Zach Cregger’s ‘Weapons’ Joins the Horror Hall of Fame with ‘Get Out’ & ‘Silence of the Lambs’ Thanks to This Unique Achievement

The 2025 mystery horror film Weapons, written, produced, and directed by Zach Cregger, has quickly made a big impact. Starring Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, and Alden Ehrenreich, the story follows a chilling mystery where seventeen children from the same classroom disappear on the same night, seemingly taken by an unseen force.

The film first came out in the Philippines on August 6, 2025, and hit U.S. theaters two days later, released by Warner Bros. Pictures. It has since earned $5.7 million worldwide, which is impressive considering it’s all preview screenings alone, beating out other 2025 horror previews for the top spot, like Coogler’s Sinners.

One of the most notable achievements for Weapons is its high audience rating. It debuted with an A- on CinemaScore, placing it among the top-rated horror films like Get Out and Silence of the Lambs.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds an impressive 96% approval rating from 207 critics, and for a whole week after its debut, it maintained a perfect 100% score. Metacritic also shows strong support with a score of 81 out of 100, indicating universal acclaim.

Critics praised Weapons for its expertly crafted story that combines mystery and horror in a way that feels fresh and intense. Many enjoyed how the film builds tension and mystery without explaining everything too clearly, which keeps viewers guessing. The movie was also applauded for its mix of dark humor and deep emotional themes like grief and loss. People noticed how it doesn’t just scare but also makes you think, touching on serious topics such as community fears and how blame is often misplaced.

Are you watching?#WeaponsMovie – only in theaters August 8. pic.twitter.com/N5rBjpS4JE

— New Line Cinema (@newlinecinema) June 23, 2025

While most reviews were highly positive, some critics found the ending a bit less powerful than the rest of the film, feeling it was a bit forced after such a strong buildup. However, nearly everyone agreed that the performances from the cast, especially Brolin and Garner, were layered and compelling. The film’s cinematography also received praise for its eerie and effective use of camera angles that add to the unsettling atmosphere.

Overall, Weapons has been recognized as a bold and skillful horror film that solidifies Zach Cregger’s reputation in the genre. It stands out for balancing gripping suspense, complex characters, and thoughtful storytelling, making it a must-watch for horror fans this year.

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