Big-budget action films are commonly associated with the summer, but a few horror films throughout the years have proven the spooky genre is just as in demand during the season. While haunting stories are usually reserved for colder months, especially around Halloween, the needed escape into a chilled theater from the outside heat could be a reason why horror films still find success during the summer. Additionally, a few films, like Freddy vs. Jason and It, were highly anticipated by audiences, making the venture to the theaters a perfect group activity.
The big releases and box office responses to such films might not be entirely possible without the release of what’s often credited as the first summer blockbuster. Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is recognized as the initiator of this trend, changing the game with its wide release and innovative approach to the horror genre. Since then, many of the most beloved horror films have been summer hits, with a few even spawning popular horror franchises.
10 Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
Two Of Horror’s Well-Known Antagonists Face One Another
Introducing a crossover between two of the horror genre’s greatest antagonists, Freddy vs. Jason had audiences rushing to the theaters. Admittedly, Freddy vs. Jason isn’t 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 wasn’t loved by all critics, but fans within each villain’s franchise were eager to see the two characters’ confrontation.
While not wholly beloved, Freddy vs. Jason, which pits the two killers against one another, still made an impact with its box-office numbers. Earning over $116 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo), Freddy vs. Jason became the highest-grossing film in the Friday the 13th franchise and the second-highest in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Considering it’s been a few years since new additions have been made to either franchise, it appears Freddy vs. Jason‘s record 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 is seen as a staple in the horror genre, especially when it comes to those that feature 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 under the same name. Many critics left unfavorable reviews of the film, disapproving of its uninspired use of horror clichés.
Still, the real-life story piqued audiences’ interest and the film did surprisingly well during its summer release. According to Forbes, when adjusted, The Amityville Horror ranks as the eighth-highest horror movie of all time. Since the late ’70s, countless films have been about the Lutz’s experiences. Additionally, a remake of the first film was released in 2005, earning a similar split response from moviegoers and critics.
8 Jeepers Creepers (2001)
A Horror Mystery Drew In Audiences At The End Of Summer
Unfortunately, as is the case with many film franchises, the subsequent Jeepers Creepers films could never live up to the critical and financial success of the first film. Starring Gina Philips and Justin Long, Jeepers Creepers follows two siblings who are sought after by a mysterious creature known as the Creeper. The mystery and unknown identity of the Creeper in the first half of the film results in well-crafted built-up tension as audiences anticipate a reveal.
While the answer as to who or what the Creeper is might not be satisfactory for everyone, the suspense and horror elements throughout Jeepers Creepers were enough to make it a box-office success. Early during its theatrical run, Jeepers Creepers made nearly $16 million over Labor Day weekend, breaking the record for the holiday until the release of its sequel film just a few years later.
7 Poltergeist (1982)
Well-Executed Special Effects Made For A Realistic Scare
Nearly a decade after Steven Spielberg’s game-changing summer blockbuster Jaws, the director found more blockbuster success with the film he co-wrote, Poltergeist. Directed by Tobe Hooper, Poltergeist is centered on a family targeted by ghosts. Aside from its large critical and commercial success, Poltergeist is best known for its influence on paranormal films and young audiences.
The primary victim of the ghostly attacks in Poltergeist is the family’s youngest child, Carol Anne. The haunting visuals and special effects — which gave the film one of three Academy Award nominations — traumatized younger audiences who’d watched the PG-rated film and could see themselves in Carol Anne. The love for Poltergeist has only grown in the years, and it’s now recognized as one of Hooper’s best horror films, with its creative choices seen replicated in recent paranormal stories, such as children as the main target and furniture moving on its own.
6 The Conjuring (2013)
Audiences Were Eager To See Popular Paranormal Tales On Screen
Based on the lives of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring’s real-life inspirations and love for the genre resulted in a critical and box office success. Despite negative critical reviews calling the film unoriginal, drawing comparisons to films like Poltergeist, The Conjuring was a hit with audiences for its connection to the famous pair of investigators and James Wan’s immersive direction.
Audiences are made to feel the same fear as The Conjuring‘s characters, which is helped by Wan’s filming techniques, the well-established eerie tone, and the cast’s convincing performances. The success of The Conjuring has led to the creation of an expansive universe made up of sequels and related films — the latter includes the Annabelle and The Nun films. However, not all films in The Conjuring franchise have been able to make as big of an impact in the summer as the first.
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 had impressive numbers at the box office and saw high levels of critical praise. Part of why Rosemary’s Baby has had such a strong legacy over the years is because of its stellar performances and layered themes, ranging from paranoia to women’s liberation. Rosemary’s Baby is about the titular character, played by Mia Farrow, who suspects her neighbors are part of a Satanic cult and wish to cause harm to the child she’s expecting.
As Rosemary grows increasingly paranoid throughout the film, so do audiences. Receiving no help from her husband, Rosemary is made to believe what she’s seeing is all in her head, and until the end of Rosemary’s Baby, audiences too are unsure of what to make of Rosemary’s theories. Farrow gives an exceptional performance as the lead character, as does Ruth Gordon, winning an Oscar for her supporting role as Rosemary’s dubious neighbor.
4 The Sixth Sense (1999)
A Ghost Story With An Unexpected Ending Grabbed Audiences’ Attention
As a filmmaker, M. Night Shyamalan has been known for his twist endings, with one of the most famous taking place in The Sixth Sense. The horror film — obtaining its rightful place in the genre because of its eerie feel rather than the use of blood spill or jump scares — follows Bruce Willis’ psychologist character as he works with a young boy (Haley Joel Osment in his breakout role) who possesses the paranormal ability to see dead people.
Being Shyamalan’s first venture into the supernatural subgenre, audiences weren’t sure what to expect when walking into the theaters to see The Sixth Sense. As a result, The Sixth Sense‘s ending was unexpected, equally shocking, and emotional, and became the thing people had to see for themselves. The interest in The Sixth Sense turned both the film into a box-office success — coming in as the second highest-grossing film in 1999 — and Shyamalan into a notable director.
3 It (2017)
A Familiar, Yet Exciting Tale Was A Must-See
Without any adjustments for inflation, the first of Andy Muschietti’s two-part film adaptation of Stephen King’s It became the highest-grossing horror film of all time. There’s a lot to enjoy in It, making sense as to why audiences were quick to see it in theaters. Muschietti incites feelings of nostalgia with his clear inspirations from ’80s films like The Goonies, Stand by Me, and The Thing.
Muschietti has also cited Steven Spielberg as an inspiration and puts to use the effective methods of scares as established in his work, grounding the film with a relatable background, and allowing for the film’s frightening antagonist to shine through. Which it does in It. In the film, Pennywise is played by Bill Skarsgård who gives his best horror performance. Skarsgård is distinct and captivating as the menacing clown, separating himself from the previous iterations of Pennywise.
2 Alien (1979)
The End Of Summer Blockbuster Became Highly Influential
Like a few of the other horror blockbusters listed, Alien wasn’t received warmly by critics upon its initial release. However, Alien still managed to be a standout at the box office, earning nearly $200 million (via The Numbers). Alien‘s chilling premise, thought-out characters, and unique setting drew audiences to the theaters.
Since its release, critical reassessments have been more positive and Alien is now seen as incredibly influential to numerous sci-fi horror films. The financial success of the film spawned numerous Alien rip-offs, some better than others. An essential part of Alien that can be seen replicated throughout sci-fi horror films is the xenomorph but no imitator has been able to create as memorable a monster. Alien‘s xenomorph is largely shrouded in mystery, adding to its scare factor, and it has a striking design. As the franchise has evolved, so has the lore surrounding the monster, including new variations of the xenomorph seen in later films.
1 Jaws (1975)
Often Considered The First True Summer Blockbuster
With John Williams’ fear-inducing theme and a dangerous shark lurking in the water throughout the film, Jaws became the model for the summer blockbuster. Jaws follows the pursuit of a great white shark after its recent attack on beach attendees. The wide release given to Jaws wasn’t as common of a practice as it is today. Both Jaws and The Godfather are recognized as two major films that helped enact change in Hollywood’s practice of releasing films.
Additionally, Jaws had a big influence on its audience. The methodical approach to how the shark antagonist was shown in the film made audiences increasingly more terrified. Multiple studies have pointed to reduced beach attendance and an uptick in reported shark sittings following the film’s release. Because of Jaws‘ accomplishments at the box office, companies behind films with large, but easy-to-follow premises sought for summer release dates. While most of the films used to fall under the action and adventure genres, the listed films show this model is effective with horror too.
