Alien: Romulus is now claiming another major box office record for a horror movie. Since its release in August of this year, the Fede Álvarez horror movie has become one of the highest-grossing installments in the franchise, just behind 2012's Prometheus. It even had an opening weekend of $41.5 million domestically and $108.2 million globally, which is very impressive for just a horror film.

Per Deadline, Alien: Romulus has now broken a major record by becoming the highest-grossing horror movie in IMAX. The horror movie is able to claim this title with a gross of $40 million in IMAX screenings.

What The Alien: Romulus Box Office Record Means For The Franchise

It's Another Huge Box Office Win For The Franchise

The Alien: Romulus box office record only adds to the long list of achievements since the movie was released in theaters. On top of the impressive weekend debut, the horror movie now sits as the second-highest-grossing Alien movie in the franchise, just behind 2012's Prometheus. While it's uncertain whether Romulus can sur the record, the current global total of $331 million still makes it one of the most successful installments in the franchise. Furthermore, with a budget of $80 million, it's easily one of the biggest success stories of 2024.

The box office feat is also critical given that the film was initially intended for streaming before changing its strategy to theaters. The movie was greenlit in 2021 during the pandemic when movie theaters were struggling due to health and safety measures. It also came at a time when the franchise was struggling with engagement after mixed receptions from Prometheus and Covenant. With the theater approach the better move, there are several factors to this success, mainly that the reviews for Alien: Romulus were exceptionally positive, with many praising the franchise's horror elements.

Our Take On Alien: Romulus Box Office Record

It Rejuvenates Hype For The Franchise Ahead Of Its Prequel Series

Alien: Romulus deserves all the success as Álvarez clearly made a horror movie that honors the franchise's best qualities with its sci-fi lore and Xenomorphs. I don't believe it will reach the all-time Alien franchise record since it would need to sur Prometheus' $403 million global total. Still, the timing of its box office success is crucial as the franchise will continue with Noah Hawley's FX TV series, Alien: Earth. The series could benefit from this renewed interest as long as the franchise maintains its quality. In other words, Alien fans have something to be excited about after a decade of disappointments.

Source: Deadline