AceShowbiz - Scream 7 has achieved a remarkable milestone by pushing the iconic horror franchise past the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office, despite receiving largely negative reviews from critics.

The film's release last week revealed a clear divide between critics and audiences. While the movie holds a 32% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, its domestic box office opening was the biggest in the franchise’s history, grossing nearly $64 million. This figure beats the previous record of $44 million set by Scream VI in 2023 by approximately $20 million.

Neve Campbell made a notable return to the series with Scream 7, after opting out of the sixth film due to a salary dispute. Her comeback generated significant buzz among fans.

The production faced controversy when Melissa Barrera, who starred in the fifth and sixth installments, was dismissed following social media posts deemed insensitive by some. Despite these hurdles, Scream 7 maintained strong box office momentum.

In its second weekend, Scream 7 contended with the period sci-fi film The Bride!, which underperformed in its debut. Even with a 74% drop from its opening weekend, Scream 7 secured the number two spot on the domestic box office chart behind Pixar’s Hoppers.

So far, Scream 7 has earned over $90 million domestically and is approaching $150 million globally. The movie’s production budget was reported at $45 million, positioning it well for profitability. It is also likely to become the highest-grossing film in the franchise once its run concludes.

To claim the top spot, Scream 7 will need to surpass the lifetime global total of $173 million set by Wes Craven’s original Scream from 1996. This is a significant benchmark given the enduring popularity of the franchise’s earlier films.

Looking back, Scream 2 grossed $172 million worldwide, while Scream 3 ended with $161 million in global box office revenue. The fourth installment, a soft reboot, remains the series’ lowest earner with $97 million worldwide.

The 2022 reboot directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett revived the franchise with positive reviews and nearly $140 million globally. These two directors, known as Radio Silence, returned to helm Scream VI, which brought in $169 million worldwide.

Collectively, the Scream franchise’s global box office haul is just under $1.1 billion. Unless unexpected factors intervene, Scream 7 is poised to surpass the four films that came before it in total earnings within the next few days.

Ironically, while Scream 7 is on track to break box office records for the series, it remains the least favored entry among critics. The general consensus on Rotten Tomatoes critiques the film as “less a return to Scream’s roots than a disappointing creative regression,” noting the script’s lackluster impact.

Despite the mixed critical reception, the commercial success of Scream 7 highlights the franchise’s enduring appeal and the strong dedication of its fan base.

Stay tuned to Collider for ongoing updates on Scream 7 and other major box office developments.