Weapons' Worldwide Box Office Soars to Over $250M: A Horror Sensation

Julia Garner’s latest horror thriller, Weapons, has taken the box office by storm, cementing its place as one of 2025’s standout films.

With Weapons' worldwide box office reaching an impressive $251,544,692, as reported by Box Office Mojo, the film has surpassed expectations, blending gripping storytelling with a stellar cast.

Directed by Zach Cregger, this chilling tale of a small town rocked by the mysterious disappearance of 17 schoolchildren has captivated audiences globally.

Below, we dive into the film’s remarkable performance, breaking down its domestic and international earnings, critical reception, and what this means for the horror genre.

Box Office Highlights:

• Domestic Earnings: $143,044,692 (56.9% of total)

• International Earnings: $108,500,000 (43.1% of total)

• Worldwide Total: $251,544,692

• Budget Milestone: Earned over six times its $38 million production budget

• Ranking: 14th film of 2025 to cross $250 million globally; 25th highest-grossing horror film of all time

What Drove Weapons’ Explosive Opening Weekend?

Weapons debuted on August 8, 2025, with a staggering $42.5 million in North America, outpacing competitors like Freakier Friday ($29 million). Its global opening reached $71.8 million, far exceeding projections for a horror film.

The film’s gripping premise, centered on a community unraveling after a mass disappearance, hooked audiences early. Posts on X highlighted the “insane hype” around the opening, with fans praising its intense atmosphere.

The film’s A- CinemaScore, a rare feat for horror, signaled strong audience approval, boosting word-of-mouth momentum.

How Does Weapons Compare to Other 2025 Horror Films?

The film has climbed to the second highest-grossing horror movie of 2025 domestically, surpassing Final Destination: Bloodlines ($138.1 million) with $143 million. Only Ryan Coogler’s Sinners ($278.5 million domestically) ranks higher.

Globally, Weapons has outgrossed classics like The Ring ($248.2 million) and The Blair Witch Project ($248.3 million), securing a spot among the top 25 horror films of all time. Its 43% drop in week two, milder than typical horror declines, underscores its staying power.

Why Is Weapons Resonating with Audiences Globally?

The film’s international haul of $108.5 million reflects its universal appeal. Directed by Zach Cregger, whose 2022 film Barbarian grossed $40.8 million domestically, Weapons benefits from his knack for blending psychological horror with dark comedy.

The star-studded cast, including Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Benedict Wong, Alden Ehrenreich, and Amy Madigan, adds gravitas. Critics on X have lauded the film’s 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it a “game-changer” for horror. Its ability to sustain momentum, even against blockbusters like The Fantastic Four: First Steps, highlights its broad draw.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Horror?

Weapons has proven that original horror can still dominate in a franchise-heavy market. Its $38 million budget, dwarfed by its $251.5 million global gross, signals a win for Warner Bros., continuing their 2025 streak with hits like A Minecraft Movie.

The film’s success, outpacing Cregger’s Barbarian in just one weekend, suggests studios may invest more in bold, director-driven horror. With The Conjuring: Last Rites nipping at its heels, Weapons must maintain its momentum to stay in the top 25 horror films.

Box Office Performance Table

Some Closing Thoughts:

Weapons has redefined horror’s potential at the box office, blending critical acclaim with massive commercial success.

Its $251.5 million global haul, driven by Julia Garner’s star power and Zach Cregger’s visionary direction, marks it as a cultural phenomenon.

As it continues its theatrical run, the film’s legacy as a top-tier horror thriller is secure, with fans eagerly awaiting its digital release.

Stay tuned for updates on whether Weapons can climb higher on the all-time horror charts.