Weapons Box Office Tracking Data: Horror Hit Smashes Expectations with $71.8M Global Debut

The Weapons box office tracking data is setting the film industry ablaze, as Zach Cregger’s horror thriller has stormed theaters with a jaw-dropping $71.8 million worldwide opening weekend.

Starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, the film has obliterated pre-release predictions, earning $43.5 million domestically and $28.3 million internationally. With a budget of just $38 million, this R-rated chiller about a mysterious disappearance of 17 schoolchildren has proven that original horror can still dominate the box office.

Let’s dive into what this explosive debut means for the film’s theatrical run and why audiences can’t get enough of this spooky sensation.

Why Did Weapons Outperform Expectations?

Weapons was initially projected to earn between $25 million and $34 million domestically during its opening weekend from August 8 to 10, 2025.

Some analysts even predicted it would trail behind Disney’s Freakier Friday, which opened with $29 million.

Instead, Weapons surged to $43.5 million in the U.S. and Canada, securing the No. 1 spot and outperforming forecasts by up to 74%. Its international haul of $28.3 million across 72 markets, including top performances in the UK ($3.6 million), Mexico ($2.7 million), and France ($2 million), pushed its global debut to $71.8 million.

The film’s success can be attributed to its gripping premise: 17 children vanish from a classroom in the dead of night, sparking paranoia and horror in a small town.

Directed by Zach Cregger, whose 2022 film Barbarian earned $40.8 million domestically over its entire run, Weapons has already surpassed that total in just three days.

Strong word-of-mouth, a rare A- CinemaScore, and a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score have fueled its momentum, drawing horror fans and casual moviegoers alike.

How Does the Opening Weekend Compare to Other Horror Hits?

The Weapons box office tracking data places it among 2025’s top horror debuts. Its $43.5 million domestic opening outpaces Barbarian’s entire domestic run and rivals other recent horror successes like Sinners ($45.6 million opening) and Final Destination: Bloodlines ($51.6 million opening).

The film’s $5.7 million in Thursday previews alone outperformed Sinners ($5.2 million) and nearly matched 28 Years Later ($5.8 million), signaling strong early demand.

Globally, Weapons’ $71.8 million debut is one of the biggest for an original film in recent years, tracking above Speak No Evil (+164%), Smile (+77%), and The Black Phone (+59%) in international markets.

With IMAX contributing $8.1 million worldwide, including $6.2 million from the U.S. and Canada, premium formats have boosted its earnings significantly. This strong start suggests Weapons is resonating with audiences across diverse demographics, particularly men and those under 35.

What Could the Total Theatrical Run Look Like?

Given its opening weekend performance, Weapons is poised for a robust theatrical run. Horror films with strong audience reception, like Sinners (5.8x multiplier) and Get Out (5.3x multiplier), often see their box office totals multiply significantly from their opening figures.

If Weapons follows a similar trajectory, its domestic total could reach $180 million to $230 million, assuming a 4x to 5x multiplier from its $43.5 million debut. Internationally, maintaining its current 39.4% share of the global gross could push its overseas total to $100 million or more.

The film’s $38 million budget means it’s already profitable, and its A- CinemaScore and 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes suggest strong legs through August and September. However, competition from upcoming releases and the start of the school season could temper its run.

Still, social media buzz, including memes and viral reactions, indicates Weapons is becoming a cultural moment, which could drive additional ticket sales through word-of-mouth.

What Makes Weapons a Box Office Phenomenon?

The film’s success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about execution. Zach Cregger’s ability to blend horror, mystery, and existential humor has struck a chord, with critics praising its intense atmosphere and unique storytelling.

The cast, including Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, and Benedict Wong, adds star power to an original story that doesn’t rely on franchise nostalgia. Warner Bros.’ marketing campaign, which leaned on cryptic teasers and avoided spoilers, built anticipation without revealing the plot’s twists.

The horror genre’s 2025 resurgence, with hits like Sinners ($278 million domestic) and A Minecraft Movie ($955 million worldwide), has created a fertile ground for Weapons to thrive. Its ability to draw 2.8 million attendees in its opening weekend, compared to Freakier Friday’s 2.2 million, underscores its broad appeal.

Social media posts highlight fans’ excitement over its “bizarre spooky clown and bloody face imagery,” which has fueled online chatter and repeat viewings.

Can Weapons Sustain Its Momentum?

Weapons is off to a monstrous start, and its box office trajectory looks promising. With a global debut of $71.8 million against a modest budget, the film is already a financial win for Warner Bros., marking their seventh No. 1 opening of 2025.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As it heads toward a potential $200 million worldwide total, the film’s success proves that bold, original horror can still captivate audiences.

Whether you’re a horror fanatic or just curious about the hype, Weapons is a must-see that’s rewriting the box office playbook.

Grab your popcorn and dive into the mystery before it vanishes from theaters!