In a thrilling turn of events, horror has reclaimed its throne at the box office, and Black Phone 2 is leading the charge. The Halloween weekend proved to be a nail-biter, but writer-director Scott Derrickson’s sequel emerged victorious, snatching the domestic box office crown with a solid $8.3 million. Co-written by C. Robert Cargill, who also collaborated on the original The Black Phone (adapted from Joe Hill’s chilling short story), this installment has proven that the franchise’s appeal is far from fading. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a sequel truly surpass its predecessor, or is it destined to live in its shadow?
Let’s dive into the numbers. Black Phone 2 has already raked in $61.77 million in North America and $43.25 million internationally, totaling a worldwide gross of $105 million. While this pales in comparison to the original’s $161 million haul in 2021, it’s important to note that the sequel’s modest $30 million budget ensures it’s already in profit territory. And with a strong home entertainment future ahead, it’s a win-win for the studio. But this is the part most people miss: The horror genre is dominating 2025 in ways we haven’t seen in years. From The Conjuring: Last Rites ($485 million) to Sinners ($367 million), audiences are flocking to theaters for their fright fix.
Interestingly, Black Phone 2 initially faced stiff competition from Regretting You, which briefly claimed the weekend’s top spot. However, poor reviews and a lackluster B Cinemascore rating caused it to stumble, while Black Phone 2 surged ahead with strong Sunday performance. Here’s a fun twist: Both films star Mason Thames, making him the undisputed king of this weekend’s box office. But the real question is: Can Thames’ dual success spark a new era for horror’s leading men?
What makes The Black Phone franchise stand out, especially after watching HBO’s It: Welcome to Derry, is its ability to capture the essence of a Stephen King novel. It’s not just the eerie aesthetics or the spine-tingling tone—it’s the slow, almost excruciatingly ordinary pacing that mirrors the mundane yet terrifying lives of its characters. This is something most King adaptations fail to achieve, but when they do (as in It and Welcome to Derry), it’s nothing short of magical. And this is the part most people miss: The success of Black Phone 2 isn’t just about scares—it’s about storytelling that resonates.
Looking ahead, Black Phone 2 is on track to surpass $130 million globally, depending on how well its Halloween-fueled momentum translates into word-of-mouth buzz. Meanwhile, the upcoming slate of films—Nuremberg, Train of Dreams, and Predator: Badlands—won’t significantly cut into its audience. However, heavy hitters like Wicked: For Good and Zootopia 2 could shift the narrative as the holiday season approaches. And let’s not forget Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, set to debut on December 5th, which could further solidify horror’s dominance.
So, here’s the burning question: With horror thriving and Black Phone 2 leading the pack, is this the golden age of fright films, or just a fleeting trend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
