Top-Grossing PG-13 Horror Movies of the Last Decade

Andy Muschietti's adaptation of Stephen King's novel became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $700 million worldwide. The film successfully balances terrifying imagery with a compelling coming-of-age story, centered on a group of children battling an ancient evil in the form of a clown.

James Wan directed this critically acclaimed sequel which expanded the scope of the Warrens' investigations. Focusing on the Enfield Poltergeist case, it solidified the franchise's status as a modern horror staple with effective atmospheric tension and jump scares.

The second installment returns to Derry with the adult Losers Club facing their childhood fears once more. While reception was mixed, it performed strongly at the box office, delivering large-scale effects and emotional closure to the character arcs established in the first film.

John Krasinski's innovative horror hit introduced a unique premise where sound equals death. The film's high-concept thriller approach resonated with global audiences, proving that minimal dialogue and intense atmosphere could drive massive commercial success.

The sequel expanded the world-building of the alien invasion while maintaining the tension of the original. It offered a more action-oriented experience, following the Abbott family's harrowing journey as they navigate a world overrun by sound-sensitive creatures.

This spin-off from The Conjuring universe established itself as a major franchise entry point. With a global box office run exceeding $360 million, it capitalized on the mysterious lore of Valak, appealing to fans of supernatural demons and Gothic settings.

David F. Sandberg directed this prequel that is often cited as one of the best in the Annabelle series. It effectively built tension around the origin of the haunted doll, earning critical praise and solidifying its place among the decade's top-grossing horror entries.

Although released in 2013, this film is the foundational entry for the decade's horror resurgence. Directed by James Wan, it revitalized the haunted house genre with period-accurate details and classic scare techniques, launching a highly profitable cinematic universe.

Blending horror with dark comedy, this film about a lifelike AI doll became a viral sensation. Its unique marketing campaign and timely commentary on technology helped it surpass $180 million globally, marking a fresh direction for the PG-13 horror landscape.

David Gordon Green directed this direct sequel that ignored all prior franchise installments. It successfully revitalized Michael Myers for a new generation, blending nostalgic elements with modern pacing to achieve strong box office numbers and critical respect.

Jordan Peele followed up his success with another socially charged horror hit. The film's intricate plot and stellar performance by Lupita Nyong'o drove strong ticket sales, cementing Peele as a leading voice in modern horror cinema.

Jordan Peele's directorial debut was both a critical darling and a commercial blockbuster. It redefined the horror-thriller genre with its sharp social commentary and innovative twists, grossing over $255 million on a modest budget.

While its box office was modest compared to blockbusters, it remains a defining PG-13 horror title of the decade. The film is celebrated for its psychological depth and metaphorical exploration of grief, influencing a wave of elevated horror productions.

Paramount Pictures' surprise hit leveraged psychological trauma as its central horror element. The film's viral marketing and intense visuals helped it gross over $217 million, proving that original concepts could still dominate the box office.

This body-swap slasher comedy offered a fresh take on classic tropes. Starring Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton, it provided a fun, R-rated alternative that performed well in limited theatrical releases and subsequent home entertainment markets.

This third American adaptation attempted to modernize the J-Horror classic. While reviews were mixed, its global release and recognizable IP helped it generate significant revenue, continuing the franchise's legacy of international horror exports.

Ari Aster's folk horror masterpiece stands out for its daylight setting and psychological intensity. Though released in 2019, its cultural impact and strong home video performance make it a key entry in the decade's horror discussion.

The fifth installment revived the slasher franchise with meta-humor and modern references. It successfully appealed to both nostalgic fans and new audiences, proving the enduring appeal of the Ghostface character and the franchise's ability to evolve.

Ti West's love letter to 1970s slasher films brought fresh visuals and strong performances. Its success led to a direct sequel, highlighting the viability of original horror concepts that pay homage to classic genre elements.

This surprise hit relied on word-of-mouth and a subversive plot that kept audiences guessing. Its unique structure and effective scares helped it become a standout success story of the 2022 pandemic-era theatrical releases.