Horror Hit: ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Surpasses 2025’s Biggest Scare

The Conjuring: Last Rites has opened to a terrifyingly strong $83 million at the domestic box office, making it the biggest horror release of 2025 so far, surpassing even Zach Cregger’s near-perfect Weapons.

Globally, the film has already earned $187 million, with $104 million coming from international markets. The production budget for the movie was $55 million.

The film debuted alongside Hamilton in 3,726 theaters in the United States and Canada. Initially projected to earn around $50 million, the movie exceeded expectations after a first day total of $34.6 million, which included $8.5 million from Thursday previews, both records for the franchise.

Weekend projections were raised to $75 million, but the film ultimately debuted at $83 million, marking the best opening in the Conjuring series and the third-highest opening ever for a horror movie. Warner Bros. also achieved a milestone, recording its seventh consecutive release opening above $40 million, a first for any studio.

The film had an impressive start internationally as well. In the Philippines, it recorded the second-highest opening of 2025 and the biggest for a horror film, surpassing Final Destination: Bloodlines.

Critical reaction has been mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, 56% of 146 critic reviews were positive, while Metacritic scored the film 54 out of 100 based on 27 reviews, indicating “mixed or average” reception.

Audience reactions were more favorable, with CinemaScore reporting a “B” average and 58% of viewers surveyed by PostTrak saying they would definitely recommend the movie.

The Conjuring franchise has been a major force in horror cinema since James Wan’s 2013 original film. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga portray real-life ghost hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren, while the series introduced famous villains like the doll Annabelle and the demon nun Valak.

Last Case. Last Rites. #TheConjuring: Last Rites – Only in Theaters September 5. pic.twitter.com/CIuwFTF3j0

— The Conjuring (@TheConjuring) May 8, 2025

With Last Rites, the franchise sets a new opening record. The previous top debut was held by The Nun (2018), which opened to $53.8 million. Last Rites’ $83 million launch is 54% higher than that and far ahead of the past four franchise releases, none of which earned over $35 million on their opening weekends. In fact, this single weekend surpasses the lifetime gross of several recent installments.

Looking ahead, the film has a strong chance to outpace other major 2025 horror releases, including Sinners, Weapons, and Final Destination: Bloodlines, in total box office earnings. While new releases next week may draw some attention, nothing currently seems likely to push Last Rites from its top spot.

Last Rites proves that the Conjuring franchise still knows how to deliver scares and strong box office numbers. With record-breaking openings and enthusiastic audience reactions, it looks set to finish the series on a high note. Do you think Last Rites will maintain its lead in the coming weeks? Share your thoughts in the comments.