Spooky season may be over but Hollywood’s love for horror is alive year-round. From The Shining to The Conjuring, horror has always had a special place in the city’s cinematic DNA. And now, it’s doing more than scaring audiences, it’s saving the box office.
According to The New York Times, horror movies now account for 17% of U.S. box-office revenue, more than drama and comedy combined. While big-budget superhero flicks and prestige dramas have struggled to lure audiences away from their couches, horror fans are still showing up in droves, popcorn in hand, ready to scream together in the dark.
Why horror is Hollywood’s surprise MVP and accounts for 17% of the box office
“Horror has become one of Hollywood’s last reliable ticket sellers… dramas have almost disappeared from theaters… but it’s hard to replicate that group scare dynamic at home,” said Brooks Barnes, The Times’ chief Hollywood correspondent.
This year’s standout titles illustrate why. The Conjuring: Last Rites opened to an estimated $187 million globally, marking a record-breaking international debut for a horror film. Original horror Sinners has earned over $240 million domestically, while Weapons, a chilling original about missing children, has taken in more than $260 million. Even Netflix releases like Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein have not deterred audiences, with fans still flocking to theaters in Los Angeles to experience the film’s lavish 35mm presentation on the big screen.
Horror’s resurgence is fueled by multiple factors: lower production costs, loyal fan followings, and the irreplaceable communal thrill of a theater screening. The genre’s combination of suspense, spectacle, and cultural resonance ensures it continues to attract both dedicated enthusiasts and casual moviegoers.
Los Angeles remains the epicenter of this creative and commercial boom. From Universal’s classic monsters to modern auteur horror, the city’s has consistently propelled the genre forward. Whether catching a fresh original like Sinners or revisiting classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street, audiences continue to flock to theaters, proving that horror remains as thrilling as ever.