Global box office numbers have been approximated to the nearest million to provide clarity.
The horror genre has thrived in 2024, showcasing an impressive slate of films that have received critical acclaim, solidifying their place among the finest horror offerings of the decade. However, it’s essential to note that critical success does not always equate to financial triumph in Hollywood.
This year, numerous horror productions achieved remarkable box office success, but some notable titles demonstrated that lackluster reviews can still lead to substantial financial returns. Indeed, a few of the top-grossing horror films of 2024 managed to thrive despite harsh criticism.
10 The First Omen
Worldwide Gross: $53 million
A prequel to the iconic 1976 film, The Omen, The First Omen unveils a chilling narrative centered around Margaret Daino, an American nun who uncovers a dark scheme surrounding the Antichrist’s birth while working at a Roman orphanage. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson, this film garnered an impressive 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing its positive reception.
Produced on a budget of approximately $30 million, The First Omen achieved a worldwide gross of $53 million, exemplifying a strong commercial return for the franchise. Its accolades were bolstered by commendations for the performances of Nell Tiger Free, Charles Dance, and Bill Nighy, often deemed the best installment since the original.
9 Night Swim
Worldwide Gross: $55 million
Boasting a cast that includes Wyatt Russell and the Academy Award-nominated Kerry Condon, anticipation was high for Night Swim. The film presents a family’s horrifying experience when they discover their swimming pool is haunted by a malevolent supernatural force. Directed by Bryce McGuire, this feature marks his directorial debut.
Despite critical expectations, Night Swim unfortunately received poor reviews, earning a dismal 20% rating. However, its budget of $15 million was recouped as it grossed nearly $55 million worldwide, showcasing a unique instance where financial success prevailed despite critical indifference.
8 Speak No Evil
Worldwide Gross: $76 million
This psychological horror film serves as a remake of the acclaimed 2022 Danish-Dutch production. Directed by James Watkins and featuring a haunting performance from James McAvoy, Speak No Evil follows a holiday encounter gone awry between two families, spiraling into a chaotic blend of treachery and violence.
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James Watkins’ Filmography |
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|---|---|
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Eden Lake |
2008 |
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The Woman in Black |
2012 |
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Bastille Day |
2016 |
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Speak No Evil |
2024 |
With a modest production budget of $15 million, Speak No Evil grossed over $76 million globally, cementing its position as one of 2024’s standout horror films.
7 The Substance
Worldwide Gross: $77 million
A gripping tale of body horror, The Substance tells the story of Elisabeth Sparkle, a former A-list celebrity who utilizes an experimental drug to reclaim her youth, only to face dire repercussions. Directed by Coralie Fargeat and featuring a powerful performance from Demi Moore, this film has earned widespread critical acclaim for its striking visuals and dark humor.
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The film performed exceptionally well at the box office, grossing approximately $77.6 million against a budget of $17.5 million, showcasing Fargeat as a rising star in the horror landscape.
6 Terrifier 3
Worldwide Gross: $88 million
Returning to the festive setting, Terrifier 3 continues the chilling saga of Art the Clown, now pursuing Sienna Shaw, played by Lauren LaVera. This installment received favorable critical reception, boasting a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Terrifier Series Ratings |
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|---|---|
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Terrifier (2016) |
62% |
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Terrifier 2 (2022) |
86% |
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Terrifier 3 (2024) |
77% |
Crafted on a minimal budget of only $2 million, Terrifier 3 grossed nearly $88 million, exemplifying how effective horror can succeed financially even with limited resources.
5 Exhuma
Worldwide Gross: $93 million
Premiering at the Berlinale, Exhuma quickly established itself as a prominent horror film of the year with a remarkable Rotten Tomatoes rating of 95%. It became the highest-grossing South Korean film of the year and ranked as the sixth highest in the country’s cinematic history, grossing $93 million worldwide.
4 Longlegs
Worldwide Gross: $126 million
With a clever promotional strategy and the inclusion of Nicolas Cage as the lead character, Longlegs generated significant buzz. Directed by Osgood Perkins, it was praised by critics and succeeded at the box office, grossing nearly $127 million, marking it as the top independent horror film of the year.
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3 Smile 2
Worldwide Gross: $138 million
Following the success of its predecessor, Smile 2 stars Naomi Scott as Skye Riley, a pop singer caught in a nightmare. While it didn’t reach the staggering success of the first film, which grossed over $217 million, it still secured a commendable $138 million at the box office with an approval rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. This sets the stage for a promising franchise ahead.
2 A Quiet Place: Day One
Worldwide Gross: $261 million
The spin-off A Quiet Place: Day One, moving away from the Abbott family, delves into the initial chaos of the apocalypse. With standout performances from Joseph Quinn and Lupita Nyong’o, critics praised their dynamic chemistry. Despite trailing the original films in box office returns, it achieved over $261 million, securing its spot as a top horror film of the year.
1 Alien: Romulus
Worldwide Gross: $351 million
Set between the first two films of the Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus captivates audiences with the harrowing tale of six young colonists facing Xenomorphs aboard an abandoned spacecraft. Critics have hailed it as the best addition to the series since Aliens in 1986. With a staggering return of over $351 million, it stands as the highest-grossing horror film of 2024, establishing a strong legacy for the franchise.
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