It's been 14 long years—teh wait is almost over. After a hiatus that felt like an eternity, the Final Destination franchise is back with Bloodlines, and if early buzz is any indication, death has never looked so good at the box office. Early reactions are through the roof, with critics calling it the best in the series—high praise for a franchise known for its inventive ways to send characters to the great beyond. But can this sixth installment cheat death itself and deliver a box office triumph when it hits theaters on May 16, 2025?
Early Reactions: A Gory Comeback
Like a phoenix rising from its own ashes, Final Destination: Bloodlines is generating the kind of buzz that makes horror fans sit up and take notice. Hunter Bolding of That Hashtag Show didn't hold back, calling the film “deeply moving” and praising its “gloriously inventive” kills (World of Reel). The emotional centerpiece? Tony Todd's final performance as William Bludworth, the franchise's enigmatic undertaker. Todd's passing in November 2024 adds a bittersweet layer to his return, making this more than just a sequel—it's a farewell. “The concept still proves it has plenty of life left—ironically,” Bolding noted, a nod to the series' signature twist on mortality.
These reactions aren't from random X posts; they're from actual critics who've seen the film at early screenings. The film's high test scores at these screenings suggest it's resonating with viewers, and the buzz is translating into box office optimism. Internal tracking initially pegged the opening at $40M, but some analysts now believe it could hit $50M or more, a figure that would make it the biggest debut in the franchise's history.
Box Office History: A Franchise That's Always Delivered
The Final Destination series has always been a box office draw, like a grim reaper with a knack for ticket sales. From the first film's modest $10M opening in 2000 to The Final Destination's $27.4M in 2009, these movies have consistently pulled in audiences eager to see how Death will claim its due. Here's a breakdown of the franchise's opening weekends and worldwide grosses:
| Film | Release Year | Opening Weekend (Domestic) | Worldwide Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Destination | 2000 | $10.0M | $112.0M |
| Final Destination 2 | 2003 | $16.2M | $90.4M |
| Final Destination 3 | 2006 | $19.2M | $112.8M |
| The Final Destination | 2009 | $27.4M | $187.4M |
| Final Destination 5 | 2011 | $18.0M | $155.0M |
Source: The Numbers
Now, Bloodlines is projected to open between $35M and $50M, potentially surpassing The Final Destination's record (Boxoffice Pro). This is no small feat for a franchise that's been dormant since 2011. The long gap has clearly heightened anticipation, and the trailer's viral success—160 million views in 24 hours, breaking a horror record—has only fueled the fire (MovieWeb). Add in premium formats like 4DX and Imax, and Bloodlines is poised to cash in on audiences craving a theatrical thrill.
Historical Context: The Franchise's Ups and Downs
The Final Destination series has had its share of highs and lows. The first film in 2000 was a surprise hit, grossing $112M worldwide on a $23M budget despite mixed reviews. Its sequels followed suit, with The Final Destination in 2009 and Final Destination 5 in 2011 proving the franchise's staying power, even if critics weren't always kind. The Final Destination, for instance, was panned for its gimmicky 3D effects and lackluster opening disaster, yet it still grossed $187.4M worldwide (Den of Geek).
What sets Bloodlines apart is its timing. The horror genre has evolved since 2011, with franchises like The Conjuring and Saw raising the bar for storytelling and scares. Yet Final Destination's unique premise—death as an inevitable force, not a masked killer—remains timeless. The 14-year gap has allowed directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein to reimagine the series for a new generation, and early reactions suggest they've struck a balance between nostalgia and innovation. Unlike The Final Destination, which leaned heavily on 3D gimmicks, Bloodlines appears to focus on character-driven storytelling and creative kills, a return to the franchise's roots.
Tony Todd's Legacy: A Bittersweet Return
No discussion of Bloodlines would be complete without addressing Tony Todd's final performance. Todd, who passed away in 2024, reprises his role as William Bludworth, a character who's been a franchise staple since 2000. His ominous presence has always grounded the series, offering cryptic warnings about death's design. Bloodlines reportedly explores Bludworth's backstory, adding depth to a character who's often been more mystery than man (Wikipedia). “It's a deeply moving performance,” Bolding said, a sentiment echoed by early viewers who see Todd's return as a fitting tribute.
Todd's passing lends Bloodlines an emotional weight that's rare for a horror film. Fans on platforms like X have expressed excitement and sadness, with many planning to see the film to honor his legacy. In a genre often criticized for prioritizing shocks over substance, Todd's performance could be the heart that sets Bloodlines apart.
FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES is the best #FinalDestination yet.
— Jonathan Sim (@TheJonathanSim) April 30, 2025
Bigger and bloodier. A game-changer that revitalizes the series and changes up the formula. A (LITERALLY) jaw-dropping blast that's hysterical, violent, and 100% fun.
See it with a crowd in @IMAX. @FDMovie pic.twitter.com/ogGPdrdAsy
A Fresh Take on a Timeless Concept
What makes Bloodlines stand out in a crowded horror landscape? For one, it introduces a new cast of characters, led by Kaitlyn Santa Juana as Stefanie, a college student plagued by a recurring nightmare that foretells her family's demise. This personal stakes—saving her family rather than just herself—add a layer of urgency that previous films lacked. The ensemble, including Brec Bassinger, Teo Briones, and Richard Harmon, brings fresh energy to the series' “kill-or-be-killed” loop (IMDb).
The kills, of course, are the main draw. Early viewers are raving about their creativity and brutality, a hallmark of the franchise. Whether it's a Rube Goldberg-style accident or a shocking twist, Bloodlines seems to deliver the gruesome spectacle fans expect. But it's not just about gore. The film's exploration of Bludworth's backstory and its focus on family dynamics suggest a deeper narrative, one that could resonate beyond the typical horror audience.
Will It Live Up to the Hype?
With predictions soaring and early reactions glowing, Bloodlines has a lot to live up to. The horror genre is unforgiving—hype can fizzle if a film doesn't deliver. The franchise's mixed critical history, particularly the poorly received The Final Destination, serves as a reminder that box office success doesn't always equal critical acclaim. Yet Bloodlines has several factors in its favor: a viral trailer, premium format releases, and a built-in fanbase eager for the series' return.
The bigger question is whether Bloodlines can redefine the franchise for a new era. Horror has changed since 2011, with audiences craving more than just jump scares. Films like Hereditary and Get Out have shown that horror can be both terrifying and thought-provoking. Final Destination has always been different, less about monsters and more about the inevitability of death—a concept that's both terrifying and oddly comforting in a chaotic world. If Bloodlines can blend its signature thrills with emotional depth, it could be a game-changer.
So, will Final Destination: Bloodlines be the franchise's crowning achievement, or just a temporary reprieve from Death's inevitable claim? Mark your calendars for May 16, 2025, and find out. One thing's for sure: if the early buzz is any indication, Bloodlines might just be the series' saving grace.
