The world of horror cinema has seen countless chills, screams, and goosebumps, but very few films have managed to capture both critical acclaim and box office glory quite like The Conjuring: Last Rites. The latest chapter in The Conjuring Universe has become a worldwide phenomenon, surpassing legendary blockbusters like Jaws and now setting its sights on breaking yet another record — overtaking Sonic the Hedgehog 3 to claim its position among the top-grossing horror and supernatural films of all time.
The film, directed by Michael Chaves and starring the dynamic duo Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, has haunted cinemas globally since its release. As of now, The Conjuring: Last Rites has amassed an incredible $490.9 million at the global box office, a feat that not only redefines modern horror success but also highlights the enduring appeal of the supernatural saga.
So, how did this eerie installment manage to achieve such chilling success? Let’s dive deep into The Conjuring: Last Rites Worldwide Box Office journey, its records, numbers, production secrets, and future prospects.
The Conjuring: Last Rites Worldwide Box Office — A Record-Breaking Journey
How Much Has The Conjuring: Last Rites Earned So Far?
According to the latest figures from Box Office Mojo, The Conjuring: Last Rites has crossed $490.9 million globally, marking one of the most remarkable runs for a horror film in recent history. Let’s break it down:
| Region | Box Office Earnings |
|---|---|
| North America | $177.3 million |
| International | $313.6 million |
| Worldwide Total | $490.9 million |
The film’s steady performance across multiple weekends shows that it isn’t just a horror hit — it’s a box office phenomenon. The Conjuring brand continues to thrive even in a post-pandemic world where audiences have become selective about theater experiences.
Surpassing Jaws: The Moment Horror Cinema Reclaimed Its Throne
In its ninth weekend, The Conjuring: Last Rites managed to overtake Steven Spielberg’s legendary 1975 blockbuster, Jaws, which grossed $490.7 million globally. This milestone is both symbolic and monumental — Jaws was the original “summer blockbuster” that forever changed cinema, and now, half a century later, a horror movie has reclaimed that level of cinematic dominance.
This surpassing moment marks a full-circle journey for the genre: from Jaws giving birth to blockbuster filmmaking to The Conjuring: Last Rites redefining what horror can achieve in the modern entertainment landscape.
What Makes The Conjuring: Last Rites So Successful?
Several factors contributed to the film’s supernatural success:
1. Established Franchise Legacy:
The Conjuring Universe has built immense credibility over the years, with consistent storytelling and strong fan loyalty.
2. Star Power:
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s on-screen chemistry continues to anchor the emotional and psychological core of the series.
3. Timing:
With few competing blockbusters in theaters, Last Rites enjoyed an uncluttered release window.
4. Word-of-Mouth & Critical Reception:
Audiences praised its return to atmospheric tension over cheap jump scares, making it one of the best-reviewed entries in the franchise.
The Conjuring: Last Rites Worldwide Box Office: Surpasses Jaws & Is On Track To Beat The 3rd Highest-Gros
After surpassing Jaws, The Conjuring: Last Rites now aims to overtake Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which currently sits at $492.16 million globally. The horror film is just a few million shy of that benchmark, making it highly probable that within a few more days, The Conjuring will claim the third spot among the highest-grossing video game adaptation-inspired films — a curious category given its supernatural themes.
This also pushes The Conjuring 4 closer to entering the Top 250 highest-grossing films of all time, an extraordinary feat for a genre that traditionally thrives on modest budgets and cult followings rather than mass-market appeal.
The Power of Franchise: The Conjuring Universe Keeps Growing
The Conjuring Universe isn’t just a set of sequels — it’s a cultural juggernaut. With spin-offs like Annabelle, The Nun, and The Curse of La Llorona, the interconnected horror ecosystem has surpassed $2.5 billion globally, making it the most successful horror franchise in history.
Every installment adds layers to the Warren family mythology, drawing audiences into a shared paranormal universe that’s both terrifying and oddly comforting to long-time fans.
Domestic Box Office Dominance: Holding Strong in North America
In its ninth weekend, The Conjuring: Last Rites earned $402,000 across 542 theaters in North America, showing only a 44% drop from the previous weekend. Its current domestic total sits at $177.39 million, a significant figure given its genre and production budget.
What makes this more impressive is the sustained interest — most horror films see sharp declines after the first few weekends, but Last Rites continues to haunt audiences week after week.
International Performance: Global Audiences Love Horror
Beyond North America, the movie has shown impressive legs in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The international box office of $313.6 million proves that horror’s language is universal — fear needs no translation.
Particularly strong markets include Mexico, Brazil, India, and South Korea, where The Conjuring franchise enjoys cult-like popularity. The film’s success in non-English-speaking countries also shows the power of universal storytelling anchored in emotional truth and primal fear.
Production Budget vs. Profit: A Massive Win
With a production budget of around $55 million, The Conjuring: Last Rites has generated nearly nine times its cost, making it one of the most profitable films of 2025. Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have struck gold once again with their consistent formula of suspense, spirituality, and supernatural terror.
This profitability ensures the continuation of the franchise, likely paving the way for The Conjuring 5 or another spin-off that delves deeper into the Warren archives.
Audience Reception: What Are Fans Saying?
Social media is buzzing with reactions. Fans call Last Rites the “best installment since the original,” applauding its storytelling, practical effects, and eerie soundtrack. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a Certified Fresh rating, and on IMDb, it averages 7.8/10, showing broad approval.
Many moviegoers appreciate that The Conjuring: Last Rites returns to its roots — focusing on psychological dread over relentless jump scares.
Critical Acclaim: Horror That Haunts and Heals
Critics have praised the film for its mature writing and emotional depth, describing it as “a horror film with a soul.” Reviewers highlight how the Warrens’ relationship brings warmth to the chilling narrative, creating a balance between terror and tenderness.
The Los Angeles Times noted:
“Last Rites isn’t just about ghosts — it’s about faith, love, and the courage to face inner demons. It’s the most human Conjuring yet.”
Comparing Box Office Records with Other Horror Classics
| Movie | Worldwide Gross | Year | Studio |
|---|---|---|---|
| It (2017) | $701.8M | 2017 | Warner Bros. |
| The Sixth Sense | $672.8M | 1999 | Disney |
| The Conjuring: Last Rites | $490.9M | 2025 | Warner Bros. |
| Jaws | $490.7M | 1975 | Universal |
| A Quiet Place Part II | $297M | 2021 | Paramount |
As this table reveals, Last Rites now ranks among the top five horror box office performers of all time, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
The Cultural Significance of The Conjuring Franchise
Beyond numbers, The Conjuring series has redefined how modern audiences view horror. It transformed the genre from low-budget scares to emotionally rich storytelling, proving that supernatural cinema can also have heart and humanity.
The Warrens — real-life paranormal investigators — have become pop culture icons, inspiring documentaries, Halloween attractions, and countless memes.
Director Michael Chaves: The Man Behind the Fear
Michael Chaves, who previously directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and The Curse of La Llorona, has truly found his footing with Last Rites. His ability to blend spiritual horror with cinematic elegance sets him apart from conventional horror filmmakers.
In an interview, Chaves shared:
“Fear is most powerful when it’s grounded in love and loss. Last Rites explores both — what we’re willing to sacrifice to protect the ones we love.”
Patrick Wilson & Vera Farmiga: The Heart of The Conjuring
No Conjuring movie feels complete without Ed and Lorraine Warren. Patrick Wilson’s grounded charm and Vera Farmiga’s ethereal intensity continue to make the couple relatable and emotionally compelling.
Their dynamic brings balance — a union of logic and spirituality, skepticism and faith — which has made them one of cinema’s most beloved horror duos.
Release Strategy: Timing That Paid Off
Released on September 5, 2025, the film hit theaters at a time when few major competitors were in play. This smart release strategy allowed the film to dominate screens and maximize audience turnout, especially during the Halloween buildup season.
Streaming Prospects: What’s Next After Theatrical Run?
Once the theatrical run ends, The Conjuring: Last Rites is expected to premiere on HBO Max, where it’s projected to dominate streaming charts as well. Given the franchise’s huge online fan base, its digital release will likely bring another wave of popularity.
Awards Buzz: Could Horror Finally Get Its Due?
Horror films are often overlooked during awards season, but Last Rites may break that pattern. With its strong emotional core, expert performances, and stunning direction, it has a genuine shot at nominations for sound design, cinematography, and editing in major awards circuits.
Future of The Conjuring Universe: What’s Next?
Insiders speculate that The Conjuring 5 could explore the “Warren Files”, tackling previously unexplored cases from their archives. There are also rumors of another spin-off centered on The Crooked Man, keeping the ghostly franchise alive for another decade.
FAQs
1. How much has The Conjuring: Last Rites earned worldwide?
It has grossed $490.9 million globally, with $177.3M from North America and $313.6M internationally.
2. Has The Conjuring: Last Rites surpassed Jaws?
Yes! It officially overtook Jaws’ $490.7M global haul, marking a historic moment for horror cinema.
3. Is it the highest-grossing film in The Conjuring series?
Yes, Last Rites has surpassed all previous Conjuring and Annabelle films, making it the top earner in the franchise.
4. What was the budget for The Conjuring: Last Rites?
It was produced on a $55 million budget, making its profits nearly nine times higher than the investment.
5. Will there be another Conjuring movie?
Highly likely. The franchise’s success almost guarantees The Conjuring 5 or another spin-off is already in early development.
6. When will it stream online?
The film is expected to stream on HBO Max after its theatrical run ends later this year.
Conclusion
The Conjuring: Last Rites isn’t just another scary movie — it’s a cinematic event that redefines what horror can achieve at the global box office. By surpassing Jaws and closing in on Sonic the Hedgehog 3, it proves that audiences still crave the thrill of well-crafted supernatural stories.
Its success is a testament to powerful storytelling, dedicated performances, and the timeless appeal of facing our deepest fears — together, in the dark.
