Highest Grossing Horror Movies of All Time
Highest Grossing Horror Movies of All Time
Horror has long been one of cinema’s most profitable genres. With modest budgets and massive scares, horror films often yield impressive returns at the box office. But which fright-filled features have truly conquered the global market? Below, we take a look at the ten biggest-grossing horror films of all time—complete with both their actual and inflation-adjusted box office figures. We’ll also explore why these films resonated so powerfully with audiences worldwide.
🎬 Top 10 Highest Grossing Horror Movies (Worldwide Gross)
Rank | Title | Year | Worldwide Gross | Adjusted for Inflation* |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | It | 2017 | $701 million | ~$870 million |
2 | The Sixth Sense | 1999 | $673 million | ~$1.18 billion |
3 | Jaws | 1975 | $476 million | ~$2.5 billion |
4 | It: Chapter Two | 2019 | $473 million | ~$540 million |
5 | World War Z | 2013 | $540 million | ~$690 million |
6 | I Am Legend | 2007 | $585 million | ~$860 million |
7 | The Exorcist | 1973 | $441 million | ~$2.1 billion |
8 | The Nun | 2018 | $366 million | ~$440 million |
9 | Hannibal | 2001 | $351 million | ~$590 million |
10 | The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | $321 million | ~$390 million |
*Inflation adjustments are approximations based on 2024 values.
🧮 Top 10 Horror Films by Inflation-Adjusted Gross
Rank | Title | Year | Adjusted for Inflation* | Worldwide Gross |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Jaws | 1975 | ~$2.5 billion | $476 million |
2 | The Exorcist | 1973 | ~$2.1 billion | $441 million |
3 | The Sixth Sense | 1999 | ~$1.18 billion | $673 million |
4 | It | 2017 | ~$870 million | $701 million |
5 | I Am Legend | 2007 | ~$860 million | $585 million |
6 | World War Z | 2013 | ~$690 million | $540 million |
7 | Hannibal | 2001 | ~$590 million | $351 million |
8 | It: Chapter Two | 2019 | ~$540 million | $473 million |
9 | The Nun | 2018 | ~$440 million | $366 million |
10 | The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | ~$390 million | $321 million |

💰 Why Did These Movies Earn So Much?
1. It (2017)
Stephen King’s terrifying novel came to life in spectacular fashion. Powered by a nostalgic 1980s setting, a strong ensemble cast, and genuinely unsettling scares, It managed to captivate horror fans and mainstream audiences alike.
2. The Sixth Sense (1999)
This psychological thriller took the world by storm with its unforgettable twist ending. M. Night Shyamalan’s masterpiece drew in massive repeat viewings, and its emotional depth gave it staying power well beyond typical horror fare.
3. Jaws (1975)
Often credited as the original summer blockbuster, Jaws terrified audiences into staying out of the water. Its suspenseful direction by Steven Spielberg, groundbreaking mechanical effects, and iconic score made it a cultural phenomenon.
4. It: Chapter Two (2019)
The sequel to It had high expectations and delivered in scale and spectacle. Though it didn’t quite match the original’s box office heights, it still earned an impressive global haul thanks to fan loyalty and franchise momentum.
5. World War Z (2013)
Starring Brad Pitt and featuring globe-trotting action sequences, World War Z offered a more blockbuster-style horror. Its international appeal and large-scale set pieces made it a huge draw, especially overseas.
6. I Am Legend (2007)
A post-apocalyptic thriller with a heart, I Am Legend blended sci-fi and horror with Will Smith’s powerful solo performance. The bleak, emotional narrative resonated with a wide demographic.
7. The Exorcist (1973)
One of the most controversial and influential horror films ever made, The Exorcist shocked 1970s audiences with its disturbing content and themes. Its enduring popularity and re-releases have made it one of the most successful horror films adjusted for inflation.
8. The Nun (2018)
Part of The Conjuring universe, The Nun was a prequel that capitalised on franchise popularity. With a creepy setting and aggressive marketing campaign, it lured in millions seeking supernatural scares.
9. Hannibal (2001)
Following The Silence of the Lambs, this sequel starring Anthony Hopkins returned to Lecter’s grisly world. Though not as acclaimed, it drew massive curiosity and box office success thanks to the character’s fame.
10. The Conjuring 2 (2016)
James Wan’s franchise entry continued the terrifying exploits of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Its blend of classic horror, strong characters, and franchise strength made it a top global performer.
📊 Analysis: The Power of Franchises and Fear
A key takeaway from this list is the dominance of franchises. From The Conjuring Universe to It, established horror IPs draw in audiences thanks to familiarity and built-in fanbases. Psychological horror and supernatural thrillers also appear to resonate more broadly than gore-driven horror.
Older films like Jaws and The Exorcist remain powerhouses when adjusted for inflation, proving that well-crafted horror has a timeless appeal.
Whether it’s ancient demons, killer sharks, or soul-crushing isolation, horror continues to be one of cinema’s most bankable genres. These films didn’t just terrify audiences—they made a killing at the box office.
Have you seen them all? Which one do you think deserved to make even more?





