Hollywood action movies are losing their box office dominance as family and horror films rise in popularity. In 2025, action/adventure movies accounted for just 35% of ticket sales from the top 100 films, the lowest share since 2010.
This decline is stark compared to 56% of domestic box office dollars generated by action movies in 2022. Despite a steady release of about 25 action films annually, audiences seem less eager to watch these titles.
The rise of family and horror films has been significant. For instance, ‘Dhurandhar 2’ has crossed the Rs 1780 crore mark globally after just 42 days in theaters. Its net collection in India stands at Rs 1,333.94 crore.
Dhurandhar 2 has become a prime example of this trend. On its 42nd day, it added Rs 1 crore to its tally, showcasing sustained audience interest.
The last ‘Avengers’ movie, ‘Avengers: Endgame’, generated $1.9 billion, but even such blockbusters struggle to capture audience attention now. Doug Creutz noted, “It appears audiences are no longer as eager to see even good superhero films as they were pre-pandemic.”
This shift indicates a broader change in viewer preferences. Greg Marcus stated, “We need more dramas and comedies.” Some industry experts believe this could signal a new normal for Hollywood.
The implications for future releases remain uncertain. Shawn Robbins remarked, “I guarantee there are a lot of people hoping it’s the new normal.” The evolving landscape suggests that studios may need to adapt quickly to these changing tastes.
