This September’s box office has seen surprising shifts, with Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle continuing to dominate while the Jordan Peele horror movie, Him, failed to meet expectations. Despite Peele’s reputation and the film’s intriguing premise, Him struggled to make a lasting impact as Demon Slayer attracted a growing audience amid weak competition.
Demon Slayer Maintains Top Box Office Position Amid New Releases
According to Deadline, Demon Slayer earned $17.3 million domestically in its second weekend, securing the number one spot for the second consecutive week. Initially, it appeared the Jordan Peele-produced film Him might challenge Demon Slayer’s lead, but Him garnered only $13.5 million in its opening three days, settling for second place. Another new release, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, performed poorly, summing up to just $3.5 million.
Analyzing Why “Him” Struggled at the Box Office
The year 2025 has been strong for horror movies, with titles like Sinners, Final Destination Bloodlines, Weapons, and The Conjuring: Last Rites surpassing box office expectations. Although Him was not expected to be a blockbuster, it held promise due to its association with Jordan Peele, one of today’s most innovative filmmakers. Peele’s work is highly regarded for combining social commentary with horror elements, which encouraged anticipation around this football-themed psychological thriller centered on themes of fame, hero worship, and the sacrifices involved in becoming a champion.
However, Him did not fulfill these expectations. The film received predominantly negative reviews, marking the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score in Peele’s career. This poor reception heavily influenced its underwhelming box office debut, which missed the modest $15-18 million projections. Most of 2025’s successful horror films benefited from positive early reactions; for instance, The Conjuring: Last Rites, promoted as the conclusion of a beloved franchise, was resilient to mixed reviews. Unlike Last Rites, Him relied on favorable critical buzz to drive ticket sales, which it did not get.
Had it garnered stronger critical acclaim, Him might have surged ahead. In fact, Demon Slayer experienced a steep 75% drop in revenue during its second weekend but still retained the top position thanks to a near-universal positive critical consensus, boasting a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes. During a comparatively quiet week at the box office, Demon Slayer remained the most attractive choice, especially for anime fans eager for additional viewings. Meanwhile, Him’s weak performance allowed The Conjuring: Last Rites—already three weeks into its run—to nearly surpass it with $12.9 million.
The production budget for Him was controlled at $27 million, a typical figure for horror films aiming to balance cost and profit potential. Generally, such a budget would offer a favorable chance at financial success, but the lackluster debut now places Him in a difficult position. Horror flicks often rely on a strong opening weekend to carry them forward, and with poor word of mouth, this Jordan Peele horror movie is unlikely to become a sleeper hit. Its minimal footprint suggests it will fade quickly as upcoming films, including prestigious awards contenders like One Battle After Another and The Smashing Machine, and high-profile blockbusters such as Tron: Ares, arrive in theaters. Presently, Him is shaping up as a rare misstep linked to Jordan Peele’s otherwise stellar career.
“Him Review: This Sports Horror Nightmare Is All Style Over Substance”
– Anonymous Reviewer
Context on Horror’s Box Office Trends This Year
The performance of Him contrasts sharply with the consistent success of other horror titles this year. Earlier releases like Sinners and Final Destination Bloodlines benefited from enthusiastic audiences and critics alike. In particular, The Conjuring: Last Rites shattered multiple records during its opening weekend despite the franchise facing diminishing returns in recent years. These horror films combined fresh horror concepts with strong fan loyalty, creating momentum that sustained their box office runs.
By comparison, Him’s more niche story and approach failed to generate sufficient excitement. While Peele’s name brought some curiosity, it wasn’t enough to overcome the film’s critical reception. The intense disappointment this movie experienced highlights how even established producers face challenges when a film does not connect with both viewers and reviewers from the start.
Demon Slayer’s Growing Influence and Fan Devotion
Demon Slayer’s ongoing success reinforces anime’s increasing sway over global box office numbers, particularly in weeks marked by little competition. The film has attracted devoted anime fans keen to catch it in theaters, either for first viewings or repeat experiences. Its wide appeal and critical praise have made it a standout, proving that anime movies can compete with traditional Hollywood releases effectively.
Its ability to maintain the top spot despite a sharp attendance decline shows strong fan loyalty, with viewers willing to return and recommend the film. This momentum creates a challenging landscape for newcomers, especially those unable to capitalize on positive word of mouth.
Looking Ahead: The Upcoming Theater Landscape
As Him fades from the spotlight, new releases will fight for audience attention in the weeks ahead. High-profile contenders such as One Battle After Another and The Smashing Machine will appeal to critics and awards voters, while major blockbusters like Tron: Ares aim to draw large crowds. Additionally, the influence of streaming platforms and anime’s expanding fandom could continue reshaping box office dynamics.
Jordan Peele’s association with Him, despite the film’s failure to resonate widely, underscores how even celebrated filmmakers can face setbacks. The box office results serve as a reminder that striking the right balance between creative ambition and audience appeal remains a complex challenge in today’s competitive film market.
