Warner Bros.’s “Weapons” has struck gold at the box office, marking its sixth breakout hit in a row and proving to be a remarkable turnaround for the studio. The original horror movie, directed by Zach Cregger, sold an estimated $42.5 million in tickets in the US and Canada, securing the No. 1 spot. With an additional $27.5 million overseas, the film’s total debut is around $70 million.
The movie follows 17 children from a third-grade class who vanish into the night, leaving one behind. Critics have praised “Weapons,” giving it an A-minus grade in CinemaScore exit polls. The film’s success can be attributed to the rise of auteur horror, which has become the flavor of the moment. This genre is gaining popularity due to its unique approach and exceptional storytelling.
In contrast, glossier horror movies have struggled lately, including some sequels and remakes. Despite being from Blumhouse, “M3GAN 2.0” failed at the box office earlier this summer, while “Wolf Man” also underperformed in January. However, with “Weapons,” Warner Bros. has proven that it can produce successful horror movies once again.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/10/business/media/weapons-warner-bros-box-office.html