Spectacular Opening for The Conjuring: Last Rites!

In an electrifying start, *The Conjuring: Last Rites* stormed its way to an impressive $8.5 million during its Thursday previews, setting a new franchise record and eclipsing *The Nun’s* previous mark of $5.4 million. This monumental figure also marks the highest opening night for any horror production from Warner Bros. and New Line this year!

Weekend Projections and Audience Reactions

With such a robust opening, predictions suggest a weekend gross exceeding $50 million could be on the horizon. However, fans of horror are cautioned not to get ahead of themselves, as these films often experience dramatic drops over the weekend. Early audience reactions are promising, with a 60% recommendation rate amongst viewers, giving this Michael Chaves-directed film a strong push moving forward.

Who’s Watching? Audience Demographics Revealed

The audience breakdown showcased a diverse group: 51% male and 49% female, with a staggering 69% of attendees aged between 18-34. The movie particularly resonated with teens aged 13-17, receiving a remarkable 92% approval rate. Latino and Hispanic viewers made up 44% of the audience, highlighting the film's broad appeal.

Box Office Companions: Hamilton and Jaws Anniversary

Meanwhile, Disney’s *Hamilton* netted $850,000 in its theatrical run, aiming for around $7 million overall. For additional context, last weekend featured a *Jaws* 50th Anniversary release, which earned $950,000 before concluding with $8.2 million.

Warner Bros Celebrates a Winning Streak

Warner Bros is basking in success as *The Conjuring: Last Rites* becomes their seventh No. 1 opener of 2025 and their fourth consecutive horror film to top the charts. The film creatively builds on the horror franchise's long-standing legacy, which has grossed a staggering $2.3 billion globally.

Critical Reception and Performance Comparisons

Despite the buzz, critics have not shown much love, assigning *Last Rites* a lukewarm 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, comparable to its predecessor, *The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It*, which scored 56%. That film debuted to $24.1 million and concluded with $65.6 million domestically.

The Future of Horror at the Box Office

As we await the final box office numbers, fans are eager to see if *The Conjuring: Last Rites* can maintain its strong momentum. Given the franchise's history and audience enthusiasm, it may be poised for a spectacular run at theaters.