Weapons Box Office Triumph: Julia Garner’s Horror Hit Slashes Records

The Weapons Box Office performance has set the film industry ablaze, with Julia Garner’s latest horror thriller dominating theaters worldwide.

Directed by Zach Cregger, Weapons has carved out a monstrous $180.5 million globally, according to Box Office Mojo, proving that original horror can still pack a punch.

With a gripping narrative about 17 children mysteriously vanishing in a small town, this R-rated gem has not only thrilled audiences but also shattered expectations at the ticket counter.

Let’s dive into the numbers, explore what’s fueling this success, and see why Weapons is the horror hit of 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• Domestic Haul: $104,950,823 (58.1% of total gross)

• International Earnings: $75,600,000 (41.9% of total gross)

• Worldwide Total: $180,550,823

• Opening Weekend: $42.5 million domestic, $71.8 million global

• Critical Acclaim: 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, A- CinemaScore

• Budget: $38 million, already surpassed break-even point

• Second Weekend Drop: Only 43%, defying typical horror film declines

Why Is Weapons Dominating the Box Office?

Weapons stormed into theaters on August 8, 2025, with a jaw-dropping $42.5 million domestic opening, outpacing competitors like Freakier Friday and securing the number one spot. Its global debut reached $71.8 million, exceeding projections and signaling strong audience demand.

The film’s $38 million budget, modest for a star-studded horror flick, was recouped in just days, with current earnings nearly five times that amount. Posts on X highlight the film’s “spectacular word-of-mouth” and “strong hold” in its second weekend, which saw a mere 43% drop to $25 million domestically, a rarity for horror films that often plummet 60% or more after their debut.

The ensemble cast, including Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, and Amy Madigan, has been a major draw. Garner’s chilling performance as a teacher entangled in the mystery of disappearing children has earned praise, while Madigan’s creepy Aunt Gladys is sparking awards buzz and even talk of a prequel.

The film’s 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and A- CinemaScore reflect universal acclaim, with audiences and critics lauding its unpredictable twists and Cregger’s masterful direction.

How Does Weapons Compare to Other Horror Hits?

Weapons is rewriting the rules for horror at the box office. It’s outgrossed iconic horror films like 2010’s Insidious ($100.1 million worldwide) and the 2013 Evil Dead reboot ($97 million) in just weeks.

Compared to 2025’s other horror heavyweights, it trails Sinners ($365.8 million globally) and Final Destination: Bloodlines ($285.3 million) but has already surpassed 28 Years Later ($150.3 million).

Its domestic earnings of $104.9 million match Final Destination: Bloodlines at a similar stage, positioning Weapons as a contender to reach $200 million or more globally, with projections eyeing a potential $300 million finish.

Unlike typical horror films, Weapons has shown remarkable staying power. While 28 Years Later dropped 68% in its second weekend and Final Destination: Bloodlines fell 62.5%, Weapons held strong, bolstered by positive word-of-mouth and expanded screenings.

Its international performance, with $75.6 million across markets like the UK ($8.3 million), Mexico ($5.5 million), and France ($4 million), underscores its global appeal.

What Makes Weapons a Box Office Phenomenon?

The secret sauce behind Weapons’ success lies in its originality and execution. Zach Cregger, fresh off his 2022 hit Barbarian ($45.3 million worldwide), crafted a mystery horror that keeps audiences guessing.

The film’s chaptered structure, focusing on different characters, adds depth, while its shocking twist has been carefully guarded in marketing campaigns to preserve the experience. Warner Bros.’ savvy promotion, including a two-week IMAX run that accounted for 34% of the opening weekend gross, amplified its reach.

The film’s $100.6 million global milestone in its first week marked it as the 25th film of 2025 to cross that threshold and only the fourth horror film to do so this year.

Its ability to outperform expectations, coupled with a reported $10 million payday for Cregger, highlights the industry’s confidence in the project. Sources suggest Warner Bros. is already exploring a prequel centered on Aunt Gladys, hinting at a potential franchise in the making.

Can Weapons Sustain Its Box Office Momentum?

With no major competition on the horizon, Weapons is poised for a third consecutive week at the top of the domestic box office. Its strong holds on weekdays, like a $4.5 million Wednesday and $4.1 million Thursday, rank among the biggest for R-rated horror post-COVID.

The film’s ability to maintain momentum in international markets, adding $2.9 million on a single Monday, suggests it could continue climbing. Analysts predict Weapons could challenge Sinners ($278 million domestic) if it maintains its current trajectory, though reaching Jaws’ inflation-unadjusted $477 million global haul remains a stretch.

The film’s success also signals a broader trend: original horror is thriving. Alongside Sinners, Weapons proves that audiences crave fresh stories over reboots.

Its 94% critical score and 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, paired with a relatively low budget, make it a financial and critical darling. As one X post noted, Weapons is “crushing it” globally, with its $180.5 million worldwide gross positioning it as a standout in a competitive summer season.

Weapons Box Office Performance In A Nutshell

Why Should You Care About Weapons’ Success?

Weapons isn’t just a box office juggernaut; it’s a testament to the power of bold storytelling.

Julia Garner’s star turn, combined with Cregger’s innovative direction, has delivered a horror experience that’s as profitable as it is terrifying.

Some Closing Thoughts:

With $180.5 million in the bank and counting, Weapons is slicing through the competition and setting a new standard for the genre.

Whether you’re a horror fanatic or just love a good underdog story, this film’s meteoric rise is one to watch.

Catch it in theaters, and join the conversation about 2025’s scariest blockbuster yet.