It’s not every day that a horror film sends shockwaves through the global box office, but “The Conjuring: Last Rites” has done just that—and then some. The fourth and final chapter in the much-loved franchise opened to massive numbers this weekend, surpassing industry expectations and setting new milestones for both Warner Bros. and the horror genre at large.
According to The Indian Express, the film raked in a staggering $34.5 million on Friday, September 5, 2025, which included a record-breaking $8.5 million from Thursday previews. This figure not only outstripped the $22 million opening of the 2018 spin-off “The Nun,” but also marked the largest preview haul for any horror movie released in 2025, as highlighted by Variety.
Early Saturday estimates, as reported by both The Indian Express and NDTV, suggested that “The Conjuring: Last Rites” could reach an opening weekend total between $75 and $80 million. That’s a jaw-dropping figure for a genre often considered niche, and it places the film firmly at the top of the box office charts. The Numbers confirmed that the movie was the number one draw on its opening day, leaving competitors trailing far behind. In second place, the filmed version of “Hamilton” was expected to bring in up to $10 million, while “Weapons,” in its fifth week, managed just $1.5 million in sales.
Globally, the film’s impact was equally impressive. NDTV and The Indian Express both noted that on its opening Friday, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” pulled in $47.3 million from over 60 international markets. The film is now on track for a worldwide debut of $165 to $170 million against a relatively modest $55 million production budget. If it crosses $92.2 million overseas, it will overtake “It: Chapter Two” ($92.5 million) to claim the title of the highest foreign debut for a New Line Cinema release. A $170 million global debut would also make it Hollywood’s third-biggest horror opening ever, trailing only the two “It” films—a remarkable feat for any franchise, let alone one concluding its run.
It’s not just the global market that’s buzzing. In India, the movie’s IMAX release earned around Rs 17.5 crore on its first day, outpacing local favorite “Baaghi 4,” which managed Rs 12 crore. On its second day, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” added Rs 17.3 crore, bringing its two-day total to Rs 34.8 crore. This achievement places the film as the seventh highest-grossing Hollywood horror movie in Indian box office history, just behind “Evil Dead Rise” (Rs 36.50 crore)—a rare accomplishment for a foreign horror title, and one that took just two days to achieve, as pointed out by The Indian Express and NDTV.
Meanwhile, Bollywood releases have struggled to keep pace. “Baaghi 4” saw its Saturday collections drop to Rs 9 crore, and “The Bengal Files” made only Rs 2.25–3.5 crore over the same period, according to both The Indian Express and NDTV. The contrast couldn’t be starker: while Hollywood’s latest supernatural tale is drawing crowds in droves, local productions are finding it tough to compete, at least for now.
So, what’s behind this runaway success? For starters, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is the ninth film in the broader “Conjuring” universe, which has built a loyal fanbase since the original 2013 film introduced audiences to Ed and Lorraine Warren, played once again by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. This final installment is directed by Michael Chaves, who previously helmed “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” and it features a star-studded cast including Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy, and Rebecca Calder. The story itself is rooted in real-life events, following a 1986 haunting in Pennsylvania where a family reportedly experienced terrifying paranormal phenomena—a formula that has consistently resonated with horror enthusiasts.
From a business perspective, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” continues Warner Bros.’ remarkable streak, marking the studio’s seventh consecutive release with an opening weekend above $40 million. No other Hollywood studio has managed such a feat in recent years, a testament to both the enduring appeal of the horror genre and Warner Bros.’ marketing prowess.
Yet, not all reviews have been glowing. The New York Times described the movie as “more an eccentric family drama than a real chiller,” suggesting that the film may not deliver the same level of terror as its predecessors. Still, the numbers don’t lie: audiences are turning out in force, perhaps drawn by the promise of one last scare or the chance to see the Warrens’ final case unfold on the big screen.
Looking back, the franchise has consistently delivered strong box office returns. The original “Conjuring” opened with $41.9 million, while its 2016 sequel managed $40.4 million. Even “The Devil Made Me Do It,” released during the pandemic and simultaneously on HBO Max, grossed $65.6 million domestically, according to Variety. The latest entry, with its record-breaking previews and massive opening, seems poised to set a new benchmark for horror finales.
For international audiences, the appeal is clear. Horror films often transcend language and cultural barriers, tapping into universal fears and curiosities. “The Conjuring: Last Rites” leverages this broad appeal, combining a compelling true story with top-notch production values and a cast that fans have come to love over the years.
As the weekend draws to a close, all eyes are on the final tallies. Will “The Conjuring: Last Rites” surpass the overseas mark set by “It: Chapter Two”? Can it maintain its momentum in the face of new releases and shifting audience tastes? One thing’s for sure: this film has already secured its place in the annals of horror cinema, both for its box office achievements and for giving fans one last, unforgettable fright.
With its record-setting debut and global impact, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” proves that, even as the franchise closes its final chapter, the appetite for supernatural scares remains as strong as ever.
