The Horror Genre Reigns Again in Cinema: Why Audiences and Critics are Thrilled.

According to Vox: Although the horror season has not yet arrived, films of this genre are already showing impressive results at the box office. The Conjuring: Last Rites, the latest film telling the story of a real couple who investigated paranormal phenomena, opened with a staggering gross of $84 million just in the U.S. This is the latest success in the horror genre. Films like Sinners, Weapons, and Final Destination Bloodlines have also impressed at the box office this year.

According to Paul Dergarabedian, head of media analytics company Comscore, horror films have already surpassed $1 billion in domestic box office. The last time such a result was recorded was in 2017, when films like It and Get Out gained popularity in cinemas.

The Success of Horror Films

Horror films have always been profitable in the film industry, as their budgets are typically small. “Even earlier, there was a film like Halloween, which had a very modest budget but then became a real box office hit,” Dergarabedian noted in an interview.

However, until recently, financial success often did not come with critical acclaim. The horror genre, according to Dergarabedian, could be called the 'Rodney Dangerfield of genres. It didn't get any respect.'

A Shift in the Perception of the Genre

What is astonishing about the successes of horror films in 2025 is not only their ability to sell tickets when many other films fail to find audiences. It is also important that critics view these films as truly quality cinema. Sinners and Weapons may contend for important Oscar nominations. This indicates a return of respect for the genre that unites both The Exorcist (a Best Picture nominee) and Friday the 13th (guilty pleasures).

“If you look at the history of the genre, you'll see there has been a certain rise and fall in critical recognition,” said director and DePaul University film professor Andrew Stasulis. “But now we’re back to a phase where people really respect horror and its traditions.”

“There is definitely a real trend regarding the connection between comedy and horror.”

So why do these genres blend so well? This question became the topic of a recent episode of the podcast Explain It to Me, hosted by Vox.

Thoughts on Horror and Comedy

What are combined horror comedies? Are they really scary films with contemporary comedic elements?

The best horror comedy films are simultaneously horrific and funny. Even in films that seem entirely traditionally horrifying, there is usually room for intentional comedy. And sometimes, if the film doesn’t go well, there’s even unintentional comedy.

Why do horror and comedy blend so well? It seems like a strange combination.

Even though they may appear to be opposites, both genres are considered somewhat indecent; we don't take them as seriously as we do drama. Many of the same elements that help create a joke also work in creating fear. It’s about timing, craftsmanship, and hitting the mark.

I think it points to a certain shared spirit in both genres. That’s why they interact so well, and audiences switch from one to the other.

Both genres thrive on surprises.

Absolutely. We often think of sudden scares as a hallmark experience of watching a horror film, but what happens when you experience a genuine sudden scare? You get a little funny, right? You build up tension and then release it. The same happens in a joke.

Why are many current horror creators, such as Jordan Peele and Zach Krieger, comedians?

I believe it goes back to the shared DNA that is used to create fear and jokes, even if your goals in audience reaction are different.

The horror films that have been the subject of discussion in this article demonstrate how the genre has transformed over recent years from a commercially successful but unrespected one to a respected and recognized one. High box office earnings and positive critical reviews indicate a revival of interest in horror as art. By combining elements of fear and comedy, contemporary films in this genre are able to attract a wide audience, affirming their universality and relevance in cinema.