Saw 3D Wins Halloween Weekend

As expected horror films topped the charts for Halloween weekend as Saw 3D opened #1 and Paranormal Activity 2 posted a solid take coming off its #1 opening last weekend.

Saw 3D made $22.5 million which is up $8 million over what Saw VI took in last year. $9 million on Friday was followed by heavy drop-offs on Saturday and Sunday which is typical of a not just a horror movie but even more so a sequel. The movie will have no legs at all but considering the $20 million budget it is already profitable.

Though it has been marketed as being the final film in the series Saw 3D may have done well enough to make Lionsgate reconsider. The series just continues to essentially print money for the studio as the floor of what they make (in theaters and on DVD) is well above what they spend to produce them. Most feel though the franchise has run its course.

Paranormal Activity was largely credited with dealing the Saw franchise a death blow last year and the sequel took a big chunk out of its potential this year. Paranormal Activity 2 pulled in $16.5 million down 59% from opening weekend. Again it is remarkable what these low budget films have been able to achieve as PA2 was made for just $3 million and has already taken in over $65 million.

Other holdovers had RED falling just 28% to finish third with $10.8 million and now has totaled nearly $60 million. Jackass 3D and Hereafter rounded out the top five.