As Halloween approaches, “Black Phone 2” has made a remarkable debut at the weekend box office, grossing $26.5 million. This sequel to Scott Derrickson’s successful 2022 film “The Black Phone” has quickly carved out a leading position among horror releases.
Box Office Highlights
- Opening Weekend Gross: $26.5 million
- Ranking: First place at the box office
- Critics Score: 74% on Rotten Tomatoes
- Budget: $30 million
The original “The Black Phone” premiered in June 2022, earning $23.6 million in its opening weekend. It went on to achieve over $90 million in domestic earnings and over $161 million globally against an $18 million budget.
Future Prospects
“Black Phone 2,” now positioned as the top horror film of the season, benefits from a clear market space with minimal competition leading into Halloween. The film has the potential to surpass $60 million if audience reception remains favorable. Comparably, “Smile 2” earned $23 million on its opening weekend last year, ultimately grossing just over $69 million.
Industry Comparisons
Several other horror films have also performed well this year, including:
- The Conjuring: Last Rites: Over $175 million domestically
- Sinners: Strong presence in the horror genre
- Weapons: Gaining attention among horror enthusiasts
Looking at the history of horror sequels, films like “Zombieland” and “The Exorcist: Believer” began with similar opening numbers. “Black Phone 2” is poised to follow in their successful footsteps.
Other Weekend Releases
In addition to “Black Phone 2,” other films competed at the box office:
- Tron: Ares: Second place with $11.1 million
- Good Fortune: Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut, opening with $6.2 million
- One Battle After Another: Grossed $4.0 million
With the Halloween season fast approaching, “Black Phone 2” stands ready to dominate the horror box office, attracting audiences eager for thrills in the lead-up to the holiday.
