Established in 2000, Blumhouse Productions has carved a niche for itself as a powerhouse in the film industry, particularly in the horror genre. Renowned for its low-budget productions that empower filmmakers with creative freedom, Blumhouse has produced a slew of acclaimed movies. While this model sometimes invites failures at the box office, it has also birthed iconic films—demonstrating a bold approach that resonates well with audiences. The studio’s commitment to innovation and risk-taking has set it apart in a competitive landscape.
With successful franchises such as Paranormal Activity, Insidious, and The Purge under its belt, Blumhouse has become synonymous with engaging horror cinema. Moreover, it has ventured into other genres, with dramas like BlacKkKlansman and Whiplash—both of which earned Best Picture nominations at the Academy Awards. Driven by a mission to amplify underrepresented voices, the finest works from Blumhouse are considered some of the most significant cinematic achievements of recent years.
15 The Black Phone (2022)
Directed By Scott Derrickson
Scott Derrickson, celebrated for films like The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Sinister, took on a Joe Hill short story for his 2022 release, The Black Phone. This chilling film centers on a child killer who kidnaps boys, keeping them captive until he decides to end their lives. When he targets young Finney Blake, the plot thickens dramatically.
This thrilling narrative brilliantly combines real fears surrounding child abduction with supernatural horror. An unplugged phone becomes a ghostly lifeline, connecting Finney to the spirits of the killer’s previous victims who seek vengeance. Ethan Hawke delivers a haunting performance as the assailant, making the film immensely successful and paving the way for a sequel, the details of which remain shrouded in mystery.
14 Freaky (2020)
Directed By Christopher Landon
Freaky presents a clever twist on the classic Freaky Friday body-swap premise. Instead of a mother-daughter duo, a high school girl and a serial killer swap bodies, triggering hilarity and suspense. As the killer wreaks havoc in the girl’s body, she must persuade her friends of her true identity before he destroys her life.
Under Christopher Landon’s direction, this film enjoyed both critical acclaim and remarkable box office success, praised for its exceptional blend of humor and horror. Vince Vaughn shines as the killer, displaying remarkable versatility in embodying the spirit of a teenage girl (portrayed by Kathryn Newton). With an impressive 84% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Freaky underscores Landon’s status as one of Blumhouse’s most talented directors, joining the ranks alongside his previous hit, Happy Death Day.
13 Drop (2025)
Directed By Christopher Landon
Following the success of Freaky, Christopher Landon is set to release Drop in April 2025—a film that leans more towards psychological thriller than the typical horror-comedy. Starring Meghann Fahy as Violet, a single mother, the plot revolves around a nerve-wracking premise involving Apple’s AirDrop feature. When Violet receives disturbing images on her phone, including one of her son, she learns she must kill her date, Henry (Brandon Sklenar), to protect him.
Boasting an early positive reception and an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score that surpasses Freaky, Drop is hailed as a Hitchcockian thriller. Critics praise its intriguing mystery, arguing that while it challenges audiences to suspend their disbelief, Fahy’s portrayal as a sympathetic mother resonates deeply, promising an engaging cinematic experience.
12 Creep (2015)
Directed by Patrick Brice
The essence of Blumhouse’s low-budget charm shines through in Patrick Brice’s found-footage psychological horror, Creep. This film, which steadily escalates tension through its uniquely unnerving narrative, features Mark Duplass as a seemingly dying man who hires a videographer to record his final messages. What begins as a seemingly innocent project spirals into madness, revealing the protagonist’s disturbing psychosis.
Serving as a compelling reminder of the risks associated with accepting jobs from strangers online, this chilling tale garnered a sequel, Creep 2, further solidifying its place in the annals of modern horror.
11 The Purge: Election Year (2016)
Directed by James DeMonaco
The Purge franchise continues to thrive, with The Purge: Election Year emerging as a standout entry in 2016. This film offers a gripping exploration of the politics behind the yearly lawless night, masterfully blending horror, action, and social commentary. The Purge: Election Year incisively critiques the moral dilemmas faced by a society that permits violence for greater security.
By showcasing the aftermath of the Purge at a national political level, the film captures how governance turns a blind eye to citizens’ suffering, integrating themes of fascism and political critique. This entry in the series effectively merges clever storytelling with shocking violence, making it one of the most memorable films in the franchise.
10 Happy Death Day (2017)
Directed By Christopher Landon
Happy Death Day is an inventive exploration of the time-loop concept, where the protagonist relives the day of her murder repeatedly until she unravels the mystery behind it. The film ventures beyond typical horror tropes, showcasing an intriguing amalgamation of humor and terror, establishing it as one of Blumhouse’s most delightful offerings.
By cleverly subverting slasher stereotypes, Happy Death Day thrives on a stellar performance from Jessica Rothe, ensuring its mixture of comedy, horror, and romance stands out. Its widespread popularity led to a successful sequel, further proving that horror can be both insightful and entertaining.
9 BlacKkKlansman (2018)
Directed by Spike Lee
Breaking free from the horror genre, Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman demonstrated Blumhouse’s versatility and ability to tackle pressing societal issues. Inspired by true events, the film follows a Black detective who partners with a Jewish officer to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan and dismantle it from within. This poignant narrative addresses systemic racism and won widespread acclaim, including six Academy Award nominations.
With its unique storytelling and sharp social commentary, BlacKkKlansman stands as a powerful testament to the ability of cinema to provoke thought and incite change.
8 Us (2019)
Directed by Jordan Peele
Following his remarkable breakout success with Get Out, Jordan Peele delivered a masterful follow-up with Us. This psychological horror film delves into the unsettling concept of doppelgängers seeking to claim the lives of their counterparts, seamlessly weaving themes of identity, class struggle, and racial dynamics in America.
Peele’s narrative brilliance shines through in the film’s uncanny atmosphere and thought-provoking themes. Addressing social issues through a horror lens, Us captivates viewers while offering a poignant critique of privilege and marginalization. Its unique blend of horror and social commentary solidifies Peele’s status as a leading voice in contemporary filmmaking.
7 The Invisible Man (2020)
Directed By Leigh Whannell
In the effort to rejuvenate classic Universal Monster films, Blumhouse succeeded where others faltered with their reinvention of The Invisible Man. While diverging from previous adaptations, Leigh Whannell’s take focuses on themes of manipulation and psychological terror. The story centers on a wealthy scientist who torments his ex-girlfriend after faking his own death and achieving invisibility.
Elisabeth Moss delivers a compelling performance as the protagonist, displaying the struggle between fear and empowerment. Blumhouse’s take on this horror classic is widely considered the best installment in the Universal Monster franchise since the 1990s.
6 M3GAN (2023)
Directed by Gerard Johnstone
The wildly entertaining M3GAN taps into contemporary fears surrounding technology and artificial intelligence. In this campy horror-comedy, a scientist becomes the guardian of her niece, programming a life-like doll named M3GAN to protect her. Yet, M3GAN’s overly protective instincts lead to unintended chaos, combining humor and horror in an engaging narrative.
By exploring themes of grief and technological dependency, M3GAN stands as a playful critique of modern parenting and society. The film’s box office success, grossing over $180 million, attests to Blumhouse’s knack for producing films that resonate widely with audiences.
5 Paranormal Activity (2007)
Directed By Oren Peli
Paranormal Activity epitomizes Blumhouse’s low-budget model, produced for just $15,000, yet grossing an astonishing $193 million globally. This found-footage horror film, focusing on a haunted house, captivated audiences with its minimalist setting and relentless suspense. Paranormal Activity redefined modern horror and inspired a wave of similar productions, showcasing the potential for low-budget films to achieve monumental success.
Its legacy is reflected in numerous sequels and imitators attempting to replicate its groundbreaking formula, yet few rival the sheer terror of the original.
4 Whiplash (2014)
Directed By Damien Chazelle
Blumhouse Productions showcased its range with the critically acclaimed Whiplash, a departure from the standard horror offerings. This riveting drama follows an ambitious jazz drummer navigating the extreme demands of a ruthless instructor. With J.K. Simmons’s Oscar-winning performance as the tyrannical conductor, the film delves into the fine line between ambition and obsession.
Whiplash’s thrilling narrative, combined with exceptional performances, solidifies it as an unforgettable piece of filmmaking, proving that Blumhouse can excel beyond the horror genre.
3 Halloween (2018)
Directed By David Gordon Green
The 2018 installment of Halloween revitalizes the classic franchise, serving as a direct sequel to John Carpenter’s iconic film. This contemporary chapter sees the return of Michael Myers, while Jamie Lee Curtis reprises her role as Laurie Strode, who has spent years preparing for his comeback. Together with her daughter and granddaughter, she confronts Michael in a gripping finale that showcases exceptional horror filmmaking.
The film has received mixed responses regarding its trilogy; however, as a standalone entry, it is regarded as one of the best in the series and exemplifies the enduring power of the Halloween legacy, particularly in its climactic showdown.
2 Insidious (2011)
Directed By James Wan
The inaugural entry in the Insidious franchise, directed by James Wan, proved to be a monumental success, earning $100 million on a mere $1.5 million budget. This film follows a family’s desperate attempt to protect their child from sinister spirits, providing audiences with suspense and an atmosphere of dread. Insidious is celebrated as one of the finest horror films from Blumhouse, winning the Best Horror Film award at the Fright Meter Awards and spawning several sequels, with the latest installment currently in development.
1 Get Out (2017)
Directed By Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking debut, Get Out, embodies the essence of Blumhouse Productions and remains its most revered film. Centering on Chris, a Black man visiting his white girlfriend’s family, the film swiftly unravels a sinister plot involving racial exploitation. Produced on a modest budget of $4.5 million, it astonishingly made $255 million, epitomizing Blumhouse’s philosophy of balancing affordable production costs with high creative freedom.
Get Out not only redefined the horror genre but also contributed significantly to the cultural conversation around race in America. Its fresh perspective and gripping narrative have enshrined it as one of the pivotal horror films of the 21st century.