“The Conjuring: Last Rites” has spectacularly dominated the box office, unleashing a torrent of record-breaking figures that confirm the horror franchise’s enduring power. Defying initial industry predictions, the latest installment in the terrifying saga grossed an astonishing $34.5 million on its opening day, including Thursday previews. This massive success positions “Last Rites” not just as a genre leader, but as a significant force in the wider 2025 film landscape.
This stellar debut highlights the unwavering appeal of supernatural horror. It also underscores Warner Bros.’ strategic prowess in delivering consistently high-performing films. Moviegoers eagerly embraced the film, creating a memorable opening weekend that exceeded all expectations.
The Unholy Reign: ‘Last Rites’ Smashes Box Office Records
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” didn’t just open; it possessed the box office with an almost supernatural grip. Its $34.5 million opening day from 3,802 locations marks an unprecedented achievement for the franchise. This figure dramatically outpaced the 2018 spinoff “The Nun,” which took in $22 million on its first day. The film also secured a franchise-record $8.5 million from Thursday preview screenings, signaling immense fan anticipation.
Industry projections for the full opening weekend initially hovered around $35 million. However, “Last Rites” quickly cast those estimates aside. It roared to an estimated $77.5 million domestic opening weekend, according to rival studios, with Warner Bros. reporting $75 million. This outcome more than doubled the most optimistic early forecasts. It officially establishes “Last Rites” as the biggest opening weekend in “The Conjuring” series’ storied history.
Domestic Domination and Franchise Milestones
This record-shattering performance extends beyond the franchise itself. “The Conjuring: Last Rites” now stands as the biggest domestic opening for any horror movie released in 2025. Its impressive debut also places it in contention for the year’s top overall openings. The R-rated feature has a strong chance to rank as the seventh-biggest opening weekend of 2025. This could even edge out other major blockbusters like “Thunderbolts*,” which launched with approximately $76 million earlier in the year.
The film’s strong showing in premium large-format (PLF) auditoriums, including IMAX screens, significantly boosted its revenue. These high-demand formats contributed a substantial 40% to its total gross, demonstrating audiences’ desire for an immersive cinematic experience.
Global Terror: International Triumphs
The film’s success is not confined to North America. “The Conjuring: Last Rites” unleashed its horror globally, earning $47.3 million internationally through Friday alone across more than 60 markets. Its projected international debut soared to a record-breaking $90 million to $95 million. This performance is expected to surpass New Line’s “It: Chapter Two” ($92.5 million), making it the industry’s top foreign horror bow of all time (unadjusted for inflation).
The combined global start for “Last Rites” is estimated to be a terrifyingly good $165 million to $170 million. Against a reported production budget of $55 million (before marketing), this makes it Hollywood’s third-largest global horror bow ever. It sits just behind the original “It” and “It: Chapter Two.” This widespread appeal solidifies “The Conjuring” universe’s status as a global phenomenon.
The Enduring Power of The Conjuring Universe
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” is the fourth mainline entry and the ninth film overall, including its numerous spin-offs, in the expansive “The Conjuring” universe. This interconnected world remains the top-earning horror franchise ever, having amassed over $2.3 billion in global ticket sales. The series’ consistent ability to draw audiences, even into its later installments, is truly remarkable.
Cast, Crew, and Creative Vision
A key to this longevity is the return of its beloved stars. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson once again reprise their iconic roles as real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Their compelling portrayals have formed the emotional core of the franchise. Director Michael Chaves also returned to helm “Last Rites.” He previously directed “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” (2021) and “The Nun II” (2023). This continuity in creative leadership maintains the series’ established tone and style.
“Last Rites” draws inspiration from the real-life Smurl haunting in Pennsylvania, continuing the franchise’s tradition of basing its stories on alleged true events. This element adds an extra layer of chilling authenticity that resonates with fans.
Critics vs. Audiences: A Familiar Tale
Interestingly, the film’s spectacular box office run unfolded despite a somewhat mixed critical reception. Critics offered “Last Rites” generally mediocre reviews. Early audience polling by survey firm Cinema Score also registered a “B” grade. While a “B” is considered a strong grade for a horror film, it’s a franchise-low compared to the “A-” scores of the first two “Conjuring” films or the “B+” earned by “The Devil Made Me Do It.”
This disparity between critical reception and commercial success is a common trend within the horror genre, and often for “The Conjuring” franchise itself. It suggests that dedicated fans and horror enthusiasts prioritize the experience over critical consensus. However, it might also hint at a more “frontloaded” box office run, where the film performs exceptionally well in its opening weekend but sees a quicker decline in subsequent weeks. Despite these caveats, the initial performance against a $55 million production budget is undeniably a “fantastic start.”
Beyond the Horror: Other Weekend Box Office Highlights
While “The Conjuring: Last Rites” stole the spotlight, the weekend box office saw several other notable performances.
Hamilton’s Surprising Theatrical Comeback
Disney’s filmed version of the Broadway phenomenon “Hamilton” made a surprising return to theaters. Despite being available on Disney+ for nearly five years, the musical earned $3.9 million from Friday and preview screenings in 1,825 theaters. It is projected to secure second place with a three-day opening of around $9 million to $10 million. This theatrical rerelease, timed with the musical’s 10th anniversary, underscores a continued desire for audiences to experience beloved content on the big screen, even if readily available for home viewing.
Horror’s Continued Grip with ‘Weapons’
Warner Bros. found additional success with another horror title, “Weapons.” The film took third place, earning an additional $1.5 million on Friday. This R-rated original, directed by Zach Cregger, has now accumulated over $140 million in North America in its fifth weekend of release. This strong performance contributes to a remarkable streak for Warner Bros., which has now achieved seven consecutive openings above $40 million—an unprecedented feat for any Hollywood studio.
Family Fun and Neo-Noir Struggles
Other films rounding out the top performers included Disney’s “Freakier Friday,” which earned another $960,000 on Friday. In its fifth weekend, the comedy sequel has hit $85 million domestically. It is poised to surpass “Snow White” ($87 million) to become the 15th-highest-grossing North American release of the year.
Conversely, Sony Pictures’ mid-budget neo-noir “Caught Stealing” struggled. It faced a projected $3.2 million gross for its second weekend, marking a significant 58% fall from its debut. With a muted opening and poor hold, it is expected to reach only $14.9 million domestically. Another wide release, the PG-rated Christian tale “Light of the World,” opened with an estimated $700,000 for Friday and previews, landing in eighth place.
What This Means for the Future of Film
The overwhelming success of “The Conjuring: Last Rites” offers a much-needed boost to the theatrical market, particularly heading into what might otherwise be a slower autumn box office season. It serves as powerful evidence of the enduring appeal of well-crafted genre cinema and the resilience of established franchises. For Warner Bros., it reinforces their commanding position in the industry, maintaining an impressive track record of hit releases.
This performance is a clear signal that audiences remain eager for shared cinematic experiences. It proves that compelling storytelling, particularly within the horror genre, can still draw massive crowds, even for a ninth installment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did The Conjuring: Last Rites earn on its opening weekend?
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” achieved an estimated $77.5 million domestic opening weekend, making it the biggest opening for the franchise. Globally, the film’s total debut reached an astonishing $165 million to $170 million. Its opening day, including Thursday previews, grossed $34.5 million, surpassing all previous franchise records. This performance far exceeded initial industry projections.
What factors contribute to The Conjuring franchise’s consistent box office success?
The “Conjuring” franchise’s enduring success stems from several key factors. The consistent return of stars Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the beloved Ed and Lorraine Warren cultivates a strong, loyal fanbase. The series expertly delivers effective supernatural horror, often based on real-life accounts, maintaining its chilling appeal. Strong marketing from Warner Bros. and its widespread availability in premium large-format auditoriums also significantly boost its box office draw.
Is ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ the final film in the series?
While “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is billed as the ninth and final title in “Phase One” of The Conjuring Universe, it is not the absolute end. The film marks the final appearances of Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as Ed and Lorraine Warren. However, industry reports confirm that “Phase Two” of The Conjuring Universe is already planned, suggesting that the broader franchise will continue with new storylines and characters.
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” has carved its place in cinema history, not just as a triumphant horror film, but as a crucial indicator of the theatrical market’s vibrancy. Its record-shattering performance reaffirms the power of a beloved franchise and the timeless allure of a good scare. As the credits roll on this chapter, the future of the Conjuring Universe appears as vast and mysterious as the paranormal world it explores.
References
- variety.com
- www.hollywoodreporter.com
- www.thewrap.com
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