am Legend as the highest-grossing horror film of 2007, but it also broke a four-year streak in which no horror film had cracked the top twenty, with I Am Legend securing the spot of the 7th highest-grossing film of the year.
Budget: (Estimated) $150,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $585,410,052
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street/Resident Evil: Extinction
If you don’t consider I Am Legend a horror movie, then 2007 might feel quite bleak for the horror genre. Your next best option is Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which grossed $153,383,627, making it the 37th highest-grossing film of the year. If you don’t think this musical about a murderous barber qualifies as horror, then you’re left with the third installment of the “Resident Evil” franchise, Resident Evil: Extinction, which grossed $147,717,833 and ranked as the 40th highest-grossing film of 2007.
2008
Cloverfield
Plot Synopsis: A group of friends venture deep into the streets of New York on a rescue mission during a rampaging monster attack.
In 2008, Cloverfield, a found-footage monster film, stomped into theaters, offering a fresh take on the genre. Opening in 3,411 theaters on January 18th, Cloverfield grossed an impressive $40,058,229 in its debut weekend, shattering the record for the highest January weekend debut, previously held by Star Wars (Special Edition) with $35.9 million. The film also broke Black Hawk Down’s record for the highest Martin Luther King Jr. Day long-weekend debut, with $28.6 million, and Titanic‘s record for the highest Martin Luther King Jr. Day long-weekend gross, which stood at $30 million. Despite a strong start and claiming the number one spot in its opening weekend, Cloverfield lost its box office crown the following week to the spoof comedy Meet the Spartans, as its second weekend earnings dropped to $12,712,134. By the end of its run, Cloverfield had grossed $172,394,180 worldwide, landing as the 39th highest-grossing film of the year.
Budget: (Estimated) $25,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $172,394,180
Saw V
If you don’t consider Cloverfield a horror film, then once again the “Saw” franchise makes an appearance, with Saw V earning $113,864,059 and ranking 56th among 2008’s highest-grossing films. This is the second-lowest ranking for a top horror film in a year, with only 1993’s Jason Goes to Hell ranking lower at 85th. Notably, this marks the last appearance of a “Saw” film on this list.
2009
Paranormal Activity
Plot Synopsis: After moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence.
The following year, in 2009, another found-footage film would top the horror charts when the independent horror hit Paranormal Activity premiered, terrifying audiences who believed what they were seeing was real. The film opened on September 25th, 2009, in just 12 theaters, grossing $77,873 and landing in the forty-eighth spot at the box office. However, it quickly began to gain momentum, expanding to 33 theaters the following weekend and earning $532,242 to climb to the twentieth spot. By its third weekend, the buzz around Paranormal Activity continued to grow, with the film now playing in 160 theaters and grossing $7,900,695, securing the number four spot. In its fourth weekend, the film expanded to 760 theaters and earned $19,617,650, reaching the number three spot. Finally, in its fifth weekend, Paranormal Activity reached the pinnacle, grossing $21,104,070 while playing in 1,945 theaters and claiming the number one spot at the box office—an impressive feat after four weekends of limited release. Although it slipped to number two the following weekend, the film continued to perform well, ultimately earning a staggering $193,355,800 worldwide on a shoestring budget of just $15,000. This performance made Paranormal Activity the 32nd highest-grossing film of 2009—not bad for a film that started in only 12 theaters.
Budget: (Estimated) $15,000
Worldwide Gross: $193,355,800
2010
Resident Evil: Afterlife
Plot Synopsis: While still out to destroy the evil Umbrella Corporation, Alice joins a group of survivors living in a prison surrounded by the infected who also want to relocate to the mysterious but supposedly unharmed safe haven known only as Arcadia.
Found-footage films lost their hold on the box office in 2010, as a zombie film took center stage. The fourth film in the survival horror game franchise, Resident Evil: Afterlife, opened on September 10th in 3,203 theaters, with 2,062 of those locations showing it on 3D-equipped screens and 141 in IMAX 3D, making it one of the largest 3D releases at the time. The film debuted at number one, earning $26,650,264 in its opening weekend. Despite having a strong start the film would end up dropping to the number four spot the following weekend. By the end of its run, Resident Evil: Afterlife had grossed $300,228,084 worldwide, securing the title of the 21st highest-grossing film of the year. Depending on your opinion about 2007’s Resident Evil: Extinction, this either marks the first or second time a film based on the popular Capcom series made the list, but it certainly wouldn’t be the last.
Budget: (Estimated) $60,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $300,228,084
2011
Paranormal Activity 3
Plot Synopsis: In 1988, young sisters Katie and Kristi befriend an invisible entity called Toby, who resides in their home.
Unlike the first film in the franchise, Paranormal Activity 3 received a wide release, having already established itself as a powerhouse in the horror genre. This third installment opened on October 21st in 3,321 theaters, earning a massive $52,568,183 in its opening weekend. Its Friday gross alone was $26.2 million, marking the best opening day for any film in 2011 since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. Paranormal Activity 3 shattered Paranormal Activity 2’s record for the highest weekend debut for a horror film, surpassing its $40.6 million opening. It also broke Jackass 3D’s record for the highest October release of $50.3 million, a record that it would later lose to Gravity in 2013. The following weekend, Paranormal Activity 3 lost the top spot to Puss in Boots, the same film that broke Saw III’s record for the highest Halloween weekend debut. By the end of its run, Paranormal Activity 3 grossed $207,039,844 worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in the “Paranormal Activity” series and the 34th highest-grossing film of 2011.
Budget: (Estimated) $5,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $207,039,844
2012
Resident Evil: Retribution
Plot Synopsis: Alice fights alongside a resistance movement to regain her freedom from an Umbrella Corporation testing facility.
The survival horror franchise “Resident Evil” once again made an appearance on the list in 2012, with the fifth installment, Resident Evil: Retribution, earning the title of the highest-grossing horror movie of the year. The film opened on September 16th in 3,102 theaters, grossing $21,052,277 in its opening weekend and taking the top spot at the box office, dethroning The Possession, which had held the spot for two weeks. However, Resident Evil: Retribution lost its crown the following weekend to End of Watch, with a steep 68% drop, earning only $6,701,803—a record for the worst domestic drop in the “Resident Evil” series at the time. Despite this decline, the film still managed to gross $240,159,255 worldwide, including $197,813,724 from overseas markets and $42,345,531 domestically. Resident Evil: Retribution would end up ranking as the 33rd highest-grossing film of 2012, marking the final time a “Resident Evil” film would make this list.
Budget: (Estimated) $65,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $240,159,255
2013
World War Z
Plot Synopsis: Former United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop a zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatens to destroy humanity itself.
Zombies once again proved their box office dominance with 2013’s World War Z, an adaptation of Max Brooks’ 2006 novel of the same name. Premiering on June 21st in 3,607 theaters, the film earned an impressive $66,411,834 in its debut weekend. Despite this strong start, World War Z finished second to Pixar’s Monsters University, which claimed the top spot. At the time, this marked the second-largest opening weekend for a film that didn’t debut at number one, just behind The Day After Tomorrow. However, World War Z did manage to crush Dawn of the Dead’s $26.7 million record for the highest opening weekend gross for a zombie film. While it never managed to claw its way to the number one position during its entire run, the film’s relentless pace at the box office helped it achieve a worldwide gross of $540,007,876, earning the title of the 12th highest-grossing film of 2013. Not bad for a movie that always seemed to be chasing the top spot.
Budget: (Estimated) $190,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $540,007,876
The Conjuring
If for some reason you don’t consider World War Z to be a horror movie, then the title of the highest-grossing horror film of 2013 shifts to The Conjuring, the film that launched the “Conjuring Universe”. A hit from the start, The Conjuring opened with $41,855,326, breaking The Purge’s record of $34.1 million, for the highest weekend debut for an original R-rated horror film—a record that had only been set one month earlier. By the end of its theatrical run, the movie conjured up $319,494,638 at the box office. This chilling haunted house tale not only captivated audiences but also laid the foundation for what would become a universe of nightmares. Depending on your opinion of World War Z, this may or may not be the first time a “Conjuring Universe” film claims the top spot, but one thing is certain: it definitely won’t be the last.
2014
Annabelle
Plot Synopsis: A couple begins to experience terrifying supernatural occurrences involving a vintage doll shortly after their home is invaded by satanic cultists.
While 2013 may leave some debate over whether a “Conjuring” film topped the horror list, there’s no mistaking the clear-cut winner in 2014: Annabelle. The first spin-off in the “Conjuring Universe” premiered on October 3rd across 3,185 theaters, earning a solid $37,134,255 in its opening weekend. Despite its strong debut, Annabelle couldn’t quite outdo Gone Girl, which narrowly edged it out with $37,513,109. Annabelle continued to trail Gone Girl in its second weekend, as the thriller held onto the top spot once again. Nonetheless, Annabelle carved its own place at the box office, eventually earning $257,047,661 worldwide, securing its spot as the 33rd highest-grossing film of 2014. More importantly, this marked the official start of the “Conjuring Universe’s” firm grip on the horror box office, as several other films from the franchise would soon follow in its footsteps.
Budget: (Estimated) $6,5000,000
Worldwide Gross: $257,047,661
2015
Insidious: Chapter 3
Plot Synopsis: A prequel set before the haunting of the Lambert family that reveals how gifted psychic Elise Rainier reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity.
While it may seem surprising given the franchise’s undeniable impact on the horror community, 2015 marks the first time an “Insidious” film topped the list of the highest-grossing horror film of the year. Insidious: Chapter 3 debuted on June 5th, earning $22,692,741 and managing only a number three spot at the box office, with the comedy Spy claiming the top spot. This was a significant drop compared to Insidious: Chapter 2, which premiered in 2013 with an impressive $40,272,103 and landed at number one. Despite the slower start, Insidious: Chapter 3 still managed to claim the highest-grossing horror film of the year title, pulling in a total of $112,983,889 at the box office, and outpacing competitors like M. Night Shyamalan’s The Visit and the remake of Poltergeist. Even more surprising, this is the only film in the “Insidious” franchise to make the list.
Budget: (Estimated) $10,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $112,983,889
2016
The Conjuring 2
Plot Synopsis: Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to North London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by a supernatural spirit.
2016 saw the much-anticipated return of the “Conjuring Universe” with the premiere of The Conjuring 2 on June 10th. Opening in 3,342 theaters, the film earned an impressive $40,406,314 in its debut weekend, securing the number one spot at the box office. This marked the biggest opening for a horror film since the original Conjuring in 2013, and it also shattered the record for the largest June opening for a horror film, previously held by The Purge. However, in its second weekend, The Conjuring 2 fell to the number three spot, with its ranking continuing to slip in the following weeks as it faced a steady stream of new releases and began losing theaters. Despite these challenges, the film’s box office momentum remained strong, with The Conjuring 2 ultimately grossing $321,370,008 worldwide—slightly outpacing its predecessor. This impressive total earned it the title of the highest-grossing horror film of the year, as well as the 29th highest-grossing film of 2016.
Budget: (Estimated) $40,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $320,392,818
2017
It
Plot Synopsis: In the summer of 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to destroy a shape-shifting monster, which disguises itself as a clown and preys on the children of Derry, their small Maine town.
When the remake of Stephen King’s It floated into theaters on September 10th, 2017, few could have predicted the tidal wave of success Pennywise the Dancing Clown was about to unleash on the horror world. The film made an astonishing $13.5 million from Thursday night previews alone, smashing the record for the highest preview gross for an R-rated movie, surpassing Deadpool’s $12.6 million. On its first day, It raked in $50,425,786, marking the biggest single-day opening for an R-rated film, surpassing Deadpool’s $46 million, and nearly eclipsing Paranormal Activity 3’s entire weekend gross of $52.6 million, which had held the record for the highest opening weekend for an R-rated horror movie. By the end of the weekend, It had smashed Hotel Transylvania 2’s $48.5 million for the largest September debut, Paranormal Activity 3’s $52.5 million for the biggest horror opening, and Gravity’s $55.8 million for the highest fall release weekend. With a final weekend tally of $123,403,419 million, It became the largest opener for an R-rated horror film and the biggest horror debut in history, surpassing Hannibal’s $58 million. The film held the top spot at the box office for two consecutive weekends before Kingsman: The Golden Circle claimed the crown, but by then It had already surpassed The Exorcist’s $232.9 million haul, securing its place as the highest-grossing horror film of all time, a title it still holds. By the time Pennywise took his final bow, It had grossed an incredible $702,781,748 worldwide, cementing itself as the 13th highest-grossing film of 2017—proof positive that It was a horror film for the record books.
Budget: (Estimated) $35,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $700,381,748
2018
The Nun
Plot Synopsis: A priest with a haunted past and a novice on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate the death of a young nun in Romania and confront a malevolent force in the form of a demonic nun.
In 2018, Pennywise took a break from terrorizing the box office, making way for another “Conjuring” film to rise to the top. This time, it was The Nun, a spin-off from the “Conjuring Universe”, that claimed the throne. First introduced in The Conjuring 2, the sinister Nun got her own solo film on September 7th, opening on 3,876 screens and pulling in $53,807,379—marking the biggest debut for a “Conjuring” film at the time. The film quickly secured the number one spot at the box office, dethroning Crazy Rich Asians, which had held the top position for three consecutive weeks. Although The Nun would relinquish its box office crown the following weekend to The Predator, it continued to perform well, ultimately earning $366,050,119 worldwide. This impressive haul made The Nun the highest-grossing entry in the “Conjuring” franchise and secured its place as the highest-grossing horror film of 2018, as well as the 28th highest-grossing film of the year.
Budget: (Estimated) $22,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $365,550,119
2019
It Chapter Two
Plot Synopsis: Twenty-seven years after their first encounter with the terrifying Pennywise, the Losers Club have grown up and moved away, until a devastating phone call brings them back.
In 2019, Pennywise floated back into theaters, and fans were eager to face their fears once again. It Chapter Two proved that coulrophobia was still alive and well when it made a chilling $37,043,656 million in its first day, including $10.5 million from Thursday night previews. This hair-raising debut marked the second-highest total for both a September opening and a horror film, trailing only behind its predecessor’s $13.5 million. The killer clown’s return carved out an impressive $91,062,152 opening weekend, securing the second-best debut ever for a horror film and easily claiming the number one spot at the box office. While It Chapter Two’s debut was nothing to scoff at, it fell short of its predecessor’s earth-shattering opening. Critics pointed to a more mixed reception and the film’s nearly three-hour runtime as potential reasons for the slightly deflated numbers. Despite not quite reaching the heights of the first chapter, It Chapter Two still managed to float to an impressive $473,093,228 worldwide gross, proving that Pennywise still had plenty of bite left. The film secured its place as the 16th highest-grossing film of the year, reminding us that while sequels often struggle to capture the magic of the original, they can still pack a terrifying punch
Budget: (Estimated) $79,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $473,093,228
2020
The Invisible Man
Plot Synopsis: When Cecilia’s abusive ex takes his own life and leaves her his fortune, she suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of coincidences turn lethal, Cecilia works to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.
The Invisible Man was officially released on Feb 28th, 2020, on its first day, the film made $9,979,880 million, including $1.65 million it earned during a special Thursday night screening. The Invisible Man would go on to gross an opening weekend total of $28,205,665 million, securing the top spot at the box office. The following week The Invisible Man would lose the number one spot to Onward dropping down to number two, but still managing to earn $15,132,340 million. During its fourth week, the film faced an unexpected obstacle when several theatres around the world began to close their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Invisible Man was then moved outside, where it began to screen almost entirely at drive-ins. While the box office totals paled in comparison to what the film had been making up to this point, it appeared audiences starved for entertainment continued to see The Invisible Man. Faced with an unspeakable pandemic, The Invisible Man seemed to defy the odds, earning a worldwide total of $144,492,724, and after a hard-fought battle, the film can proudly boast its title of being the highest-grossing horror film of the year and the 15th highest grossing film of 2020.
Budget: (Estimated) $7,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $144,492,724
2021
A Quiet Place Part II
Plot Synopsis: Following the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats lurking beyond the sand path.
A Quiet Place Part II had to tread lightly as the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to postpone its release from late March 2020 to May 28th, 2021. When it finally crept into theaters, the film made some noise with a $19,368,427 million haul on its first day, including $4.8 million from Thursday night previews. This silent killer outperformed its predecessor’s $4.3 million preview figure, with both grosses standing as the highest of the pandemic era. The sequel continued to amplify its success, debuting to $48,547,231 million in its three-day opening and a total of $57,088,948 million over the four-day Memorial Day weekend. This monster opening not only topped the box office but also marked the biggest opening weekend since Sonic the Hedgehog in February 2020, proving that audiences were ready to break their silence. In its sophomore weekend, the film grossed $19,266,977 million, finishing second behind another horror contender, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. A Quiet Place Part II crossed the $100 million domestic mark on June 11th, becoming the first film of the pandemic era to achieve this milestone. Despite the world still grappling with the pandemic, A Quiet Place Part II managed to make some serious noise, earning $297,372,261 at the global box office and securing the title of the 15th highest-grossing film of 2021. It seems that even in the quietest of times, this sequel found a way to be heard.
Budget: (Estimated) $61,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $297,372,261
2022
Smile
Plot Synopsis: After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, a psychiatrist becomes increasingly convinced she is being threatened by an uncanny entity.
Smile creeped into theaters on September 30th, 2022, opening in 3,645 locations and delivering a solid first-day gross of $8,234,402, which included $2 million from Thursday night previews. Exceeding expectations, the film debuted with $22,609,925 over its opening weekend, claiming the top spot at the box office and marking the biggest September opening of the year. In its second weekend, Smile displayed remarkable staying power, earning $18,542,568 and posting just an 18% drop—one of the smallest second-weekend declines for a horror film, second only to Get Out’s 15% drop in 2017. This also marked the best non-holiday hold of the pandemic era. Although it was eventually dethroned by Halloween Ends in its third weekend, Smile continued to creep up the charts. By November 9th, it had crossed the $100 million mark domestically, becoming only the third R-rated film of the pandemic era to do so, and the highest-grossing R-rated horror film worldwide during that time. Smile would go on to gross $217,408,513 globally, earning the title of the highest-grossing horror movie of 2022 and the 20th highest-grossing film of the year. Notably, Smile was originally intended for a streaming-only release on Paramount+, but after strong test screening results, Paramount Pictures decided to give it a full theatrical run, a decision that paid off as the film became a sleeper hit.
Budget: (Estimated) $17,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $297,372,261
2023
Five Nights at Freddy’s
Plot Synopsis: A troubled security guard begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. During his first night on the job, he realizes that the night shift won’t be so easy to get through. Pretty soon he will unveil what actually happened at Freddy’s.
Not since 2012’s Resident Evil: Retribution has a movie based on a horror video game made its way onto the highest-grossing horror list, but Five Nights at Freddy’s changed that when it was released on October 27th, 2023, in 3,675 theaters. The film pulled in an impressive $39,645,580 on its first day, including $10.3 million from Thursday night previews, setting a record for the biggest-ever opening day for a film with a simultaneous streaming release. Over its opening weekend, Five Nights at Freddy’s earned a massive $80,001,720, claiming the top spot at the box office and dethroning Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. The film also shattered multiple records, including the highest Halloween weekend debut, surpassing Puss in Boots: The Last Wish‘s $34.1 million, and the highest weekend debut for a live-action video game adaptation, breaking Sonic the Hedgehog 2‘s $72.1 million. Additionally, it became Blumhouse’s best opening, topping Halloween‘s $76.2 million. Five Nights at Freddy’s held onto the number one spot in its second weekend before eventually being dethroned in its third weekend by The Marvels. By its seventh weekend, the film had surpassed Split‘s $278 million to become Blumhouse’s highest-grossing release worldwide. In total, Five Nights at Freddy’s earned $291,493,620 globally, securing its place as the 19th highest-grossing film of the year and blocking The Nun II from repeating on the list.
Budget: (Estimated) $20,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $291,493,620
2024
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Plot Synopsis: After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife.
After decades of waiting, audiences finally got to say the name Beetlejuice three times again, and the box office answered in a big way. The long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic premiered in 4,575 theaters and scared up an impressive $111,003,345 in its opening weekend, claiming the top spot and proving it was, indeed, showtime. The sequel didn’t just outgross its predecessor’s lifetime total of $74,852,535 in a single weekend—it also held onto the number one position for three consecutive weeks, fending off tough competition like Transformers One in its third weekend. However, by its fourth week, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was dethroned by The Wild Robot. Despite slipping from the top, the film continued to draw audiences and finished its theatrical run with an impressive $451,100,435 worldwide gross, earning the title of the 10th highest-grossing movie of 2024. With its mix of nostalgia and fresh appeal, the return of the ghost with the most proved that fans were more than ready for another trip to the Neitherworld.
Budget: (Estimated) $100,000,000
Worldwide Gross: $451,100,435
So, there you have it—52 years of screams, shocks, and shattered box office records. From masked slashers to haunted houses, demonic possessions to psychological terrors, these films didn’t just scare audiences—they packed theaters and left their bloody handprints on the history of cinema.
While some years saw horror briefly retreat into the shadows, recent years have proven that the genre is more alive than ever, reinventing itself with bold new visions and fresh nightmares that keep audiences flocking to theaters. Horror isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, evolving into a cultural phenomenon that refuses to die.
Whether you’re a diehard fan who craves every jump scare or the kind of viewer who peeks through trembling fingers, one thing is certain: horror has cemented its place as one of the most resilient and electrifying genres in cinema. With every scream, shock, and spine-chilling moment, these films remind us why we keep coming back for more. After all, fear is timeless—and so is our fascination with it.
