On September 5, 2025, The Conjuring: Last Rites stormed into theaters, delivering a spine-chilling spectacle that has redefined horror movie history. The fourth mainline installment in the Conjuring Universe, directed by Michael Chaves, grossed an astonishing $83 million domestically and $187 million worldwide during its opening weekend, securing the third-best horror opening of all time, behind only Warner Bros.’ It ($123.4 million in 2017) and It: Chapter Two ($91 million in 2019). As the best-ever debut for a Conjuring film, surpassing 2018’s The Nun ($53.8 million), the movie has not only jolted the September box office but also cemented the franchise’s status as the highest-grossing horror series ever, with a global tally exceeding $2.4 billion. Starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, Last Rites combines heart-pounding scares with emotional depth, proving that even in its ninth installment, the Conjuring Universe still has audiences screaming for more.

A Franchise That Haunts the Box Office

Since its inception with The Conjuring in 2013, the franchise, spearheaded by New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster, and The Safran Company, has been a juggernaut in horror cinema. The series, inspired by the real-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, has spawned three mainline films, spinoffs like The Nun and Annabelle, and now Last Rites, the ninth entry and the finale of the franchise’s “Phase One.” With a global gross of $2.3 billion before this latest release, the Conjuring Universe has outpaced rivals like Halloween and Scream, blending supernatural terror with character-driven storytelling.

The Conjuring: Last Rites arrived at a time when the horror genre is thriving, with 2025’s domestic box office for horror surpassing $1 billion, driven by hits like Sinners ($278.6 million), Final Destination: Bloodlines ($138.1 million), and Weapons ($143 million). The film’s opening weekend, which included a record-breaking $8.5 million in Thursday previews—the highest for any Conjuring movie and for a horror film in 2025—far exceeded projections of $50–60 million. Its $104 million international haul, the largest ever for a Hollywood horror debut, dominated markets like Mexico ($13.3 million), the UK ($8.8 million), Brazil ($7.7 million), and India ($6.7 million), with standout performances in Asia, including 83% market share in Indonesia and 91% in the Philippines.

The film’s success is a boon for Warner Bros., which now boasts eight No. 1 openings in 2025 and a record seven consecutive films debuting above $40 million, including A Minecraft Movie ($164 million) and Superman ($125 million). With a $55 million production budget, Last Rites is already on track for significant profits, bolstered by $14.3 million from IMAX screens, the company’s biggest September debut ever.

A Chilling Finale to the Warrens’ Story

The Conjuring: Last Rites, written by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, marks the final chapter for Ed and Lorraine Warren, played with captivating chemistry by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Set in 1964, the film follows the Warrens as they investigate the Smurl haunting in Pennsylvania, a real-life case involving a family tormented by a demonic entity. The story begins with Lorraine touching an antique mirror in a curio shop, triggering a vision of a malevolent force and her unborn child. As the Warrens join forces with their daughter Judy (Sterling Jerins) and the Smurl family, including characters played by Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy, they face a fierce battle to expel the entity through prayers and rituals, ultimately securing the cursed “conjuring mirror” in their occult museum.

The film’s emotional core lies in its portrayal of the Warrens’ personal lives. A wedding scene, featuring Judy’s marriage to her fiancé Tony, includes cameos from franchise veterans like Lili Taylor (Carolyn Perron from The Conjuring), Frances O’Connor (Peggy Hodgson from The Conjuring 2), and Julian Hilliard (David Glatzel from The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It). The real-life Tony Spera and Judy Warren also appear, adding authenticity. The closing moments, with Ed and Lorraine sharing a dance and end-credits footage of the real Warrens’ later years, offer a heartfelt farewell to the couple who defined the franchise.

Director Michael Chaves, who previously helmed The Nun II and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, brings a polished yet intense style, leaning on practical effects for eerie sequences like the mirror’s shattering and CGI for demonic apparitions. The film’s B CinemaScore, while lower than the A- grades of the first two Conjuring films, reflects solid audience approval, though some fans on platforms like X have called it “predictable” or “less scary” than earlier entries, citing reliance on jump scares over atmospheric dread.

Why It Resonates with Audiences

The Conjuring: Last Rites taps into the franchise’s signature blend of supernatural horror and human connection. Wilson and Farmiga’s performances remain the heart of the series, their genuine chemistry grounding even the most outlandish scares. Fans on X have praised their “endlessly watchable” dynamic, with posts like “Vera and Patrick carry this franchise—pure magic!” The film’s focus on the Warrens’ sincerity, free of cynicism, offers a refreshing contrast to modern horror’s often grim tone. As one viewer noted, “It’s scary but somehow comforting—Ed and Lorraine feel like old friends.”

The movie’s box office triumph reflects horror’s enduring appeal in theaters, where communal fear amplifies the experience. Analyst Paul Dergarabedian called it “the biggest roller coaster in the theme park,” noting that fans crave the shared thrill of movies like Last Rites. Its September release, a typically quiet month, capitalized on pent-up demand after a slow August, outpacing competitors like Disney’s Hamilton rerelease ($10 million) and holdovers Weapons ($5.4 million) and Freakier Friday ($3.8 million). The film’s success has also boosted 2025’s horror genre, with upcoming releases like Black Phone 2 (October 17) and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (December 5) poised to keep the momentum going.

Critical Reception and Fan Debate

While Last Rites has shattered box office records, its critical reception is mixed, with a 56% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 144 reviews. Critics like Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky called it “one of the best in the franchise,” praising its emotional depth and “frightful, fitting send-off.” Others, like Eric Goldman of IGN, criticized its slow pacing and reliance on “predictable jump scares,” noting that the Smurl family feels sidelined compared to the Warrens. On X, fans are divided: some hail it as a “worthy finale,” with one user posting, “The wedding scene made me cry—perfect end to the Warrens’ story!” Others lament a “lackluster” plot, arguing that The Conjuring 2 remains the series’ peak for its masterful tension.

The film’s strengths—its cast, nostalgic cameos, and polished production—outweigh its flaws for most viewers. The wedding sequence, with James Wan and Bonnie Aarons (the Nun) making uncredited appearances, delights fans, while the mirror’s eerie presence has sparked memes and fan art. However, some X users express disappointment that the scares lean on “loud bangs” rather than the creeping dread of the original films, with one writing, “It’s fun but not terrifying—miss James Wan’s touch.”

The Future of the Conjuring Universe

Billed as the end of the Warrens’ story, Last Rites marks the close of Conjuring’s Phase One, but the franchise is far from over. Producers James Wan and Peter Safran are already developing Phase Two, potentially focusing on new investigators or spinoffs like a psychological horror film centered on the Bride artifact or a slasher based on the Samurai from the Warrens’ museum. The series’ $2.4 billion global gross ensures Warner Bros. will continue exploring its universe, possibly following the Jurassic World model with fresh characters.

The film’s success is a testament to horror’s staying power, especially for Warner Bros., which now holds the top three horror openings ever. Its rebound from 2024’s box office flops like Joker: Folie à Deux highlights the studio’s strength, with Last Rites setting the stage for a robust fall season. As theaters brace for a slower autumn, the film’s performance offers hope, proving that a well-executed horror movie can still draw crowds.

A Haunting Farewell

The Conjuring: Last Rites is a triumph of fright and feeling, delivering a box office juggernaut that honors the Warrens’ legacy while setting new records. With Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga at their best, Michael Chaves’ direction, and a story that blends terror with tenderness, the film is a fitting end to the Warrens’ journey. Whether you’re a die-hard Conjuring fan or a casual moviegoer, Last Rites offers a thrilling ride that lingers long after the credits roll. Head to theaters now—this is one haunting you won’t want to miss.