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Weapons crosses $100M

A non-franchise horror film from Zach Cregger hits $100 million worldwide in its first week, signaling strong demand for original storytelling.

August 14, 2025 at 07:18 PM
blur 'Weapons' Just Became the Rare Original Horror Movie to Hit $100 Million in Theaters

A non-franchise horror release from Zach Cregger crosses $100 million in global box office, signaling strong demand for original storytelling.

Weapons Surges Past 100 Million as Original Horror Captures Box Office

Weapons, a non-franchise horror from Zach Cregger, has crossed $100 million worldwide in its first week, on a reported budget of about $38 million. It is one of only a handful of horror titles this year to reach that milestone, and it sits among the small group of original works that achieve it. The film was released by Warner Bros. and New Line, signaling industry confidence that fresh stories can draw big crowds even without established IP.

Interest in a Aunt Gladys-centered prequel has circulated, but industry observers say the box office win adds weight to the case for original projects. The success reinforces horror as a dependable path to profitability in a market where other genres struggle. Cregger is next directing a take on the Resident Evil franchise, set for release in 2026, which shows studios are pairing original risks with franchise work.

Critical response is mixed but notable for praising its practical effects, bold structure, and humor, sparking renewed discussion about what audiences want from horror.

Key Takeaways

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Non-franchise horror can reach major box office milestones
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A $38 million budget can deliver $100 million in worldwide grosses
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Original horror is proving to be a reliable profit driver
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Studios may rebalance bets toward original concepts and smart marketing
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Aunt Gladys prequel rumors hint at potential franchise expansion
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Zach Cregger moves from original work to a Resident Evil adaptation
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The trend could influence production budgets and release strategies
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Horror remains resilient even outside big IP pipelines

"This is a horror movie that trusts its audience, while delivering on practical effects-driven violence, methodically employed scares, and a biting sense of humor."

Meagan Navarro's review for Bloody Disgusting describing the film's approach and impact.

"Really fucked up is how Cregger himself describes Weapons, underscoring the film’s bold ambition."

Author's note on the director’s own characterization of the film.

"A careful balance of originality and shocks can redefine what audiences expect from horror."

Editorial takeaway on the genre trend.

"This milestone signals a potential shift in how studios view original stories in a market hungry for fresh ideas."

Industry reaction to the box office milestone.

The box office milestone for Weapons suggests audiences are still hungry for ingenuity and quality in horror. It challenges the belief that only mega IP can top the charts and shows a market for ambitious storytelling with modest budgets.

For studios, the result could shift bets toward original concepts and more careful marketing that flags competence over spectacle. But there is risk: a single film's success does not guarantee a lasting trend and a prequel rumor can invite investor scrutiny if plans look risky.

Highlights

  • Original horror still sells big when it feels earned.
  • Audiences crave fresh scares not familiar brands.
  • A low budget, big ambition can beat the odds.
  • The horror aisle is proving to be a profitable frontier.

Budget and prequel plans may invite investor scrutiny

The film’s $38 million budget and rumored Aunt Gladys prequel raise questions about sustainability and investor reactions to non-franchise bets on genre.

This milestone could push studios to invest in more original horror.

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