The highly anticipated horror film The Conjuring: Last Rites hit theaters worldwide on September 5, 2025, marking the final chapter in the iconic Conjuring franchise. Directed by Michael Chaves and starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film is poised to dominate the box office, particularly in markets like India and the Philippines, while facing stiff competition from Bollywood releases like Baaghi 4 and The Bengal Files. Here’s a breakdown of how The Conjuring: Last Rites is performing against other major releases and what’s driving its box office momentum.
A Record-Breaking Start in India
The Conjuring: Last Rites is off to a sensational start in India, with advance ticket sales surpassing 350,000, including 227,000 through major chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis. This makes it the highest pre-sale for any Hollywood horror film in the country, outpacing even major Indian releases like Chhaava (223,000 tickets) and Baaghi 4 (120,000 tickets). Analysts project an opening day gross of ₹15–20 crore (approximately $1.8–2.4 million USD), potentially setting a new record for Hollywood horror in India. With over 2,200 screens secured, the film is expected to dominate the weekend, possibly reaching ₹100 crore in its full run, a first for a Hollywood horror title in the region.
In comparison, Baaghi 4, starring Tiger Shroff, has reported advance bookings of ₹8.47 crore and is projected to net ₹9–13 crore on its opening day. Meanwhile, The Bengal Files, a political drama, trails with ₹1.23 crore in pre-sales and an expected ₹2–3 crore opening. Despite the competition, The Conjuring: Last Rites is leveraging its loyal fanbase and the franchise’s global appeal to take the lead.
Global Box Office Projections
Globally, The Conjuring: Last Rites is eyeing a $40–50 million domestic (U.S./Canada) opening weekend and an $80–100 million worldwide debut, driven by strong performances in 66 territories, including Korea, Germany, Italy, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and the UK. The film’s Thursday previews in the U.S. alone grossed $7–8 million, outpacing previews for other recent horror hits like Sinners ($4.7M), Final Destination: Bloodlines ($5.5M), and The Nun ($5.4M). This positions Last Rites for a potential franchise-record opening, surpassing The Nun’s $53.8 million debut in 2018.
The film’s global appeal is further evidenced by its record-breaking performance in the Philippines, where it achieved the highest-grossing midnight screening for any movie and the biggest opening day for a horror film in the country’s history, surpassing Final Destination: Bloodlines.
Competition from Other September Releases
While The Conjuring: Last Rites faces minimal direct competition in the horror genre this weekend, Disney’s filmed version of Hamilton is the only other major wide release, appealing to a different audience. However, the following weekend (September 12–14) brings a crowded field, including:
- Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle: Projected to open at $40 million+, potentially taking the top spot due to its massive anime fanbase.
- Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale: Expected to gross $20 million+, appealing to older audiences and period drama fans.
- The Long Walk: Anticipated to place third among new openers, with strong buzz for its dystopian thriller premise.
- Toy Story 30th Anniversary: A re-release likely to draw nostalgic crowds but not directly competing with horror audiences.
Despite this, The Conjuring: Last Rites benefits from Warner Bros.’ strategic post-Labor Day release window, a slot the studio has dominated with horror hits like It ($123.4M opening in 2017) and The Nun ($53.8M in 2018). The lack of major horror competition until Tron: Ares arrives on October 10 gives Last Rites a clear runway to capitalize on its fanbase.
Why The Conjuring: Last Rites Is Resonating
The Conjuring franchise, with over $2.3 billion in global box office earnings, is the highest-grossing horror franchise in history. Last Rites taps into this legacy, delivering a mix of emotional family dynamics and supernatural scares, centered on the Warrens’ final case in the 1980s. The film’s strong tracking among women under and over 25, as well as men under 25, highlights its broad appeal.
However, reviews are mixed, with a 58% Rotten Tomatoes score, slightly higher than The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (56%). Critics praise the performances of Farmiga and Wilson but note the film leans more on family drama than intense horror, with some calling it a “fitting but not terrifying” send-off. Audience reactions are more positive, with fans like @MamasGeeky on X calling it “a perfect ending” with “top-notch scares” and “emotional storytelling.”
Can Last Rites Sustain Its Momentum?
With a runtime of 2 hours 15 minutes and premium formats like IMAX, Dolby Atmos, and 4DX driving ticket sales, The Conjuring: Last Rites is well-positioned for a strong opening weekend. Its ability to outpace Bollywood competitors in India and set records in the Philippines suggests global staying power. However, the crowded September 12 weekend and lukewarm critical reception could challenge its longevity. Still, Warner Bros.’ horror track record and the franchise’s loyal fanbase make Last Rites a formidable contender in the early fall box office.
Stay tuned for updates on how The Conjuring: Last Rites performs against its rivals as final box office numbers roll in.
