Terrifier Achieves Major Franchise Milestone at Box Office
The horror genre has experienced an impressive surge in popularity this year, dominating the box office with thrilling entries. This includes franchise favorites like Smile 2 and innovative original films such as Longlegs, which have solidified horror’s status as essential viewing in theaters. A standout example is the indie hit Terrifier 3, which has quickly ascended to become the highest-grossing unrated film in history. The latest installment of Damien Leone‘s infamous slasher series has achieved a remarkable feat: Terrifier has surpassed the impressive $100 million milestone at the global box office, marking a significant achievement for independent horror.
The Terrifier franchise has collectively grossed over $102.8 million worldwide, with Terrifier 3 accounting for a staggering $88.3 million of that total so far. Following closely is Terrifier 2 with $15 million, and the original Terrifier has contributed $422,000 to the overall figure, particularly notable since it only received a limited domestic theatrical release until its re-release in 2023. Given the modest budgets of these gruesome slasher films, Terrifier ranks among the most profitable horror franchises in cinematic history, showcasing the incredible potential for success within this genre.
Exploring the Winning Formula of Gore and Compelling Characters in ‘Terrifier’
The remarkable success of Terrifier represents a significant triumph for the horror genre over the past decade. The buzz surrounding the franchise, fueled by reports of viewers fainting or becoming ill in theaters, alongside the incredibly graphic killings that entice audiences to watch these films as a dare, has made Art the Clown (played by David Howard Thornton) a defining slasher icon of this generation. While the franchise was destined for some level of success due to its low-budget production and intense appeal, it is the unique elements that contributed to its explosion in pop culture that truly stand out.
The franchise gained immense traction with the release of Terrifier 2 in 2022, which introduced audiences to its “final girl,” Lauren LaVera’s character, Sienna Shaw. Sienna quickly emerged as a beloved figure within the horror community, becoming a staple in cosplay culture. She embodies the heart of Terrifier’s secret sauce, which combines elements of terrifying gore with genuine emotional depth, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.
The franchise’s rich world-building and character development, which were further explored in the festive Terrifier 3, are key reasons why it has refused to fade into obscurity within the genre. Many horror films, particularly within the indie sphere, often rely heavily on mindless gore. However, Terrifier distinguishes itself by taking bold risks with its mythological and biblical themes, bolstered by a memorable protagonist who amplifies Art’s chilling madness. Through all its graphic dismemberment, Terrifier possesses a thoughtful narrative that many slashers could only dream of, which is reflected in its ongoing success at the box office.
Discover Where to Stream ‘Terrifier 3’ Online
Now that Terrifier 3 has completed its historic domestic run, the film is available for rent at $19.99 USD and for purchase at $24.99 USD on all major video-on-demand platforms, including Fandango at Home. Additionally, fans can find the first two films in the Terrifier series streaming on Amazon Prime Video. As audiences eagerly await the next chapter, Art the Clown is set to continue his reign at the box office with the highly anticipated <em>Terrifier 4</em>.
Terrifier 3
Terrifier 3 follows survivors Sienna and her brother as they attempt to recover from their traumatic encounter with the sinister Art the Clown. As the holiday season arrives, their efforts to find peace are shattered when Art returns, intent on turning their Christmas into a new nightmare.
- Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- Director
- Damien Leone
- Cast
- Lauren LaVera , David Howard Thornton , Antonella Rose , Elliott Fullam , Samantha Scaffidi , Margaret Anne Florence , Bryce Johnson , Alexa Blair Robertson , Mason Mecartea , Krsy Fox , Luciana VanDette , Clint Howard , Bradley Stryker , Daniel Roebuck , Chris Jericho , Tom Savini , Jason Patric , Alex Ross , Kailey Hyman , Kellen Raffaelo , Lisa Marie Falcone , Stephen Cofield Jr. , Corrine Kelly , Joe Falcone , Peter Mitchell , Marie Maser , Jon Abrahams
- Runtime
- 125 Minutes
- Writers
- Damien Leone
- Studio(s)
- Dark Age Cinema , Fuzz on the Lens Productions
- Distributor(s)
- Cineverse
- Prequel(s)
- Terrifier , Terrifier 2
- Franchise(s)
- Terrifier
- Character(s)
- Sienna , Art the Clown , Gabbie , Jonathan , Victoria Heyes , Jessica , Greg , Mia , Cole , Jennifer , Juliet , Smokey , Eddie , Santa / Charlie , Burke , Bystander , Michael , Mark , Brooke , Timmy , Dispatch , Officer Evans , Bag Lady , Dean , Cosplayer , Receptionist , Dennis
Rent/Buy on VOD
