The year in horror: Low-budget horror hits box-office highs

The people have spoken. And they say they want to be scared. Over the weekend, the low-budget supernatural spook film “Insidious: Chapter 2” topped the box office, scaring up $41.1 million.

The film, which was directed by a seemingly unstoppable James Wan, cost $5 million to make and earned more than three times what the first “Insidious” earned when it opened in 2011.

The “Insidious” story isn’t a one-off, however. This year has seen nearly half a dozen similar stories when it comes to creepy little films that have scored big with audiences. Here’s a rundown:

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“Mama”: Directed by Andrés Muschietti and starring Jessica Chastain, “Mama” is about two young girls who are abandoned in the woods and raised by a supernatural entity they call “Mama.”

Released: Jan. 18, 2013

Budget: $15 million

Domestic gross: $71.6 million

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“Evil Dead”: Directed by Fede Alvarez and starring Jane Levy, “Evil Dead” is a reboot of the original cult classic 1981 Sam Raimi film about a cabin haunted by evil spirits that torment a group of young people on vacation.

Released: April 5, 2013

Budget: $17 million

Domestic gross: $54.2 million

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“The Purge”: Directed by James DeMonaco and starring Ethan Hawke, “The Purge” chronicles the horror unleashed on the world when a 12-hour period of anarchy is sanctioned by the government due to a declaration that during that time it will decriminalize all crimes including murder and rape.

Released: June 7, 2013

Budget: $3 million

Domestic gross: $64.4 million

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“The Conjuring”: Directed by James Wan and starring Vera Farmiga, “The Conjuring,” which chronicles the terrifying adventures of a couple of paranormal investigators, was the biggest earner of the bunch and one of the summer’s true sensations.

Released: July 19, 2013

Budget: $20 million

Domestic gross: $135.4 million

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“You’re Next”: Directed by Adam Wingard and starring Sharni Vinson, “You’re Next” is about a shocking home invasion that leaves most of a large family dead.

Released: Aug. 23, 2013

Budget: Reportedly less than $1 million

Domestic gross as of Sept. 15, 2013: $17.9 million

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