Horror Movie Boom: 2025 Sets Record with $1 Billion at the Domestic Box Office
LOS ANGELES - The horror movie genre has been on a tear in 2025, with several films breaking box office records and surpassing $1 billion in domestic ticket sales. According to Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends at Comscore, this milestone marks the first time since 2017 that horror movies have reached such heights.
The Conjuring: Last Rites, a film based on the true story of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, led the charge with an impressive $84 million domestic opening weekend. Other successful horror films in 2025 include Ryan Coogler's Sinners, Zach Cregger's Weapons, and Final Destination Bloodlines.
Dergarabedian attributes the success of horror movies to their ability to tap into current cultural anxieties. "Horror films have always been an effective way for audiences to confront and process their fears in a safe environment," he said. "In 2025, it seems that audiences are particularly drawn to these types of stories."
Industry insiders agree that the success of horror movies is not just about box office numbers, but also about the cultural impact they have on society. "Horror films often reflect and comment on the world we live in," said film critic and historian, Mark Cousins. "They can be a powerful tool for social commentary and critique."
The popularity of horror movies has also been fueled by the rise of streaming services, which have made it easier than ever for audiences to access a wide range of horror content. According to a recent survey, 75% of horror fans prefer to watch their favorite films on streaming platforms.
As the year comes to a close, industry experts are predicting that the horror movie boom will continue into 2026. With several high-profile releases already scheduled, including a new installment in the Scream franchise and a film based on the popular video game series, Resident Evil, it's clear that audiences will have plenty of opportunities to indulge in their love of all things spooky.
Background: Horror movies have long been a staple of the entertainment industry, with classics like The Exorcist and The Shining continuing to terrify audiences to this day. However, 2025 has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity for the genre, with several films breaking box office records and pushing the domestic total over $1 billion.
Additional Perspectives: According to a recent survey by the market research firm, Morning Consult, 60% of Americans say they are more interested in horror movies than ever before. When asked why, respondents cited the ability to escape reality as their top reason for watching horror films.
As the horror movie boom continues to gain momentum, one thing is clear: audiences will be screaming for more.
*Reporting by Vox.*
