Screaming success: 2023 the year for fear.
In a year of box office surprises and movie magic, 2023 saw a terrifyingly impressive surge in the popularity of horror films. 2023 has proven to be a monumental year for horror movies, with admissions soaring to 3.12 million in Australia, marking a 49% YOY increase. It's safe to say that 2023 is, without a doubt, the year for fear.
Leading the charge in this horror renaissance are a host of buzzworthy films, each delivering spine-tingling suspense and thrills that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The Nun II, Scream VI, M3GAN, and a dark horse entry, Talk To Me, have dominated the horror scene, captivating viewers around the world.
One striking aspect of the 2023 horror resurgence is its immense popularity among young audiences. Across Australia, a staggering 73% of horror filmgoers fall within the 14-39 age group, suggesting that the genre is successfully appealing to the next generation of horror enthusiasts.
While all these horror flicks have made a significant impact, Talk To Me deserves special attention. Although it earned a solid $4.2 million at the box office in Australia, it's the film's global performance that truly sets it apart. Made on a modest $4.5 million budget, Talk To Me has grossed a phenomenal $90 million USD worldwide, making it A24's second highest-grossing film of all time. With an impressive 94% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and 267K admissions in Australia alone, Talk To Me reaffirms A24's position as the champions of horror with the likes of Hereditary and Midsommer sitting firmly under their belt.
What's even more impressive, Talk To Me has particularly resonated with students, over-indexing massively within Australia. University students scored at 207ix, while full-time students weren't far behind with a score of 191ix.
2023 has undeniably become the year for fear, with horror films dominating the box office, thrilling viewers of all ages, and proving that even in a world filled with uncertainties, the allure of a good scare remains timeless and universal.
Source: CineTAM 2023