In the genre of horror, slasher films (characterized by graphic violence) always provide viewers with the most “intense” experiences. Often, these films are not only frightening but also entertaining, keeping audiences on edge. Additionally, the budget for slasher films is usually quite low (rarely featuring high-profile stars), allowing them to generate a higher return on investment. After all, there’s almost always a desire to see what’s going to happen next, along with a little thrill for entertainment.
Below is a list of the top 10 highest-grossing slasher films in terms of box office revenue after adjusting for inflation.
First, we must mention the film that inspired the slasher genre: Psycho (1960) – $369.5 million
Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece is not typically classified as a slasher film, as we think of it today – in reality, it leans more towards psychological thriller/horror. However, its shocking murders, fast-paced action, and unsettling atmosphere have made “Psycho” a standard against which all slasher films are measured.
10. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) – $85 million
Regarded as the final installment of the iconic slasher series “Friday the 13th”, Paramount Pictures believed that this genre was “outdated.” However, the revenue from “The Final Chapter” forced them to reconsider their stance, and the hockey-masked killer, Jason Voorhees, would not “retire” but continued to appear in part 6 in 1986 titled “Jason Lives.”
9. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987) – $99.2 million
After the success of the first two parts, the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series continued with its third installment, featuring a return from writer/director Wes Craven, the creator of this slasher franchise. The film centers on Freddy Krueger’s victims banding together to fight back after discovering the horrifying past of this serial killer. It became the highest-grossing film of that year for New Line Cinema, undoubtedly ensuring the series would continue with a strong financial backing.
8. Halloween: H20 (1998) – $101.6 million
Taking place 20 years after the events of both “Halloween” and “Halloween II”, “Halloween: H20” brought back the character Laurie Strode to confront her brother/killer Michael Myers in a final showdown. Given its success at the box office, it’s no surprise that this was not the last installment of the series.
7. Friday the 13th Part III (1982) – $101.9 million
Following the success of its first two installments, production decided to take a risk with the third part by releasing it in 3D format. The 3D aspect proved successful, as “Part III” achieved higher revenue than both previous films combined. More importantly, it introduced Jason Voorhees’ hockey mask, which would become an iconic symbol of this character in horror cinema.
6. A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988) – $104 million
The intended conclusion of Wes Craven’s third installment was not realized, as “A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master” became the most successful film in the series. This time, the survivors from the previous films inadvertently brought Freddy Krueger back to life, and the horrors that followed are surely unforgettable.
5. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) – $115.7 million
Many remakes of classic horror films often become a shadow of their predecessors, but “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)” proved to be an unexpected success and remains the highest-grossing slasher remake in history. One reason for this is that director Marcus Nispel successfully adapted the film in a completely different style from the original.
4. Freddy vs. Jason (2003) – $118.7 million
Fans had waited 20 years to witness the battle between two iconic horror figures. Although it may not have reached the critical heights expected, the crossover film between “Friday the 13th” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” achieved significant box office success due to its brand recognition.
3. Friday the 13th (1980) – $128 million
With a budget of just $550,000 (approximately $1.6 million in 2016), the first installment of the “Friday the 13th” series grossed an impressive amount, establishing a strong pull for the slasher genre. Today’s audiences still follow the film, captivated by its shocking ending that reveals the true identity of the killer, and the unexpected twist is a favorite among horror fans.
2. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) – $142.9 million
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is often regarded as the first “true” slasher film on screen, inspired by the notorious killer Ed Gein, who once created a chilling atmosphere in the U.S. when it was released. Audiences were shocked, terrified, and overwhelmed by its brutality, as it was executed with a low budget but became increasingly haunting due to its raw imagery.
1. Halloween (1978) – $173.9 million
Widely regarded as one of the best slasher films ever made, John Carpenter’s “Halloween” redefined the genre with its distinctive elements – chilling music, unique camera angles, a terrifying “monster,” and the haunting screams of its victims. This classic horror film tells the story of the elusive killer Michael Myers and the terror he inflicts on Laurie Strode. Although there have been countless remakes and sequels of “Halloween,” none have surpassed the original.
Source: Trí Thức Trẻ
