As a horror enthusiast who’s spent countless nights huddled under blankets while watching terrifying tales unfold on the screen, I must say that these films have left a lasting impression on me.
The popularity of horror is unquestionable. The genre that Hollywood loves to hate is always guaranteed to bring in new and old fans, regardless of the subgenre, and the horror community is the tightest there is. There are more podcasts about horror than about other genres in cinema, and scary movies are a good place to start for new filmmakers.
These ghostly-themed horror films have a wide appeal among viewers and are profitable for those involved in their production as well. Notably, these blockbusters serve as clear evidence that supernatural or ghost-themed horror movies are highly successful. In other words, they are the highest-grossing films featuring ghosts and demons.
10 The Ring (2002)
Total Box Office Performance: $249.3 Million
The Ring
The luck behind the success of “The Ring” was quite fortunate. At that time, Asian horror was starting to leave its mark on popular culture, and here came the first movie that skillfully employed the original plot while catering it for American viewers. Originating from a Japanese film with the same title, this American adaptation is often considered scarier and more successful than the original, raking in nearly a quarter of a billion dollars at the box office. “The Ring” also ranks among the top-grossing horror remakes ever made.
9 Annabelle (2014)
Total Box Office Performance: $257.6 Million
In the movie titled “Annabelle,” a young couple eagerly awaits the birth of their first child. John decides to purchase a porcelain doll as a gift for his newborn daughter. However, on the very same night the doll is delivered, the couple experiences a break-in during which they are attacked. Tragically, the man is shot by the police, while the woman takes her own life, clutching the Annabelle doll. This event marks the beginning of a chilling saga surrounding the haunted Annabelle doll and the malevolent spirit confined within it.
Following the release of “The Conjuring”, a year later saw the debut of “Annabelle” in cinemas (in actuality, it was a prequel). The film effectively employed the storytelling technique of “based on a true story”. The movie proved highly successful, marking the birth of a new franchise. However, it didn’t garner much favor among critics who criticized it as an “unremarkable” work that relied too heavily on jump scares. “Annabelle” is part of the “The Conjuring” Universe, established by James Wan in 2013, and unquestionably one of the most successful horror franchises ever created.
8 The Nun II (2023)
Total Box Office Performance: $269.5 Million
As a passionate cinephile, I’d put it this way: In the sequel to “The Nun,” I find myself in the shoes of Sister Irene, tasked with journeying across Europe to unravel a chilling mystery involving a string of deaths eerily similar to those orchestrated by the malevolent force known as Valak. As I delve deeper into the darkness, I cross paths once more with this terrifying entity. However, this time around, my encounters with Valak lead me to uncover secrets about its nature and, surprisingly, discover a means to subdue it.
In a twist of events, this new film marks the eighth installment within “The Conjuring” cinematic universe. Surprisingly, its impressive performance at the box office suggests that audiences haven’t grown tired of the characters conceived by James Wan and Gary Dauberman. In fact, some critics argue it surpasses the original film, demonstrating that sequels can indeed be more impactful in “The Conjuring” universe. The film currently holds a 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and while “The Nun II” didn’t quite match the success of its predecessor, it has laid the groundwork for the upcoming “Conjuring” movie, which is currently being produced.
7 Ghostbusters (1984)
Total Box Office Performance: $296.6 Million
The storyline of Ghostbusters revolves around an eclectic band of paranormal researchers who decide to utilize their expertise in the supernatural, transforming into a team of ghost-hunters. The trio, consisting of Venkman, Ray, and Egon, are these ghostbusters, tasked with safeguarding New York City from unruly spirits. However, it is revealed that the city serves as an ideal gateway for ancient deities to invade our world, potentially ushering in the end times.
1980s hit movie “Ghostbusters” stands out among its contemporaries but remains categorically a supernatural film, as suggested by its title. This horror-comedy leans more towards comedy than terror, yet it sparked a lasting franchise in 1984 that continues today. The film was the second highest-grossing movie of the year and received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. In terms of impact, “Ghostbusters” might be the most influential film on this list.
6 Annabelle: Creation (2017)
Total Box Office Performance: $306 Million
Annabelle: Creation revolves around the Mullins family, a couple struggling with the loss of their daughter Annabelle under unfortunate circumstances. In an attempt to find solace, they decide to take in a nun and six homeless girls as orphans. Samuel Mullins is a talented dollmaker, but it isn’t long before the girls discover one of his creations might be housing a malevolent spirit.
Under the guidance of director David F. Sandberg, who is known for his work on Lights Out, the highly regarded horror prequel Annabelle: Creation stands out as one of the best in its genre. Despite being overshadowed, this film is often underestimated within the realm of The Conjuring Universe. It successfully demonstrated that the doll-related aspects of the universe could be revitalized, even following a generally unfavorable response from critics towards the initial movie. Annabelle: Creation grossed more than $300 million at the box office and received a 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
5 The Conjuring (2013)
Total Box Office Performance: $319.5 Million
The Conjuring tells the tale of the Perron clan, comprising seven individuals, who settle in an ancient house nestled within a quaint town in Rhode Island. Shortly after moving in, they become victims of aggressive poltergeist disturbances and decide it’s necessary to seek assistance. Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned experts in the field, arrive, discovering that the ghost tormenting the family is not your average demonic entity. Instead, it is the vengeful spirit of a satanist who will stop at nothing until driving out the Perron family.
The original could be descried as the best in the series, but opinions vary on the matter. However, what people can’t deny is that The Conjuring was a game-changer in the horror spectrum. It was scary and very violent, and it presented compelling characters that were supposedly based on true personalities of the ghost-hunting world. Its 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and box office performance of nearly $320 million was enough for Warner Bros. to see an ally in director James Wan.
4 The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Total Box Office Performance: $321.8 Million
As a passionate movie-goer, let me share my thoughts on “The Conjuring 2”. This chilling tale follows the Hodgson family, who reside in London and start encountering mysterious occurrences within their home in Enfield – a place that might ring a bell for you due to its connection with real-life events, similar to the first film. In an attempt to find relief, they reach out to the Warrens, who embark on a journey across the continent only to discover they might be confronting an ancient demon known as Valak – a nun that sets a new standard for cinematic evil.
In a return to his directorial roots, James Wan is set to helm the sequel to the original film that launched him into stardom, and it’s truly a remarkable piece. This movie brings to life one of the most well-known and extensively studied poltergeist incidents in recent history – the Enfield poltergeist case. This event has been portrayed in numerous dramatizations and documentaries. With an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this ghost film is often overlooked but deserves more recognition. Among the three Conjuring films, The Conjuring 2 boasts the strongest acting performances.
3 The Nun (2018)
Total Box Office Performance: $366 Million
In this rephrased version, the story revolves around The Nun, who accompanies Father Burke and Sister Irene – both representatives of the Vatican – as they delve into an unusual case involving the suspicious deaths of two nuns. Upon their arrival, they confront a wicked entity disguised as a nun, which they later discover is not just any ordinary nun but a demon named Valak. This malevolent being had the ability to cross over from another realm into our world through a portal situated within the Romanian monastery.
In the realm of “The Conjuring” Universe, The Nun stands as its top-earning film, suggesting that when it comes to religious terror on screen, audiences can’t get enough. Alternatively, it might be that the chilling antagonist in this movie is particularly terrifying. Critics, however, haven’t been overly kind to The Nun, as evidenced by its 24% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this, the film managed an impressive $366 million at the box office from a budget of just $22 million, a feat that secured the green light for a sequel.
You can stream The Nun on Netflix.
2 Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Total Box Office Performance: (2024) – $441.7 Million
In a continuation of events over three decades since the Deetzes learned to coexist with spirits, we find Lydia as a widow, her daughter Astrid being an ardent disbeliever in the supernatural. When Lydia’s father passes away, they convene at Winter River, and inevitably, young Astrid finds herself drawn into the spiritual realm. Of course, she has no choice but to call upon Beetlejuice, the quintessential ghost, for aid.
The latest movie on the roster, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice“, skillfully exploits nostalgic elements masterfully crafted by Tim Burton. This film showcases the iconic bio-exorcist in unexpected ways, leaving audiences amazed. As of now, a third installment is just speculation, but given the playful title and the movie’s earnings nearing $500 million, it seems unlikely that this franchise will disappear anytime soon.
1 The Sixth Sense (1999)
Total Box Office Performance: $672.8 Million
The Sixth Sense tells the tale of Cole, a timid and isolated nine-year-old boy. A child psychologist enters his life to aid him, but Malcolm soon discovers that Cole is quite extraordinary. Unlike other children, he exhibits behavior that’s unusual, and he has a complicated bond with his single mother. Eventually, Cole confides in Cole about seeing deceased individuals, a claim that Malcolm initially dismisses. However, as events unfold, it becomes increasingly apparent that Cole might be speaking the truth.
M. Night Shyamalan’s unique masterpiece, “The Sixth Sense,” was a revolutionary film for its director, cast, and the horror genre as a whole. It barely lost to “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” due to obvious reasons, but for a standalone modern horror movie to come in second place at the box office was a significant event. Its impact is undeniable, and it received the acclaim it deserved back then with six Academy Award nominations, even though it didn’t win any category.
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2024-11-01 01:32