Final Destination Bloodlineshad already started with an incredible box office run, but its original release plan could have ruined that potential success. The movie is the sixth film in the popular splatterhorror franchise, which began in 2000. It is widely considered a reimagining of the original series, asthere was a 14-year delay after the release of the previous franchise entry,Final Destination 5. WhileBloodlinessees the return of Tony Todd (for his final role), it features a largely new cast including Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Anna Lore, Teo Briones, and Rya Kihlstedt.
So far, the movie has done incredibly well commercially and critically.Final Destination Bloodlinesreceived the strongest reviewsof any installment in the franchise thus far, getting a 93% Tomatometer. One of the film’s champions wasScreenRant’s Nadir Samara, who gave the movie 8 out of 10 stars and called it a “phenomenal reboot.” This critical success was marked with commercial success, asits opening weekend brought in $102 million at the worldwide box office.While Warner Bros. can rejoice at this win, the box office forFinal Destination Bloodlineswas not always so certain.
Final Destination Bloodlines Was Originally Going To Be Released Exclusively On Streaming
Warner Bros. Announced This In 2022
Final Destination 6, eventually subtitledBloodlines, had a rocky production. It wasoriginally going to be shot right afterFinal Destination 5,but a number of issues held the sixth installment. It was not until 2019 that significant progress was made when New Line Cinema announced a sequel in development, but writer changes were later made that reinvented it once again.
In January 2022, it was announced thatFinal Destination 6would be released exclusively on HBO Max.This is not uncommon for modern horror films, especially following the pandemic.Salem’s Lotwas released straight to HBO Max last year, despite being relatively high-profile as it was based on aStephen King novel. Despite its initial plan, Warner Bros. changed this ruling in March 2024, when they confirmed thatFinal Destination Bloodlineswould get a theatrical release.
Final Destination Movies Have Largely Done Really Well At The Box Office
And Bloodlines Continues That Trend
The fact that the movie was originally going to be a streaming exclusive was puzzling given the franchise’s history. TheFinal Destinationmovies have largely been box-office successes. The first film kicked off this streak, making $112.8 million worldwide on an estimated $23 million budget. Since then, all but one (Final Destination 2) have made over $100 million at the box office.
$53.3 million
$112.8 million
$46.9 million
$90.9 million
$54 million
$118.8 million
$66.4 million
$186.1 million
$42.5 million
$157.8 million
$51 million*
$105 million*
*These numbers are updated as of July 10, 2025, but will change because the film is still in theaters.
These totals are particularly significant becausethese movies are typically made for under a $50 million budget. As such, the franchise likely made money with most or not all of these films. While it is possible that Warner Bros. thought some franchise audiences would lose interest over time, the strong track record made the initial decision thoroughly confusing.
Final Destination Bloodlines' Record Box Office Proves It Never Should Have Become A Streaming Franchise
It Would Have Made No Sense To Go To Streaming Only
The initial decision to makeFinal Destination 6a streaming release was confusing, and nowBloodlinesbox office proves thatWarner Bros. made the right decision by pivoting back to theatrical release.The movie has had the highest global opening weekend in the franchise, usurping even the second installment’s entire run in just three days. It is well on its way to becoming the highest-grossing movie in the entireFinal Destinationfranchiseif the drops remain steady in the upcoming weeks.
In the evolving era, movies can do extremely well on streaming and generate revenue, especially those in the horror genre. However, even the best streaming movies would have a tough time making studios well over $100 million, whichBloodlinesis on track to do. In the end,Final Destination Bloodlineswould not have had nearly the same impact at home, making its theatrical release the right call.
