Full Breakdown
The Conjuring: Last Rites Sets New Box Office Records
9/9/2025, 1:00:52 AM
Record-Breaking Opening Weekend
The Conjuring: Last Rites has achieved a remarkable feat at the box office, grossing $83 million domestically during its opening weekend, surpassing initial estimates that predicted a $50 million to $60 million debut. This performance marks the highest opening weekend for any film in The Conjuring franchise, eclipsing the previous record held by The Nun, which opened with $53.8 million in 2018. Additionally, Last Rites has become the third-largest opening weekend for a horror film in history, trailing only behind It, which grossed $123 million, and It Chapter Two, which earned $91 million.
Internationally, The Conjuring: Last Rites grossed $104 million across 66 markets, bringing its worldwide total to $187 million. This achievement sets a new record for the largest global opening for a horror film, surpassing the previous record of $179 million set by It in 2017. The film's success has been attributed to a combination of pent-up demand for blockbuster releases and the anticipation surrounding what is marketed as the final installment of the franchise.
Implications for the Franchise
Despite being promoted as the concluding chapter of The Conjuring series, the film's overwhelming success has led to speculation about the future of the franchise. Industry analysts suggest that the strong box office performance could pave the way for a potential Phase Two of The Conjuring universe, especially in light of the upcoming HBO series, It: Welcome to Derry, which is set to expand the It franchise.
Audience Reception and Critical Response
The Conjuring: Last Rites received mixed reviews from critics, holding a 56% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience reception was more favorable, with a 79% approval rating and a "B" CinemaScore. The film's demographic breakdown indicated a slightly female-leaning audience, with 51% identifying as female. The film's success is seen as a significant boost for Warner Bros., which has now achieved seven consecutive releases that opened above $40 million, a record for any Hollywood studio.
Broader Industry Impact
The success of The Conjuring: Last Rites comes at a time when the horror genre is experiencing a resurgence, contributing to a robust overall box office performance for Warner Bros. The studio's recent slate of films, including Sinners and Weapons, has collectively generated substantial profits, helping to stabilize the studio's financial standing after a challenging period earlier in 2025.
What's Next for Warner Bros.
Looking ahead, Warner Bros. is set to release several anticipated titles, including Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale and The Long Walk, which could further influence the box office landscape as the Halloween season approaches. The studio's recent successes have alleviated some pressure on upcoming projects, including Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, which carries a significant production budget.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Horror fans can’t get enough of Lorraine and Ed Warren.” — David A. Gross, Franchise Entertainment Research
- “After a rather quiet month of August, the industry needed a boost — and ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ has provided both a box office and a morale booster,” — Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore
The Conjuring: Last Rites not only sets new records but also revitalizes interest in the horror genre, suggesting that audiences remain eager for compelling narratives, even as the franchise's future remains uncertain.
