
I’ve always been fascinated by Sam Raimi because he’s a master of so many different kinds of filmmaking. Most people know him for launching the modern superhero movie era with the incredible Spider-Man in 2002, and of course, its sequels were huge. But what really excites me is that he also practically invented a style of horror with Evil Dead, and he’s made some really amazing, under-the-radar films like A Simple Plan and The Gift too. He truly does it all!
Sam Raimi is well-known for his work in horror, but he hadn’t directed a horror film in 20 years until 2009’s Drag Me to Hell. Now, in 2026, he’s back with Send Help, a new horror movie that’s generating buzz and reminding everyone of his talent for the genre. It’s already proving to be his most commercially successful film yet.
‘Send Help’s Box Office Performance Is a Major Victory for Sam Raimi
The new thriller, Send Help, came out in theaters on January 30th, distributed by 20th Century Studios. It’s director Sam Raimi’s first film since 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. While Raimi is known for superhero films and his earlier fantasy movie, Oz the Great and Powerful, he hasn’t always had big box office success. However, Send Help, starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, earned $28 million worldwide during its opening weekend, making it one of Raimi’s best opening performances ever.
I’m so thrilled to see that Send Help has become Sam Raimi’s biggest opening weekend ever, bringing in nearly $30 million! It’s amazing to think that no other horror film he’s directed has opened this strong – Drag Me to Hell previously held the record with $15.8 million, but this is a whole new level. Considering many of his other horror projects had smaller releases or didn’t perform as well, this is a huge win. It’s looking like Send Help could be his most successful film in years, especially considering it’s not tied to a big franchise. I’m really hoping it keeps up the momentum in the weeks to come – fingers crossed!
‘Send Help’ Is a Solid Addition to Raimi’s Impressive Horror Library
Sam Raimi’s new film, Send Help, is a major success at the box office. While Raimi is famous for horror, this film shows he can attract a wider audience. It’s also significant because it’s his first horror movie in over ten years, and it’s currently his highest-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes. With a 93% critics’ score and a “Certified Fresh” rating, Send Help is tied with Spider-Man 2 – a film many consider the best superhero movie of all time – as Raimi’s best-reviewed work.
Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper Sam Raimi coverage
Dive further into Raimi’s comeback—subscribe to the newsletter for expanded analysis of Send Help, clearer box-office context, and curated horror recommendations that deepen your appreciation.
It’s hard for any new horror movie to compare to classics like The Evil Dead, but Send Help is shaping up to be one of the best of 2026. The film clearly demonstrates that Sam Raimi remains a talented director, proving his expertise in the horror genre goes beyond just producing. This survival horror thriller is funny, graphic, and playfully wicked, and it features the unique, signature style that Raimi has become known for in his horror work.

Found an error? Send it info@movieweb.com so it can be corrected.
Read More
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Stephen Colbert Jokes This Could Be Next Job After Late Show Canceled
- DCU Nightwing Contender Addresses Casting Rumors & Reveals His Other Dream DC Role [Exclusive]
- 7 Home Alone Moments That Still Make No Sense (And #2 Is a Plot Hole)
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- 10 X-Men Batman Could Beat (Ranked By How Hard It’d Be)
- Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper Share Their Confidence Tips in Rare Video
- Is XRP ETF the New Stock Market Rockstar? Find Out Why Everyone’s Obsessed!
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Sequel Makes Major Addition (And It’s Awesome News for Longtime Fans)
2026-02-04 20:48