Why Horror Films KILL at the Box Office

Have you ever wondered why so many horror movies are commercially successful?

From what I can see, there are some common threads across the genre that allow horror films to consistently profit — low budgets, the absence of a big A-list actor (and his/her accompanying salary demand), and the genre’s built-in audience.

Check these numbers for some recent horror films:

  • The Visit: Budget $5 million – Gross $92 million (Worldwide)
  • The Witch: Budget $3.5 million – Gross $25 million (U.S.A)
  • The Last Exorcism: Budget $1.8 million – Gross $62 million (Worldwide)
  • Paranormal Activity: Budget – $15k – Gross $195 million (Worldwide)
  • The Purge: Budget – $3 million – Gross $84 million (Worldwide)

Makes sense. It’s entirely possible for a small film with a limited release, perhaps even V.O.D. only, to make back its budget many times over. In turn, a successful and profitable film in the genre could be all that’s needed to spur a filmmaker’s career.

If you’ve always wanted to write or direct your own horror movie, and learn secrets from top genre writers and directors, check out Genre Summit.

Genre Summit is your one-stop destination to hear the secrets of some top filmmakers and writers in the genre. They will lay things out on a silver platter and all you have to do is implement their teachings.

  • Developing a unique monster movie.
  • Executing a successful found footage film.
  • Crafting the ultimate pitch.
  • Making a demonic supernatural project.
  • Writing a horrific genre masterpiece.
  • What literary managers look for in new clients.

You will only find these workshops at Genre Summit.

It’s no wonder top writers and directors such as Peter Jackson, James Cameron, and Christopher Nolan’s first films were in the genre market.

Will you be next?

To get free, instant online access to the Genre Summit Workshops, click here.

William Robert Rich
William Robert Rich

William Robert Rich is a story analyst, screenwriter, and co-author of Story Maps: The Films of Christopher Nolan. He's currently based in Austin, Texas.

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