From its very first day in theaters, the film blew past forecasts. Early predictions placed its opening weekend in the U.S. at around $50–$60 million, but enthusiasm from fans and strong previews pushed those numbers higher. When the film finally opened, it raked in $83 million domestically.
That line might sound like an exaggeration, but it’s not. The Conjuring: Last Rites didn’t just premiere; it shattered records. The Warrens’ final chapter is rewriting horror history.
Box Office Breakthrough
Projections were optimistic, but Last Rites actually exceeded them. Domestic estimates were raised after the first day. Instead of a modest forecast, the movie opened to $83 million in the U.S. and Canada.
Globally, its opening weekend total was around $187 million. That makes The Conjuring: Last Rites the biggest horror debut ever. It beat all recent horror films of 2025, pulling ahead of Final Destination: Bloodlines and others.
When you compare to earlier entries in The Conjuring franchise, even The Nun, which held the previous high for a Conjuring spinoff opener, couldn’t match Last Rites. This film is now the franchise’s strongest performer out of the gate.
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The Final Chapter: What Last Rites Promises
The film is marketed as the true conclusion to Ed and Lorraine Warren’s story. It returns to the original lore, centering on the Smurl haunting, which many fans believe is one of the most unresolved and creepy cases in the Conjuring Universe.
Viewers came in expecting strong scares, a sense of closure, and perhaps some loose ends tied. The trailers emphasized that this is The Last Rites, literally, the powerful title is a promise. Advertising pushed strongly on the notion that this is the end, which raised the stakes for long-time fans.
The Conjuring Legacy
Since its release in 2013, The Conjuring has become the largest and most successful horror film franchise in the genre. Annabelle, The Nun, and Annabelle: Creation expanded their lore, but Ed and Lorraine Warren remained the focus of the main story.
“A decade on, the fans remain devoted to the scares that started in 2013.”
The series gained both box office triumphs and loyal followers along the way. Many films in the franchise launched with strong weekend numbers despite moderate budgets.
That built trust: horror fans know what to expect, and studios know horror offers strong returns when done well. Over a decade later, fans remain loyal to the scares that started in 2013.
Marketing That Scared Up Success
Trailers for Last Rites were haunting, merging nostalgia with ominous promise. The “this is the end” messaging dominated promotional material. Social media campaigns reminded fans that this was the final appearance of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Every poster, every teaser, emphasized the sense of finality.
Advance ticket sales also reflected that urgency. Fans didn’t want to risk missing the last ride. Strong presales and midnight shows helped. That early momentum altered analysts’ projections upward.
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Fan & Critical Reception
On opening night, viewers gave what they came for: screams, whispers, applause. Some reviews praise the film for delivering intense frights and offering viewers a sense of closure. Others were satisfied to witness the return of highlighted characters and themes brought to an end.
People have their varying reviews: some praise the atmosphere, direction, and performances, while others say it plays it safer than the prior entries.
Cultural Impact: Horror’s Box Office Power
Conjuring: Last Rites is a sign that horror is thriving. It is expected to become a massive box office hit in 2025.
“The genre’s worldwide appeal has never been more powerful.”
The genre’s low-budget needs, coupled with steady fan interest, ensure that each success matters. When horror movies become cultural sensations instead of specialty items, their scope expands.
International markets also responded. In India, Last Rites set records for Hollywood horror films, including being the highest-earning in its category.
In the Philippines, it dominated the box office share. Globally, the reach across many territories shows that the genre’s worldwide appeal has never been more powerful.
What’s Next After Last Rites
Is this really the end of The Conjuring Universe? While this film claims to be the final chapter for Ed and Lorraine Warren, studios often leave threads open. Spin-offs, prequels, or even side stories might emerge. The franchise could evolve into something new while keeping the familiar tone.
Warner Bros may also lean on the film’s success to greenlight more supernatural horror projects. Given the demand, future installments in the universe (if allowed) will probably be driven by fan interest and box office potential.
Closing – A Record-Breaking Farewell
The Conjuring: Last Rites proved horror’s staying power in 2025. It smashed records, reinvigorated a beloved franchise, and satisfied both fans and financial backers. The Warrens’ story might be ending, but their legacy haunts on.
Was this truly the last rite, or just the start of a darker new chapter?
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