Top Halloween Weekend Movie Money-Makers

Sandi Hemmerlein

Contributor

 Updated:
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Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

As Halloween approaches, it's the ideal occasion to indulge in a movie that will have you on the edge of your seat, gripping your companion tightly. Halloween time, filled with an eager audience for spooky entertainment, has led to many horror films excelling at the theaters during this period.

Nonetheless, Halloween is also a strategic release window for studios to debut films of other genres that don't quite fit the summer blockbuster mold or the wholesome family films that emerge in the later holiday months of November and December.

The highest-earning cinematic successes of this time frame didn’t always rely on spine-chilling moments. We’ve curated a list of the U.S.'s biggest box office hits on Halloween weekends over the past four decades, with data from The Numbers figures adjusted for inflation. Our list includes all films that were in theaters during years when Halloween fell between a Friday and Sunday.

Whether you fancy yourself an aficionado of blood-curdling features, a novice to monster movies, or a lover of all genres, the titles that led the Halloween box office from the early 1980s until 2022 might just surprise you. Dive in to discover the standout 20, and be advised that spoilers may be revealed.

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#20. Devil’s Advocate

The star-studded cast of 'Devil's Advocate' celebrates at the premiere Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

  • Halloween weekend domestic gross : $17,979,416
  • Total domestic gross: $121,800,332
  • Genre: Horror
  • Run time: 144 minutes
  • Release date: Oct. 17, 1997
  • Cast: Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron

While more of a supernatural thriller rather than pure horror, 'Devil’s Advocate' delivers a chilling experience perfect for the Halloween season with its storyline featuring the ultimate demon, Satan.

Haunting specters, scalding holy water, and eerie hallucinations contributed to its early October release being a hit beyond just its first weekend. Moviegoers flocked to see Al Pacino beautifully portray the Prince of Darkness, alongside a stellar cast including Keanu Reeves and a fresh-faced Charlize Theron.

#19. Red Corner

A scene from Red Corner Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Getty Images

  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $18,064,850
  • Total domestic gross: $44,830,232
  • Genre: Thriller/Suspense
  • Run time: 122 minutes
  • Release date: Oct. 31, 1997
  • Cast: Richard Gere, Bai Ling, Bradley Whitford

1997's Halloween season contributed three notable entries to the top Halloween weekend box office hits, one of them being 'Red Corner', a crime mystery that hit theaters on Halloween itself. This thriller, starring Richard Gere, marked a shift for director Jon Avnet after his earlier film, 'Fried Green Tomatoes'.

Although void of the supernatural, 'Red Corner' unravels around a murder and a chilling scream that entangles the protagonist. This leads him and his lawyer, played by Bai Ling, to delve into uncovering the setup and chasing down the real perpetrator.

#18. Fatal Attraction

A scene from Fatal Attraction Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $18,354,470
  • Total domestic gross: $365,196,992
  • Genre: Thriller/Suspense
  • Run time: 120 minutes
  • Release date: Sept. 18, 1987
  • Cast: Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, Anne Archer

By the time Halloween 1987 arrived, 'Fatal Attraction' had been captivating cinema audiences for over a month. As an erotic thriller, its stay at the top of the charts for eight weeks owed much to its shocking plot: a woman pursuing a married man far beyond what viewers anticipated.

Described by a critic from The Hollywood Reporter as a “gripping suspense” film, the infamous scene where Glenn Close's character boils a rabbit was just one of the terror-inducing moments that kept audiences enthralled. According to The Washington Post, its finale horror-of-personality elicited audible gasps from packed theaters Attendees of the 'Dune' premiere celebrate , who jumped from their seats in terror.

#17. Dune

Alessandra Benedetti – Corbis/Corbis // Getty Images Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson

  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $18,423,810
  • Total domestic gross: $109,676,342
  • Genre: Action
  • Run time: 156 minutes
  • Release date: Oct. 22, 2021
  • In 2021, Denis Villeneuve delivered a sci-fi spectacle with his adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel 'Dune'. This marked the third adaptation, following a 1984 movie by David Lynch and a 2000 miniseries.

The 2021 version captivated audiences with stars like Timothée Chalamet, who had been nominated for an Oscar, and Zendaya, a two-time Emmy winner, among others. Its release was notable given the pandemic's delays; it reached both theatres and HBO Max simultaneously.

Warner Brothers found a hit with 'Dune', marking their biggest movie launch since 2019, aided by a robust marketing push encouraging moviegoers to view it in IMAX format.

The star-studded premiere of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'

#16. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

<strong>Cast:</strong> Andrew Bryniarski, Jessica Biel, Jonathan Tucker Kevin Winter // Getty Images

  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $20,093,875
  • Total domestic gross: $122,523,204
  • Genre: Horror
  • Run time: 98 minutes
  • Release date: Oct. 17, 2003
  • The 2003 incarnation of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' revisited the horror classic originally directed by Tobe Hooper in 1974, which, as Time magazine put it, “set a new precedent for future slasher flicks.”

Despite Leatherface, the notorious antagonist, becoming an iconic figure within horror film lore, audience interest in the franchise endured, evident from the financial success of this fifth franchise installment. Cast: Sheryl Lee, James Woods, Daniel Baldwin .\"

By the time 'Vampires' landed in cinemas in 1998, John Carpenter had already established himself as a master of horror, having directed adaptations like Stephen King’s 'Christine', the iconic 'The Thing', and perhaps most notably, 'Halloween'. the template for modern horror Based on a book by John Steakley, 'Vampires' brings to life a team of hunters tasked with eradicating a nest of bloodthirsty undead led by a sinister master. This horror western subverted typical portrayals of charismatic vampires in favor of a terrifying depiction.

#15. Vampires

A scene from Vampires Columbia Pictures // Getty Images

  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $21,746,861
  • Total domestic gross: $39,581,095
  • Genre: Horror
  • Run time: 108 minutes
  • Release date: Oct. 30, 1998
  • A glimpse into 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'

Touchstone Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

Cast: Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Reubens

#14. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tim Burton's stop-motion endeavor 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' drew viewers to cineplexes during the Halloween run in 1993 by trading holiday whimsy for a distinctly eerie atmosphere. At its heart is Jack Skellington, a crooning skeleton yearning to cast aside his ghoulish life and reconstruct Halloween Town with festive jubilation. He kidnaps Santa Claus to transform into 'Sandy Claws', though Jack's grand plans falter when he ignores clairvoyant Sally's warnings.

  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $22,217,328
  • Total domestic gross: $144,665,342
  • Genre: Musical
  • Run time: 76 minutes
  • Release date: Oct. 13, 1993
  • Peek into 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'

Cast: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar

By the time 1997's 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' screened in theaters, Kevin Williamson had already made a substantial mark on the horror realm with the acclaimed 'Scream' saga. Filled with gripping teenage terror, it showcased budding stars like Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

#13. I Know What You Did Last Summer

The storyline follows a group of teenagers who cover up an accidental death, later pursued by a vengeful killer, spawning two direct sequels and a comedic parody 'Scary Movie'. Columbia Pictures/Getty Images

  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $22,952,182
  • Total domestic gross: $144,265,108
  • Genre: Horror
  • Release date: Oct. 17, 1997
  • Insights from 'Paranormal Activity 2' Cast Q&A

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images For Paramount

Cast: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Brian Boland

#12. Paranormal Activity 2

'Paranormal Activity 2' followed its precursor from 2007—a low-budget hit that redefined terror using found footage techniques revolutionized by 'The Blair Witch Project' in 1999. Employing compelling scares and innovative use of security footage and night vision, the franchise enthralled viewers by immersing them in uneasy realism. While the second installment's sales fell short of the original, the connection between the films adds depth, culminating in a thrilling climax.

  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $18,064,850
  • Total domestic gross: $44,830,232
  • Genre: Thriller/Suspense
  • Run time: 122 minutes
  • Release date: Oct. 31, 1997
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The 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year' cast shines at their premiere event

Antony Jones/UK Press via Getty Images

#18. Fatal Attraction A scene from Fatal Attraction Cast: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale

Halloween weekend domestic gross: $18,354,470

Disney’s 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year' offered a refreshing counterpoint during Halloween 2008, diverging from concurrent releases like the horror 'Saw V' and intense thriller 'Max Payne'. Initially, it was conceived as 'Haunted High School Musical', a version that never hit production. A Comprehensive Guide to Halloween's Big Hits at the Box Office

  • Total domestic gross: $365,196,992
  • Genre: Thriller/Suspense
  • Run time: 120 minutes
  • Release date: Sept. 18, 1987
  • horror-of-personality
  • Explore our list of the top 20 films that premiered during Halloween weekends, which attracted massive audiences and became beloved autumn staples globally.

Movies That Raked in the Most Money During Halloween's Box Office Runs

Captured by Galella/Ron Galella Collection, found via Getty Images

, who jumped from their seats in terror.

The end of October, with its high demand for thrillers, is an ideal time to enjoy a gripping film. Indeed, many horror flicks have reigned supreme at the box office during this season, catering to those seeking a night of frights. Interestingly, Halloween is also a unique opportunity for film studios to debut movies that don’t conform to the 'summer blockbuster' stereotype or the cheerful, family-themed features that typically debut later in the year around the holidays.

  • #17. Dune
  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $18,423,810
  • Total domestic gross: $109,676,342
  • Genre: Action
  • Run time: 156 minutes
  • During this period, the most financially successful films haven't always been spine-chilling. Our list ranks the top box office earners in the U.S. during Halloween weekends over the past 40 years. All adjusted figures consider inflation and include any film screened when Halloween fell between Friday and Sunday.

No matter if you're an aficionado of horror marathons, a novice to creature features, or a diverse film lover, you might be intrigued by the films that led the box office from the early '80s through to 2022 during Halloween weekends. Proceed with caution as you explore this list of the top 20, as there may be some spoiler alerts.

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Release date: Oct. 22, 2021

<b>#16. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre</b> The cast of 'Devil’s Advocate' gathered for its premiere event.

  • Kevin Winter // Getty Images
  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $20,093,875
  • Total domestic gross: $122,523,204
  • Genre: Horror
  • Run time: 98 minutes
  • Leading Actors: Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron

While not entirely classified as horror, 'Devil's Advocate' introduces a supernatural element that makes it a perfect Halloween season delight: none other than Satan, the infernal antagonist.

The film gained traction beyond its initial release thanks to its eerie elements, like demonic visions and surreal encounters. The audience was particularly drawn to Al Pacino's portrayal of the Devil, supported by an impressive cast of Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron, just as their careers were ascending.

Release date: Oct. 17, 2003

.\ the template for modern horror

  • #15. Vampires
  • A scene from Vampires
  • Columbia Pictures // Getty Images
  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $21,746,861
  • Total domestic gross: $39,581,095
  • Image credit to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Getty Images

Key Performers: Richard Gere, Bai Ling, Bradley Whitford

In 1997, the Halloween season contributed significantly to box office revenues with films like 'Red Corner,' a classic murder mystery that debuted just as the spooky holiday arrived. Richard Gere starred in this shift from director Jon Avnet, known previously for 'Fried Green Tomatoes.'

Genre: Horror

<strong>Run time:</strong> 108 minutes Release date: Oct. 30, 1998

  • #14. The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $22,217,328
  • Total domestic gross: $144,665,342
  • Genre: Musical
  • Run time: 76 minutes
  • While lacking ghosts and sinister creatures, 'Red Corner' still delivered chills with its plot revolving around a murder accusation. The storyline develops as Gere's character teams up with his attorney, Bai Ling, to uncover the truth and find the real perpetrator.

Captured by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

Main Cast: Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, Anne Archer

Release date: Oct. 13, 1993

By Halloween of 1987, 'Fatal Attraction' had been captivating audiences for over a month, retaining its top position at the box office for eight weeks. The film's narrative of an obsessive affair, starring Glenn Close and Michael Douglas, struck a nerve with viewers. #13. I Know What You Did Last Summer

  • Columbia Pictures/Getty Images
  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $22,952,182
  • Total domestic gross: $144,265,108
  • Genre: Horror
  • Release date: Oct. 17, 1997
  • A critic from The Hollywood Reporter described it as a thrilling experience, where the spurned lover pushes her limits, leaving audiences shocked in scenes like the notorious boiling of a pet rabbit. As noted by The Washington Post, the climax evoked intense reactions from packed theaters.

'Dune' cast members attended the film's grand opening celebration.

Photograph by Alessandra Benedetti – Corbis via Getty Images

#12. Paranormal Activity 2

<strong>Stars:</strong> Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson Visionary director Denis Villeneuve brought the classic 1965 novel 'Dune' by Frank Herbert to the silver screen in 2021. This was the third adaptation after the 1984 film by David Lynch and a TV series in 2000.

  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $18,064,850
  • Total domestic gross: $44,830,232
  • Genre: Thriller/Suspense
  • Run time: 122 minutes
  • Release date: Oct. 31, 1997
  • The film showcased a stellar cast featuring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, both celebrated actors. The release was notable, especially as it was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic. It debuted both in cinemas and on HBO Max, marking a significant triumph for Warner Brothers since 2019.

The film's success was fueled not only by the anticipation but also by a campaign encouraging audiences to watch it on massive screens, such as at IMAX theaters.

The star of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre appeared at its premiere.

#18. Fatal Attraction

A scene from Fatal Attraction Actors: Andrew Bryniarski, Jessica Biel, Jonathan Tucker

  • Total domestic gross: $365,196,992
  • Genre: Thriller/Suspense
  • Run time: 120 minutes
  • Release date: Sept. 18, 1987
  • The 2003 retelling of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' revisited the original 1974 classic by Tobe Hooper, which set new benchmarks in horror cinema.

Nearly three decades on, with the character Leatherface becoming a cultural icon, the movie proved that audiences' appetite for slasher horrors remained insatiable. This was the fifth film in the franchise, highlighting the ongoing allure of killer-on-the-loose scenarios.

Notable Appearances: Sheryl Lee, James Woods, Daniel Baldwin

horror-of-personality

, who jumped from their seats in terror. #17. Dune

  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $18,423,810
  • Total domestic gross: $109,676,342
  • Genre: Action
  • Run time: 156 minutes
  • Release date: Oct. 22, 2021
  • By the time 'Vampires' graced theaters in 1998, director John Carpenter had already solidified his reputation in the horror domain with acclaimed titles like 'Christine,' 'The Thing,' and 'Halloween.'

'Vampires,' inspired by a novel by John Steakley, spins a tale involving vampire hunters on a mission to eradicate a clan of the undead, challenging the audience's notions of charming vampires with its raw and grotesque portrayal.

A frame from 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'.

#16. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Image courtesy of Touchstone Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images Kevin Winter // Getty Images

  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $20,093,875
  • Total domestic gross: $122,523,204
  • Genre: Horror
  • Run time: 98 minutes
  • Release date: Oct. 17, 2003
  • Cast Members: Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, Paul Reubens

Tim Burton's stop-motion animated feature capitalized on its eerie charm rather than its holiday cheer during its Halloween debut in 1993.

At its heart is Jack Skellington, a skeletal figure dreaming of reshaping the eerie Halloween Town into a festive location. His schemes, however, go awry when he kidnaps Santa Claus and reinvents himself as 'Sandy Claws,' ignoring the wise counsel of Sally, voiced by Catherine O’Hara.

A scene unfolding in 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' .\" the template for modern horror

#15. Vampires

<strong>Main Actors:</strong> Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar A scene from Vampires

  • Columbia Pictures // Getty Images
  • Halloween weekend domestic gross: $21,746,861
  • Total domestic gross: $39,581,095
  • Genre: Horror
  • Run time: 108 minutes
  • Upon its cinema release in 1997, 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' already had strong ties to the horror scene through co-writer Kevin Williamson, known for 'Scream.'

Much like its predecessor, the film delves into teen horror, highlighting performances by notable young actors such as Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Jennifer Love Hewitt as they grapple with a concealed accident leading to a series of murderous events.

The narrative continued in sequels and spawned a comedic parody, 'Scary Movie,' released in 2000.