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, likeFreddy vs. JasonandIt,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’sJawsis 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 spawningpopular horror franchises.
Introducing a crossover between two of thehorror genre’s greatest antagonists,Freddy vs. Jasonhad audiences rushing to the theaters.Admittedly,Freddy vs. Jasonisn’t as scary as other horror blockbusters, and instead, it chooses to mix humor with familiar elements in each villain’s respective franchise.
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As a result, the film wasn’t loved by all critics, butfans 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 (viaBox Office Mojo),Freddy vs. Jasonbecame the highest-grossing film in theFriday the 13thfranchise and the second-highest in theNightmare on Elm Streetfranchise. Considering it’s been a few years since new additions have been made to either franchise, it appearsFreddy vs. Jason’s recordremains untouched.
Becoming one of the most successful independent films,The Amityville Horroris seen as a staple in the horror genre, especially when it comes to those that feature a house as a main character.The Amityville Horrorfollows 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 toForbes, when adjusted,The Amityville Horrorranks 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.
Unfortunately, as is the case with many film franchises, the subsequentJeepers Creepersfilmscould never live up to the critical and financial success of the first film. Starring Gina Philips and Justin Long,Jeepers Creepersfollows two siblings who are sought after by a mysterious creature known as the Creeper. The mystery and unknown identity of the Creeper inthe first half of the film results in well-crafted built-up tension as audiences anticipate a reveal.
While the answer as towho or what the Creeper ismight not be satisfactory for everyone,the suspense and horror elements throughoutJeepers Creeperswere enough to make it a box-office success.Early during its theatrical run,Jeepers Creepersmade 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.
Nearly a decade after Steven Spielberg’s game-changing summer blockbusterJaws, the director found more blockbuster success with the film he co-wrote,Poltergeist.Directed by Tobe Hooper,Poltergeistis centered on a family targeted by ghosts. Aside from its large critical and commercial success,Poltergeistis best known for its influenceon paranormal films and young audiences.
The primary victim of the ghostly attacks inPoltergeistis 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 audienceswho’d watched the PG-rated film and could see themselves in Carol Anne. The love forPoltergeisthas only grown in the years, and it’s now recognized as one ofHooper’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.
Based on the lives ofparanormal 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 likePoltergeist,The Conjuringwas 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 asThe Conjuring’s characters, which is helped by Wan’s filming techniques, the well-established eerie tone, and the cast’s convincing performances.The success ofThe Conjuringhas led to the creation of an expansive universe made up of sequels and related films — the latter includes theAnnabelleandThe Nunfilms.However, not all films inThe Conjuringfranchisehave been able to make as big of an impact in the summer as the first.
One of the manydisturbing horror films about cults,Rosemary’s Babyhad impressive numbers at the box office and saw high levels of critical praise. Part ofwhyRosemary’s Babyhas 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 Babyis 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 untilthe end ofRosemary’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.
As a filmmaker, M. NightShyamalan has been known for his twist endings, with one of the most famous taking place inThe 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 seeThe Sixth Sense. As a result,The Sixth Sense’s endingwas unexpected, equally shocking, and emotional, and became the thing people had to see for themselves. The interest inThe Sixth Senseturned both the film into a box-office success — coming in as the second highest-grossing film in 1999 — and Shyamalan into a notable director.
Without any adjustments for inflation,the first of Andy Muschietti’s two-part film adaptation of Stephen King’sItbecame the highest-grossing horror film of all time. There’s a lot to enjoy inIt, 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 likeThe Goonies,Stand by Me, andThe 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 inIt. In the film, Pennywise is played byBill Skarsgård who gives his best horror performance. Skarsgård is distinct and captivating as the menacing clown, separating himself from theprevious iterations of Pennywise.
Like a few of the other horror blockbusters listed,Alienwasn’t received warmly by critics upon its initial release. However,Alienstill managed to be a standout at the box office, earning nearly $200 million (viaThe 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 andAlienis now seen as incredibly influential to numerous sci-fi horror films.The financial success of the film spawned numerousAlienrip-offs, some better than others. An essential part ofAlienthat 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 newvariations of the xenomorphseen in later films.
With John Williams' fear-inducing theme and a dangerous shark lurking in the water throughout the film,Jawsbecame the model for the summer blockbuster.Jawsfollows the pursuit of a great white shark after its recent attack on beach attendees.The wide release given toJawswasn’t as common of a practice as it is today.BothJawsandThe Godfatherare recognized as two major films that helped enact change in Hollywood’s practice of releasing films.
Additionally,Jawshad a big influence on its audience. The methodical approach tohow 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 ofJaws' 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.
