Osgood Perkins' latest horror film, The Monkey, has become one of the breakout hits of 2025, surpassing an impressive $50 million in global box office earnings following its release on February 19. The film adaptation, based on Stephen King’s short story, delves into the sinister events that unfold when twin brothers stumble upon a mischievous monkey toy in their family attic. Despite the fierce competition from both established blockbusters and new releases, The Monkey is proving to be a compelling watch for audiences this year.
As of March 18, 2025, The Monkey has grossed $56.1 million worldwide, with $35.2 million earned domestically and an additional $20.9 million from international markets. Given its production budget of merely $10 million, the film has already profited substantially, cementing its status as a box office success.
Critics have reacted positively to the film, awarding it a "certified fresh" rating of 79% on Rotten Tomatoes. Emma Kiely from Collider reviewed the film, giving it a 7 out of 10. She noted, "If you’re the type of person who laughs at the over-the-top violence in Django Unchained, or revels in the physics-defying deaths of the Final Destination franchise, there is a great deal to love in The Monkey." This encapsulates the film's appeal, blending gruesome humor with horror elements, and showcasing Perkins’ growth as a director since his prior work on Longlegs.
Similarly, ScreenRant's Mae Abdulbaki offered her perspective, giving it a 6 out of 10 but also highlighting the absurdity that drives the film’s charm. Exhibiting elements of dark humor paired with intense horror, The Monkey successfully draws in viewers looking for both scares and laughs.
This success is particularly notable as the film faces stiff competition at the box office. High-profile releases like Captain America: Brave New World, Mufasa: The Lion King, and newcomers like Novocaine starring Jack Quaid also vie for audience attention. Yet, despite these challenges, The Monkey has secured the number seven slot among 2025’s overall box office, signifying its wide acceptance and popularity.
NEON, the production company behind The Monkey, is having a remarkable year in 2025. Guided by the success of this and other notable projects, such as Sean Baker's acclaimed film, Anora, NEON's influence in the cinematic landscape continues to grow. Anora has become NEON's fifth biggest domestic hit, while The Monkey currently stands as the third highest earner for the studio, only trailing behind the Oscar-winning Parasite and Perkins' previous hit, Longlegs.
This year’s Academy Awards saw NEON's Anora take the spotlight, allowing the studio to further amplify its visibility and reputation in Hollywood. As The Monkey climbs the box office ranks, it reflects an exciting momentum for NEON, making it a must-watch production company today.
With an engaging runtime of 98 minutes, The Monkey is positioned as a must-see horror film for fans of the genre. The clever narrative surrounding a seemingly innocent toy leading to chaos resonates both with King aficionados and general filmgoers alike. Perkins continues to weave horror with a unique flair, as evidenced by his blend of humor and terror throughout the film.
The adaptive elements from King’s original narrative ensure that while the movie delivers suspense, it also invites viewers to reflect on the absurdity of its violence, a trend reminiscent of King’s captivating storytelling style. These key ingredients are likely to keep audiences impending as Perkins prepares for another project, glimpsed in the teaser during the end credits, titled Keeper.
As the film’s box office success unfolds, it stands as a testament to Stephen King’s enduring impact on modern cinema. With more adaptations of his works expected in the future, the landscape of horror films continues to evolve, satisfying both diehard and new fans alike. With The Monkey firmly establishing its presence in the film industry, Perkins has not only made a mark with this engaging horror piece, but he is also setting the stage for his future endeavors.
Catch The Monkey in theaters now and follow Collider for additional insights and updates on box office performance.
