Send Help has set a major record for 2026 in its debut weekend.
The worldwide premiere of Sam Raimi’s latest horror flick, Send Help, solidified its position as one of the biggest openings of 2026. The film features financial expert Linda Liddle (played by Rachel McAdams) and her abrasive boss, CEO Bradley Preston (played by Dylan O’Brien), who end up marooned on a remote island after a plane crash.
Following its successful opening weekend, Deadline reports that Send Help has now become the third highest-grossing American film globally for the year 2026. It amassed $28.1 million worldwide, with $20 million from the U.S. alone, overtaking Markiplier’s Iron Lung, which pulled in $21.7 million globally.
The film’s success at the box office was anticipated given its critical acclaim. Reviews have lauded Raimi’s direction and the screenplay by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, earning Send Help a Certified Fresh rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. This ties it with Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 as his top-rated film.
According to sources, Send Help also played a crucial role in keeping Disney at the forefront of the global box office. With other big releases like Zootopia 2 in November and Avatar: Fire and Ash in December, the movie, distributed by 20th Century Studios, has helped maintain the company’s prominent position in theaters worldwide.
The horror film’s ranking as the third highest-grossing American movie of 2026 positions it just above Mercy, and right below 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and the current top American film, Primate.
With these figures representing just the first weekend, the buzz around Send Help is expected to grow as it continues its theatrical run. Although the film has already garnered a substantial global viewership, it still needs to maintain strong performance to recoup its $40 million budget at the box office.
As Send Help has only just begun its cinematic journey, its future audience growth remains to be seen. Nonetheless, with positive word-of-mouth and favorable online reviews, it’s likely that the film will continue to perform well at the box office for at least another weekend, possibly longer as it competes with upcoming major releases.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
