Horror Sequel Black Phone 2 Tops North American Box Office with $26.5 Million Opening

Universal Pictures’ horror sequel Black Phone 2 opened to $26.5 million at the North American box office this weekend, surpassing the original film’s $23.6 million debut. The strong opening comes as a much-needed success for Blumhouse, which faced a series of disappointments earlier in 2025, including M3GAN 2.0 and Wolf Man.

Released in 3,411 theaters across North America, the sequel has garnered positive reviews and drew audiences predominantly aged 18–34, who made up 63% of ticket buyers. Hispanics represented the largest demographic at 39%, while Caucasians accounted for 35%.

Globally, Black Phone 2 added $15.5 million from 71 international territories, bringing its worldwide opening to $42 million against a reported $30 million production budget.

The film marks the return of filmmaker Scott Derrickson, along with stars Ethan Hawke and Mason Thames. Derrickson and Blumhouse have once again crafted a story that Jim Orr, head of Universal’s domestic distribution, described as “unbelievably haunting and chilling”.

The original Black Phone (2021) became a sleeper hit during the pandemic recovery, grossing over $161 million worldwide on an $18 million budget. With Black Phone 2 performing strongly, Blumhouse hopes to regain momentum, with a Five Nights at Freddy’s sequel slated for December.

Other releases this weekend included Good Fortune, starring Seth Rogen, Aziz Ansari, and Keanu Reeves, which opened to $6.2 million, and Julia Roberts’ and Andrew Garfield’s drama After the Hunt, which made $1.6 million. Tron: Ares fell 67% in its second weekend, earning $11.1 million and securing second place.

Top 10 North American Box Office (Estimated, October 17–19, 2025):

1. Black Phone 2 – $26.5M

2. Tron: Ares – $11.1M

3. Good Fortune – $6.2M

4. One Battle After Another – $4M

5. Roofman – $3.7M

6. Truth & Treason – $2.7M

7. Gabby’s Dollhouse – $1.7M

8. The Conjuring: Last Rites – $1.6M

9. After the Hunt – $1.6M

10. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle – $1.3M