‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Jolt to Box Office, Propelling Horror to Record Heights
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” delivered a chillingly accomplished opening weekend, securing the third-highest debut ever for a horror film and helping the genre surpass $1 billion at the 2025 domestic box office, according to Comscore data. The film’s performance signals continued strength for horror as a theatrical draw, capitalizing on audiences’ desire for communal scare experiences.The success of “Last Rites” arrives amid a year already boasting strong horror numbers, with Warner Bros.’ “Sinners” grossing $278.6 million domestically and “final Destination: Bloodlines” earning $138.1 million. “Weapons,” also from Warner Bros., has collected $143 million in its fifth week of release. This surge in horror revenue underscores the genre’s consistent ability to attract audiences and generate important revenue for studios.Horror sequels are poised to maintain their momentum this fall, with Worldwide pictures set to release “Black Phone 2” on October 17, followed by “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” on December 5.
“It’s like the biggest roller coaster in the theme park. It has the longest line because people want to be scared in the communal environment of a movie theater,” said Paul Dergarabedian, a media analyst.
Competing with “The conjuring: Last Rites” this weekend,Disney released the filmed version of the Broadway hit “Hamilton,” which finished at No. 2 with $10 million. Industry analyst David A. Gross of FranchiseRe described the “hamilton” release as “completely unique,” adding that its earnings are “an excellent number” given the musical’s prior success on Disney+ in 2020 and its decade-long Broadway run.
