20 Horror Movies WAY More Successful Than Anyone Expected
19. Friday The 13th
On paper, Friday the 13th seemed like a run-of-the-mill slasher, hoping to replicate Halloween's success. Even with the $650,000 budget, the campy whodunnit was considered a financial risk, since it had no major stars and was contending against a wave of similar horrors.
And yet, Friday the 13th captivated the slasher community with its striking premise, intriguing mystery, inventive practical effects, and memorable kills. Even though jump scares can be cheap, Friday the 13th has some of the most heart-stopping moments in the genre (especially the film's final shot). Rather than having a generic killer, the antagonist was treated like a ghost story, tapping into the generation's fascination with campfire-style terror.
Friday the 13th raked in almost $60 million, showcasing the viability of slashers. It spawned 11 further instalments, highlighting the lasting power of an unassuming indie. It took over 20 years before a follow-up earned more than the first Friday the 13th - that would be Freddy vs. Jason - reaffirming how absurdly profitable that original was.
Despite the fact that there hasn't been another Friday the 13th movie since 2009, that original film and subsequent franchise still remain a cornerstone in horror.