The horror genre is alive and well, and Warner Bros. has the proof. The Conjuring: Last Rites has not only revived the energy of the U.S. box office but also positioned itself as a blockbuster, targeting a franchise-record $65 million-plus opening weekend. The film, billed as the chilling final chapter of the main Conjuring saga, has delivered the kind of preview numbers and early momentum that industry analysts could only dream of for a September release.
Thursday Previews Spark a Frighteningly Good Start
On Thursday night alone, Last Rites pulled in an impressive $8.5 million in previews, a figure that eclipses most horror launches and even outpaces previous installments in the franchise. For comparison, The Nun—once the high-water mark for the Conjuring Universe—opened with $5.4 million in previews before reaching a $53.8 million opening weekend. If early signs are any indication, Last Rites could topple that record with ease.
Industry trackers are buzzing, with some daring to project an opening in the $60–65 million range. If achieved, this would not only mark the biggest opening of the Conjuring films but also one of the largest September openings in box office history.
A Franchise Finale with High Stakes
Directed by Michael Chaves and produced by James Wan and Peter Safran, The Conjuring: Last Rites is being marketed as the climactic close to the Warren family saga. Set in 1986 Pennsylvania, the film follows Ed and Lorraine Warren (played once again by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) on their final—and perhaps most terrifying—investigation.
The emotional weight of this being the “last chapter” is clearly fueling audience interest. Fans who have followed the series since its groundbreaking 2013 debut see Last Rites as both an ending and a celebration of a horror universe that has grossed more than $2 billion worldwide.
Warner Bros. and the Horror Renaissance
Warner Bros. is having a strong streak at the box office, and Last Rites could add another jewel to its crown. Horror has long been considered a high-return, lower-budget genre, but the Conjuring Universe has transformed it into something much larger—a cinematic universe of connected stories.
A $65M+ launch for Last Rites would prove that horror isn’t just a niche—it’s a reliable, tentpole genre that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with superhero films and action spectacles.
Global Appeal: India and Beyond
What’s especially fascinating is the film’s international momentum. In India, Last Rites is projected to score a ₹15 crore opening day, which could make it the first Hollywood horror film to cross ₹100 crore in the Indian market. This underscores just how global the Conjuring brand has become, with loyal audiences far beyond the U.S. shores.
Early reports from European and Latin American markets also suggest strong bookings, hinting at a worldwide opening north of $80 million—a staggering figure for a supernatural thriller.
Audience Buzz and Social Media Hype
Social media has played its part in building hype. On Reddit’s r/boxoffice community, one commenter noted:
“Blowing away all $40M+ tracking projections… heading for a franchise-record opening of $65M.”
Another wrote:
“This is insane—Warner Bros. can’t miss right now. $80M global opening? Horror is winning again.”
The conversation online mirrors what’s happening in theaters: The Conjuring: Last Rites isn’t just another release; it’s an event.
What This Means for the Horror Landscape
If projections hold, Last Rites could redefine what’s expected of horror openings in Hollywood. The Conjuring franchise, already the most successful horror series in history, will end its main storyline on an emphatic high note.
The strong turnout also suggests audiences are craving original, cinematic experiences in theaters. While superhero franchises dominate headlines, horror has quietly become the genre that consistently delivers ROI, proving that suspense and scares are still a communal event best enjoyed on the big screen.
At a Glance: Box Office Tracking
| Metric | Estimate / Result |
|---|---|
| Thursday Previews | $8.5 million |
| Projected U.S. Opening Weekend | $60M–65M+ |
| Global Opening Projection | $80M+ |
| India Opening Day Estimate | ₹15 crore (~$1.8M) |
| Franchise Record to Beat | $53.8M (The Nun, 2018) |
Conclusion
With a perfect mix of loyal fans, chilling marketing, and the promise of a climactic finale, ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ jolts box office back to life, now targeting record $65M-plus opening. The film is not just about ending a story—it’s about proving that horror still commands a powerful hold over global audiences.
For Warner Bros., for horror fans, and for box office watchers everywhere, Last Rites isn’t just a movie. It’s a milestone.
