Nosferatu’s Impressive Box Office Performance Alleviates Concerns Following Robert Eggers’ $69 Million Setback

Robert Eggers’ latest film, Nosferatu, has exceeded initial box office expectations, offering a welcome boost after the moderate underperformance of his previous project. Like all of Eggers’ creations, this vampire-themed horror movie has garnered impressive Rotten Tomatoes ratings, reflecting its strong critical reception. With Bill Skarsgård portraying the menacing Count Orlok, and a supporting cast including Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Willem Dafoe, Nosferatu is fast becoming one of the most noteworthy vampire adaptations in cinema history.

Despite receiving critical acclaim, Robert Eggers’ earlier films struggled commercially. His debut, The Witch, featuring Anya Taylor-Joy, was a significant success, earning over 10 times its modest $4 million budget. However, subsequent films, including The Lighthouse and The Northman, did not enjoy similar financial success; The Northman‘s disappointing box office performance, despite critical praise, raised concerns about the viability of Nosferatu.

The Northman’s Box Office Created Some Doubt About Nosferatu’s Chances to Succeed

Despite Glowing Critical Reviews, The Northman Was A Certifiable Box Office Flop

Alexander Skarsgard yelling and ready for battle in The Northman with his fellow warriors behind him

The Northman depicted the legendary saga of Amleth, a Viking prince intent on avenging his father. Featuring Alexander Skarsgård and a star-studded ensemble, it received accolades for its stunning visuals and commitment to historical accuracy. Yet, these attributes did little to attract audiences; ultimately, the film grossed a mere $69.6 million against a production budget estimated at $70-$90 million, solidifying its status as a commercial failure.

Overview of Robert Eggers’ Cinematic Works
Movie	Release Date	Budget	Box Office	RT Tomatometer Score	RT Popcornmeter Score
The Witch	February 19, 2016	$4 million	$40.4 million	91%	60%
The Lighthouse	October 18, 2019	$11 million	$18.3 million	90%	72%
The Northman	April 22, 2022	$70-$90 million	$69.6 million	90%	64%
Nosferatu	December 25, 2024	$50 million	$56.2 million (and counting)	87%	75%

Interestingly, The Northman found success in the home market, dominating rental and purchase charts following its release. However, the film’s initial box office performance raised concerns about Nosferatu, which carried a $50 million budget, potentially facing a similar economic fate.

Nosferatu Is Already Performing Much Better At The Box Office Than The Northman

The Horror Movie Made Its Budget Back In Roughly A Week

Nicholas Hoult as Thomas Hutter being served by Bill Skarsgard's Count Orlok in Nosferatu

Contrary to the initial apprehensions, Nosferatu had a remarkable start in theaters. Despite facing competition from major films like A Complete Unknown (the Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet) and Babygirl (an erotic thriller featuring Nicole Kidman), it achieved an impressive five-day domestic opening of $40.8 million, far exceeding estimated predictions of $25 million. In comparison, The Northman garnered only $34.2 million during its entire domestic run.

In its first nine days, Nosferatu amassed a global total of $56.2 million, successfully recouping its production budget. Analysts predict it will soon surpass The Northman’s total of $69.6 million, increasing its profitability despite a more modest budget. These figures do not yet account for home media sales, which are anticipated to be substantial following its release on streaming platforms and physical media, especially with Eggers planning an extended cut.

Why Nosferatu Is A Box Office Hit For Robert Eggers When The Northman Wasn’t

Nosferatu’s Timing and Built-In Horror Audience Helped It Succeed

The Northman faced numerous challenges during its release, particularly regarding timing. Premiering in mid-April alongside the high-profile release of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, it encountered formidable competition. This period proved to be a difficult window for attracting viewers, as summer blockbusters had not yet emerged and there were no significant holidays to draw in crowds. Additionally, its swift transition to streaming platforms further hindered its box office performance.

Conversely, Nosferatu benefited from minimal competition as it debuted as the sole notable horror film around Christmas 2024. The film tapped into horror’s inherently loyal fanbase, significantly aiding its success. The holiday season also offered more potential viewers free time, encouraging casual moviegoers to attend, particularly intrigued by Skarsgård’s transformation into Count Orlok. This success not only extends Eggers’ streak of critically acclaimed films but also solidifies his standing for future projects and potential television endeavors.

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