Robert Eggers’ Films Ranked by Box Office Success

Robert Eggers has carved a unique path in filmmaking, blending eerie atmospheres with historical depth. His movies, known for their haunting visuals and bold storytelling, have captivated audiences while earning varying degrees of commercial success.

From folk horror to gothic tales, Eggers’ work spans genres but stays rooted in his knack for crafting unsettling worlds. We’ll rank his four feature films based on their global box office performance, diving into what made each one stand out and how they fared financially.

4. The Lighthouse (2019)

With a budget between $4 million and $11 million, ‘The Lighthouse’ earned $18.3 million worldwide. This black-and-white psychological thriller, starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, follows two lighthouse keepers spiraling into madness on a remote island. Its claustrophobic setting and surreal tone drew critical praise but limited its mainstream appeal.

The film’s modest box office reflects its niche, art-house vibe. Shot in a boxy aspect ratio with stark visuals, it leaned heavily on atmosphere over accessibility. Despite this, it snagged an Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography, proving Eggers’ ability to create impactful work on a smaller scale.

3. The Witch (2015)

Made for just $4 million, ‘The Witch’ grossed $40.4 million globally, a huge win for Eggers’ debut. This chilling folk horror tale centers on a Puritan family unraveling amid supernatural forces in 1630s New England. Anya Taylor-Joy’s breakout role as Thomasin helped cement the film as a modern horror classic.

Its low budget and strong returns show how Eggers maximized tension and dread without flashy effects. The film’s slow-burn pace and authentic period details resonated with audiences, making it a sleeper hit that launched Eggers into the spotlight.

2. The Northman (2022)

‘The Northman’, with a hefty $70 million budget, brought in $69.6 million worldwide. This Viking epic follows Amleth, played by Alexander Skarsgård, on a brutal quest for revenge. Packed with stars like Nicole Kidman and Ethan Hawke, it aimed for blockbuster status but fell short of breaking even.

Despite its grand scale and intense action, the film faced tough competition and a post-pandemic market, hurting its theatrical run. Still, its vivid mythology and raw energy showcased Eggers’ ambition to blend art-house sensibilities with mainstream spectacle.

1. Nosferatu (2024)

Topping the list, ‘Nosferatu’ earned a staggering $181.3 million against a $50 million budget. This gothic horror remake of the 1922 silent classic stars Bill Skarsgård as the vampire Count Orlok, with Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult rounding out the cast. Its Christmas release tapped into a horror-hungry audience, making it Eggers’ biggest hit.

The film’s success lies in its lush visuals, chilling performances, and Eggers’ knack for reimagining a familiar story. Doubling its budget and climbing into the top 25 films of 2024, ‘Nosferatu’ proves Eggers can balance his bold vision with broad appeal.

Which Robert Eggers film is your top pick, or is there a hidden gem we should revisit? Drop your thoughts in the comments!