When the lights dimmed in theaters this October, horror fans answered a chilling call. Universal and Blumhouse’s “Black Phone 2” has emerged as the production company’s most successful horror release of 2025, capturing $26.5 million domestically and $42 million globally during its opening weekend—a triumphant achievement during what has otherwise been a lackluster month at the box office.
A Ghostly Victory in a Quiet October
The sequel to 2022’s supernatural thriller didn’t just succeed—it dominated. Opening across 3,411 North American theaters, “Black Phone 2” claimed the top spot during a weekend that offered little competition, proving that audiences still crave well-crafted horror experiences on the big screen.
“We’ve seen word-of-mouth grow over the weekend,” says Universal’s president of domestic distribution Jim Orr. “The reasons are simple: Blumhouse and director Scott Derrickson have crafted something that’s terrifying, with a great cast. It’s just what audiences want to see in theaters.”
The film’s $26.5 million domestic debut slightly outpaced its predecessor, which launched with $23 million in 2022. However, the circumstances surrounding each release couldn’t be more different. The original “Black Phone” battled against summer blockbusters like “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Elvis,” and “Jurassic World: Dominion,” opening in fourth place during cinema’s post-pandemic recovery. This time around, the sequel had an eerily quiet October mostly to itself.
Blumhouse’s Redemption Story
For Blumhouse Productions, “Black Phone 2” represents more than just box office bragging rights—it’s a crucial comeback. The horror empire behind “Paranormal Activity,” “The Purge,” “Get Out,” and the “Halloween” franchise has weathered a turbulent 2025, with several releases underperforming expectations.
“M3GAN 2.0” grossed $39 million worldwide, while “Wolf Man” managed $34.1 million and “Drop” collected $28.7 million globally. “The Woman in the Yard” rounded out the year’s slate with $23.3 million. Against this backdrop, “Black Phone 2” stands tall as the company’s highest-grossing debut of the year, reaffirming Blumhouse’s reputation for horror that resonates with audiences.
The sequel did come with a heftier price tag—$30 million compared to the original’s $18 million budget—largely due to the return of Ethan Hawke as the menacing serial killer known as the Grabber. While the film earned a “B” CinemaScore (compared to the first film’s “B+”), the strong opening weekend suggests that audiences were eager to return to Scott Derrickson’s terrifying world.
October’s Box Office Blues
“Black Phone 2” shines even brighter when considering the broader theatrical landscape. October 2025 is tracking 11% behind the same period in 2024, according to Comscore. While the overall box office remains 4% above last year, it’s still more than 20% below pre-pandemic levels—a sobering reminder of the industry’s ongoing challenges.
The weekend’s other newcomer, Lionsgate’s R-rated comedy “Good Fortune” starring Keanu Reeves, Aziz Ansari, and Seth Rogen, managed just $6.2 million from 2,990 venues, landing in third place. Disney’s “Tron: Ares” held second position with $11.1 million but suffered a steep 66% drop in its second weekend.
With $15.5 million from international markets adding to its domestic haul, “Black Phone 2” has given Universal and Blumhouse reason to celebrate during an otherwise subdued spooky season. The film needs staying power to fully capitalize on its investment—ticket sales are split roughly 50-50 between studios and theaters—but early word-of-mouth suggests the sequel has legs.
Looking Ahead
Blumhouse isn’t resting on these laurels. The company has “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” scheduled for December, hoping to replicate or exceed the success of the first film, which became a surprise phenomenon in 2023.
For now, “Black Phone 2” serves as a reminder that when horror is done right—with strong direction, compelling performances, and genuine scares—audiences will still show up to theaters, even during slow months. In a year when Blumhouse needed a win, the Grabber delivered exactly the right call at exactly the right time.
As moviegoers continue discovering why critics and audiences alike are buzzing about this sequel, “Black Phone 2” proves that sometimes the scariest stories are the ones worth answering for.
