Horror Films Break Box Office Records Worldwide 2025

In 2025, horror films have experienced a notable resurgence both commercially and critically, with The Conjuring: Last Rites setting box office records and rapidly approaching the year's highest-grossing horror film milestone, surpassing titles like Sinners and Weapons. This resurgence is marked by a broader respect for the horror genre, as critics and filmmakers highlight its artistic merit and the craftsmanship involved in blending scares and humor, reminiscent of classics like Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein and more recent works by directors such as Jordan Peele and Ari Aster. Despite a generally underwhelming year for movies, with few standout Oscar contenders emerging from major festivals, the Best Picture race for 2026 remains open and may encourage the Academy to consider a wider range of quality films. Additionally, 2025 has shown that audiences still value the theatrical experience, as demonstrated by strong box office performances of films and events like the filmed stage version of Hamilton, the 50th anniversary re-release of Jaws, and other niche theatrical events, even when these are concurrently available on streaming platforms. This trend suggests that while streaming continues to thrive, the appeal of communal moviegoing and big-screen spectacle remains strong for certain films. Meanwhile, mid-tier blockbuster releases such as Jurassic World: Rebirth have received mixed reviews, indicating a varied landscape in terms of audience and critical reception across genres.