The past decade has seen Hollywood horror movies captivate audiences worldwide, earning impressive sums at the global box office despite receiving mixed critical reviews. These films have drawn large crowds, proving the genre’s lasting appeal. This article highlights the top ten highest grossing Hollywood horror movies released since 2015, listing their worldwide earnings alongside where viewers can stream them today.
1. The Haunting Security Guard at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza
Directed by Emma Tammi, this supernatural horror centers on a night-shift security guard, played by Josh Hutcherson, who uncovers chilling secrets about animatronic figures in an abandoned family entertainment venue. The movie earned approximately $291 million worldwide and is available for streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in both the US and India. It holds a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. The Terror Surrounding a Possessed Doll
David F. Sandberg’s film explores the aftermath of a family tragedy when a doll-maker’s household becomes a target of a malevolent, possessed doll. This installment grossed $306 million globally. Audiences can watch it on HBO Max in the United States and on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix in India. It earned a 70% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. The Final Battle Against an Umbrella Corporation Threat
Paul W. S. Anderson’s action-horror sequel follows Alice, portrayed by Milla Jovovich, as she returns to the Hive beneath Raccoon City to confront the Umbrella Corporation’s sinister plans. The movie gathered $312 million at the worldwide box office. Streaming options include Netflix in the US, and SonyLIV, MX Player, and Amazon Prime Video (Rent) in India. Rotten Tomatoes rates it at 38%.
4. Paranormal Investigations in 1977 North London
Directed by James Wan, this supernatural thriller follows Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, as they assist a single mother, Peggy Hodgson, whose house is haunted. The film amassed $322 million globally. It streams on HBO Max in the US and Amazon Prime Video in both the US and India, with an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score.
5. Surviving a Post-Apocalyptic World of Sound-Sensitive Aliens
Fede Álvarez’s horror movie depicts Evelyn and Lee (Emily Blunt and John Krasinski) battling blind extraterrestrial creatures that hunt by sound in a ruined world. The film earned $351 million. It is available on Hulu in the United States and on Jio Hotstar in India. Rotten Tomatoes rates it at 80%.
6. Space Colonists Facing the Deadly Xenomorph Threat
This sci-fi horror, set between the events of Ridley Scott’s Alien and James Cameron’s Aliens, follows young space colonists confronting the Xenomorph menace aboard an old space station. Directed by Fede Álvarez, the film achieved $351 million worldwide. Streaming platforms include Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video (Rent) in both the US and India. It holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
7. Returning Twin Brothers Confront a Dark Force
Ryan Coogler directs this period supernatural horror about twins Smoke and Stack, played by Michael B. Jordan, who come back to their hometown only to face a new menace. This movie grossed $365 million internationally. Viewers can stream it on Netflix in the US, and on Jio Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video (Rent) in India. It has a 24% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
8. A Vatican Investigation into a Nun’s Mysterious Suicide
Corin Hardy’s gothic horror takes place in 1952 Romania, where a priest and a novice nun are sent to probe a young nun’s suspicious death, confronting a sinister demonic entity. The film collected $366 million globally. It streams on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video across both the US and India, with a 62% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
9. The Grown-Up Friends Return to Face Pennywise Again
Andy Muschietti’s sequel is set 27 years after the original, with the group of friends coming back to Derry, Maine, to confront the shape-shifting evil clown Pennywise. This film earned $473 million worldwide and is available on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Apple TV+ in both the US and India. It has an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score.
10. The Original Stephen King Horror That Still Haunts
Also directed by Andy Muschietti, this movie adapts Stephen King’s 1986 novel, following a group of bullied children in Derry who unite to face the monstrous clown Pennywise. With $704 million in global box office revenue, it stands as the highest-grossing horror film of the last decade. The film streams on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix in both the US and India.
Impact and Viewing Options for Horror Enthusiasts
The success of these highest grossing Hollywood horror movies underscores the enduring popularity of the genre, drawing diverse audiences through thrilling plots and memorable characters. Availability across major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more ensures accessibility for viewers wishing to experience these chilling tales. As global interest in horror continues, filmmakers are encouraged to innovate within the genre, promising more spine-tingling experiences in the years ahead.
