30 Days of Night (2007) is a chilling horror-thriller film based on the graphic novel of the same name by Steve Niles. Directed by David Slade, it stars Josh Hartnett and Melissa George in leading roles, delivering a visceral tale of survival against a relentless vampire invasion.
Spending and Budget
The production budget for 30 Days of Night was approximately $30 million. The filmmakers invested heavily in special effects and practical makeup to create the terrifying vampires that stalk the snow-covered Alaskan town of Barrow. Filming primarily took place in New Zealand, with its landscapes effectively doubling for the harsh, remote environment of the Arctic Circle.
The production team meticulously recreated the small-town setting and the eerie perpetual darkness of the polar night. The investment in atmospheric cinematography paid off, as the film’s visuals became one of its most praised aspects.
Release and Box Office
The film was released on October 19, 2007, just in time for Halloween, maximizing its appeal to horror enthusiasts. Distributed by Columbia Pictures, 30 Days of Night opened to a strong $15.9 million in its first weekend in the U.S. and went on to gross approximately $75.5 million worldwide. The film performed particularly well in home video sales, cementing its status as a cult favorite.
Success Story
30 Days of Night successfully combined innovative horror elements with mainstream appeal. Its premise—vampires terrorizing a town during 30 days of continuous night—offered a fresh take on the vampire genre. The gritty performances, intense action, and suspenseful pacing earned it critical and audience acclaim.
The movie’s success lay in its ability to balance graphic violence with an engaging narrative. It resonated with fans of both horror and graphic novels, and its box office performance proved the effectiveness of its timing, marketing, and creative vision. 30 Days of Night remains a standout in vampire cinema, inspiring a sequel and further solidifying its legacy in the horror genre.
