Horror's Highest-Grossing Films: From 'It' to 'A Quiet Place Part II'
The commercial success of the horror genre is evident through its impressive profit margins, highlighted by the top-grossing horror films based on unadjusted global earnings. Leading the pack is 'It' (2017), which amassed approximately $700 million, directed by Andy Muschietti and featuring Bill Skarsgård. Following closely is 'The Sixth Sense' (1999), which garnered around $673 million under the direction of M. Night Shyamalan, starring Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment. 'World War Z' (2013) brought in about $540 million, directed by Marc Forster and starring Brad Pitt. 'It Chapter Two' (2019) earned roughly $473 million, with Muschietti and Skarsgård reprising their roles. Other significant titles include 'Jaws' (1975), 'The Exorcist' (1973), 'Hannibal' (2001), 'The Conjuring' (2013), 'The Conjuring 2' (2016), and 'A Quiet Place Part II' (2021).
Key facts
- 'It' (2017) is the highest-grossing horror film ever with approximately $700 million worldwide.
- 'The Sixth Sense' (1999) grossed around $673 million and received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
- 'World War Z' (2013) earned roughly $540 million, the largest global haul for a zombie film.
- 'It Chapter Two' (2019) took in about $473 million, ranking among the top-earning horror sequels.
- 'Jaws' (1975) has earned approximately $470 million across its original run and re-releases.
- 'The Exorcist' (1973) grossed around $441 million and received 10 Oscar nominations, winning two.
- 'Hannibal' (2001) collected roughly $351 million worldwide.
- 'The Conjuring' (2013) grossed about $319 million against a $20 million budget, spawning a lucrative franchise.
Entities
Artists
- Stephen King
- Andy Muschietti
- Bill Skarsgård
- Chase Palmer
- Cary Fukunaga
- Gary Dauberman
- Jaeden Martell
- Sophia Lillis
- Jack Dylan Grazer
- Finn Wolfhard
- M. Night Shyamalan
- Bruce Willis
- Haley Joel Osment
- Toni Collette
- Brad Pitt
- Marc Forster
- Max Brooks
- Damon Lindelof
- Drew Goddard
- George Romero
- David Fincher
- Jessica Chastain
- James McAvoy
- Bill Hader
- Steven Spielberg
- Peter Benchley
- Roy Scheider
- Robert Shaw
- Richard Dreyfuss
- John Williams
- William Friedkin
- William Peter Blatty
- Linda Blair
- Dick Smith
- Ridley Scott
- Anthony Hopkins
- Julianne Moore
- Jodie Foster
- Thomas Harris
- Giancarlo Giannini
- Gary Oldman
- Jonathan Demme
- Hans Zimmer
- David Mamet
- Steven Zaillian
- Mads Mikkelsen
- James Wan
- Patrick Wilson
- Vera Farmiga
- Taissa Farmiga
- Demián Bichir
- John Krasinski
- Emily Blunt
- Millicent Simmonds
- Noah Jupe
- Cillian Murphy
- Lupita Nyong'o
- Joseph Quinn
Institutions
- Warner Bros.
- New Line Cinema
- Paramount Pictures
- Universal
- Netflix
- NBC
- World Health Organization
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Locations
- Derry
- Maine
- United States
- Philadelphia
- Jerusalem
- Israel
- Wales
- United Kingdom
- Amity
- Martha's Vineyard
- Florence
- Italy
- Enfield
- London
- Harrisville
- Rhode Island
- New York City
Sources
- Quartz —