The Conjuring: The Last Rites Breaks Records Despite Negative Reviews
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, Warner Bros. is set to claim the No. 1 spot at the North American box office for the seventh time with The Conjuring: The Last Rites. Although the film has not received glowing reviews, it will mark the studio’s fourth consecutive weekend at the top.
Deadline reports that Thursday night previews grossed between $7–8 million, easily surpassing the preview record of previous Conjuring installments. The sequel, directed by Michael Chaves, is expected to cross $40 million domestically by Monday.
Its performance surpasses other recent genre releases, including Sinners ($4.7 million), Final Destination: Bloodlines ($5.5 million), Weapons ($5.7 million), and even The Nun ($5.4 million). Chaves previously directed The Nun II, which opened with $3.1 million in previews. The original The Nun still holds the franchise record with a $53.8 million domestic debut. Collectively, the Conjuring Universe—which includes the main films as well as spin-offs like The Nun and Annabelle—has grossed over $2.3 billion, making it the highest-earning horror franchise in history.
The Last Rites currently holds a 56% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, on par with 2021’s The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, which earned $206 million worldwide while releasing simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. Audience ratings are stronger, with 77% approval based on more than 250 reviews.
In this fourth chapter, Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson) take on a new case set in 1980s Pennsylvania. The cast also features Ben Hardy and Mia Tomlinson.
