It was long-hoped that Blumhouse would score big with their adaption of the popular Five Nights at Freddy’s game series. Having been teased for years and the property’s popularity continuing to grow, it was assumed the film adaption would be a sure-fire hit.
However, audiences took pause when it was announced that Blumhouse and Universal had decided to release Five Nights at Freddy’s simultaneously in theatres and on Peacock. Many feared this meant the studio higher-ups had little faith in the film, that it was weak. Of course, they needn’t have worried!
As of Monday October 30th, Five Nights at Freddy’s has raked in a staggering $130.6 million during its opening weekend. Yes, you read that right… After making a record-setting $10.3 million from Thursday night previews, FNaF went on to scoop $78 million in the US during its opening, and $52.6 million internationally.
For a horror film to pull this much on its opening weekend is not only sublime, but also almost unheard of, especially outside of established franchises. The box-office performance flies directly in the face of the mixed to negative critical reception, with Five Nights at Freddy’s currently sitting at a disappointing 33% on Rotten Tomatoes.
However, a lashing from critics didn’t stop this picture breaking multiple records for Blumhouse. It has now become their biggest debut, besting 2018’s Halloween, as well as dethroning Scream VI as the highest debuting horror movie of 2023.
Over on Peacock, Five Nights at Freddy’s drove a higher stream of new subscribers to the platform than has ever been seen before. The picture easily became the service’s most streamed item of all time, besting Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends.
Whilst all the accolades this insane opening netted our too numerous to mention here, one thing is for certain… There’s more to come! Prior to opening day, star Matthew Lillard revealed he’s signed to a three-picture agreement with the studio, strongly indicating at least two sequels are planned. It’s likely they’ll be along much sooner than anyone anticipated if these numbers continue.
