Horror at the Box Office: Three Horror Movies in the Top Six
The Conjuring: Last Rites dropped a steep 69% in its second weekend, but its estimated $26 million gross was still large enough to make it this weekend’s top earning horror film. It placed second overall after a first place finish last weekend.
Last Rites has now grossed a total of over $131 million domestically and more than $332 million worldwide. Although its fading fast, at least in North America, the $55 million budget sequel has already piled up a substantial profit. This isn’t the last installment we’ll see from the lucrative Conjuring universe.
The Long Walk earned a mediocre estimated $11.5 million in its opening weekend, finishing in fourth place. Positive reviews and a significant ad campaign weren’t enough to make this the breakout hit that Lionsgate was undoubtedly hoping for.
There is hope, however. The Long Walk only cost $20 million to produce, and positive word of mouth may help give it staying power. If it can avoid a massive drop like what Last Rites experienced this weekend, The Long Walk could still pile up a respectable gross during its theatrical run.
The ever dependable Weapons is still chugging along, grossing about $2.7 million this weekend and landing in sixth place. After bewitching the box office for weeks, the film is slowly making its curtain call. It’s climbed to nearly $150 million domestically and over $259 million worldwide.
Looking Ahead
The current horror flicks have plenty of competition coming their way. Him, a rare football horror movie, hits theaters on theaters September 19th.
The Jester 2 is also stalking theaters this week in a limited release. I’m surprised the first movie performed well enough to get a sequel. People can’t get enough of evil clowns, I guess. There’s a busy horror schedule coming up. The Strangers Chapter 2 invades theaters on September 26th Good Boy, Bone Lake, and Coyotes release October 3rd.
Credit to Box Office Mojo for the figures cited.
