As audiences grow weary of superheroes, sequels and reboots, horror and supernatural films have emerged as unexpected saviours at the box office. In recent years, the global production of horror films has seen a significant surge. So far this year, several horror titles have ranked among Hollywood’s most successful releases.
According to data from the American analytics company Comscore, 17 percent of total ticket sales in North America in 2025 came from horror films — up from 11 percent in 2024 and just 4 percent a decade ago.
Filmmakers, studio executives and cinema hall owners suggest that horror has long provided a cathartic release from collective anxieties. In today’s world, fears stemming from the aftermath of the pandemic, the rise of artificial intelligence, loss of bodily autonomy and racism are increasingly being explored through the lens of horror.
Now, two more spine-chilling films are set to join this global horror wave. The American horror thriller ‘Weapons’ will be released in theatres worldwide, including in the US and Bangladesh, on Friday.
In Bangladesh, the film will screen at Star Cineplex. As a special bonus for horror fans, the latest entry in the popular Turkish ‘Siccîn’ series, ‘Siccîn 8’, will also be released at Star Cineplex on the same day.
Weapons is a mysterious American horror thriller directed by Zach Cregger. The film stars Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Cary Christopher, Austin Abrams, Amy Madigan and others.
Meanwhile, Siccîn 8 is a Turkish-language supernatural horror film and the eighth instalment in the long-running series. The previous film, Siccîn 7, was released on June 14 last year. Now, after a one-year wait, the chilling saga continues with a fresh dose of terror.