Weapons Smokes the Competition with $42.5 Million U.S. Opening, Cementing 2025 as a Big Year for Horror

Elena Cline

The horror genre continues to rule the box office in 2025, and Zach Cregger’s Weapons is the latest film to prove why. Following up on his breakout hit Barbarian from 2022, Cregger’s newest horror-thriller has exploded onto the scene with a remarkable $42.5 million opening weekend in the United States alone. This impressive debut not only underscores Weapons’ popularity but also highlights the sustained momentum horror films have enjoyed this year.

Weapons marks the third major horror-thriller success in 2025, following the strong performances of Sinners and Final Destination: Bloodlines. These films have collectively reinvigorated the genre, showing that audiences are more eager than ever for suspenseful, edge-of-the-seat stories that keep them guessing until the very end.

Critics have praised Weapons for its masterful blend of suspense, psychological terror, and unexpected plot twists — elements that have become hallmarks of Cregger’s work since Barbarian. The film’s gripping narrative and chilling atmosphere have captivated viewers, generating positive word of mouth that is likely to keep ticket sales robust in the coming weeks.

This surge in horror box office numbers demonstrates a clear trend: audiences crave innovative and high-quality scares. While big-budget franchises and superhero films continue to dominate, horror’s ability to deliver fresh, intense experiences with smaller budgets makes it a powerful player in the 2025 film landscape.

For Zach Cregger, Weapons represents a strong creative and commercial win, solidifying his place as one of horror’s most exciting directors. Fans of the genre should keep an eye on this title, as it sets a high bar for upcoming releases and confirms horror’s place as one of the most thrilling genres at the cinema today.

As Weapons smokes the competition and rakes in impressive box office numbers, the question isn’t whether horror will continue to thrive — it’s how far it will go this year. With three breakout hits already under its belt, 2025 could very well be remembered as a golden year for scares.