‘Weapons’ Continues To Dominate Box Office; Racks Up $25 Million In Second Weekend
Move over franchise blockbusters—2025 continues to affirm that original horror films are alive and thriving. Case in point, Weapons, the latest chiller from Barbarian director Zach Cregger, which is on track to cement its place as one of the year’s breakout hits. A mix of acclaim, clever marketing, and word-of-mouth magic has propelled Weapons to strong box office numbers, defying the usual second-weekend curse for horror titles.
Here’s a closer look at Weapons’ performance and how it reflects a broader trend of original horror dominating the box office in 2025.
Weapons Carves Out a Winning Path
After a promising $64 million opening week, Weapons shows no signs of losing momentum. The Warner Bros./New Line Cinema production has pulled in an impressive $25 million in its second weekend, enough to push its global gross to $120.4 million in just ten days. While most horror films see a sharp drop-off in their second frames, Weapons posted a relatively modest 43% decline—a testament to its staying power and strong audience reception.
The fact that Weapons outpaced the sophomore weekends of high-profile genre counterparts like Final Destination: Bloodlines (-63%) and 28 Years Later (-68%) further emphasizes how well it’s resonating with audiences. And to do all this on a reported $38 million production budget? Easily a win for Warner Bros. and New Line.
Premium format screens such as IMAX and PLF have bolstered Weapons’ revenue, creating an immersive draw for horror enthusiasts. Positive word of mouth, coupled with distinct marketing that leaned on influencer-driven buzz and viral moments, is translating excitement into ticket sales.
Cregger’s knack for atmospheric tension and gripping storytelling—evident in his earlier work, Barbarian—has likely strengthened his reputation as a filmmaker who delivers both scares and substance, giving Weapons a well-rounded appeal that extends beyond the core horror crowd.
The Success of Original Horror Films in 2025
Weapons isn’t the only original horror property lighting up the box office this year. Originality isn’t just alive—it’s thriving in a genre often dominated by sequels and reboots.
Take Final Destination: Bloodlines, for example. While technically a continuation of the beloved Final Destination franchise, this year’s installment reinvented itself with standalone originality and left audiences spooked and eager for more. Then there’s 28 Years Later, an atmospheric follow-up to Danny Boyle’s iconic zombie series. Despite its sharp second-weekend decline (-68%), the film still drew audiences in droves during its opening run with its gripping dystopian themes and cinematic flair.
This flourishing of original horror content has proved that audiences are clamoring for fresh narratives. The success stories aren’t just limited to these tentpole releases; smaller titles like The Passenger, a tense psychological thriller, also found box office glory by offering unique perspectives that stand apart from more formulaic offerings. Combined, this surge elevates 2025 as a banner year for the genre.
Why Horror Is Flourishing
But what’s driving this renewed hunger for originality? Part of it lies in the communal magic of a theater experience. Horror films often thrive on shared reactions—the gasps, screams, and nervous laughter audible in the darkness of a packed cinema. Original titles like Weapons capitalize on this dynamic, offering audiences twists and turns they can’t predict from a well-worn formula.
Additionally, the success of horror in 2025 reflects the genre’s unmatched ability to tackle contemporary anxieties in allegorical ways. Whether exploring isolation, uncertainty, or moral ambiguity, horror uniquely channels the pulse of societal fears—making it both culturally relevant and entertaining.
What This Means for Hollywood
The winning streak of original stories like Weapons sends a clear message to Hollywood studio heads—audiences are willing to show up for something new. Studios that invest in well-crafted, standalone horror titles stand to benefit not only financially but also in terms of long-term consumer goodwill.
This isn’t to say franchises are falling out of favor (Final Destination and 28 Years Later prove otherwise), but the success of Weapons and other unique properties demonstrates there’s valuable room for balance. Whether big-budget studio productions or indie gems, horror remains a safe yet bold genre where originality can flourish without breaking the bank—further cementing its legacy as a key pillar of modern cinema.
Final Thoughts
The runaway success of Weapons is more than just another feather in the cap for original horror—it’s tangible proof of what the genre can achieve when fresh ideas meet capable storytellers. Combined with the standout performances of other original thrillers this year, 2025 is shaping up to be a watershed moment for movies that do more than just follow the crowd.
If Weapons and its peers are any indication, audiences will never tire of innovative scares—and Hollywood should take note.
