The 10 Highest-Grossing Horror Movies of All Time
- THE CONJURING (2013)
Worldwide Gross: $317 million
USA Gross: $137 million
In 1970, paranormal investigators and demonologists Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) and Ed (Patrick Wilson) Warren are called to the home of Carolyn (Lili Taylor) and Roger (Ron Livingston) Perron. The Perron family, along with their five daughters, has recently moved into an isolated farmhouse where a supernatural presence has begun to manifest. Initially, the occurrences seem relatively mild, but they quickly escalate into terrifying events, especially after the Warrens uncover the house’s gruesome history.
- A QUIET PLACE (2018)
Worldwide Gross: $334 million
USA Gross: $188 million
“A Quiet Place” (2018), directed by John Krasinski, is a suspenseful horror film set in a post-apocalyptic world where deadly creatures hunt by sound. The Abbott family—Lee, Evelyn, and their children—must live silently to evade these creatures. When Evelyn discovers she’s pregnant, the family faces heightened danger as they strive to survive while welcoming a new life. The film is noted for its tension, innovative use of silence, and exploration of themes like family bonds and survival instincts in extreme circumstances.
- HANNIBAL (2001)
Worldwide Gross: $350 million
USA Gross: $165 million
Seven years have elapsed since Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) escaped from captivity. Now at large in Europe, the doctor evades capture. Meanwhile, Mason Verger (Gary Oldman), scarred and driven by vengeance as Lecter’s sixth victim who survived, plots his revenge. To lure Lecter out of hiding, Verger determines to use Clarice Starling (Julianne Moore) as bait.
- THE NUN (2018)
Worldwide Gross: $363 million
USA Gross: $117 million
When a young nun at a secluded abbey in Romania tragically ends her life, the Vatican dispatches a priest with a troubled history and a novice about to take her final vows to investigate. As they delve into the mysteries of the cloistered order, they unearth a sinister secret. Their quest places their lives, faith, and souls in jeopardy as they confront a malevolent presence embodied by a demonic nun.
- THE EXORCIST (1973)
Worldwide Gross: $428 million
USA Gross: $230 million
Based loosely on real events, this highly profitable horror film revolves around an exorcism. When young Regan (played by Linda Blair) begins exhibiting strange behavior like levitation and speaking in tongues, her concerned mother (Ellen Burstyn) turns to medical professionals, but finds no answers. A local priest (Jason Miller) suspects demonic possession and seeks permission to perform an exorcism. The church sends in an expert (Max von Sydow) to assist in this daunting task.
- IT: CHAPTER 2 (2019)
Worldwide Gross: $467 million
USA Gross: $211 million
After being defeated by the Losers’ Club, the malevolent clown Pennywise resurfaces 27 years later to haunt the town of Derry, Maine, anew. As adults, the childhood friends have drifted apart. However, when residents begin vanishing, Mike Hanlon summons them back for a final confrontation. Haunted by old wounds, the reunited Losers must confront their deepest fears to defeat Pennywise, who has grown stronger than ever.
- JAWS (1975)
Worldwide Gross: $482 million
USA Gross: $272 million
After a young woman is fatally attacked by a shark while swimming near the tourist town of Amity Island in New England, Police Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) advocates for closing the beaches. However, Mayor Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) opposes him, fearing economic devastation without tourist revenue. Ichthyologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and seasoned ship captain Quint (Robert Shaw) join forces with Brody to hunt down the deadly predator. What ensues is an intense struggle between humanity and the forces of nature.
- I AM LEGEND (2007)
Worldwide Gross: $585 million
USA Gross: $256 million
Robert Neville, a scientist, navigates a desolate New York City ravaged by a man-made plague that turns people into mutants. He searches tirelessly for other survivors while dedicating himself to developing a cure from his own immune blood. Aware of his outnumbered status, Neville faces daunting odds against the infected who eagerly anticipate his next mistake to ensnare him.
- THE SIXTH SENSE (1999)
Worldwide Gross: $672 million
USA Gross: $293 million
Young Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment) harbors a troubling secret: he sees ghosts. Terrified by encounters with restless spirits seeking resolution, Cole keeps his anguish hidden, confiding only in child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis). As Dr. Crowe delves into the mystery of Cole’s paranormal gifts, their journey uncovers profound revelations that defy explanation, transforming both client and therapist forever.
- IT (2017)
Worldwide Gross: $701 million
USA Gross: $328 million
In Derry, Maine, seven young outcasts are on the brink of confronting their darkest fear: a timeless, shape-shifting malevolence that emerges from the sewer every 27 years to hunt the town’s children. Coming together during a chilling summer, the friends must conquer their individual terrors to combat Pennywise, the deadly and relentless clown who feeds on fear.
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