Nicolas Cage's horror thriller 'Longlegs' has exceeded box office expectations, earning $22.6 million in its opening weekend, propelled by glowing reviews and a unique marketing campaign. The indie distributor Neon's strategic promotion and nostalgic marketing tactics contributed to the film's success, showcasing a resurgence of cult classic strategies. Despite positive critical reception, audience reactions to 'Longlegs' have been mixed, with varied scores on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and Comscore/PostTrak. The film's profitability, produced on a budget under $10 million, signals a potential shift in the horror genre landscape, competing with established franchises like 'Despicable Me 4'.