Horror fans, rejoice! The Conjuring: Last Rites has officially broken the franchise record with a staggering $77.5 million opening weekend, demolishing the previous record held by The Nun since 2018. This final chapter starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga has not only exceeded all expectations but has also claimed the title of the biggest horror opening of 2025.
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The Conjuring: Last Rites Record-Breaking Numbers That Shocked Hollywood
The film earned a franchise-best $34.5 million on Friday alone, including a record $8.5 million in Thursday previews. This phenomenal start surpassed industry predictions and proved that audiences were hungry for one final supernatural showdown with the beloved Warrens.
Box Office Performance Breakdown
| Metric | Amount | Previous Record |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Weekend | $77.5 million | $53.8 million (The Nun, 2018) |
| Friday Opening | $34.5 million | N/A |
| Thursday Previews | $8.5 million | Previous franchise record |
| Production Budget | $55 million | Standard for franchise |
| Global Opening | $80+ million | Projected |
The Final Chapter Lives Up to the Hype
Directed by Michael Chaves, who previously helmed The Nun II and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, Last Rites follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they take on one last terrifying case involving mysterious entities they must confront. The film serves as the culmination of the main Conjuring storyline that began in 2013.
Breaking Down The Nun’s Seven-Year Reign
The Nun held the franchise opening record with $53.8 million since 2018, making Last Rites’ achievement even more impressive. While The Nun remains the highest-grossing movie in the franchise with a $366 million worldwide gross, The Conjuring is only the third highest-grossing with $316.1 million.
This data suggests that opening weekend performance doesn’t always translate to total box office success, but Last Rites’ massive debut indicates strong audience interest that could sustain throughout its theatrical run.
The Conjuring Universe’s $2.3 Billion Legacy
The Conjuring Universe films have collected over $2.3 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful horror franchises in cinema history. The universe includes:
- The main Conjuring trilogy (2013-2025)
- The Annabelle spin-off series
- The Nun franchise
- The Curse of La Llorona
Last Rites represents the grand finale of the core Warren story that launched this supernatural empire, explaining why fans flocked to theaters in record numbers.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s Swan Song
The real heart of Last Rites’ success lies in the return of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren. Their chemistry and authentic portrayals have been the emotional anchor of the franchise since day one. As paranormal investigators and authors associated with prominent cases of haunting, their purportedly real-life reports inspired The Amityville Horror story and the associated film franchise.
Horror Cinema in 2025: A Banner Year
Last Rites’ success continues Warner Bros.’ impressive horror streak in 2025, following earlier hits. The movie is set to pass the $140 million mark domestically, continuing the WB horror hot streak that began with Sinners and Final Destination Bloodlines earlier this year.
This performance demonstrates that well-crafted horror films with established characters can still draw massive audiences to theaters, even in an era of streaming dominance.
International Market Performance
In India, the horror flick is on track to open between Rs 13-15 crore, setting records for the biggest horror opening ever in the market. This global appeal underscores the universal nature of the Conjuring franchise’s scares and storytelling.
Critical Reception vs. Audience Love
While critics have given mixed reviews, as is often the case with horror movies, audience reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. The massive box office numbers prove that fans were satisfied with this final chapter, validating the filmmakers’ approach to concluding the Warren saga.
The success also highlights how established franchises can transcend critical opinion when they deliver what audiences expect and desire from the entertainment industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is The Conjuring: Last Rites really the final film in the franchise?
A: Yes, The Conjuring: Last Rites marks the end of the main Warren storyline that began with the original 2013 film. However, the broader Conjuring Universe will likely continue with spin-offs and related projects, as the franchise has proven to be incredibly lucrative for Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema.
Q: How does Last Rites’ $77.5 million opening compare to other recent horror films?
A: The Conjuring: Last Rites has achieved the biggest horror opening of 2025 and broken the franchise record previously held by The Nun ($53.8 million in 2018). This makes it one of the most successful horror openings in recent years, demonstrating the enduring appeal of quality supernatural horror films in theaters.
