Weapons' Box Office Data: Julia Garner's Horror Hit Smashes Expectations

Weapons' box office data reveals a thrilling success story for Julia Garner's latest horror venture, raking in an impressive $161,863,324 worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.

Directed by Zach Cregger, this chilling tale of a mysterious mass disappearance has captivated audiences, securing its place as a standout in the 2025 horror landscape.

With a stellar cast, gripping narrative, and critical acclaim, the film has not only recovered its $38 million budget but is poised to climb even higher.

Let’s dive into the numbers, critical reception, and what’s driving this film’s phenomenal run.

Weapons Box Office Performance In A Nutshell:

• Domestic Earnings: $95,163,324 (58.8% of total gross)

• International Earnings: $66,700,000 (41.2% of total gross)

• Worldwide Total: $161,863,324

• Budget: $38 million, fully recouped with significant profit

• Critical Reception: 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, A- CinemaScore

• Ranking: 14th highest-grossing film in North America for 2025

Why Is Weapons Dominating the Box Office?

The film’s gripping premise, centered on the baffling disappearance of 17 classmates in a small American town, has hooked audiences. Starring Julia Garner as Justine, a teacher caught in the mystery, alongside Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, and Benedict Wong, the movie blends horror and mystery with a non-linear narrative.

Its $42.5 million domestic opening weekend marked it as the third biggest horror debut of 2025, trailing only Sinners and Final Destination: Bloodlines. The film’s ability to maintain momentum, with a strong $25 million second weekend (a modest 43% drop), speaks to its positive word-of-mouth and audience appeal.

Globally, the film has performed robustly, with a $27.5 million international opening across 72 markets, outperforming horror hits like Smile (+77%) and Speak No Evil (+164%) in like-for-like markets.

The UK, Mexico, and France led overseas earnings, contributing significantly to the $66.7 million international total. This global appeal underscores the film’s universal draw, fueled by its eerie premise and stellar ensemble cast.

How Does Weapons Compare to Other Horror Films?

Weapons has carved out a unique space in the 2025 horror market. Its $161.8 million worldwide gross has already surpassed cult classics like 28 Days Later and Fight Club, and it’s closing in on 28 Years Later ($150.4 million).

While it trails Sinners ($365.9 million) and Final Destination: Bloodlines ($285.3 million), analysts predict it could reach $300 million globally, especially with no major competition in the coming weeks.

The film’s 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and A- CinemaScore reflect strong critical and audience approval, outshining Fight Club’s 81% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Its performance mirrors the success of Cregger’s previous hit, Barbarian, which grossed $40 million domestically on a $4 million budget.

The film’s budget efficiency is another highlight. Made for $38 million, it recouped its costs in its opening weekend alone, with an 89% return above production costs. This financial success, paired with its critical acclaim, positions Weapons as a model for original horror films in a competitive market.

What Makes Weapons a Cultural Hit?

Beyond the numbers, the film’s cultural impact is undeniable. Social media buzz highlights its “complex and engaging” horror-mystery narrative, with fans praising Garner’s chilling performance as Justine.

Posts on X note its “insane” stat of nearing $90 million domestically by its second weekend, overtaking Snow White ($87 million) to rank as the 14th highest-grossing North American release of 2025.

The film’s nomination for Most Anticipated Film at the 8th Astra Midseason Movie Awards further cements its status as a must-see. Its taut 88-minute runtime keeps viewers on edge, while its non-linear storytelling sets it apart from typical horror fare.

The lack of major competition in late August has allowed Weapons to maintain its #1 spot in North America for two consecutive weeks, a feat bolstered by positive word-of-mouth and screen expansions.

Analysts like David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research have called its second-week performance “strong” for a quiet summer weekend, predicting a sustained run.

Can Weapons Reach the $300 Million Milestone?

With $161.8 million already in the bank, the film is on a fast track to hit $300 million worldwide, potentially becoming Garner’s second-biggest hit of 2025 after The Fantastic Four: First Steps ($470.3 million).

Its steady international performance, with only a 31.9% drop in its second weekend overseas, suggests it could challenge Sinners for a top spot among 2025 horror films.

The film’s ability to resonate with both critics and audiences, combined with its lean budget, makes it a standout success for Warner Bros., which celebrated six consecutive $40 million-plus domestic openings with Weapons. If it maintains its momentum, $300 million is well within reach.

Some Closing Thoughts: A Horror Triumph Worth Watching

Weapons has proven itself a box office juggernaut and a cultural phenomenon, blending spine-chilling horror with a compelling mystery.

Its impressive $95.2 million domestic and $66.7 million international hauls, totaling $161.8 million worldwide, showcase its global appeal.

With critical acclaim, a stellar cast, and a trajectory toward $300 million, this film is a testament to the power of original storytelling.

Whether you’re a horror aficionado or a casual moviegoer, Weapons is a must-see that’s redefining the genre’s box office potential.

Catch it in theaters before it vanishes like its mysterious classmates.