Weapons Box Office Crushes Second Weekend: Horror Hit Keeps Dominating

It’s official — Weapons is no one-weekend wonder. The R-rated horror thriller has once again claimed the top spot at the domestic box office, pulling in an impressive $25 million during its second weekend in theaters. That figure represents only a 43% drop from its debut, a remarkable feat for a genre known for steep second-week declines.

Released by Warner Bros. Pictures under the New Line Cinema banner, Weapons has quickly become the summer’s most unexpected box office powerhouse. The film stars Julia Garner as Justine and has now amassed $89 million domestically and a staggering $148 million globally against a modest $38 million budget.

With family fare, superhero fatigue, and action sequels crowding the market, Weapons has carved a niche by delivering compelling storytelling, strong performances, and spine-chilling suspense — elements that have struck a chord with audiences.

How Is Weapons Holding Strong at the Box Office?

The keyword “Weapons box office” continues to trend as moviegoers search for answers behind the horror film’s staying power. Much of its success can be attributed to:

• Strong word of mouth: Audiences are recommending Weapons enthusiastically across social platforms and review forums.

• Critical reception: While not universally acclaimed, reviews have praised its bold direction and genre-bending narrative.

• Smart counter-programming: The film offers something starkly different from the sequels and superhero flicks dominating screens.

Unlike many horror titles that see a drop of 55% or more after opening weekend, Weapons has displayed longevity more typical of major blockbusters.

Why This Horror Hit Is Outperforming Expectations

Industry analysts were initially cautious about Weapons, given its modest promotional push and R rating. However, two key factors helped the film exceed expectations:

1. Timing: Released in mid-August, Weapons benefited from less direct competition in the horror space, allowing it to stand out.

2. Audience appeal: Horror remains a consistent draw, especially among younger demographics looking for in-theater thrills.

While big-budget action movies like Nobody 2 and superhero tentpoles such as Fantastic Four: First Steps struggle to maintain momentum, Weapons has proven the horror genre’s evergreen appeal — when executed well.

How Other Films Fared at the Box Office

While Weapons retained its #1 position, the competition painted a mixed picture for the rest of the top five:

• Disney’s Freakier Friday held onto second place with a solid $14.5 million. The sequel starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis continues to resonate with families, earning $54.6 million domestically in just 10 days.

• Nobody 2 opened with $9.2 million, a slight improvement over the original’s $6.8 million but below expectations given its expanded budget and broader release.

• Fantastic Four: First Steps added $8.8 million in its fourth weekend, bringing its domestic total to $247 million. While respectable, the film’s sharp weekly drops signal continued signs of superhero fatigue.

• The Bad Guys 2 brought in $6.9 million, continuing to perform steadily with a current domestic total of $56 million. Its family-friendly appeal and lack of competition in the animation space are helping it stay in the game.

What Makes Weapons a Box Office Winner?

Box office analyst Ryan Garrett explains, “When a horror film can hold more than 55% of its opening weekend earnings, it’s doing something right. Weapons didn’t just open strong — it’s holding because it delivers a unique experience that’s clearly connecting with its core audience.”

In a crowded market filled with sequels, remakes, and franchise fatigue, Weapons proves that original storytelling, paired with sharp direction and performance, can still find major success.

With global momentum, positive audience reception, and little horror competition on the horizon, Weapons could surpass the $200 million worldwide mark before leaving theaters.

Industry insiders are already speculating about potential awards buzz in horror-specific categories, while fans are discussing the possibility of a sequel or spiritual successor.

The sustained success of Weapons signals a broader trend: audiences are hungry for fresh stories, especially in genres that traditionally rely on formula. As Hollywood takes note, expect more high-quality, mid-budget horror films to hit screens in the coming years.

The Weapons box office performance is not just impressive — it’s a powerful statement about what audiences want. In an industry dominated by franchises, this original horror hit is showing the staying power of great storytelling.

For your information:

What is the current box office total for Weapons?
As of its second weekend, Weapons has earned $89 million domestically and $148 million worldwide, far exceeding its $38 million production budget.

Why is Weapons performing so well at the box office?
Strong word of mouth, solid reviews, and smart release timing have contributed to the film’s impressive performance. Its unique storytelling and suspenseful narrative are also helping it stand out.

How did Weapons do compared to other top films?
Weapons outperformed all competitors for a second straight weekend, with Disney’s Freakier Friday trailing behind at $14.5 million and Nobody 2 debuting with a modest $9.2 million.

Is there a sequel planned for Weapons?
While not officially confirmed, the film’s box office success and fan enthusiasm have sparked early talks about a sequel or follow-up project within the horror universe.

What genre is Weapons?
Weapons is an R-rated horror thriller with elements of psychological suspense and social commentary, making it a standout among recent horror releases.

Will Weapons win any awards?
While it’s early to predict, strong performances and unique direction may earn it nominations in genre-specific awards or critical circles.