Though the horror genre is often criticized for churning out more trash than most, when it’s done right, it’s a wonder to behold and 2017, in particular, has been a truly fantastic year for those who like their movies scary. Between It, Get Out and Annabelle: Creation, among others, horror flicks have ruled over the box office for the past few months, making it the biggest year for the genre ever.
Combined, the total gross for horror movies in 2017 is $733 million domestically, and with Jigsaw having only just hit theatres this weekend and Happy Death Day still going strong, that number will certainly continue to climb. In fact, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see it hit $800 million once all is said and done. After all, there’s still over two months left before the year draws to a close.
Of course, much of this success can be contributed to It, which now sits at a whopping $321.2 million, while Get Out brought in $175. 7 million. Following them, other heavy hitters include Split at $138.1 million and Annabelle: Creation at $102 million. Even films that bombed critically, like The Bye Bye Man, managed to do alright, as that movie earned $22 million on home turf. While inflation no doubt plays a role here, this is still the biggest year for the genre by far, with the previous record holder going to 2000, when horror films earned $617.7 million.
It’s clear that scary is in and people appreciate smart, mature horror that’s not watered down or cliched. Granted, not every release this year was a winner, but there were enough well made, terrifying and effective movies that we can truly call 2017 one of the best in recent memory. Not only that, but the future looks equally as bright.
Insidious: Chapter 4, Annihilation, The Purge 4, The Nun, The Conjuring 3, Halloween – there’s much to look forward to over the next year or so and with any luck, 2018 might just beat 2017 at the box office. Even if it doesn’t, though, no one can deny that it’s a great time to be a horror fan!