Let's get one thing out of the way first. The films on this list of the most grossing horror films are not for the faint of heart, and sitting through most of them would need a great deal of courage and bravery.
Nonetheless, if you enjoy horror films and are looking for the highest-grossing horror films, you've come to the perfect place.
These films are sure to turn heads and make the weaker intellect feel uneasy.
If you're ready to watch any of the films listed below, make sure the lights are turned on. Finally, they're thrilling and enjoyable.
1. IT (2017)
- Director: Andy Muchietti
- Star Cast: Jaeden Lieberher, and Bill Skarsgård
- Total worldwide gross: $700,381,759
Aside from being a horror film, IT has had a lot of success in other areas. Richie and Eddie deliver amusing performances in the picture, which also plays safe with emotional connections.
It is now at the top of the box office for horror films. The terrifying scenes will take your breath away. If you are not prepared to deal with their cries as they freak out, it may be best to keep young children away.
The screenwriters paid close attention to the development of the characters. Bill, Beverly, and Ben were all well-written characters. Is Pennywise a scary character? Yes, it is correct. After seeing this movie, I wouldn't be surprised if you went to bed with the lights on.
2. The Sixth Sense
- Director: M. Night Shyamalan
- Star Cast: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, and Haley Joel Osment
- Total worldwide gross: $672,806,292
The Sixth Sense is currently ranked second among the highest-grossing horror films. When you see the film, there will be no doubt in your mind that it is deserving of such a high rating, and the writing will enthral you with a top-notch horror experience.
Despite his age, Haley Joel gave a fantastic performance, and his presence in the picture helped to bring it to life. The legendary Bruce Willis gave the kind of top-notch performance that we expect from someone of his calibre.
Because of the several layers of complexity contained inside the plot, you may find yourself viewing it again and again. The revelation is exhilarating, and the creators pulled it off as one of the biggest reveals in film history.
Shyamalan planned and built the twist from the beginning of the film, and he used the appropriate quantity of cues throughout. To top it off, this film not only focuses on supernatural horror, but also on human issues.
3. IT Chapter Two
- Director: Andy Muchietti
- Star Cast: Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, and Jay Ryan
- Total worldwide gross: $473,093,228
The clown Pennywise isn't finished with the section of town. Mike Hanlon calls his Losers Club buddies twenty-seven years after the events of the first film to inform them of Pennywise's reappearance. They return to their hometown to fulfil a promise they made to end the wicked clown's reign of terror.
IT: Chapter Two shares a lot of parallels with the first chapter. It is one of the highest-grossing horror films, including frightening and occasionally brutal sequences.
The smooth direction is complemented by strong performances from both young and adult actors.
Bill Skarsgrd gives another outstanding performance as Pennywise the terrible monster clown. He's unnerving, nerve-wracking, and funny all at the same time. The IT franchise is based on Stephen King's novel of the same name.
With a running time of 169 minutes, this is a long horror film. It may not be to everyone's taste, but it's adequate for a horror film. I would have preferred a more grandiose final battle, but it isn't all bad.
4. The Exorcist
- Director: William Friedkin
- Star Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Max von sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, and Jason Miller
- Total worldwide gross: $441,306,145
This scary horror film is directed by William Friedkin. It is unquestionably one of the most terrifying films ever filmed. It will give you the chills and make you look around.
I recommend seeing this movie during the daytime, or you'll find yourself doubting every creaking sound you hear.
Lankester Merrin, a catholic priest, participates in an archaeological dig in northern Iraq in the film. The team finds a medallion of Saint Joseph as well as an artefact depicting Pazuzu and an ancient demon in the process.
It isn't long before the horror sets in. As Merrin leaves Iraq, he comes across a massive statue of Pazuzu and two dogs fighting in the desert.
The rest of the storey is about a demon's possession and the effort to exorcise it.
Despite the fact that it was produced in the 1970s, The Exorcist is still one of the most popular horror films. In many ways, it set the tone for later horror films.
The makers used excellent effects and sounds to amplify the scary moments. This film is still relevant today.
5. The Mummy
- Director: Rob Cohen
- Star Cast: Brendan Fraser, Jet Li, Maria Bello, John Hannah, and Russell Wong
- Total worldwide gross: $401,128,639
The film begins with a look back through time. A warlord in ancient China succeeds in unifying the country's kingdoms and establishing an empire. He becomes the Dragon Emperor and orders the Great Wall of China to be built with the bodies of his foes buried beneath it.
Despite mastering the Chinese Wuxing elements, the emperor is concerned that his achievements may be undone if he dies. To achieve perpetual life, he sends a sorceress and his second-in-command to find the long-lost oracle bones.
After executing the emperor's second-in-command for having a romance with the sorceress, the sorceress curses the emperor and his army. The rest of the movie is just as amusing as the scary sections. Familiar faces from prior Mummy films appear to provide an enjoyable horror experience.
In comparison to the other highest-grossing horror films, I believe the terror components are toned down. Regardless, it's a fantastic film to watch with friends and family. The main drawback is that it was a last-ditch attempt to bring a long-dead property back to life.
6. The Nun
- Director: Corin Hardy
- Star Cast: Demián Bichir, Taissa Farmiga, and Jonas Bloquet
- Total worldwide gross: $365,550,119
One of the highest grossing horror films of all time is crammed into an hour and a half run time. The Nun delivers its horror moments in the most horrifying way possible, and if you're brave enough, it'll leave you frozen in your seat or bed.
The Nun is the fifth entry in the Conjuring universe, and it is a prequel/spin-off to the preceding film Conjuring 2.
In 1952, two sisters from the Saint Cartha's monastery in Romania were attacked by an unknown cruel force after entering a tunnel to retrieve an antique Christian relic.
The tragedy kills both sisters, and the Vatican dispatches Father Burke and Sister Irene to investigate. It quickly escalates into a terrifying struggle with a ferocious demon hell-bent on destroying the monastery.
Overall, the picture offers excellent cinematography and good acting from the cast. It's both terrifying and thrilling to see. In the end, it performed an outstanding job of concealing the monster until the moment came.
Do you like what you've read so far? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.