15 Top-Earning Horror Movies of All Time
Horror movies have a knack for scaring up big bucks, pulling in huge crowds with their chills and thrills. Some of the biggest hits often blend scares with surprises, making them stand out in the genre’s history.
I’ve ranked 15 of the highest-grossing horror films based on their worldwide earnings, showcasing a mix of classics and modern blockbusters. These movies, drawn from a recent list, highlight the genre’s evolution and its ability to cash in on fear.
15. A Quiet Place (2018)
This tense thriller follows a family, led by Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, surviving in a world where sound attracts deadly creatures. The film’s clever use of silence and suspense, plus Krasinski’s dual role as director, made it a hit. It raked in $341 million.
Stream it on Paramount+ for a gripping, edge-of-your-seat experience. Its focus on family survival under pressure keeps viewers hooked.
14. Alien: Romulus (2024)
Set between the original ‘Alien’ films, this latest installment brings back the iconic xenomorphs with a young crew, including Cailee Spaeny, facing terror in space. Its retro-futuristic vibe and intense action pushed it to $351 million at the box office.
Watch it on Hulu for a fresh dose of sci-fi horror. The film’s practical effects and nods to the franchise’s roots make it a thrilling addition.
13. Hannibal (2001)
Anthony Hopkins returns as the chilling Dr. Hannibal Lecter, hunting and haunting in this sequel to ‘The Silence of the Lambs.’ Paired with Julianne Moore, the film’s gruesome elegance earned it $352 million. Hopkins’ iconic performance steals the show.
Available on Max, this dark tale blends horror with psychological depth. It’s a must for fans of twisted thrillers.
12. Sinners (2025)
This recent horror hit follows a group, led by a standout cast including Michael B. Jordan, battling supernatural forces in a sun-scorched setting. Its mix of action and scares brought in $364 million. The film’s bold visuals stand out.
Stream it on Netflix for a modern horror ride. Its high-energy pace and eerie atmosphere make it a solid watch.
11. The Nun (2018)
Part of the ‘Conjuring’ universe, this spin-off features Taissa Farmiga as a nun facing a demonic entity in a creepy Romanian abbey. Its gothic horror style and jump scares pulled in $366 million. The eerie setting sets the tone.
Watch it on Max for a spooky, atmospheric dive. It’s a fun addition for fans of the franchise’s darker tales.
10. Prometheus (2012)
This ‘Alien’ prequel, directed by Ridley Scott, follows a team, including Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender, uncovering the origins of humanity with terrifying results. Its blend of sci-fi and horror earned $403 million. Fassbender’s android role is a highlight.
Stream it on Hulu for a thought-provoking scare. The film’s stunning visuals and unsettling discoveries keep it engaging.
9. Signs (2002)
M. Night Shyamalan directs Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix in this tale of a family facing an alien invasion signaled by crop circles. Its slow build and twist ending brought in $408 million. The tension in rural settings adds to the dread.
Available on Max, this film mixes mystery with horror. It’s a classic for those who love a good plot turn.
8. The Exorcist (1973)
This groundbreaking film stars Ellen Burstyn and Max von Sydow as a mother and priest battling a demonic possession. Its shocking effects and intense scares have kept it a legend, earning $431 million. It’s a pioneer in horror cinema.
Watch it on Amazon Prime Video for a chilling classic. Its lasting impact makes it essential viewing.
7. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
The sequel to the 1988 hit brings back Michael Keaton as the chaotic ghost, joined by Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega. Its wild humor and spooky antics raked in $452 million. The return of the striped suit is a fan favorite.
Stream it on Max for a fun, ghostly romp. Its mix of laughs and scares keeps the franchise alive.
6. IT Chapter Two (2019)
The second part of Stephen King’s tale sees the adult Losers’ Club, including James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain, facing Pennywise again. Bill Skarsgård’s creepy clown helped it earn $473 million. The film’s scale ups the terror.
Available on Max, this sequel delivers big scares. Its emotional depth and horror make it a standout.
5. Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s classic pits Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw against a killer shark. Its groundbreaking suspense and iconic score led to $478 million. The beach setting turned summer into a fright fest.
Watch it on Netflix for a timeless thriller. Its influence on horror and suspense is unmatched.
4. World War Z (2013)
Brad Pitt stars as a UN investigator racing to stop a global zombie outbreak. This fast-paced action-horror film, with its massive scale, brought in $540 million. Pitt’s everyman hero drives the story.
Stream it on Paramount+ for an adrenaline rush. Its global stakes and zombie chaos make it a blockbuster.
3. I Am Legend (2007)
Will Smith plays a lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic New York, battling infected creatures. This sci-fi horror mix, with its desolate cityscapes, earned $585 million. Smith’s performance carries the film’s emotional weight.
Available on Hulu, this movie blends loneliness with scares. Its haunting visuals stick with you.
2. The Sixth Sense (1999)
M. Night Shyamalan’s twist-filled story stars Bruce Willis as a child psychologist helping Haley Joel Osment, who sees ghosts. Its surprise ending and emotional pull raked in $673 million. The line about dead people became iconic.
Watch it on Amazon Prime Video for a mind-bending classic. Its mix of heart and horror is pure magic.
1. IT (2017)
This adaptation of Stephen King’s novel features Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise terrorizing kids in Derry. The young cast, including Jaeden Martell, and its creepy vibe led to $704 million. The red balloon became a symbol of dread.
Stream it on Max for a modern horror hit. Its blend of childhood fears and big scares tops the list.
Which of these horror giants is your favorite, or did I miss a scary earner you love? Drop your picks in the comments!