After a lengthy wait, Ed and Lorraine Warren have made a powerful return to the big screen—with The Conjuring: Last Rites bringing in a remarkable $187 million worldwide. Domestic earnings accounted for $83 million, marking this release as the strongest opening for a Conjuring film and the third-highest for a horror movie overall. This stunning result exceeded initial projections from both Warner Bros. and industry analysts.
Internationally, Last Rites grossed $104 million, proving to be the second-biggest opening for a Hollywood horror film outside the US, further solidifying the franchise’s global appeal. The latest installment showcases the beloved real-life couple, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, as they delve into the chilling Smurl hauntings. Much of the film’s marketing focuses on this being the couple’s final case, hinting at a bittersweet conclusion to their paranormal investigations, though the Conjuring name isn’t disappearing just yet, as an HBO Max series is in development.
Despite receiving mixed reviews—typical for the franchise—audiences seem undeterred. This engaging horror saga continues to capture hearts around the world.
Meanwhile, outside of the Conjuring universe, New Line’s horror-thriller Weapons is also performing impressively. Now in its fifth week, it has pulled in an additional $10 million—$5.4 million domestically and $4.6 million internationally—bringing its total to a remarkable $250 million. As of September 9, the film is set to release on digital platforms, followed by a physical release on October 14, although its HBO Max release date remains uncertain.
Looking forward, several theatrical genre films are on the horizon, including The Long Walk on September 12, Him and A Big Bold Beautiful Journey on September 19, and The Strangers: Chapter 2 on September 26.
What can we expect from the latest Conjuring film? The Conjuring: Last Rites has brought the franchise full circle, affirming its status as a horror powerhouse within the industry.
How did The Conjuring: Last Rites perform against expectations? Far surpassing initial projections, it emerged as the strongest launch in the franchise’s history.
Is the Conjuring franchise finished after Last Rites? While this installment marks the end of Ed and Lorraine’s adventures, the franchise will continue with new television content.
What’s next for the film industry this month? A variety of thrilling titles, including The Long Walk and The Strangers: Chapter 2, are set to hit theaters, ensuring audiences will have plenty of options.
Stay tuned for updates on the latest in horror cinema. If you’re eager to discover more about the Conjuring series or other upcoming releases, visit Moyens I/O for all the latest industry insights.