This is the first Halloween since 2003 that there isn’t a “Saw” movie in theaters. Here are some observations on the tricky treats being offered this year:
“Paranormal Activity 3” (another scary franchise) would’ve won the weekend if it had opened on the 28th and not the 21st. Because of that, “Puss in Boots” wins the weekend with $34M – the biggest opening for a movie on Halloween of all-time.
“Saw II, III and IV” all won Halloween weekends from 2005-2007, but as the franchise became less and less popular, other films (including family films) overtook the series.
In 2008, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” beat “Saw V” both Halloween weekend and the previous one with a combined total of $57.3 – $40.2M
In 2009, “Saw VI” opened the weekend before and lost to newcomer “Paranormal Activity” $21.1 – $14.1M (a franchise low). The next weekend, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” crushed the horror flicks on with $23.2M.
Last year, “Paranormal Activity” dominated the weekend before Halloween with $40M. “Saw 3D” (a.k.a. “Saw: The Final Chapter”) won Halloween weekend. The fact that it was the series finale likely helped.
“Puss” will likely win again next weekend (and have a low % drop). $34M is a little less than what most expected, but this does show that a family film can still dominate a weekend when most families are focussing on making costumes, carving pumpkins or attending parties – and not going to the movies.