The horror sequel dominates a slow weekend at theaters while other releases struggle to find footing.

‘Black Phone 2’ Leads the Box Office

October 19, 2025: The horror sequel ‘Black Phone 2’ had a strong opening weekend, grossing $26.5 million domestically and taking the top spot at a slow-moving box office. The film, directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Ethan Hawke, has been praised for building on the suspense and scares of the original 2021 hit while delivering a fresh storyline for audiences.

Analysts note that the film’s success comes amid a generally quiet weekend for new releases, with audiences still selective about their theater outings in a shifting post-pandemic landscape.

Other Releases Struggle

In contrast, several anticipated films underperformed. ‘Good Fortune’, a family comedy-drama, fell to third place, grossing just $5.8 million, failing to meet early projections. Similarly, smaller indie releases and holdovers like ‘The Marvels’ and ‘Haunted Mansion’ saw minor declines, reflecting an overall lukewarm attendance.

Industry experts suggest that the dominance of streaming platforms and selective consumer behavior continues to affect theatrical turnout, especially for non-franchise releases.

Why ‘Black Phone 2’ Resonates

Horror fans have flocked to ‘Black Phone 2’ for its mix of psychological tension, jump scares, and strong performances. Critics have lauded the film for balancing horror with character-driven storytelling, which may explain its ability to attract both fans of the first movie and new viewers.

“The franchise continues to prove that smart horror can still draw audiences to theaters,” said one box office analyst. “It’s a testament to Derrickson’s direction and the effective marketing campaign.”

Looking Ahead

As the Halloween season approaches, studios are ramping up horror and thriller releases to capitalize on the audience’s seasonal appetite for scares. Analysts predict that ‘Black Phone 2’ could maintain strong performance in the coming weeks, especially if word-of-mouth and social media buzz continue to drive ticket sales.

The film’s success reinforces the enduring popularity of horror franchises and demonstrates that well-executed sequels can still dominate even in quieter box office periods.