BUDGET$1.0M
VERDICT Blockbuster
The Howling backdrop
VERDICT: Blockbuster
Expert Verified

Is The Howling a Hit or Flop? Official Box Office Record & Profit Analysis

The official verdict is out. With a worldwide gross of $18.0M, The Howling is declared a Blockbuster.

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Box Office Snapshot

Budget$1.0M
Box Office$18.0M
Profit / Loss +$17.0M
Return on Investment (ROI) 1,699%

* A movie is generally considered a "Hit" if it recovers its budget and marketing costs (approx 2x budget).

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Detailed Verdict Analysis

Detailed Financial Report

Marking its arrival in 1981, The Howling positioned itself as a Horror film aiming for mass appeal. The production path for this project involved significant capital, with a reported budget of approximately $1.0M. In the modern film economy, recovering such an investment requires a multifaceted theatrical strategy spanning domestic and international territories.

Collection Trajectory

The box office journey for The Howling has culminated in a worldwide gross of approximately $18.0M. This figure represents the total theatrical footprint, reflecting a Return on Investment (ROI) of 1699%. This performance indicates a strong grasp of the target demographic and sustained momentum beyond the opening weekend, a hallmark of major commercial success.

Profitability & Verdict

Analyzing the multiplier effect and market sentiment, The Howling navigated the competitive landscape with an audience reception score of 6.6/10. When weighing the production costs against the global returns, The Howling is effectively categorized as a Blockbuster. A resounding victory for the filmmakers, proving that quality content resonates with paying audiences.

Comparables

In the context of other Horror releases, the performance of The Howling will likely influence how studios approach similar projects in the future. Whether through its innovative visual style or its narrative choices, the film's financial footprint remains a key piece of the 1981 box office narrative.

Audience Reception

Apart from the financial numbers, the audience sentiment plays a crucial role. Not all box office hits are loved, and not all flops are bad movies.

6.6
IMDb

The response is mixed. While some enjoyed it, others found it lacking.

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