Box Office Buzz: "The Conjuring: Last Rites" Defies Expectations with Record-Breaking Numbers
Hollywood’s horror franchise juggernaut, "The Conjuring: Last Rites," has officially launched, shattering prior box office projections. The film, which premiered on September 5, stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprising their iconic roles as the real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. This ninth installment in the rapidly expanding "Conjuring Universe" also includes several successful spin-offs like "Annabelle" and "The Nun."
Stellar Opening Weekend Performance
In its opening weekend, "The Conjuring: Last Rites" is projected to gross an impressive $83 million in the domestic market, marking the highest debut in the franchise’s history. The film’s opening surpasses the previous record of $53.8 million set by "The Nun" in 2018, showcasing the franchise’s sustained popularity.
The film also made headlines by achieving $8.5 million during Thursday night previews, the best opening day for the franchise and for any horror film released in 2025 thus far. This strong performance extends Warner Bros.’ already unprecedented streak of opening weekends exceeding $40 million, bringing them to seven consecutive successful launches.
The weekend box office chart reflects this momentum, with "Hamilton," celebrating its tenth anniversary, securing the second position with $9.8 million. This is the first time in nearly a month that two new releases have occupied the top two slots at the domestic box office.
Box Office Rankings
The top five films for the weekend are as follows:
| Rank | Title | 3-Day Total | Cumulative Domestic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Conjuring: Last Rites | $83 million | $83 million |
| 2 | Hamilton | $9.8 million | $9.8 million |
| 3 | Weapons | $5.3 million | $143 million |
| 4 | Freakier Friday | $3.8 million | $87 million |
| 5 | Caught Stealing | $3.1 million | $14.9 million |
Implications for Franchise and Future Prospects
While "Last Rites" is expected to far exceed previous opening weekend numbers, it remains uncertain whether it will clinch the title of highest-grossing film in the franchise by the end of its theatrical run. The horror genre traditionally exhibits sharp declines in viewership after the opening weekend, which raises questions about the film’s longevity.
For context, "The Nun" currently holds the title as the highest-grossing film in the franchise with a worldwide total of $366 million, while the original 2013 film ranks lower with $316.1 million. Additionally, although "The Conjuring 2" had a smaller debut, it eventually reached $321.4 million in total revenue.
The critical reception has also played a role in shaping expectations; "Last Rites" holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 55%, the lowest among the principal films in the series, alongside a B CinemaScore. These ratings could hinder the film’s ability to build word-of-mouth momentum, a vital factor in box office sustainability.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be crucial for "The Conjuring: Last Rites." Should it maintain strong ticket sales, it could potentially make history as the first horror film of 2025 to dominate the box office for three consecutive weekends. However, competition is on the horizon with major titles like "The Long Walk" and "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle" set for release on September 12, followed by Jordan Peele’s "Him" on September 19. Current early tracking indicates that these films may not pose significant threats, allowing "Last Rites" to maintain its lead.
As the horror landscape evolves, the performance of "The Conjuring: Last Rites" reflects both the strength of established franchises and the unpredictable nature of audience preferences. As always, the journey ahead will be as intriguing as the supernatural tales it brings to the big screen.
