The Conjuring: Last Rites Shatters Records as 2025's Top Horror Debut

The Box Office Triumph of The Conjuring: Last Rites

The latest installment in the highly successful horror franchise, The Conjuring: Last Rites, has made a powerful impact on the box office, securing a record-breaking $83 million in its opening weekend. This impressive figure not only marks it as the biggest horror premiere of 2025 so far but also unseats Weapons after four weeks at the top of the domestic charts.

The film’s success is attributed to the enduring appeal of the Warrens, Ed and Lorraine, who have become iconic figures in the horror genre. Their presence in the movie continues to draw audiences eager to experience the next chapter in the Conjuring universe. With global earnings reaching up to $187 million, the film is well-positioned to challenge other high-grossing titles in the industry.

The Conjuring franchise, which began with James Wan’s 2013 film The Conjuring, has consistently delivered thrilling experiences for fans. It features beloved characters such as the real-life ghost-hunting couple, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, as well as notorious antagonists like Annabelle and Valak. The franchise has long held the title of the highest-grossing horror series, and the performance of Last Rites further solidifies its legacy.

This weekend’s box office results highlight how much the film has exceeded expectations. Previously, The Nun was the franchise's top-grossing film with $53.8 million in its opening weekend. However, Last Rites surpassed that by a significant margin, achieving a 54% increase. It outperformed all previous entries in the series, including The Nun II, The Devil Made Me Do It, Annabelle Comes Home, and The Curse of La Llorona, none of which managed to exceed $35 million in their premieres.

Interestingly, the opening weekend gross of Last Rites alone surpasses the lifetime earnings of the last three films mentioned above. It also has the potential to overtake other major releases such as Sinners, Weapons, and Final Destination Bloodlines in terms of total box office revenue for 2025. By the end of its theatrical run, it could easily surpass all other films in the Conjuring universe.

A New Era for the Box Office

One of the most notable outcomes of Last Rites’ success is the fall of Weapons, which had been the top performer for four consecutive weeks. The film, starring Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, and Alden Ehrenreich, dropped two spots this week. A filmed version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton earned $10 million, securing the No. 2 spot, while Weapons took third place with a $5.3 million haul.

Globally, Japan’s animated fantasy Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle continues to dominate with a $12.3 million take after seven weeks in theaters. The film is currently available in 11 territories across East and Southeast Asia and is set to debut worldwide next week, expanding its reach and potential revenue.

In the domestic market, Caught Stealing and The Roses maintained strong positions in their second week of release. Caught Stealing, a rock-driven film starring Austin Butler and Zoë Kravitz, earned $3.2 million, landing it in fifth place. The Roses, a black comedy featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, secured sixth place with $2.8 million.

Looking Ahead

While there are several new releases scheduled for the following week, none pose a significant threat to Last Rites’ dominance. However, the variety of offerings may affect its performance in the second week. Among the upcoming films, The Long Walk, an adaptation of a Stephen King story, and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale are expected to draw attention. Additionally, The History of Sound, a queer romance starring Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor, and Spinal Tap: The End Continues, a legacy sequel featuring Elton John, Questlove, and Paul McCartney, will also be released.