These 9 Horror Movies Surprised Us All By Becoming Unexpected Box Office Hits

It was widely anticipated that films such as “It” and “Evil Dead Rise” would be substantial box office hits before their trailers were even released. Given the movie’s premise, a terrifying clown tale from the master of horror Stephen King, and being the fifth installment in Sam Raimi’s iconic series, success was almost guaranteed regardless of their eventual quality. In contrast, many horror films that are now considered classics were initially not expected to achieve box office glory when they were first announced.

Initially, the obscure directors, modest promotional efforts, or tight budget may have led people to believe these films wouldn’t garner much attention, destined to be just niche scary movies. However, some horror flicks managed to captivate audiences unexpectedly, achieving widespread popularity despite seemingly insurmountable odds.

9. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Directed By Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sánchez

Prior to transforming into the recognized cult classic we acknowledge today, The Blair Witch Project was initially marketed as just an indie film featuring unrecognized actors, employing a found-footage/semi-documentary approach. This made it appear more like an eerie school project than a future blockbuster. Nevertheless, an ingenious and innovative marketing strategy, the chilling realism of the footage and acting, as well as the unsettling ambiance, all played significant roles in its eventual success.

Unbeknownst to many, The Blair Witch Project turned out to be a surprise blockbuster that significantly influenced the horror genre over time. It was the first movie of its kind to gain widespread popularity through internet marketing, featuring posters hinting at the mysterious disappearance of its main characters. With global box office earnings reaching $250 million and ranking as the 10th highest-grossing film in the U.S. in 1999, it is now commonly recognized as one of the scariest films ever made.

8. Barbarian (2022)

Directed By Zach Cregger

In June 2022, a trailer for the movie “Barbarian” was released, giving few hints about the innovative nature of the film. The marketing strategy provided scant details about the storyline. Most people probably envisioned it as a standard horror tale involving an ill-fated vacation home rental, with Bill Skarsgård playing the sinister antagonist. What made the surprising impact of this low-budget horror thriller even more unexpected was that it was Zach Cregger’s first directorial and screenwriting venture, which may have lowered our anticipation.

Despite being made with an audacious and visionary style, Barbarian defied expectations in its storytelling and casting, and it was richly rewarded: This low-budget film, costing just under $5 million to produce, went on to earn ten times that amount. Furthermore, during the final week of October 2022, it became the fifth most-watched program across all streaming platforms.

7. A Quiet Place (2018)

Directed By John Krasinski

Even though John Krasinski had previously made a name for himself as a director, many still recognized him best from his comedic role as Jim Halpert on The Office. This led to the surprise that he was also drawn to the horror genre. The movie “A Quiet Place”, though initially perceived as an apocalyptic tale, is in fact a deeply moving story about family love. Remarkably, it surpassed our initial expectations with its intriguing premise.

Krasinski’s subtle yet powerful direction effectively portrays the haunting quietness that runs through the narrative. Moreover, Emily Blunt and her fellow actors deliver emotionally intense performances that complement the tense yet moving storyline, making the movie not just one of the top horrors of the 2010s but also a blockbuster hit earning $341 million. Due to its success, A Quiet Place has established a lasting media franchise.

6. Smile (2022)

Directed By Parker Finn

It’s hard to imagine that the chilling movie “Smile,” which originated from a spooky short film named “Laura Hasn’t Slept,” would turn into one of the top horror hits of 2022. Debuting director Parker Finn penned and helmed this project, weaving together supernatural and psychological elements that resonated with audiences due to its unsettling concept and haunting visuals.

As an eager moviegoer, I was pleasantly surprised by the staggering global earnings of Smile, raking in a whopping $217 million and claiming the title of the highest-grossing R-rated horror film during the pandemic (according to Deadline). Critics couldn’t help but shower it with praise, even acknowledging its resemblance to certain chilling classics like The Ring and It Follows. However, Finn’s impressive debut also sparked a sequel, which, while not quite reaching the heights of its predecessor, still proved to be a box-office success.

5. Get Out (2017)

Directed By Jordan Peele

Get Out is often hailed as one of the most remarkable horror films ever made: A groundbreaking masterpiece that earned critical acclaim and even received four Academy Award nominations, winning one for Best Original Screenplay. Yet, what made this film truly exceptional was its unexpected success at the box office. This was particularly noteworthy given that Jordan Peele was a relatively unestablished director when the movie was released in 2017. “Get Out” marked his directorial debut and dealt with sinister, socially relevant themes.

Get Out left people everywhere stunned with its unexpected impact. The blend of suspenseful undertones, dark humor, and sharp social commentary made for a captivating watch that resonated strongly with audiences worldwide. The film raked in $255 million globally, surpassing The Blair Witch Project‘s record as the top-grossing debut movie based on an original script. This success can be attributed to the fact that although it has some science fiction aspects, its narrative is grounded in genuine, relatable fears.

4. Longlegs (2024)

Directed By Oz Perkins

In the 2020s horror scene, Longlegs unexpectedly became a chilling sensation. Oz Perkins, already recognized in the industry, and the involvement of Nicolas Cage and rising scream queen Malika Munroe added to the appeal. Yet, few anticipated the movie’s massive and swift success. Given that Neon, an independent yet distinguished production company, was behind its modest production budget, such success came as a surprise.

The marketing strategy for “Longlegs” took cues from “The Blair Witch Project,” heavily relying on digital platforms and incorporating interactive aspects, a mysterious website, and enigmatic codes to enhance the narrative’s authenticity. As advertised, “Longlegs” proved to be both eerie and suspenseful, with a chilling ambiance and a cunning plot that was as intricate as it was twisted. Not only did “Longlegs” top Neon’s domestic box office earnings in America, but it also claimed the title of the highest-grossing independent film of 2024. Its extraordinary opening weekend made it an unforgettable box-office sensation.

3. Talk To Me (2022)

Directed By Danny Philippou & Bill Hinzman

The first directorial venture by Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman, titled “Talk To Me,” surprised audiences with its powerful themes and chilling visuals, making it a standout Australian horror film. Notably, these directors were well-known on YouTube for their horror content and stunt performances. Given their background primarily consisted of creating short films online, the buzz surrounding this movie was relatively low.

Following its premiere at the Sundance Festival, “Talk To Me” was swiftly picked up by distribution company A24, earning favorable reviews that attracted a larger audience than anticipated upon its release in cinemas. Although the storyline could be considered somewhat predictable, involving a group of children pushing boundaries, the movie’s deep dive into grief using a haunted hand and malevolent spirits captured the public’s attention, ultimately making it A24’s most successful horror film to date.

2. The Exorcist (1973)

Directed By William Friedkin

Back in the 70s, it may have seemed unbelievable to discuss this topic, but “The Exorcist” was an unexpected sensation in the horror genre. When it debuted in 1973, very few would have predicted that a chilling tale about a girl tormented by a demon would go on to be one of the most impactful and successful films not just in the realm of horror, but across the entire film industry. Given its relatively unknown cast and overshot budget, it seemed unlikely to achieve such success. However, William Friedkin’s masterpiece proved the naysayers wrong, leaving audiences spellbound worldwide.

In the midst of heated debates and intense reactions from some viewers, the movie “The Exorcist” became a widely discussed subject across various age groups, earning the label of a word-of-mouth success (as reported by The New York Times). Despite efforts by multiple cities to prohibit it due to its infamous status as an “improper” cinematic work, audiences braved cold weather and queued for hours outside theaters to witness the terror unleashed by this cultural sensation. “The Exorcist” maintained the title of the highest-grossing R-rated horror film until “It” was released in 2017.

1. Terrifier 2 (2022)

Directed By Damien Leone

Occasionally, unfavorable reviews could tarnish a movie’s reputation. This seems to have been the case with the global launch of Terrifier 2. Yet, it’s worth noting that under certain circumstances, harsh criticism, particularly in the horror genre, can actually boost a film. For instance, if the criticisms revolve around excessive violence or similar themes. Such comments stir up an atmosphere of controversy and suspense surrounding the narrative. The 2022 slasher movie leveraged this strategy effectively, resulting in its success at the box office.

The sequel to “Terrifier” had an unexpectedly successful debut week that left the whole industry in awe. Despite some early unfavorable criticisms, the film was made on a modest budget and utilized minimal advertising. However, the movie’s ability to evoke intense reactions from certain viewers, such as vomiting or fainting, sparked curiosity among the daring fans of the horror genre. Even Leone, the director, expressed his amazement at the commercial success of his film.

2025-04-27 17:49