Big-budget action films are usually associated with summer, but a few horror films throughout the year have proven that the horror genre is just as in demand during the season. Although spooky stories are usually reserved for the cooler months, especially around Halloween, the necessary escape from the outside heat in a cold theater may be one reason why horror films still find success during the summer. In addition, a few films, like Freddy vs. Jason And it iswas highly anticipated by the audience, making the theater venture a perfect group activity.
The big release and box office response of such films may not have been entirely possible without the release of what is often credited as the first summer blockbuster. Steven Spielberg’s the jaw Recognized as the initiator of this trendChanging the game with its broad exposure and innovative approach to the horror genre. Since then, many beloved horror films have become summer hits, some of which have even spawned popular horror franchises.
10 Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
Two well-known antagonists of horror face each other
Introducing a crossover between two of the horror genre’s biggest rivals, Freddy vs. Jason The audience thronged the theatres. I admit Freddy vs. Jason It’s not as scary as other horror blockbusters and instead, it chooses to mix humor with familiar elements in each villain’s respective franchise. As a result, the film was not liked by all critics, but Fans of each villain franchise were eager to see the two characters face off.
Although not completely beloved, Freddy vs. Jasonwhich pitted two murderers against each other, still made an impact on its box-office numbers. Grossing over $116 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo), Freddy vs. Jason became the highest grossing film Friday the 13th Suffrage and second highest Nightmare on Elm Street Considering the number of new additions to the franchise over the years, it appears Freddy vs. JasonIts memory remains untouched.
9 The Amityville Horror (1979)
A family moves into a haunted house
Becoming one of the most successful independent films, The Amityville Horror Viewed as a main character in the horror genre, especially when it comes to those featuring a house as a main character. The Amityville Horror Follows the Lutz family, who have just moved into a new home, and is based on the paranormal experiences of a real family as detailed in Jay Anson’s book of the same name. Many critics left the film with unfavorable reviews, disapproving of its inspired use of horror clichés.
still, The real-life story piqued the interest of the audience and the film did surprisingly well on its summer release. According to ForbesWhen adjusted, The Amityville Horror Ranked as the eighth-highest-grossing horror movie of all time. Since the late 70s, countless films have been made about Lutz’s experiences. Additionally, a remake of the first film was released in 2005, garnering similarly divided responses from moviegoers and critics.
8 Jeepers Creepers (2001)
A horror mystery has captivated audiences at the end of summer
Unfortunately, as is the case with many film franchises, the latter Jeeper vine The films never lived up to the critical and financial success of the first film. Starring Geena Phillips and Justin Long, Jeeper vine Follows two siblings who search for a mysterious creature known as the Creeper. Lata’s mystery and unknown identity The first half of the film features well-crafted built-up tension as the audience anticipates a revelation.
While the answer to who or what Lata is may not be satisfactory for everyone, there is suspense and horror elements throughout Jeeper vine was enough to make it a box-office success. Early during the theater, Jeeper vine It grossed nearly $16 million over the Labor Day weekend, breaking the holiday record until its sequel film was released just a few years later.
7 Poltergeist (1982)
Well-executed special effects make for realistic scares
Steven Spielberg’s game-changing summer blockbuster nearly a decade later the jawThe director had further blockbuster success with his co-written films, poltergeist. Directed by Tobe Hooper, poltergeist Centers on a family targeted by ghosts. Apart from its major critical and commercial success, poltergeist Best known for supernatural films and their influence on young audiences.
Primary victim of ghost attacks poltergeist The youngest child in the family, Carol Ann. The haunting visuals and special effects – which earned the film three Academy Award nominations – struck a chord with younger audiences. Who watches the PG-rated film and sees herself as Carol Anne. love for poltergeist It has grown over the years, and is now recognized as one of Hooper’s best horror films, with his creative choices replicated in recent paranormal stories, such as children as the main target and furniture moving by itself.
6 The Conjuring (2013)
Audiences were eager to see popular paranormal stories on screen
Based on the lives of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring’Real life inspiration and love of the genre resulted in critical and box office success. Despite negative critical reviews calling the film unoriginal, comparing it to similar films poltergeist, The Conjuring The famous duo was a hit with the audience for connecting with the detective and James Wan’s immersive direction.
The audience feels the same fear The ConjuringIts characters, which are aided by Wan’s cinematography, well-established eerie tone and believable performances by the cast. its success The Conjuring Sequels and related films have led to the creation of an extensive universe – including the latter Annabelle And monk Cinema is not in all films The Conjuring The franchise has been able to make an impact in the summer for the first time.
5 Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Strong suspense and memorable performances resulted in box office success
One of the many disturbing horror films about cults, Rosemary’s baby It had impressive numbers at the box office and saw high levels of critical acclaim. the part why Rosemary’s baby It has a strong legacy over the years due to its great performance and layered themesFrom paranoia to women’s liberation. Rosemary’s baby About the title character, played by Mia Farrow, who suspects that her neighbors are part of a satanic cult and wants to harm the child she is expecting.
As Rosemary becomes increasingly paranoid throughout the film, so does the audience. With no help from her husband, Rosemary is forced to believe that everything she sees is in her head and eventually Rosemary’s babyThe audience is also unsure of what to make of Rosemary’s theories Farrow gives an exceptional performance as the lead character, as does Ruth Gordon, who won an Oscar for her supporting role as Rosemary’s suspicious neighbor.
4 The Sixth Sense (1999)
A ghost story with an unexpected ending has caught the attention of the audience
As a filmmaker, M. Night Shyamalan is known for his twist endings, one of which is the most famous The sixth sense. The horror film – earning its rightful place in the genre because of its sense of dread rather than blood or jump scares – follows Bruce Willis’ psychologist character as he works with a young boy (Haley Joel Osment in his breakout role) who is seeing dead people. Has miraculous powers.
Shyamalan’s first venture into the supernatural subgenre, Audiences weren’t sure what to expect when they saw it in theaters The sixth sense. As a result, The sixth senseIts ending was unexpected, shocking and emotional in equal measure, and it became something people had to see for themselves. the interest The sixth sense Both films became box-office successes – coming in as the second highest-grossing film of 1999 – and Shyamalan became a notable director.
3 It (2017)
A familiar, yet exciting story is a must watch
With no adjustment for inflation, Andy Muschietti’s first two-part film adaptation of Stephen King’s it is It became the highest-grossing horror film of all time. There is much to enjoy it isUnderstands why audiences were quick to see it in theaters. Muschietti evokes a sense of nostalgia with his clear inspiration from 80s films Goonies, stand by meAnd thing.
Muschietti cites Steven Spielberg as an inspiration and uses effective methods of horror established in his work, grounding the film with a relatable backdrop and allowing the film’s terrifying antagonist to shine. which it does it is. In the film, Pennywise is played by Bill Skarsgård who gives his best horror performance. Skarsgård is distinctive and impressive as the creepy clown, setting himself apart from previous iterations of Pennywise.
2 Alien (1979)
The end of the summer blockbuster turned out to be highly influential
Like some of the other horror blockbusters listed, the alien It was not warmly received by critics upon its initial release. however, the alien Still managed to be a standout at the box office, grossing nearly $200 million (via The Numbers). the alienIts fantastic background, thoughtful characters and unique setting have drawn audiences to the theatres.
Since its release, critical reappraisals have been more and more positive the alien Now seen as incredibly influential for numerous sci-fi horror films. The film’s financial success spawned numerous spinoffs the alien to tearSome are better than others. an essential part the alien The Xenomorph, which has been replicated throughout sci-fi horror films, but no imitator has been able to create as memorable a monster. the alienIts xenomorph is largely shrouded in mystery, adding to its fear factor, and it has an interesting design. As the franchise has evolved, so has the lore surrounding the monster, with new variations of the Xenomorph appearing in later films.
1 Jaws (1975)
Often considered the first true summer blockbuster
Throughout the film, John Williams’ fear-inducing theme and a dangerous shark lurking in the water, the jaw Became the model for summer blockbusters. the jaw A great white shark follows after a recent attack on beachgoers. Wide release provided the jaw It was not as common a practice as it is today. Both the jaw And godfather Recognized as two seminal films that helped change Hollywood’s film release practices.
In addition, the jaw He had a great influence on the audience. Systematic approach How the shark’s antagonist is portrayed in the film has made the audience even more terrified. Multiple studies have pointed to a decrease in beach attendance and an increase in shark encounters following the film’s release. because the jaw‘ box office success, companies behind films with big, but easy-to-follow premises seek summer release dates. While most of the films fall under the action and adventure genre, the films listed show that this model is effective with horror as well.