Blumhouse’s 2025 Horror Movies Are Flopping Hard

Despite the fact that Blumhouse is widely recognized as the leading horror studio globally, its performance at the box office this year has been rather underwhelming. To date, they have released a total of four films in cinemas: “Wolf Man”, “The Woman in the Yard”, “Drop”, and “M3GAN 2.0”. However, these releases haven’t garnered the expected success.

Both “The Woman in the Yard” and “Drop” are unique narratives, while “Wolf Man” is inspired by a legendary monster. On the other hand, “M3GAN 2.0” is a follow-up to a widely acclaimed horror movie from last year. Consequently, both these films may have attracted an audience. Regrettably, the reception for “M3GAN 2.0” has been lukewarm, and its performance at the box office has also been disappointing.

As a fan, I find myself reflecting on the reasons behind Blumhouse’s recent struggles at the box office. The latest release, M3GAN 2.0, unfortunately, fails to capture the essence of the original film, which is one of Blumhouse’s finest productions. This observation, made halfway through the year, suggests that the studio might be experiencing a string of underperforming movies. Let’s delve into the possible factors contributing to this situation.

The Blumhouse Branding Is No Longer The Defining Feature Anymore

Audiences Won’t Just See A Movie Simply For The Brand

From its beginning, Blumhouse has been responsible for some truly terrifying cinema, including titles like Insidious, Get Out, The Invisible Man, and numerous others. This studio is widely recognized as one of the leading forces in horror films worldwide, thanks to its string of critically acclaimed and financially successful releases that have built a devoted following over time.

It seems to me that the acting in the four Blumhouse films launched this year may suggest a shift in loyalty among fans, which is not exclusive to Blumhouse but appears to be a broader trend across studios. For instance, the live-action adaptation of Snow White by Disney this year showcased that even a titan like them can’t always count on their fanbase’s unwavering support.

Given the current trend of streaming, it can be challenging to persuade people to fill theater seats as many movies become available digitally just a few weeks after their initial theatrical release. Consequently, the dismal box office sales for the four Blumhouse films in 2025 suggest that the studio must take additional steps to entice viewers to watch movies in theaters instead of at home.

Most Of Blumhouse’s 2025 Releases Didn’t Receive Positive Reviews

Except For One

When considering which movies to catch at the cinema, I always check out reviews first. Regrettably, three out of the four Blumhouse flicks this year have been panned by critics. Interestingly, in the table below, you’ll find that Drop is the sole film from their 2025 lineup with a “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Blumhouse’s 2025 Movies Worldwide Box Office RT Critics Score
Wolf Man $34,151,868 48%
The Woman in the Yard $23,311,502 40%
Drop $28,613,803 84%
M3GAN 2.0 $20,577,565 (so far) 57%

The film Drop stands out as an innovative and engaging horror/thriller, however, the same praise can’t be extended to Blumhouse’s other films this year. Although some fans might find enjoyment in M3GAN 2.0, it falls short compared to its predecessor. Moreover, the unexpected genre transition from horror to science fiction caught viewers off guard. This risky decision by Blumhouse was daring, but it appears that the gamble didn’t yield the desired results.

As a devotee, I must confess that the films “Wolf Man” and “The Woman in the Yard,” with their less than impressive Rotten Tomatoes rankings, have been criticized as dull and unimpressive by fellow horror enthusiasts. Consequently, it’s evident that Blumhouse needs to focus on delivering superior quality movies more frequently if they aim to boost their performance at the box office.

Jason Blum Has Recently Commented On The Studio’s Disappointing Box Office Year

The Studio Founder Acknowledges Some Of The Hiccups

It’s relieving to note that Jason Blum, founder of Blumhouse Productions, has acknowledged their films have not done as well financially at the box office this year. In light of the underperformance of M3GAN 2.0, Blum admitted that they believed the character would strike a chord with viewers regardless of the direction they chose for the sequel’s narrative. He stated:

It was commonly believed that Megan was as powerful as Superman, and we had the freedom to modify various aspects of her character. We could shift genres, place her in different seasons, alter her appearance, and even transform her from a villain into a hero. In hindsight, we may have overestimated the level of audience connection with her.

It’s worth noting that Blum admitted to addressing Blumhouse staff, acknowledging that the studio seems to be experiencing a downturn following the release of M3GAN 2.0. He further added:

This morning, I told the Blumhouse team that when examining any significant talent, be it a movie star, a production company, or a studio, all our favorites have experienced downturns at some point. This idea also applies to Blumhouse.

Blum’s admission of the issues at Blumhouse Studios indicates that he is taking steps to find a resolution, implying that the studio may bounce back soon.

Blumhouse Only Has 2 Movies Left To Release In 2025

Could Either Or Both Close The Year With At Least A Hit?

It’s great news that Blumhouse is planning to release two movies towards the end of this year, which might potentially become blockbusters. First off, the sequel to “Black Phone 2” is scheduled for a theater release on October 17, 2025. In this upcoming film, Ethan Hawke will reprise his role as the Grabber, four years after the first movie garnered widespread critical and commercial acclaim, earning $161 million at the box office according to Box Office Mojo.

To round off the year, the much-anticipated “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” is set to launch on December 5, 2025. Interestingly, despite numerous unfavorable reviews, the first Five Nights at Freddy’s movie managed to rake in an impressive $291 million at the global box office, making it Blumhouse’s highest-grossing film to date (as per Box Office Mojo).

Despite facing challenges in the first part of the year, it’s likely that the upcoming films Black Phone 2 and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 will significantly boost Blumhouse’s standing, potentially marking a strong resurgence for the studio. Given these significant upcoming projects, there seems to be little reason for members of Blumhouse to be overly concerned about the studio’s future prospects.

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2025-07-06 00:09