The Conjuring Last Rites Breaks Records Worldwide
The horror genre has long held a special place in Hollywood, with audiences continually returning for spine-chilling thrills and supernatural storytelling. In 2025, the franchise that redefined modern horror, The Conjuring, has once again proven its dominance. The latest installment, The Conjuring: Last Rites, has officially become the biggest horror premiere of the year in the United States. With an opening weekend collection of about US\$83 million domestically and a staggering US\$187 million worldwide, the film has set a new benchmark for horror releases in recent years.
Directed by Michael Chaves, The Conjuring: Last Rites continues the terrifying saga of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigators portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Audiences have followed their journey since the first film in 2013, and each sequel has expanded the lore while pushing the boundaries of supernatural horror. This latest entry was marketed as the final chapter in the Warrens’ story, adding a layer of emotional weight alongside the fear. That promise seems to have struck a chord, drawing both long-time fans and casual viewers into theatres.
The numbers themselves are impressive not only for the horror category but for the box office in general. Horror films often perform well due to lower production costs and dedicated fan bases, but rarely do they touch blockbuster-level openings on a global scale. The US\$187 million worldwide haul underlines the franchise’s international appeal, from North America to Europe and Asia. For Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, the result is a powerful validation of their strategy to sustain the Conjuring Universe over more than a decade.
Critical reception has been generally positive, with many reviewers praising the film for balancing emotional closure with terrifying sequences. Performances by Wilson and Farmiga have been singled out as the heart of the movie, giving audiences a personal connection beyond the scares. The film’s atmosphere, tension-building, and climactic exorcism sequence have been highlighted as standout elements that justify its box office draw.
Beyond financial success, The Conjuring: Last Rites also demonstrates the enduring popularity of shared cinematic universes. Much like superhero franchises, the Conjuring Universe has expanded into spin-offs like Annabelle, The Nun, and The Curse of La Llorona. While those films had varying levels of success, the mainline entries have consistently pulled audiences in, proving the Warrens remain the central magnet. With Last Rites positioned as the final film in the series, fans are already speculating whether the studio will truly close the book or find new ways to expand the mythology.
Industry analysts believe the movie’s box office trajectory could surpass US\$400 million globally if momentum continues in its second and third weeks. That would cement its status as not just the year’s biggest horror premiere but one of the top horror films of all time.
In short, The Conjuring: Last Rites has done more than deliver frights—it has reaffirmed the franchise’s power, given closure to beloved characters, and written its name in box office history.