The Conjuring: Last Rites Tops 2025 Horror Box Office
Following its record-breaking global debut, The Conjuring: Last Rites continues to dominate the 2025 horror movie landscape. The film has impressively crossed the $400 million mark worldwide, positioning it as the highest grossing horror release of the year and cementing its place above other major titles like Sinners ($366.7 million), Final Destination Bloodlines ($313 million), and Weapons ($263.6 million), according to data compiled by MovieWeb.
Box Office Performance and Industry Impact
The commercial success of The Conjuring: Last Rites is particularly notable given the mixed critical reception. Despite holding a 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences have flocked to theaters, demonstrating the continuing appeal of the franchise.
- Record-breaking opening: The film had the largest global opening ever for a horror movie, with an $83 million haul in its opening weekend alone.
- Surpassing peers: It outperformed 28 Years Later, which grossed $151.2 million, highlighting its exceptional market performance in a competitive genre.
The Conjuring franchise is historically the highest-grossing horror series, and Last Rites solidifies this legacy further amid evolving audience preferences and streaming trends.
Critical Perspectives: Balancing Box Office with Reviews
Our editorial review awarded the movie 2.5 stars, acknowledging that while it is a “bloodier, louder, in-your-face affair” reminiscent of classic horror like Insidious and Evil Dead, it lacks the subtlety and stylistic chills the franchise is known for. The lengthy 135-minute runtime was noted to flow quickly, yet the film falls short of being “bold or memorable enough for a final chapter.”
Director Michael Chaves shared insights into their approach to end the saga on a high note, expressing a deliberate choice to conclude the series confidently rather than stretching it unnecessarily.
Summary of Key Points:
- Commercial success despite lukewarm reviews, demonstrating strong audience engagement and franchise loyalty.
- The Conjuring franchise’s status as the highest-grossing horror series remains unchallenged in 2025.
- Creative decision to conclude the saga with confidence, emphasizing quality over quantity in horror film continuations.
Broader Context: Horror Films in 2025
In 2025, the horror genre continues to thrive at the box office, with notable entries pushing boundaries both narratively and financially. Films like Final Destination Bloodlines and Sinners have also contributed significantly but have yet to surpass the remarkable success of Last Rites.
According to industry reports, the global box office for horror films grew by approximately 7% year-over-year by mid-2025, capitalizing on the increasing appetite for genre films that blend suspense, supernatural elements, and emotional depth. This growth is also attributed to:
- The resurgence of theatrical releases post-pandemic encouraging wider audience turnout.
- The skillful integration of true-story elements and franchise lore, as seen in The Conjuring universe.
- An expansion of horror sub-genres appealing to diverse demographics.
Conclusion
The Conjuring: Last Rites commands the 2025 horror box office with a staggering $400 million+ global gross, outperforming competitors and reaffirming the franchise’s stronghold on the genre. While critical reception remains mixed, the film’s commercial success highlights the enduring power of well-established horror universes and audience dedication. This performance also reflects broader industry trends that favor innovative yet familiar horror narratives that drive box office growth.
As the horror genre evolves, The Conjuring franchise offers a case study in balancing financial success, franchise legacy, and creative closure.
