The highest grossing horror movies of all time
- Updated
With so many horror flick options, it’s hard to know which movies can satisfy our most morbid fascinations.
- PrettyFamous.com
- Updated
As the weather becomes crisp and leaves turn brown, mechanical cackling witches mysteriously appear in front of suburban doorsteps. With the witches come orange-and-black versions of everything imaginable and scary movie marathons on TV. With so many horror flick options, it’s hard to know which movies can satisfy our most morbid fascinations.
For those that have a preferred hankering for tricks over treats, compiled a list of the most bone-chilling films ever released. Boasting such thrillers as “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre†and “Paranormal Activity,†the list looks at the top grossing horror films of all time. So break out the popcorn and prepare to be spooked with this definitive ranking of the most successful horror movies for Halloween.
- PrettyFamous.com
- Updated
Constantine
Release Date: Feb. 18, 2005
Box Office Gross: $75,500,800
Released in 2005, this supernatural thriller chronicles a man’s journey to hell and back. Keanu Reeves shines as protagonist John Constantine — a troubled cynic born with an ability to see angels and demons. Inspired by the “Hellblazer†comic book series, the film went on to earn over $30 million at the box office during its U.S. opening weekend.
- Updated
Zombieland
Release Date: Oct. 7, 2009
Box Office Gross: $75,590,300
This comedy-horror hybrid follows the survivors of a zombie apocalypse on their quest to find the last Twinkie on earth. In their comical journey, the bumbling group bumps into a sister duo with unorthodox survival methods. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, “Zombieland†grossed over $24 million alone in its U.S. opening weekend.
- Updated
The Ring Two
Release Date: March 18, 2005
Box Office Gross: $75,888,300
As the second installment in the horror series, “The Ring Two†continues in the same vein as its predecessor, with the legend of a videotape that guarantees the death of its viewers. Played by Naomi Watts, journalist Rachel Keller spends the film investigating the mysterious deaths surrounding the VHS. The scary flick cashed in over $35 million in its first weekend in the U.S.
- Updated
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Release Date: October 17, 2003
Box Office Gross: $80,148,300
This slasher film follows a group of friends as they fall victim to a family of psychopathic killers. The 2003 version is a remake of the original, which was released in 1974. Directed by Michael Bay, the movie grossed a staggering $10,620,000 just on its opening day.
- Updated
Saw III
Release Date: Oct. 27, 2006
Box Office Gross: $80,150,300
Twisted serial killer Jigsaw haunts yet again in the third fixture of the “Saw†series. Jigsaw, who is played by Tobin Bell, focuses his efforts on manipulating his newest apprentice in the film. Bell went on to garner a nomination for "Best Villain" at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards.
- Updated
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Release Date: Nov. 13, 1992
Box Office Gross: $82,019,600
Everyone’s favorite vampire captivates audiences in this rendition of Bram Stoker's classic 1897 novel. The romantic horror film pivots around Dracula’s pursuit to avenge his widow’s death. The success of the flick culminated in three Academy Award wins for best costume design, sound editing and makeup.
- Updated
Freddy vs. Jason
Release Date: Aug. 15, 2003
Box Office Gross: $82,163,300
Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees face off in this slasher film series mashup. Grossing over $36 million in its opening weekend, the movie marked Robert Englund’s final performance as Kreuger.
- Updated
Insidious: Chapter 2
Release Date: Sept. 13, 2013
Box Office Gross: $83,574,800
The supernatural sequel picks up where the Lambert’s story left off in the series’ first installment. As the family seeks to understand their dangerous ties to the spirit world, they are met with paranormal terror and violence. The critically acclaimed film earned over $40 million during its opening weekend.
- Updated
Annabelle
Release Date: Oct. 3, 2014
Box Office Gross: $84,263,800
Serving as a prequel to “The Conjuring,†this movie brought in over $25 million at the box office in its first weekend. It centers around a possessed doll that haunts an expecting couple. Satanic cults, spilled blood and sinister spirits round out the film’s biggest themes.
- Updated
Paranormal Activity 2
Release Date: Oct. 22, 2010
Box Office Gross: $84,749,900
Starring Sprague Grayden, “Paranormal Activity 2†was the sequel to the original “Paranormal Activity†film. Sinister activities plague the protagonist’s family residence, which leads to the installation of surveillance cameras around their home. The film went on to shatter box office records with the biggest opening for a horror movie of all time.
- Updated
Saw II
Release Date: Oct. 28, 2005
Box Office Gross: $87,014,300
Merciless killer Jigsaw strikes again in the second installment of the “Saw†series. The sequel sees Jigsaw up to his old gory antics again — kidnapping and torturing unsuspecting victims. “Saw II†enjoyed great opening financial success, earning over $31 million.
- Updated
Scream 3
Release Date: Feb. 4, 2000
Box Office Gross: $89,138,100
This Wes Craven-directed film sees a whole new string of killings threaten the safety of protagonist Sidney Prescott. To survive the murdering spree, Prescott must face her biggest fear — the Ghostface killer. “Scream 3†proved to be a commercial success by earning over $34 million during its opening weekend.
- Updated
The Haunting
Release Date: July 20, 1999
Box Office Gross: $91,188,900
Ghost hunters aim to uncover the paranormal causes behind the strange occurrences at an old house in this remake of the 1963 horror film of the same name. While full of scares, the movie’s most grimacing legacies are the five Razzie awards it was nominated for.
- Updated
The Others
Release Date: Aug. 10, 2001
Box Office Gross: $96,471,800
This horror film delivers on hair-raising scenes by putting a single mom in an old remote house. As expected, the creepy residence is haunted by its former occupants' spirits. Playing the single mom, Aussie actress Nicole Kidman received a Golden Globe nomination for her masterful performance in the thriller.
- Updated
Sleepy Hollow
Release Date: Nov. 29, 1999
Box Office Gross: $101,068,000
Stunning cinematography and Johnny Depp’s portrayal of a New York detective are just a few of this film’s winning qualities. Depp’s character Ichabod Crane investigates murders conducted by the ever-so-mysterious Headless Horseman. The movie went on to gross over $30 million over the course of its opening weekend.
- Updated
Scream 2
Release Date: Dec. 12, 1997
Box Office Gross: $101,334,000
As the second echo in the “Scream†series, this horror movie continues to follow Sidney Prescott’s efforts to evade Ghostface’s attempts to kill her. Played by Neve Campbell, Prescott must find out who's behind Ghostface’s mask. The movie took in over $32 million in box office receipts during its opening weekend.
- Updated
Scream
Release Date: Dec. 20 1996
Box Office Gross: $103,001,000
Serving as the quintessential teen horror flick, “Scream†kicks off a five-movie series centered around the elusive Ghostface killer. The film follows a group of scary movie-obsessed friends as they navigate high school and a crazed serial killer out to get them. Its satirical themes earned it the Best Movie award at the 1997 MTV Movie Awards.
- Updated
Paranormal Activity 3
Release Date: Oct. 21, 2011
Box Office Gross: $104,008,000
In this film, a young couple places cameras around the house to record mysterious occurrences when their daughters’ imaginary companion starts to wreak terror on their family’s life. As the havoc grows in intensity, the couple discovers that their home was formerly a witches' coven. The film went on to have the best opening day for a horror film in U.S. by bringing in over $26 million.
- Updated
Interview With the Vampire
Release Date: Nov. 11, 1994
Box Office Gross: $104,694,000
As far as vampire movies go, “Interview With the Vampire†boasts originality. The film teems with gothic thrills and an all-star cast, which includes Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. It went on to receive Oscar and Golden Globe award nominations — a rare achievement for a horror movie.
- Updated
Paranormal Activity
Release Date: Oct. 16, 2009
Box Office Gross: $107,917,000
All seems copacetic when a young couple move in together, but strange happenings begin to haunt their home. The pseudo-documentary style film focuses in on a family’s home that is haunted by a demonic presence. The film proved to be a success by taking in nearly $8 million during its opening weekend.
- Updated
The Grudge
Release Date: Oct. 22, 2004
Box Office Gross: $110,176,000
A grisly storyline unfolds when an American nurse in Tokyo encounters a supernatural spirit. As the nurse assigned to care for a catatonic woman, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character Karen must stop the vengeful spirit from inflicting any more terror. “The Grudge†generated over $39 million in ticket sales in its first weekend.
- Updated
The Ring
Release Date: Oct. 18, 2002
Box Office Gross: $128,580,000
When it emerges that a cursed VHS has the power to kill its viewers seven days after watching, Naomi Watts’ character Rachel must uncover the mystery surrounding the video. Watts’ impassioned performance and the film’s haunting visuals led to its award win for best horror movie at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards.
- Updated
The Conjuring
Release Date: July 19, 2013
Box Office Gross: $137,387,000
Using the ever-so-popular theme of a haunted house, “The Conjuring†tells the true story of a cursed Rhode Island farm house. The film follows two paranormal investigators as they look into the eerie spirits inhabiting the house. It went on to collect over $41 million during its opening weekend.
- Updated
The Blair Witch Project
Release Date: January 25, 1999
Box Office Gross: $140,530,000
A year after three film students disappeared while filming a documentary on the storied Blair Witch, their footage is found in the woods where they went missing. The plot follows the young group’s adventures up until their final minutes. It enjoyed an impressive opening weekend by picking up over $1.5 million in box office ticket sales.
- Updated
The Exorcist
Release Date: Dec. 26, 1973
Box Office Gross: $232,906,000
This psychological drama details a family’s struggle to deliver their daughter from the grips of demonic possession. Its most iconic scene is when the possessed child descends down the stairs backwards, contorted like a spider. The cinematic masterpiece went on to win various accolades, including the praise of horror master Stephen King.
More like this...
- PrettyFamous.com
As the weather becomes crisp and leaves turn brown, mechanical cackling witches mysteriously appear in front of suburban doorsteps. With the witches come orange-and-black versions of everything imaginable and scary movie marathons on TV. With so many horror flick options, it’s hard to know which movies can satisfy our most morbid fascinations.
For those that have a preferred hankering for tricks over treats, compiled a list of the most bone-chilling films ever released. Boasting such thrillers as “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre†and “Paranormal Activity,†the list looks at the top grossing horror films of all time. So break out the popcorn and prepare to be spooked with this definitive ranking of the most successful horror movies for Halloween.
- PrettyFamous.com
Constantine
Release Date: Feb. 18, 2005
Box Office Gross: $75,500,800
Released in 2005, this supernatural thriller chronicles a man’s journey to hell and back. Keanu Reeves shines as protagonist John Constantine — a troubled cynic born with an ability to see angels and demons. Inspired by the “Hellblazer†comic book series, the film went on to earn over $30 million at the box office during its U.S. opening weekend.
Zombieland
Release Date: Oct. 7, 2009
Box Office Gross: $75,590,300
This comedy-horror hybrid follows the survivors of a zombie apocalypse on their quest to find the last Twinkie on earth. In their comical journey, the bumbling group bumps into a sister duo with unorthodox survival methods. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, “Zombieland†grossed over $24 million alone in its U.S. opening weekend.
The Ring Two
Release Date: March 18, 2005
Box Office Gross: $75,888,300
As the second installment in the horror series, “The Ring Two†continues in the same vein as its predecessor, with the legend of a videotape that guarantees the death of its viewers. Played by Naomi Watts, journalist Rachel Keller spends the film investigating the mysterious deaths surrounding the VHS. The scary flick cashed in over $35 million in its first weekend in the U.S.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Release Date: October 17, 2003
Box Office Gross: $80,148,300
This slasher film follows a group of friends as they fall victim to a family of psychopathic killers. The 2003 version is a remake of the original, which was released in 1974. Directed by Michael Bay, the movie grossed a staggering $10,620,000 just on its opening day.
Saw III
Release Date: Oct. 27, 2006
Box Office Gross: $80,150,300
Twisted serial killer Jigsaw haunts yet again in the third fixture of the “Saw†series. Jigsaw, who is played by Tobin Bell, focuses his efforts on manipulating his newest apprentice in the film. Bell went on to garner a nomination for "Best Villain" at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards.
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Release Date: Nov. 13, 1992
Box Office Gross: $82,019,600
Everyone’s favorite vampire captivates audiences in this rendition of Bram Stoker's classic 1897 novel. The romantic horror film pivots around Dracula’s pursuit to avenge his widow’s death. The success of the flick culminated in three Academy Award wins for best costume design, sound editing and makeup.
Freddy vs. Jason
Release Date: Aug. 15, 2003
Box Office Gross: $82,163,300
Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees face off in this slasher film series mashup. Grossing over $36 million in its opening weekend, the movie marked Robert Englund’s final performance as Kreuger.
Insidious: Chapter 2
Release Date: Sept. 13, 2013
Box Office Gross: $83,574,800
The supernatural sequel picks up where the Lambert’s story left off in the series’ first installment. As the family seeks to understand their dangerous ties to the spirit world, they are met with paranormal terror and violence. The critically acclaimed film earned over $40 million during its opening weekend.
Annabelle
Release Date: Oct. 3, 2014
Box Office Gross: $84,263,800
Serving as a prequel to “The Conjuring,†this movie brought in over $25 million at the box office in its first weekend. It centers around a possessed doll that haunts an expecting couple. Satanic cults, spilled blood and sinister spirits round out the film’s biggest themes.
Paranormal Activity 2
Release Date: Oct. 22, 2010
Box Office Gross: $84,749,900
Starring Sprague Grayden, “Paranormal Activity 2†was the sequel to the original “Paranormal Activity†film. Sinister activities plague the protagonist’s family residence, which leads to the installation of surveillance cameras around their home. The film went on to shatter box office records with the biggest opening for a horror movie of all time.
Saw II
Release Date: Oct. 28, 2005
Box Office Gross: $87,014,300
Merciless killer Jigsaw strikes again in the second installment of the “Saw†series. The sequel sees Jigsaw up to his old gory antics again — kidnapping and torturing unsuspecting victims. “Saw II†enjoyed great opening financial success, earning over $31 million.
Scream 3
Release Date: Feb. 4, 2000
Box Office Gross: $89,138,100
This Wes Craven-directed film sees a whole new string of killings threaten the safety of protagonist Sidney Prescott. To survive the murdering spree, Prescott must face her biggest fear — the Ghostface killer. “Scream 3†proved to be a commercial success by earning over $34 million during its opening weekend.
The Haunting
Release Date: July 20, 1999
Box Office Gross: $91,188,900
Ghost hunters aim to uncover the paranormal causes behind the strange occurrences at an old house in this remake of the 1963 horror film of the same name. While full of scares, the movie’s most grimacing legacies are the five Razzie awards it was nominated for.
The Others
Release Date: Aug. 10, 2001
Box Office Gross: $96,471,800
This horror film delivers on hair-raising scenes by putting a single mom in an old remote house. As expected, the creepy residence is haunted by its former occupants' spirits. Playing the single mom, Aussie actress Nicole Kidman received a Golden Globe nomination for her masterful performance in the thriller.
Sleepy Hollow
Release Date: Nov. 29, 1999
Box Office Gross: $101,068,000
Stunning cinematography and Johnny Depp’s portrayal of a New York detective are just a few of this film’s winning qualities. Depp’s character Ichabod Crane investigates murders conducted by the ever-so-mysterious Headless Horseman. The movie went on to gross over $30 million over the course of its opening weekend.
Scream 2
Release Date: Dec. 12, 1997
Box Office Gross: $101,334,000
As the second echo in the “Scream†series, this horror movie continues to follow Sidney Prescott’s efforts to evade Ghostface’s attempts to kill her. Played by Neve Campbell, Prescott must find out who's behind Ghostface’s mask. The movie took in over $32 million in box office receipts during its opening weekend.
Scream
Release Date: Dec. 20 1996
Box Office Gross: $103,001,000
Serving as the quintessential teen horror flick, “Scream†kicks off a five-movie series centered around the elusive Ghostface killer. The film follows a group of scary movie-obsessed friends as they navigate high school and a crazed serial killer out to get them. Its satirical themes earned it the Best Movie award at the 1997 MTV Movie Awards.
Paranormal Activity 3
Release Date: Oct. 21, 2011
Box Office Gross: $104,008,000
In this film, a young couple places cameras around the house to record mysterious occurrences when their daughters’ imaginary companion starts to wreak terror on their family’s life. As the havoc grows in intensity, the couple discovers that their home was formerly a witches' coven. The film went on to have the best opening day for a horror film in U.S. by bringing in over $26 million.
Interview With the Vampire
Release Date: Nov. 11, 1994
Box Office Gross: $104,694,000
As far as vampire movies go, “Interview With the Vampire†boasts originality. The film teems with gothic thrills and an all-star cast, which includes Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. It went on to receive Oscar and Golden Globe award nominations — a rare achievement for a horror movie.
Paranormal Activity
Release Date: Oct. 16, 2009
Box Office Gross: $107,917,000
All seems copacetic when a young couple move in together, but strange happenings begin to haunt their home. The pseudo-documentary style film focuses in on a family’s home that is haunted by a demonic presence. The film proved to be a success by taking in nearly $8 million during its opening weekend.
The Grudge
Release Date: Oct. 22, 2004
Box Office Gross: $110,176,000
A grisly storyline unfolds when an American nurse in Tokyo encounters a supernatural spirit. As the nurse assigned to care for a catatonic woman, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character Karen must stop the vengeful spirit from inflicting any more terror. “The Grudge†generated over $39 million in ticket sales in its first weekend.
The Ring
Release Date: Oct. 18, 2002
Box Office Gross: $128,580,000
When it emerges that a cursed VHS has the power to kill its viewers seven days after watching, Naomi Watts’ character Rachel must uncover the mystery surrounding the video. Watts’ impassioned performance and the film’s haunting visuals led to its award win for best horror movie at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards.
The Conjuring
Release Date: July 19, 2013
Box Office Gross: $137,387,000
Using the ever-so-popular theme of a haunted house, “The Conjuring†tells the true story of a cursed Rhode Island farm house. The film follows two paranormal investigators as they look into the eerie spirits inhabiting the house. It went on to collect over $41 million during its opening weekend.
The Blair Witch Project
Release Date: January 25, 1999
Box Office Gross: $140,530,000
A year after three film students disappeared while filming a documentary on the storied Blair Witch, their footage is found in the woods where they went missing. The plot follows the young group’s adventures up until their final minutes. It enjoyed an impressive opening weekend by picking up over $1.5 million in box office ticket sales.
The Exorcist
Release Date: Dec. 26, 1973
Box Office Gross: $232,906,000
This psychological drama details a family’s struggle to deliver their daughter from the grips of demonic possession. Its most iconic scene is when the possessed child descends down the stairs backwards, contorted like a spider. The cinematic masterpiece went on to win various accolades, including the praise of horror master Stephen King.
