What does the average $5million horror movie look like?

A $5 million horror film can sit at the sweet spot between indie grit and Hollywood polish, proving you don’t need a blockbuster budget to terrify audiences.

This article is part of my Horror Deep Dive series, where I explore the mechanics, trends, and hidden patterns of the horror genre. Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, or just a fan of fear, these deep dives unpack what makes horror tick—from box office successes to overlooked gems, from genre-defining tropes to surprising data trends.

For an even deeper…