Weapons' Box Office Collection Data: Julia Garner’s Horror Hit Scares Up Over $204 Million Worldwide

Weapons' box office collection data is making waves, with the Julia Garner-led horror thriller grossing over $204 million globally. Directed by Zach Cregger, this chilling tale of missing children has captivated audiences with its eerie premise and stellar cast.

With a domestic haul of $117.2 million and an international take of $86.9 million, the film’s success is a testament to its gripping narrative and smart marketing. Let’s break down the numbers, explore what’s driving this hit, and see why it’s a standout in 2025’s horror landscape.

Highlights:

• Worldwide Gross: $204,079,281

• Domestic Gross: $117,179,281 (57.4% of total)

• International Gross: $86,900,000 (42.6% of total)

• Opening Weekend: $43.5 million domestically, $71.8 million globally

• Production Budget: $38 million

• Audience Reception: 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, A- CinemaScore

• Critical Reception: 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81/100 on Metacritic

• Theater Count: 3,450 screens in second weekend

What’s Behind Weapons’ Box Office Dominance?

Weapons stormed into theaters on August 8, 2025, with a $43.5 million domestic opening, topping the box office and outperforming projections of $25-40 million. Its global debut of $71.8 million, including $27.5 million from 72 international markets, nearly doubled its $38 million production budget in just three days.

By August 26, the film had amassed $204.1 million worldwide, with $117.2 million from North America and $86.9 million from overseas, according to Box Office Mojo.

The film’s second weekend saw a modest 43% drop, earning $25 million domestically, a strong hold for a horror film typically prone to steeper declines.

This resilience, coupled with a 31.9% drop in international markets, pushed the global total to $148.8 million by the second week, crossing $155 million shortly after. The film’s performance in key markets like the UK ($8.3 million) and Mexico ($5.5 million) underscores its international appeal.

How Does Weapons Compare to Other 2025 Horror Hits?

Weapons is a standout in the 2025 horror genre, trailing only behind Sinners ($365.9 million worldwide) and Final Destination: Bloodlines ($285.3 million). Its $204.1 million global gross positions it to potentially surpass 28 Years Later ($150.4 million) and claim the third spot among 2025’s horror films.

Compared to Cregger’s previous film, Barbarian, which grossed $45 million worldwide on a $4 million budget, Weapons’ $71.8 million opening weekend marks a massive leap for the director.

The film’s A- CinemaScore, rare for horror, aligns it with elite titles like Get Out and Sinners. Its 94% Rotten Tomatoes score from 338 critics and 87% audience rating reflect universal acclaim, with praise for its twisty narrative and performances by Garner and Josh Brolin.

The film’s ability to outperform expectations, like M3GAN (+29%) and Evil Dead Rise (+34%) in international markets, highlights its broad appeal.

Why Are Audiences Obsessed with Weapons?

The film’s eerie premise, centered on 17 children vanishing from a Pennsylvania classroom at 2:17 a.m., hooks viewers with its mystery and dread. Social media buzz, amplified by creative marketing like the Maybrookmissing.com website and influencer campaigns tied to the 2:17 a.m. timestamp, has fueled its cultural impact.

Fans on platforms like X compare it to classics like Children of the Corn, with memes celebrating its creepy vibe and Garner’s intense performance as teacher Justine Gandy.

The ensemble cast, including Brolin as a grieving father, Alden Ehrenreich as a troubled cop, and Amy Madigan as the unsettling Aunt Gladys, adds depth.

Critics highlight the film’s non-linear structure and dark humor, with William Bibbiani of TheWrap praising Garner and Brolin’s “layered work.” The film’s 81/100 Metacritic score and awards buzz for Madigan’s performance further boost its appeal.

Which Markets Are Driving Weapons’ Global Success?

International earnings of $86.9 million come from 73 markets, with strong performances in:

The film’s international opening outperformed Speak No Evil (+164%) and Smile (+46%), with Europe, particularly the UK and France, leading the charge. In India, it earned 8.69 crore ($1.03 million) by day 18, showing steady growth despite a slow start.

The film’s Imax screenings, contributing $8.1 million globally, enhance its premium appeal.

Can Weapons Keep Its Box Office Throne?

Weapons’ 43% second-weekend drop domestically and 31.9% internationally signal strong word-of-mouth, unusual for horror films that often fall 55% or more.

With no major competition until Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along Event, the film held the No. 1 spot for two weeks and is projected to hit $300 million globally, rivaling Sinners’ run.

Its $38 million budget ensures profitability, with earnings already 5.4 times the production cost.

Talk of a prequel focusing on Aunt Gladys, sparked by Madigan’s buzzworthy performance, suggests the film’s universe could expand.

Cregger’s comments to Variety about a sequel idea further fuel speculation. With a third weekend approaching, Weapons is poised to cross $250 million worldwide, cementing its status as a horror juggernaut.

Weapons Box Office Breakdown

Here’s a detailed table summarizing the film’s performance and key metrics:

This table captures Weapons’ financial triumph and critical acclaim, making it a horror genre benchmark for 2025.

Why Weapons Is a Must-See Horror Triumph

Weapons has redefined summer horror, blending a chilling mystery with powerhouse performances and clever marketing.

Its $204.1 million global gross, driven by strong domestic and international numbers, proves audiences crave original, well-crafted scares.

Some Closing Thoughts:

With Julia Garner and Josh Brolin leading a stellar cast, and Zach Cregger’s visionary direction, the film delivers thrills that linger long after the credits roll.

As it continues to dominate theaters, Weapons is not just a box office win but a cultural moment.

Grab your tickets and experience the terror that’s gripping the world!