Weapons Box Office Tracking: Julia Garner’s Horror Hit Dominates with $148M Worldwide

The Weapons box office tracking numbers are in, and Zach Cregger’s horror thriller, starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, is a certified smash hit.

According to Box Office Mojo, the film has grossed $148,744,723 worldwide, with $89,044,723 (59.9%) from domestic markets and $59,700,000 (40.1%) from international territories as of August 18, 2025.

Released on August 8, 2025, this original horror film has defied expectations, outperforming projections and cementing its place as one of 2025’s biggest cinematic surprises. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its success and what’s driving its phenomenal performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Domestic Haul: $89,044,723, accounting for 59.9% of total earnings.

• International Earnings: $59,700,000, contributing 40.1% to the global total.

• Worldwide Gross: $148,744,723, nearly quadrupling its $38M production budget.

• Opening Weekend: $42.5M domestically, topping the North American box office.

• Critical Acclaim: 94% “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore.

What Makes Weapons a Box Office Juggernaut?

Weapons has taken the box office by storm, grossing $42.5 million domestically in its opening weekend alone, outpacing Disney’s Freakier Friday ($29M). Its $71.8M global opening, including $28.3M internationally, marked one of the biggest horror debuts post-COVID.

The film’s $38M budget has already been dwarfed by its worldwide gross of $148,744,723, achieving an impressive return on investment of nearly 89% in its first weekend alone.

This success is attributed to its gripping narrative about a missing class of 17 schoolchildren and innovative marketing, including a viral fake website, Maybrookmissing.com, and cryptic social media campaigns.

The film’s non-linear storytelling, inspired by Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia, and its chilling premise have resonated with audiences. Directed by Zach Cregger, who previously helmed the 2022 cult hit Barbarian ($45.4M worldwide), Weapons has surpassed its predecessor’s total gross in just 10 days.

Its strong performance in key international markets like the UK ($3.6M), Mexico ($2.7M), and France ($2M) underscores its global appeal.

Why Is Julia Garner’s Performance a Standout?

Julia Garner shines as Justine Gandy, a grade school teacher caught in a witch hunt after her students vanish. Her emotionally charged performance has drawn widespread praise, with critics calling it a career-defining role. Paired with Josh Brolin’s portrayal of a grieving father, Garner’s work elevates the film’s intense narrative.

The star-studded cast, including Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan, adds depth, but Garner’s raw intensity is the heart of the film. Social media buzz highlights her as a key draw, with fans lauding her ability to anchor the film’s six perspective-shifting chapters.

Garner’s dual role in 2025’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps hasn’t overshadowed her impact in Weapons. While the superhero film earned $15.5M in its third weekend, Weapons continues to dominate, proving Garner’s versatility and star power across genres.

How Does Weapons Compare to Other 2025 Horror Hits?

The horror genre is thriving in 2025, and Weapons is leading the pack. Its $42.5M domestic opening outshone Final Destination: Bloodlines ($51.6M) and Sinners ($48M), making it the third-biggest horror debut of the year.

Unlike 28 Years Later, which faltered with a $30M domestic weekend despite strong previews, Weapons maintains momentum with a modest 60% second-weekend drop. Warner Bros.’ hot streak, including A Minecraft Movie ($955M worldwide) and Superman ($325M domestic), positions Weapons as part of a broader studio resurgence.

The film’s A- CinemaScore, a rare feat for horror (shared with classics like Get Out), reflects strong audience approval. With a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and an 81 on Metacritic, Weapons balances critical and commercial success, outpacing M. Night Shyamalan’s Lady in the Water ($72M worldwide), a notable 2006 bomb.

What’s Next for Weapons and Zach Cregger?

Weapons’ box office dominance has sparked sequel talks, with Cregger hinting at a potential Weapons 2 after his upcoming Resident Evil reboot. The film’s innovative structure and social media-driven hype, including stunts like kids in pajamas running through public spaces, have set a new standard for horror marketing.

Its ability to nearly double its budget in the opening weekend alone signals strong legs at the box office, with analysts predicting it could approach $200M worldwide if trends continue.

Warner Bros.’ focus on original, auteur-driven horror, seen in hits like Sinners and Longlegs, suggests Weapons could inspire more bold projects. Cregger’s rising star status and the film’s cultural impact make it a defining moment for the genre.

Why Should You Watch Weapons?

Weapons is more than a box office triumph; it’s a testament to the power of original storytelling in horror. Its blend of mystery, psychological depth, and stellar performances makes it a must-see.

With nearly $150M in global earnings and counting, the film proves audiences are hungry for fresh, daring narratives. Catch it in theaters to experience the chilling tale that’s captivating critics and fans alike.

Stay tuned for updates as Weapons continues to slash its way through the box office.