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As theHalloweenseason approaches, moviegoers are drawn to the spooky and supernatural, with studios capitalizing on this surge of interest in horror films.
Over the years, some movies released during October, the prime Halloween season, have grossed extraordinary amounts at the box office, becoming staples of the season.
This article takes a deep dive into the top 10 highest-grossing Halloween releases of all time, featuring iconic titles such asAnnabelleandThe Grudge.
Let’s explore the cinematic giants that have scared audiences and dominated thebox office.
1. Annabelle (2014) – $256.9 Million
Released on October 13, 2014,Annabelleremains the highest-grossing Halloween release to date. A part of theConjuringuniverse, the film revolves around the terrifying doll, Annabelle, and its supernatural hauntings.
Despite mixed reviews, it captivated audiences and grossed nearly$257 millionglobally. The film’s success set the bar for Halloween horror, leveraging its chilling atmosphere and ties to the popularConjuringfranchise.
Halloween, released on October 19, 2018, revived the slasher genre with a direct sequel to the 1978 original. The film brought back Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, once again facing the iconic masked killer, Michael Myers.
Its combination of nostalgia and modernhorrorelements made it a massive box office hit, grossing $255.4 million worldwide, narrowly missing the top spot on this list.
3. The Ring (2002) – $248.2 Million
The Ring, which premiered on October 18, 2002, is credited with popularizing the J-horror genre in the West.
This psychological horror about a cursed videotape garnered significant attention for its eerie tone and unsettling visuals. It grossed an impressive $248.2 million, establishing itself as a go-to Halloween watch.
4. Paranormal Activity 3 (2011) – $207 Million
Released on October 21, 2011,Paranormal Activity 3took the found-footage genre to new heights. As a prequel to the first two films, it delved into the backstory of the haunted family and their experiences with supernatural forces.
Its effective scares and suspenseful build-up helped it rake in $207 million globally, cementing theParanormal Activityfranchise as a Halloween powerhouse.
5. The Grudge (2004) – $187.3 Million
On October 22,2004,The Grudge, another remake of a Japanese horror film (Ju-On), hit theaters, tapping into the terror of cursed spirits and malevolent entities.
Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, the film’s creeping dread and disturbing visuals resonated with audiences, grossing $187.3 million and earning a place among the highest-grossing Halloween films of all time.
The Grudge Source: cinebhargav & ottpandain/Instagram
6. Paranormal Activity 2 (2010) – $177.5 Million
The sequel to the found-footage sensation,Paranormal Activity 2, was released on October 22, 2010. It continued the story of the haunted family, utilizing security camera footage and a slow-burn approach to horror.
Its box office success, grossing $177.5 million, further solidified the franchise’s status as a Halloween favorite.
7. Saw III (2006) – $163.9 Million
TheSawfranchise, known for its gruesome traps and twisted plots, reached its peak withSaw III, released on October 27, 2006.
The film’s intense gore and complex storyline attracted horror enthusiasts, leading to a $163.9 million box office total. It remains one of the most successful entries in the franchise and a staple for Halloween horror fans.
8. Goosebumps (2015) – $159 Million
Unlike the other entries on this list,Goosebumps, released on October 16, 2015, brought a family-friendly approach to Halloween horror. Based on R.L.
Stine’s popular book series, the film featured a mix of comedy, adventure, and supernatural scares. Its appeal to both kids and nostalgic adults helped it gross $159 million, making it a unique entry on the list.
9. Devil’s Advocate (1997) – $153 Million
The Devil’s Advocate, released on October 17, 1997, is a supernatural thriller that blends horror with legal drama. Starring Al Pacino as a charismatic yet sinister lawyer, andKeanu Reevesas his protégé, the film’s eerie atmosphere and exploration of moral dilemmas resonated with viewers, grossing $153 million at the global box office.
10. Saw II (2005) – $153 Million
Rounding out the list isSaw II, released on October 28, 2005. The film, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, focused on a new set of deadly traps designed by the Jigsaw killer.
With a box office total of $153 million, it further established theSawseries as a Halloween season staple, known for its shocking twists and gory thrills.
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Halloween Releases at a Glance
Rank
Movie
Year
Box Office Gross
1
Annabelle
2014
$256.9M
2
Halloween
2018
$255.4M
3
The Ring
2002
$248.2M
4
Paranormal Activity 3
2011
$207M
5
The Grudge
2004
$187.3M
6
Paranormal Activity 2
2010
$177.5M
7
Saw III
2006
$163.9M
8
Goosebumps
2015
$159M
9
Devil’s Advocate
1997
$153M
10
Saw II
2005
$153M
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Halloween Releases at a Glance
This list demonstrates the continued appeal of horror films during the Halloween season, combining box office success with iconic scares
FAQ section
What is the number one-grossing Halloween movie of all time?
The number one-grossing Halloween movie of all time isAnnabelle(2014), which grossed $256.9 million globally. This supernatural horror film, part ofThe Conjuringuniverse, terrified audiences with the story of a cursed doll.
Which movie has the highest-grossing box office?
Globally,Avatar(2009) holds the title for the highest-grossing box office of all time, earning over $2.9 billion. Directed by James Cameron,Avatarrevolutionized 3D filmmaking and captured worldwide attention with its groundbreaking visuals.
Was The Conjuring a box office hit?
Yes,The Conjuringwas a major box-office hit. Released in 2013, the supernatural horror film directed by James Wan grossed over $319 million globally against a modest budget of approximately $20 million. The movie became one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time.
Horror films have long been a Halloween tradition, and the top-grossing movies of the season show a mix of supernatural and slasher sub-genres dominating the charts. Franchise power is evident, with multiple entries from theSaw,Paranormal Activity, andConjuringuniverses making the list.
Additionally, the appeal of J-horror remakes such asThe RingandThe Grudgehighlights the influence of international horror on Western audiences.
In the 2010s, the rise of found-footage horror, as seen in theParanormal Activityfilms, brought a new form of scare tactics to the Halloween box office, utilizing low-budget filmmaking to create intense, immersive experiences.
On the other hand, slasher films like Halloween and Saw continue to deliver the visceral thrills audiences seek during the spooky season.
Family-friendly Halloween fare, likeGoosebumps, also proves that the genre can be adapted for younger audiences without sacrificing its box office potential.
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Conclusion
The Halloween season has always been fertile ground for horror films, and the top-grossing releases demonstrate the genre’s ability to captivate audiences year after year.
Whether it’s supernatural scares from haunted dolls likeAnnabelleor the gruesome traps ofSaw, these films have solidified their place as box office champions of the Halloween season.
As the tradition of Halloween horror continues, future releases will likely strive to match the eerie success of these cinematic giants.
Last Updated: September 16, 2024
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