What's Happening?
The Conjuring: Last Rites has become the highest-grossing film in the Conjuring franchise, earning $12.95 million in its third weekend, which marks a 49% drop from the previous weekend. The film's domestic total now stands at $151.1 million, while its global earnings have reached $382.17 million. This achievement places it ahead of Weapons as the second highest-grossing domestic horror title of the year. Additionally, it is poised to surpass Marvel's Thunderbolts as the 12th highest global grosser of 2025. The film's success contributes to New Line's milestone of surpassing $1 billion in horror title earnings, a feat previously achieved only once by the studio in 2017.
Why It's Important?
The success of The Conjuring: Last Rites underscores the continued popularity and profitability of horror films in the U.S. market. It highlights the franchise's ability to draw audiences despite competition from other genres and new releases. The film's performance also reflects the strength of New Line's horror portfolio, contributing significantly to the studio's financial success. This trend may encourage other studios to invest more in horror productions, potentially leading to increased diversity and innovation within the genre. The film's achievement in surpassing Marvel's Thunderbolts indicates a shift in audience preferences, with horror films gaining traction over traditional superhero narratives.
What's Next?
As The Conjuring: Last Rites continues to perform well at the box office, it is expected to maintain its momentum and possibly achieve further milestones in the coming weeks. The film's success may prompt New Line to explore additional sequels or spin-offs within the Conjuring universe, capitalizing on the franchise's popularity. Other studios may also take note of this trend and adjust their strategies to include more horror offerings in their lineups. The film's impact on the box office could influence upcoming releases, with studios potentially reconsidering their marketing and distribution strategies to better compete with successful horror titles.
Beyond the Headlines
The Conjuring: Last Rites' success may have broader implications for the horror genre, potentially influencing cultural perceptions and acceptance of horror films as mainstream entertainment. The film's achievement could lead to increased investment in horror-themed content across various media platforms, including streaming services and television. Additionally, the film's performance may inspire filmmakers to explore new narratives and innovative storytelling techniques within the genre, contributing to its evolution and expansion. The success of horror films like The Conjuring: Last Rites may also impact the types of projects greenlit by studios, with a focus on high-concept horror that appeals to a wide audience.
