2021 has been quite an exhilarating year for horror enthusiasts like me, as it’s been thriving at the box office. Although there are a handful of remakes and franchise extensions, the majority of the top-earning horror titles globally are innovative ideas. This is truly music to the ears of us horror aficionados, who relish both series continuations and fresh content. Intriguingly, not one, but two of these top titles this year find themselves in the top 10 highest-grossing movies across all genres at the box office!
With summer drawing to a close and an abundance of scary films hitting the screens (even though Halloween season officially begins much later), this selection could be subject to change. Nonetheless, these particular movies are currently gathering quite a buzz.
10
‘Dark Nuns’
Worldwide at the Box Office: $11,966,674
In the realm of South Korean supernatural horror films, I find myself captivated by the chilling masterpiece known as “Dark Nuns,” skillfully directed by Kwon Hyeok-jae, renowned for his work on “Troubleshooter.” The screenplay was crafted by Hyo-jin Oh, a talented writer who has graced us with “Crazy Romance,” and Kim Woo-Jin. This film serves as a gripping spin-off from the 2015 horror mystery, “The Priests.”
In this haunting tale, I find myself drawn to the courageous characters portrayed by Song Hye-kyo, who breathes life into Sister Junia, and Jeon Yeo-been as the resilient Sister Michaela. These two nuns embark on a harrowing journey to rescue a young boy from the clutches of demonic possession. “Dark Nuns” is proudly distributed by Next Entertainment World.
The movie titled “Dark Nuns” has performed exceptionally well globally. Debuting in January, it garnered $3.9 million at the South Korean box office during its initial weekend. Notably, Song, Jeon, and Moon Woo-jin (who portrays the character of the boy) have all been recognized with nominations for Baeksang Arts Awards. As of now, the film maintains a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
9
‘The Woman in the Yard’
Worldwide at the Box Office: $23,263,361
The Enigmatic Woman in the Front Yard
This Universal Pictures chiller, penned by Sam Stefanak (creator of F is for Family) and helmed by Jaume Collet-Serra (director of Carry On), delves into a family’s unease as an enigmatic woman in black keeps making appearances in their front yard. Danielle Deadwyler (Station Eleven) portrays Ramona, with Russell Hornsby (Grimm) as her husband, David. Their children, played by Peyton Jackson (Pet Investigators) and Estella Kahiha (The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry), add to the family dynamic, while Okwui Okpokwasili (Agatha All Along) brings an air of mystery as the woman in the yard.
The movie carries the heavy influence of Blumhouse Productions, a well-known powerhouse in the horror genre. Directing this film isn’t new for Collet-Serra; he’s also known for his work on films like “The Shallows,” “Orphan,” and “House of Wax.” Released in March, “The Woman in the Yard” earned $9.45 million during its debut weekend in the U.S. It currently holds a 42% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
8
‘Drop’
Worldwide at the Box Office: $28,326,805
As a film enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating the release of “Drop,” starring Meghann Fahy from “The Perfect Couple.” In this thrilling tale, I play Violet Gates, a widowed therapist ready to dive back into dating. However, things take a chilling turn when an anonymous assailant begins sending me ominous “Digi-Drops” on my phone, ruining a seemingly normal dinner date. Produced by the legendary Blumhouse Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures, “Drop” is expertly directed by Christopher Landon, with a script penned by Jillian Jacobs, the mind behind “Truth or Dare,” and Chris Roach, known for his work on “Fantasy Island.” Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of suspense!
In a more conversational style: Landon boasts quite a horror filmmaking pedigree. He’s responsible for directing films like “We Have a Ghost,” “Freaky,” “Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse,” “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones,” and both installments of “Happy Death Day.” His latest work, titled “Drop,” was launched domestically in April. Landon even received a nomination for an Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival due to his outstanding contributions on the film. Upon its release, the movie grossed approximately $7.5 million in its opening weekend and currently has an 84% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
7
‘Heart Eyes’
Worldwide at the Box Office: $33,005,688
In a fresh take on romance and horror genres, “Heart Eyes” is a slasher film directed by Josh Ruben (known for “Werewolves Within”), with a screenplay penned by Phillip Murphy (“Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard”), Christopher Landon (“Drop”), and Michael Kennedy (“Freaky”). The leading role is played by Olivia Holt, who portrays Ally McCabe, an ad professional at a jewelry company. Following the flop of a Valentine’s Day campaign, Ally is compelled to collaborate with the charming advertising consultant Jay Simmons, portrayed by Mason Gooding. However, it isn’t just Ally’s career that’s at stake tonight; there’s a killer on the loose targeting couples, and when this assassin mistakenly identifies Ally and Jay as a loving couple, their lives are thrust into peril.
The romantic movie titled “Heart Eyes” was rolled out by Screen Gems prior to Valentine’s Day in February. In its initial week at U.S. box offices, it garnered $10 million. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an 80% approval rating from critics.
6
‘Wolf Man’
Worldwide at the Box Office: $34,151,775
Drawing inspiration from Universal’s 1940s “The Wolf Man” series, this modern retelling is directed by Leigh Whannell, with screenplay penned by Whannell and Corbett Tuck (of “Insidious: Chapter 3”). In a remote farmhouse, a family finds themselves in distress when one of their members starts exhibiting signs of transforming into a werewolf, following an encounter with a mysterious beast. The Lovell family, played by Christopher Abbott (“The Crowded Room”), Julia Garner (“Inventing Anna”), and Matilda Firth (“Hullraisers”), are at the heart of this story, with Blake and Charlotte Lovell as the main characters, and their daughter, Ginger, portrayed by Firth.
Whannell is well-known for his work in the horror genre, having penned the script for the original 2004 “Saw” movie and also writing and directing the remake of “The Invisible Man” released in 2020. The latest film by him, “Wolf Man,” debuted in January and grossed approximately $10 million during its opening weekend. It currently holds a 49% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
5
‘Companion’
Worldwide at the Box Office: $36,709,101
In the chilly month of January, the movie “Companion” was unveiled by Warner B Bros. Pictures. This is an innovative science fiction horror thriller, with Drew Hancock (known for Suburgatory) taking on both writing and directing duties. The captivating Sophie Thatcher (familiar from Yellowjackets) plays the role of Iris, a young woman who embarks on a relaxing weekend trip with her partner, Josh (portrayed by Jack Quaid). However, as the story unfolds, she learns that she is not just an ordinary human, but a companion robot, designed to express affection for him.
So far, the film “Companion” has been doing exceptionally well, garnering positive reviews across the board. Notably, director Hancock received an award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, highlighting him as a promising new talent in the industry. During its premiere weekend in the U.S., “Companion” managed to earn approximately $10 million, which covered the production costs of the film. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Companion” boasts an impressive 93% approval rating from critics.
4
‘Until Dawn’
Worldwide at the Box Office: $49,755,387
In the vein of the PlayStation game, Until Dawn is a horror movie set in the directorial hands of David F. Sandberg (Annabelle: Creation) and scripted by Gary Dauberman (It: Chapter Two) and Blair Butler (The Invitation). This film follows a band of friends trapped in a time loop, where their objective is to endure until dawn so they can escape. The cast includes Ella Rubin (The Chair), Michael Cimino (Love, Victor), Odessa A’zion (Hellraiser), Ji-young Yoo (Moxie), Belmont Cameli (Along for the Ride), Maia Mitchell (The Artful Dodger), and Peter Stormare (Armageddon) as Dr. Alan J. Hill. Interestingly, Stormare not only plays this character in the movie but also lends his voice to Dr. Hill in the video game.
The game titled “Until Dawn” was launched by Sony Pictures in April. On its first weekend, it earned approximately $8 million within the U.S., which was less than its production budget. It currently holds a 53% rating from critics and a 68% rating from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
3
‘The Monkey’
Worldwide at the Box Office: $68,768,292
According to Stephen King’s short story, the film titled The Monkey is a blend of dark comedy and horror, penned and directed by Osgood Perkins. This isn’t his first venture as both writer and director; he previously worked on the 2024 production Longlegs. Theo James plays dual roles as Hal and Bill Shelburn, a pair of twins who find themselves tormented by a malevolent toy monkey that seems to trail death in its wake. Joining him in this chilling tale are Tatiana Maslany (from Orphan Black), Christian Convery (Cocaine Bear), Colin O’Brien (Dear Edward), Rohan Campbell (Halloween Ends), Sarah Levy (Schitt’s Creek), Adam Scott (Severance), and Elijah Wood (Yellowjackets).
The film titled “The Monkey” was released by Neon in February, garnering mostly favorable feedback, yet it didn’t create as much of a stir as the movie “Longlegs”. It managed to pull in $5.8 million during previews and its opening night. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 78% rating from critics but a slightly lower 56% rating from viewers.
2
‘Final Destination Bloodlines’
Worldwide at the Box Office: $110,751,322
The horror movie, titled Final Destination: Bloodlines, was one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year. It serves as the sixth installment in the long-running Final Destination series, which kicked off in 2000. Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, who are known for their work on “Freaks”, the script was penned by Guy Busick (Ready or Not) and Lori Evans Taylor (Cellar Door). Kaitlyn Santa Juana, recognized from The Flash, takes the lead as Stefani Reyes, a college student fighting to save her family from an impending disaster. The cast also features Teo Briones (Wind RIver), Richard Harmon (The 100), Owen Patrick Joyner (Julie and the Phantoms), Anna Lore (Gotham Knights), Brec Bassinger (Stargirl), Gabrielle Rose (Virgin River), and franchise veteran Tony Todd in his final role before his passing in 2024.
Among the films in the “Final Destination” series, “Bloodlines” is highly praised by both critics and viewers alike. On its debut weekend, it grossed more than $100 million globally, a significant achievement. The film currently boasts a 92% rating from critics and an 88% rating from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating widespread approval.
1
‘Sinners’
Worldwide at the Box Office: $318,923,168
Ryan Coogler, the visionary behind “Black Panther”, shattered expectations with this captivating period drama brimming with vampires and superb music. This film is set in 1930s Mississippi, where it chronicles the lives of twin brothers, Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan from “Creed”. They use ill-gotten mob funds to establish a salvage yard. The ensemble cast includes Wunmi Mosaku (“His House”), Hailee Steinfeld (“Dickinson”), Jack O’Connell (“Godless”), Li Jun Li (“Evil”), Jayme Lawson (“The Woman King”), and Delroy Lindo (“The Good Fight”), with Miles Caton making his feature film debut.
As a passionate cinephile, I’ve been absolutely blown away by the phenomenal success of “Sinners”! This film has been creating quite a stir, not just critically, but also financially, with plenty of award buzz swirling around it. On its opening weekend alone, it raked in an impressive $48 million, securing the top spot at the box office and leaving studio executives utterly amazed. To put it simply, it’s been a smashing hit!
The critical acclaim is overwhelming too, with a 97% rating from critics and a staggering 96% approval from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. This movie has truly struck a chord with both critics and cinema-goers alike, making it an unmissable experience for anyone who loves films!
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2025-05-25 05:34