“Last Rites” - The perfect finale to the horror universe “The Conjuring”

2025 continues to be a boom year for horror movies, and “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is no exception.

In its first week of release, the film earned $83 million in the North American market, becoming the third highest-grossing film in horror cinema history, behind only the two "IT" films.

This resounding success also contributed to helping the total revenue of the horror genre in the domestic market surpass the 1 billion USD mark this year.

With an international gross of $104 million, the film officially became the horror film with the highest international opening ever.

This is also the most successful opening in the entire The Conjuring franchise, surpassing all previous films since the first one was released in 2013.

The film's success is a testament to the enduring power of "The Conjuring" franchise, according to Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian.

Audiences know that when they enter the theater, they are in for a thrilling and thrilling ride. “Unlike any other genre, horror has stood the test of time… There is nothing like the experience of watching a horror movie in a dark theater with strangers,” he said.

The film follows the Warrens and their husbands in the most haunting case of their exorcism career, known as the “Smurl Haunting.”

Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics (55% on Rotten Tomatoes), the return of psychics Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) still received strong support from audiences.

Collider review: “'Last Rites' is a solid conclusion to Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga's journey as the Warrens, and proves to be one of the best casting choices. Wilson and Farmiga bring their hearts and souls to the role. Their warmth and determination as the Warrens was compelling from day one, and that remains true to the end.”

Coming in second on the chart is Disney's film version of “Hamilton” with $10 million domestically.

The remaining spots in the top ten were occupied by some earlier releases. The blockbuster horror film "Weapons" came in third in its fifth weekend, bringing in $5.4 million at North American theaters.

The film released at the same time, "Freakier Friday", took fourth place with $3.8 million.

Upcoming horror films like “Black Phone 2” and “Five Nights at Freddy's 2” are expected to continue to boost the genre's box office in the final months of the year.

Top grossing movies at North American theaters last week:

1. “The Conjuring: Last Rites” – 83 million USD

2. “Hamilton” – $10 million

3. “Weapons” – $5.4 million

4. “Freakier Friday” – 3.8 million USD

5. “Caught Stealing” – $3.2 million

6. “The Roses” – $2.8 million

7. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” – 2.8 million USD

8. “The Bad Guys 2” – $2.5 million

9. “Light of the World” – 2.4 million USD

10. “Superman” – 1 million USD./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)