In the world of horror films, staying down isn’t an option. Much like the masked killers in our favorite slasher flicks, horror movies have a knack for bouncing back—even after a misstep. Year after year, they prove to be profitable ventures, thanks largely to a solid history of low-budget films that often yield enormous returns. This has certainly been the case for Blumhouse and Atomic Monster, especially after they partnered up in 2024, enjoying substantial success despite starting the year with a notable disappointment.
The letdown? M3GAN 2.0. Following the exceptional performance of its predecessor, which raked in over $180 million from a mere $12 million budget, expectations soared. However, audiences didn’t respond quite the same way this time around. While the sequel turned a profit, it didn’t come close to replicating the triumph of the original. This less-than-stellar reception likely contributed to Universal pulling Soulm8te, an upcoming spin-off styled as a ’90s erotic thriller, from its 2026 release calendar.
Yet, one underperforming film was not enough to stop Blumhouse and Atomic Monster from reaching a significant milestone this year. According to Deadline, their total gross from all eight of their productions surpassed an impressive $1.022 billion worldwide—achieved with combined production costs of $204 million (around €190 million) before advertising expenses.
Much of this success can be attributed to The Conjuring: Last Rites, which has become the highest-grossing film in that series to date. Initially billed as the final installment, its box-office performance has sparked conversations about a potential prequel, putting fans in a frenzy over what could come next.
2025 has also seen hits like Black Phone 2 and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. It’s safe to say Blumhouse and Atomic Monster aren’t hesitating to cash in on sequels, even after the stumbling block presented by M3GAN 2.0.
How did Blumhouse and Atomic Monster reach a billion-dollar year?
Despite the downturn with M3GAN 2.0, Blumhouse and Atomic Monster capitalized on various successful horror films, combining their strengths to produce a remarkable box office performance.
What were the key films that contributed to Blumhouse’s success in 2025?
The standout titles primarily include The Conjuring: Last Rites, Black Phone 2, and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, all of which significantly boosted their earnings this year.
Why did M3GAN 2.0 not perform as well as expected?
While the original M3GAN captured audiences’ hearts, its sequel failed to resonate with viewers to the same extent, resulting in lower box office returns.
Is there a future for the M3GAN franchise after the sequel?
Despite the sequel’s underwhelming performance, the franchise may still have a pulse, as Blumhouse and Atomic Monster are known for capitalizing on even the faintest interest in horror properties.
What factors contribute to the profitability of horror movies?
Horror films typically have lower budgets, which allow them to turn substantial profits even with modest box office takes, making them a staple of the film industry.
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As Blumhouse and Atomic Monster continue to innovate and explore new horizons in horror film making, it’s an exciting time to be a fan. While M3GAN 2.0 might have stumbled, the duo has shown that they’re more than capable of bouncing back. What horror movies are you looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments below!