While the past decade has brought us plenty of horror classics, few have made the impact that “Terrifier” has. Despite being one of the most gruesome entries in the genre, it has developed a cult following that reaches far beyond its typical audiences.
What is it about this black-and-white clowny killer that captivates so many? It’s not as if other titles haven’t matched its level of violence or featured equally entertaining antagonists. But there’s something unique about the monster Damien Leone has crafted that continues to draw huge crowds to theaters.
Fans of the splatter genre, as well as newcomers, are eager to know what sets this film series apart, and much of that curiosity revolves around the budget behind each installment of the trilogy. Learn all the details on this numbers!
How ‘Terrifier’ transformed low-budget horror into a global sensation
Fans of the original “Terrifier” know just how much magic Damien Leone pulled off with a small budget. For the 2016 film, he launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, seeking financing. A breakthrough came when producer Phil Falcone took notice and decided to back the project in exchange for a producer credit.
Despite its limited theatrical release, the film earned $416,322, which was enough to inspire confidence in a sequel. And “Terrifier 2” was a game-changer. Originally planned for a one-week release, its run extended through October and November 2022. Made with just $250,000, it grossed an incredible $15.7 million!
Naturally, expectations were high for “Terrifier 3,” and Leone was entrusted with a $2 million budget to deliver his signature gore. The picture grossed $2.6 million in Thursday night previews alone and is projected to earn between $11 and $18 million from 2,500 theaters during its opening weekend. Who would believe that media outlets are already speculating that “Terrifier 3” could surpass “Joker 2” at the box office?
Leone, unsurprisingly, is already working on “Terrifier 4,” which is expected to have an even larger budget and a bigger box office impact. It’s becoming clear that “Terrifier” is on its way to becoming the next major horror franchise, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.