'Weapons' Becomes Box Office Powerhouse Before Digital Release Next Month

Horror thriller Weapons, the Julia Garner and Josh Brolin-led feature written and helmed by director Zach Cregger (Barbarians), is set to make its debut on premium video on demand platforms next month following its theatrical run that commenced August 8.

Critical and Commercial Success Fuels Demand

The film has proven to be a substantial commercial success, accumulating $239 million at the global box office—comprising $136.3 million from North American markets and $102.7 million internationally. With a production budget of $38 million (excluding marketing and print costs), the movie has substantially exceeded expectations and established itself as one of the year’s standout horror releases.

Critical reception has been equally strong. On Rotten Tomatoes, Weapons secured a 94% critics’ fresh rating based on 345 professional reviews. The critics consensus commended Cregger’s directorial prowess, stating: “Zach Cregger spins an expertly crafted yarn of terrifying mystery and thrilling intrigue in Weapons, a sophomore triumph that solidifies his status as a master of horror.”

Audience response mirrored this enthusiasm, with the film achieving an 85% fresh audience score from over 10,000 user reviews. The audience summary highlights the film’s broader appeal: “Loaded with bold elements that make it not just a great horror film, but a noteworthy film overall, Weapons is ultimately an impressive, genre-bending experience that’s original, entertaining, and satisfying despite its faint air of ambiguity.”

What’s the Premise?

The film follows the mysterious vanishing of an entire classroom. According to the official description: “When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.”

The ensemble cast features Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan in supporting roles.

Coming to Streaming This September

Per When to Stream, Weapons is anticipated to transition to digital platforms via PVOD on Tuesday, September 9, though Warner Bros./New Line has yet to officially confirm this date. The title will be available for purchase and rental across major digital retailers including Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and YouTube.

Current pre-order pricing on Prime Video stands at $24.99 for purchase, with rental expected to be priced at $19.99 for a 48-hour window. The September 9 target marks the typical window for a theatrical-to-digital transition in the modern distribution landscape.