The Conjuring: Last Rites breaks horror history record with $194M opening
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, The Conjuring: Last Rites has become the highest-grossing horror film in history at the global box office opening, with updated figures showing $194 million. The ninth installment in Warner Bros. and New Line’s Conjuring franchise has surpassed It with $190 million. Earlier on Sunday, it was reported that Last Rites had earned $187 million.
Internationally, the sequel set another record for the horror genre, grossing $110 million and overtaking It: Chapter Two ($92 million) as the highest-grossing horror film outside the U.S. Domestically, the latest Conjuring earned $83 million, placing it third in horror history behind It ($123 million) and its sequel It: Chapter Two ($91 million).
Directed by Michael Chaves and starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren, Last Rites did not receive positive critical reviews but earned a B grade from audiences on CinemaScore. James Wan, the creator of the franchise, served as one of the producers. The Conjuring cinematic universe, which includes spin-offs such as The Nun and Annabelle, has now grossed over $2.3 billion, holding the record for the horror genre.
Made on a $55 million budget, the fourth Conjuring entry is already considered a commercial success. Warner Bros. has also set a new record, releasing seven consecutive films with openings above $40 million, capped by Last Rites.
Last year, Warner Bros. faced several commercial failures with Joker: Folie a Deux, Mickey 17, and The Alto Knights, sparking rumors about the possible removal of Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca. However, thanks to box office successes with A Minecraft Movie, Sinners, Final Destination: Bloodlines, Superman, and Weapons, the studio has rebounded with a string of commercial hits.
