Horror hit 'Weapons' tops HBO Max streaming charts

Zach Cregger's horror film Weapons claimed the #1 spot on HBO Max globally within 24 hours of its October 24 release, topping charts in 38 countries and becoming the most-streamed title on the platform in the U.S.cbr+1

The supernatural mystery about 17 children disappearing simultaneously earned a 93% critics score and 85% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers calling it "an instant modern classic" and praising Cregger's status as "a master of horror."cbr+1

Weapons was a box office smash, grossing $267.5 million worldwide against a $38 million budget, with $151.5 million from domestic ticket sales, marking Warner Bros. Discovery's seventh consecutive #1 opening this year.screenrant+1

Warner Bros. Discovery is campaigning the film for multiple Oscar categories including Best Picture, Best Director for Cregger, Best Actress for Julia Garner, and several supporting actor nominations for the ensemble cast.screenrant

The film stars Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan in a story following multiple intertwined characters investigating the mysterious disappearance of school children from a small town.collider+1

Zach Cregger's critically acclaimed horror film "Weapons" has quickly seized the top spot on HBO Max Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. streaming charts after becoming available on the platform just 24 hours ago, perfectly timed for Halloween week viewing.

The supernatural mystery, which follows the disturbing disappearance of 17 children from a Pennsylvania town, debuted on HBO Max on October 24 and has already claimed the #1 position globally across 38 countries. The film also airs tonight on HBO linear at 8 PM ET, giving horror fans multiple ways to experience what critics are calling an instant modern classic.cbr+1

Critical Acclaim Drives Streaming Success

"Weapons" boasts an impressive 93% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 85% audience approval rating, with the platform awarding it both "Certified Fresh" and "Verified Hot" badges. Critics have praised Cregger's "expertly crafted yarn of terrifying mystery and thrilling intrigue," calling it "a sophomore triumph that solidifies his status as a master of horror".screenrant+4

The film's streaming dominance comes after a massively successful theatrical run that grossed $267 million worldwide against a modest $38 million production budget. This box office performance marked Warner Bros. Pictures' seventh consecutive #1 opening with over $40 million domestically.wikipedia+2

Awards Season Ambitions

Warner Bros. is positioning "Weapons" for serious awards consideration, launching campaigns in multiple categories including Best Picture, Best Director for Cregger, Best Actress for Julia Garner, and Best Supporting Actress for Amy Madigan. The studio hopes to follow in the footsteps of horror classics like "The Silence of the Lambs" and "Get Out" in breaking through Academy Awards recognition barriers.screenrant+2

The film's cast includes Oscar nominee Josh Brolin as a grief-stricken father, Emmy winner Julia Garner as the children's teacher, and Alden Ehrenreich as a local police officer investigating the mysterious vanishings that occur at exactly 2:17 AM. Critics have particularly highlighted Amy Madigan's transformative supporting performance, with many predicting award nominations.bloody-disgusting+4

"Weapons" represents another triumph in what has been called a golden year for horror cinema, with the genre achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success throughout 2025. For subscribers who missed its theatrical run, the Halloween week streaming debut offers the perfect opportunity to experience Cregger's follow-up to his 2022 breakout hit "Barbarian".cbr+3

Sources (56)