10 Biggest Summer Horror Blockbusters Ever

Big-budget action films are often associated with the summer, but several horror films over the years have proven that the spooky genre is just as in demand during the season. Although haunting stories are usually reserved for colder months, especially around Halloween, the necessary escape in a chilled theater from the outside heat may be a reason why horror films still find success in the summer. In addition, some films, viz Freddy vs. Jason And it, were highly anticipated by audiences, making the venture to the theaters a perfect group activity.

The big releases and box office responses to such films could not have been entirely possible without the release of what is often credited as the first summer blockbuster. Steven Spielberg Jaws is recognized as the initiator of this trendChanging the game with its wide release and innovative approach to the horror genre. Since then, many of the most popular horror films have been summer hits, with a few even spawning popular horror franchises.

10

Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

Two of horror’s well-known antagonists face each other

Introducing a crossover between two of the horror genre’s greatest antagonists, Freddy vs. Jason He ate us in the theater. admit, Freddy vs. Jason It’s not as scary as other horror blockbusters, and instead, it chooses to mix humor with familiar elements in each villain’s respective franchise.

As a result, the film was not loved by all critics, however Fans in each villain’s franchise are eager to see the confrontation of these two characters. While not completely beloved, Freddy vs. JasonWhat sets the two murderers against each other still made an impact with its box office numbers.

Earning over $116 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo), Freddy vs. Jason became the highest-grossing film in the Friday the 13th franchise and the second-highest in the Nightmare on Elm Street Franchise. Considering it’s been a few years since new additions have been made to each franchise, it appears Freddy vs. JasonHis record remains untouched.

9

The Amityville Horror (1979)

A family moves into a haunted house

become one of the most successful independent films, The Amityville Horror is seen as a staple in the horror genre, especially when it comes to those featuring a house as a main characterHe. The Amityville Horror Follows the Lutz family, who have just moved into a new home and is based on the paranormal experiences of a real family as detailed in Jay Anson’s book under the same name. Many critics left unfavorable reviews of the film, disapproving of its uninspired use of horror clichés.

yet, The real-life story has generated interest and the film has done surprisingly well during its summer release. According to Forbeswhen adjusted, The Amityville Horror Ranks as the eighth highest horror movie of all time. Since the late 70s, many films have been made about Lutz’s experiences. Additionally, a remake of the first film was released in 2005, earning a similarly split response from moviegoers and critics.

8

Jeepers Creepers (2001)

A horror mystery attracted audiences at the end of summer

Unfortunately, as is the case with many film franchises, the subsequent Jeepers creepers films may never live up to the critical and financial success of the first film. With Gina Phillips and Justin Long, Jeepers creepers Follows two siblings who are being hunted by a mysterious creature known as the Creeper. The mystery and unknown identity of the creeper in The first half of the film results in well-crafted built-up tension as audiences anticipate a revelation.

Although the answer to who or what the creeper is may not be satisfactory to everyone, The suspense and horror elements throughout Jeepers creepers was enough to make it a box-office success. Early during its theatrical run, Jeepers creepers Made nearly $16 million over Labor Day weekend, breaking the record for the holiday until the release of its sequel film just a few years later.

7

Poltergeist (1982)

Well executed special effects made for a realistic scare

Nearly a decade after Steven Spielberg’s game-changing summer blockbuster JawsThe director found more blockbuster success with the film he co-wrote, Poltergeist. Directed by Tobe Hooper, Poltergeist is centered on a family targeted by ghosts. Besides its great critical and commercial success, Poltergeist is best known for his influence on paranormal films and young audiences.

The primary victim of the ghostly attacks in Poltergeist is the family’s youngest child, Carol Ann. The haunting visuals and special effects—which earned the film one of three Academy Award nominations—traumatized younger audiences. Who’d watched the PG-rated film and could see themselves in Carol Anne. The love for Poltergeist Has only grown over the years, and it is now recognized as one of Hooper’s best horror films, with his creative choices being replicated in recent paranormal stories, such as children as the main target and furniture moving on its own.

6

The Conjuring (2013)

Audiences were eager to see popular paranormal tales on screen

Based on the lives of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the conjurings real-life inspirations and love for the genre resulted in a critical and box office success. Despite negative critical reviews calling the film unoriginal, drawing comparisons to films like Poltergeist, The Conjuring was a hit with audiences for its connection to the famous pair of investigators and James Wan’s immersive direction.

Audiences are made to feel the same fear as The Conjurings characters, which is helped by Wan’s filming techniques, the well-established eerie tone and the convincing performances of the cast. The success of The Conjuring led to the creation of an expansive universe comprised of sequels and related films – the latter including the Annabelle And The nun films. However, not all films in The Conjuring Franchise is able to make a big impact in the summer as the first.

5

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Strong suspense and memorable performances resulted in Box Office success

One of the many disturbing horror films about cults, Rosemary’s baby Did impressive numbers at the box office and saw high levels of critical praise. Part of Why Rosemary’s baby has had such a strong legacy over the years is because of its stellar performances and layered themesRanging from paranoia to women’s liberation. Rosemary’s baby is about the titular character, played by Mia Farrow, who suspects her neighbors are part of a satanic cult and want to cause harm to the child she’s expecting.

As Rosemary grows increasingly paranoid throughout the film, so does the audience. Receiving no help from her husband, Rosemary lets herself believe in her head that this ends in her. Rosemary’s babyAudiences also aren’t sure what to make of Rosemary’s theories. Farrow gives an exceptional performance as the main character, as does Ruth Gordon, winning an Oscar for her supporting role as Rosemary’s suspicious neighbor.

4

The Sixth Sense (1999)

A ghost story with an unexpected ending grabbed the attention of the audience

As a filmmaker, M. Night Shyamalan was known for his twist endings, with one of the most famous in The sixth sense. The horror film – given its rightful place in the genre because of its eerie feeling rather than the use of bloodshed or jump scares – follows the psychologist character of Bruce Willis as he works with a young boy (Haley Joel Osment in his breakout role) who has the paranormal ability to see dead people.

Being Shyamalan’s first venture into the supernatural subgenre, Audiences are not sure what to expect when they go to the theaters to watch The sixth sense. As a result, The sixth senseThe ending was unexpected, shocking and emotional at the same time, and became something that people had to see for themselves. The interest in The sixth sense Turned both the film into a box-office success – coming in as the second highest-grossing film in 1999 – and Shyamalan into a notable director.

3

it (2017)

A familiar, but exciting tale was a must-see

Without any adjustments for inflation, The first of Andy Muschietti’s two-part film adaptation of Stephen King it became the highest-grossing horror film of all time. There is a lot to enjoy in itMakes sense as to which audiences are quick to see it in theaters. Muschietti heightens feelings of nostalgia with his clear inspirations from 80s films like The Gunnies, Stand by meAnd The thing.

Muschietti has also cited Steven Spielberg as an inspiration and uses the effective methods of scares as established in his work, Grounding the film with a relatable background, and allowing the film’s fearsome antagonists to shine. What it does in it. In this film, Pennywise is played by Bill Skarsgård who gives his best horror performance. Skarsgård is distinct and captivating as the menacing clown, separating himself from previous iterations of Pennywise.

2

alien (1979)

The end of summer blockbuster has become highly influential

Like a few of the other horror blockbusters listed, Alien was not warmly received by critics upon its initial release. however, Alien Still managed to be a standout at the box office, earning nearly $200 million (via The numbers). AlienIts chilling premise, thought-out characters and unique setting drew audiences to the theaters.

Since its release, critical reassessments have been more positive and Alien is now seen as incredibly influential to many sci-fi horror films. The financial success of the film was many Alien Rip-offsSome better than others. An important part of Alien What can be replicated throughout sci-fi horror films is the xenomorph but no ape can make a memorable monster. Aliens Xenomorph is largely shrouded in mystery, adding to its scare factor, and it has a striking design. As the franchise has evolved, so has the lore surrounding the monster, including new variations of the xenomorph seen in later films.

1

Jaws (1975)

Often considered the first true summer blockbuster

With John Williams’ fear-inducing theme and a dangerous shark lurking in the water throughout the film, Jaws Became the model for the summer blockbuster. Jaws Follows the pursuit of a great white shark after its latest attack on beachgoers. The broad notice given to Jaws Was not as common of a practice as it is today. Both Jaws And The godfather are recognized as two major films that helped change Hollywood’s practice of releasing films.

moreover, Jaws had a great influence on her audience. The methodical approach to How the shark antagonist was shown in the film made audiences increasingly more afraid. Several studies have pointed to reduced beach attendance and an increase in reported shark sightings after the film’s release. Because of Jaws‘ Accomplishments at the box office, companies behind films with large, but easy-to-follow premises sought for summer release dates. Although most of the films used to fall under the action and adventure genres, the listed films show that this model is also effective with horror.