‘It’ to Pass ‘The Exorcist’ as Highest Grossing Horror Film Ever
“The Exorcist” has made $233 million since its release in 1973
Jeremy Fuster | September 20, 2017 @ 10:30 AM
Last Updated: September 20, 2017 @ 11:16 AM
Warner Bros.’ runaway horror hit “It” will pass “The Exorcist” this week to become the highest domestic grossing horror film of all-time.
Upon its initial release in 1973, “The Exorcist” grossed $193 million domestically, followed by an additional $39.9 million from two director’s cut releases in 2000 and 2010, for a total of $232.9 million. “It” currently has $228.4 million after adding $4.2 million on Monday and $5.3 million on Tuesday. The movie should easily pass “The Exorcist” record this week — as early as Wednesday night.
“It” is the highest grossing R-Rated film of 2017 so far. While expected to cede this weekend’s No. 1 spot to “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” “It” is still expected to make roughly $30 million, putting it at around $265-270 million by this Sunday.
Of course, while “The Exorcist” is the most successful pure horror film, there are hybrid horror flicks that have made more. Foremost among them is the horror-thriller hybrid “The Sixth Sense, which made $293 million in 2001. “It” is expected by analysts to pass that mark and become only the fourth R-Rated film to gross more than $300 million domestically, joining “The Passion of the Christ,” “Deadpool,” and “American Sniper.”
Other films “It” is expected to pass include “Gravity,” the highest grossing October release with $274 million. That would make “It” the highest grossing film released between Labor Day and the start of November.
Elsewhere on the Warner Bros. slate, “Annabelle: Creation” passed the $100 million mark on Tuesday in its sixth week in theaters. The latest installment in the “Conjuring” series has grossed $290 million worldwide and pushed the franchise past the $1 billion mark earlier in its run.
When WB’s two horror hits are combined with the domestic totals from its summer juggernaut “Wonder Woman” and Oscar contender “Dunkirk,” you have a total of $915 million grossed by the studio since the start of June, putting the film in position to be the first to gross $1.5 billion at the domestic box office this year.
13 Must-See Horror Movies After 'It,' From 'Green Room' to 'It Follows' (Photos)
"Starry Eyes" (2014)
Written & directed by Kevin Kolsch, Dennis Widmyer
Cool imagery, solid performances, and a harrowing take on how far a person will go to become a star.
Available to rent: Amazon Video, YouTube, iTunes
"Honeymoon" (2014)
Directed by Leigh Janiak
Janiak made a solid directorial debut with "Honeymoon." The whole film rests on the shoulders of the two leads with excellent chemistry who take you through a well-paced story of paranoia and freaky scares.
Available to rent: iTunes, Vudu, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV
"What We Do in the Shadows" (2015)
Written & directed by Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
This film is a joyride of a horror comedy. This mockumentary stars all of your favorite monsters, and will make you smile with it’s charm.
Available to rent: Amazon Video, iTunes
"Goodnight Mommy" (2015)
Written & directed by Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala
I caught this out of Fantasia 2015, and was blown away. I admittedly shielded my eyes during the more torture-y parts at the end, but I didn’t see the twists, and it’s one of the most visually stunning genre films in recent years.
Available to rent: Amazon Video, YouTube, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play Movies & TV
"The Visit" (2015)
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
Fun story: I was invited by my former boss Steven Schneider (and EP on the film) to a small screening, and he wouldn’t tell me what it was. I walk in and M. Night is there and only a couple of other people. I was so scared, and unfortunately was sitting in the front row so everyone could see me jump. I was over found footage, but I powered through that element because the story is so fun to watch unfold. Signature Shyamalan Twist works like a charm, and with this and "Split" getting great reviews it’s great to have M. Night back.
"Green Room" (2016)
Written & directed by Jeremy Saulnier
As a huge fan of "Blue Ruin," I was equally as impressed with how "Green Room" as a a brutally relentless thriller that is both tense and entertaining.
Available to rent: Amazon Video, YouTube, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play Movies & TV
The Guest (2014)
Directed by Adam Wingard.
I caught this on the big screen at Next Fest in 2014. Maika Monroe and Dan Stevens are captivating to watch. Period. It’s a quick-paced thriller wrapped into a poppy homage to throwback horror films.
"In Order of Disappearance" (2014)
Directed by Hans Petter Moland
I was lucky enough to see this at Fantastic Fest in 2014. It’s an intense Norwegian revenge story set against the beautifully snowy backdrop of Norway in winter. Tonally it reminded me of "Fargo" with added thriller elements and tense scenes.
Available to rent: Amazon Video, YouTube, iTunes
"Afflicted" (2014)
Written & directed by Derek Lee, Clif Prowse
I was pleasantly surprised by this film. Lee and Prowse put a unique spin on the well-tread vampire sub genre by giving the viewer an experience of what it’s like to make the transition into a vampire after you’ve been bitten by one. Shot on a very limited budget, the effects are impressive and mostly practical and they make great use of the docu-style filmmaking.
Available on Amazon Video, iTunes, Vudu
"Hush" (2016)
Directed by Mike Flanagan
Home invasion movie out of SXSW 2016. Reminiscent of "The Strangers" and "Wait Until Dark," it’s a very minimalist movie, and is intense, nonstop and entertaining. It’s low budget, but it doesn’t take away from the quality in this gem.
Available to rent: Netflix
"The Taking of Deborah Logan" (2014)
Directed by Adam Robitel
Jill Larson carries the film well in the title role that requires her to go from happy to sad to positively terrifying in the same scene. I wish it wasn’t found footage because I felt like that was one of the weak elements of it, but if you want to watch a possession film that won’t disappoint give this a look. I’m excited to see what Robitel does with "Insidious 4."
Available to rent: Amazon Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV
"Under the Skin" (2014)
Directed by Jonathan Glazer
This film is gorgeous. It’s eerie. It’s an artsy take on "Species," and will gross you out as much as it will impress you with it’s visuals. It’s a very polarizing film, but the lovely Scarlett Johansson makes it work on so many levels. It’s sure to stick with you after viewing.
Available to rent: Vudu, Amazon Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, iTunes
"It Follows" (2014)
Written and Directed by David Robert Mitchell.
I’m sure you’ve at least heard of this film. A testament to its quality is that it’s one of the few films horror films to get an expanded release after doing high number in its limited run. Spooky soundtrack, 80’s vibes, and a new twist on the slasher sub-genre. Watch this in the dark. There are multiple gasp-worthy scenes.
Available to buy: Amazon Video, Google Play Movies & TV, iTunes
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Kailey Marsh, creator of BloodList.com, gives the scoop on movies to keep you up at night
"Starry Eyes" (2014)
Written & directed by Kevin Kolsch, Dennis Widmyer
Cool imagery, solid performances, and a harrowing take on how far a person will go to become a star.
Available to rent: Amazon Video, YouTube, iTunes