Horror movies have always been an intriguing genre for moviegoers. From the spine-chilling thrills to the intriguing storyline, horror movies have captivated audiences for decades. However, horror movies are often considered a low-budget genre as filmmakers believe that fear and terror can be achieved without the need for high budgets. Also, check out our article on Best Sci-fi TV series of 2021
While this may be true for most horror movies, there are exceptions that break the mold. These exceptions are the horror movies that had a truly scary budget. These films featured elaborate visual effects, a cast of Hollywood stars, and an epic storyline that captivated audiences worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the 5 most expensive horror movies ever made, exploring the unique qualities that made them stand out.
World War Z (2013) – $190 Million
World War Z, directed by Marc Forster and starring Brad Pitt, is a zombie apocalypse movie that was based on the novel of the same name by Max Brooks. The movie had a budget of $190 million, making it the most expensive horror movie ever made. World War Z used elaborate visual effects to create a realistic and terrifying portrayal of a world overrun by zombies. The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $500 million at the box office, making it the highest-grossing zombie movie of all time.
Van Helsing (2004) – $160 Million
Van Helsing, directed by Stephen Sommers, is a horror film that centers around the iconic monster hunter, played by Hugh Jackman. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Kate Beckinsale and Richard Roxburgh, and uses elaborate visual effects to bring the monsters to life. Although Van Helsing received mixed reviews from critics, it was a commercial success, grossing over $300 million at the box office.
The Wolfman (2010) – $150 Million
The Wolfman, directed by Joe Johnston, is a horror film that centers around Lawrence Talbot, a man who is bitten by a werewolf and transforms into one himself. Starring Benicio del Toro and Anthony Hopkins, the film used elaborate visual effects to create a terrifying portrayal of the titular monster. Despite a troubled production, including reshoots and a delayed release, The Wolfman was a moderate success at the box office, grossing over $140 million worldwide.
Prometheus (2012) – $130 Million
Prometheus, directed by Ridley Scott, is a horror film that serves as a prequel to the Alien franchise. The movie stars Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, and Charlize Theron, and uses elaborate visual effects to create an otherworldly atmosphere. The movie explores the origin of the alien species that terrorizes the crew of the spacecraft in the Alien franchise. Although Prometheus received mixed reviews from critics, it was a commercial success, grossing over $400 million at the box office.
Hollow Man (2000) – $95 Million
Hollow Man, directed by Paul Verhoeven, is a horror film that centers around a group of scientists who develop a serum that makes a person invisible. Starring Kevin Bacon and Elisabeth Shue, the movie used elaborate visual effects to create the invisible character, which was achieved using a combination of green screen technology and practical effects. Although Hollow Man received mixed reviews from critics, it was a moderate success at the box office, grossing over $190 million worldwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while horror movies are often associated with low budgets, these five films prove that a high budget can elevate the genre to new heights. With elaborate visual effects, star-studded casts, and epic storylines, these movies set the standard for what a horror movie can achieve. Despite mixed reviews from critics, these movies were commercial successes, grossing millions of dollars at the box office. These films demonstrate that a horror movie can be both terrifying and visually stunning, providing audiences with an unforgettable movie-going experience.
