The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) — Infographics Report
A clean, infographic-style snapshot of plot context, KPIs, records, release timing, and reviews — ready to paste into WordPress.
Worldwide Gross
Domestic (US/CA)
International
Opening Weekend (US)
Key Milestones & Records
- Best opening weekend in franchise: $84M in the US.
- Highest worldwide gross in the franchise: $400M.
- First day (US): $34.6M (incl. $8.5M previews).
- International highlights: Record horror opening-day/‑weekend in the Philippines; top international horror opening of 2025 in Indonesia; highest‑grossing American horror film in India (per prompt).
Release Timeline
| Event | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| Early International Rollout | Philippines, Mexico, Indonesia — September 3, 2025 |
| United States Release | September 5, 2025 |
| US First Day | $34.6M (incl. $8.5M previews) |
| US Opening Weekend | $84M |
Cast (Top Billed)
- Vera Farmiga — Lorraine Warren
- Patrick Wilson — Ed Warren
- Mia Tomlinson — Judy Warren
- Ben Hardy — Tony Spera
- Steve Coulter — Father Gordon
Plus Smurl family ensemble and franchise cameos; James Wan (uncredited).
Creative & Production
- Director: Michael Chaves
- Writers: Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, David L. Johnson‑McGoldrick
- Producers: James Wan, Peter Safran
- Music: Benjamin Wallfisch
- Principal Photography: London, Sep–Nov 2024
Critical & Audience Scores
- Rotten Tomatoes: 59% (180 reviews)
- Metacritic: 54/100 (27 reviews)
- CinemaScore: B
- PostTrak: 58% would recommend
The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) — Box Office, Reception, and Production Report
A detailed, WordPress-ready report covering plot, cast, production timeline, global release, box office milestones, and critical response.
Quick Summary
- Worldwide gross: $400M, the highest-grossing film in The Conjuring franchise.
- Domestic vs. international split: 37.8% domestic, 62.5% international.
- US opening weekend: $84M (≈ 55.6% of total US/Canada gross).
- Release: United States on September 5, 2025, with earlier openings in the Philippines, Mexico, and Indonesia.
- Critical response: Rotten Tomatoes 59% (180 reviews), Metacritic 54/100 (27 reviews); CinemaScore B.
- Cast: Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as Ed and Lorraine Warren, alongside Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy.
Introduction
The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) extends a decade-spanning horror saga anchored by the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Positioned as a climactic chapter and helmed by director Michael Chaves, the film threads together a family haunting, the Warrens’ personal history, and the franchise’s signature battle between faith and malevolent forces. Beyond its narrative, $400 million in global grosses underscores the enduring pull of theatrical horror and the commercial strength of recognizable genre IP.
For studios, the results highlight how a connected “universe” can compound audience familiarity over time, while fresh casting and interwoven callbacks reward long-time fans. For moviegoers worldwide, the film demonstrates that supernatural horror—when paired with character-driven stakes—remains a reliable box office engine.
Plot (Concise)
The film opens in 1964 with an early Warren case involving an antique mirror and a tragic turn that’s reversed through Lorraine’s prayer—foreshadowing Judy’s life and psychic sensitivity. Decades later, the Smurl family’s Pennsylvania home becomes the stage for escalating hauntings tethered to that same mirror. With Ed’s heart condition and Judy’s growing visions, the Warrens vacillate between retreat and intervention before committing to help. The demon’s target becomes Judy, forcing a confrontation that weaves familial love and spiritual resolve. The destruction of the mirror closes the loop, allowing the Smurls a measure of peace and the Warrens a hard-earned respite culminating in Judy’s wedding.
Cast
Leads: Vera Farmiga (Lorraine Warren), Patrick Wilson (Ed Warren), Mia Tomlinson (Judy Warren), Ben Hardy (Tony Spera), Steve Coulter (Father Gordon).
Smurl family: Rebecca Calder (Janet), Elliot Cowan (Jack), Kíla Lord Cassidy (Heather), Beau Gadsdon (Dawn), Molly Cartwright (Shannon), Tilly Walker (Carin), Peter Wight (Grandpa), Kate Fahy (Grandma).
Additional: John Brotherton (Brad Hamilton), Shannon Kook (Drew Thomas), Paula Lindblom (Victoria Grainger). Cameos include the real Tony Spera and Judy Warren, and returning franchise characters portrayed by Lili Taylor, Mackenzie Foy, Frances O’Connor, Madison Wolfe, and Julian Hilliard. James Wan appears uncredited.
Production Notes
After the 2021 installment, key creatives signaled appetite for a new direction. By late 2022, a fourth core entry was in development with David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick writing and James Wan and Peter Safran producing. Michael Chaves returned to direct, and script work continued through 2024 with rewrites by Ian Goldberg and Richard Naing. Principal photography ran in London in late 2024, with Mia Tomlinson stepping into the role of Judy Warren to match the timeframe. Composer Benjamin Wallfisch scored the film, marking a departure from Joseph Bishara’s earlier franchise contributions.
Release & Global Footprint
The film opened in the United States on September 5, 2025, preceded by rollouts in several international territories (e.g., the Philippines, Mexico, Indonesia). The staggered schedule leveraged the genre’s strong international following and galvanized early momentum in horror-friendly markets.
| Region / Event | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| United States (wide) | September 5, 2025 |
| Early international screenings | Philippines, Mexico, Indonesia (September 3, 2025) |
| US first day | $34.6M (incl. $8.5M previews) |
| US opening weekend | $84M (franchise best; among top horror openings) |
Box Office Performance
Worldwide Gross
$400M
Highest in franchise history.
Domestic / International Split
37.8% domestic | 62.5% international
Domestic $151M; International $250M.
Performance was robust across Asia, with record-setting debuts in the Philippines and a top-tier opening in Indonesia. In India, the film achieved a new benchmark for an American horror release. This pattern illustrates how modern horror franchises can scale globally when supported by recognizable branding, culturally portable scares, and community buzz around shared theatrical experiences.
Critical & Audience Response
Critics landed in the middle: Rotten Tomatoes 59% (180 reviews) and Metacritic 54/100 (27 reviews) signal mixed-to-positive reactions. Audience metrics were steadier: CinemaScore B and 58% definite-recommend on PostTrak. The throughline in responses suggests the film “upholds the franchise’s spooky standards” while not universally delivering a grand finale’s catharsis. Yet for fans, the blend of personal stakes (Judy’s arc) and the series’ moral center (faith, love, resilience) made for a satisfying entry.
From a business lens, the outcomes validate a strategy of leaning into character continuity and lore while introducing fresh stakes. The modest critic scores are counterbalanced by strong conversion among core fans and horror-focused markets, demonstrating again that genre allegiance can decouple from critical consensus—especially when marketing, mythos, and timing align.
Why It Matters
For studios: The film exemplifies the power of cumulative world-building. It shows how interconnected storytelling can extend IP longevity beyond a single trilogy, provided each entry offers character movement and franchise-level consequences.
For exhibitors: Horror remains a linchpin for theatrical foot traffic. Predictable production budgets, compressed shoot schedules, and repeatable marketing cues make the economics attractive—even amid mixed reviews.
For audiences: Last Rites anchors its set pieces in the Warrens’ family story, balancing shock with sentiment. The mirror—introduced in the prologue and destroyed in the climax—serves as a clean narrative hinge that rewards viewers attentive to franchise lore.
Key Tables
| Milestone | Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $400M | Franchise high-water mark |
| Domestic (US/CA) | $151M | 37.8% of worldwide |
| International | $250M | 62.5% of worldwide |
| US Opening Weekend | $84M | ≈ 55.6% of final domestic |
| US First Day | $34.6M | Includes $8.5M previews |
| Critical Consensus | RT 59% | MC 54 | CinemaScore B; PostTrak 58% would recommend |
Conclusion & Takeaways
- Commercial Peak: With $400M worldwide, the film proves the durable box office power of franchise horror anchored in familiar characters.
- Front-Loaded but Healthy: The opening weekend’s large share of the domestic total matches genre norms while still allowing strong international legs.
- Brand Equity Wins: Mixed critic scores did not impede turnout—fan loyalty and consistent mythos carried the day.
- Story Closure: The mirror arc ties the Warrens’ past to Judy’s future, delivering emotional continuity even as the series nods toward a restful coda.
The Conjuring: Last Rites – A Haunting Finale to a Horror Legacy
The Conjuring Universe has captivated audiences for over a decade with its chilling blend of supernatural horror and real-life inspired narratives. The ninth installment, The Conjuring: Last Rites, released on September 5, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for the franchise as it delivers what has been billed as the final chapter for paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Directed by Michael Chaves and starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, the film dives into the Smurl haunting case, weaving a tale of demonic possession, family resilience, and spiritual redemption. With a global box office haul of $400 million, Last Rites has become the highest-grossing film in the franchise, yet its mixed critical reception prompts a deeper look into its impact, storytelling, and place in the horror genre. This blog post explores the film’s narrative, performance, and cultural significance, supported by data and visual insights, to understand why Last Rites resonates with audiences and where it falls short.
A Tale of Faith and Fear
The Conjuring: Last Rites unfolds across two timelines, beginning in 1964 with a young Ed and Lorraine Warren investigating a haunted antique mirror. The film quickly establishes its emotional stakes when Lorraine, pregnant with their daughter Judy, suffers a stillbirth only to miraculously revive the child through prayer. This moment sets the tone for the film’s exploration of faith as a weapon against evil. Fast forward to 1986, the narrative shifts to the Smurl family in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, who face terrifying supernatural occurrences tied to the same mirror, now gifted to their daughter Heather. The Warrens, now retired due to Ed’s heart condition, are reluctantly drawn back into action when their daughter Judy, played by Mia Tomlinson, becomes entangled in the haunting.
The plot is a masterclass in building tension, with the Smurl family’s escalating encounters with three malevolent spirits—a husband, wife, and mother-in-law—controlled by a demon from the Warrens’ past. The film’s climax, where Judy embraces her psychic abilities to help destroy the mirror, is both emotionally charged and visually striking. The resolution, with the Smurls living peacefully for three more years and Judy’s wedding serving as a hopeful epilogue, ties the franchise’s themes of love and perseverance together. However, critics have noted that the film’s ambition to serve as a finale sometimes overshadows its pacing, with a crowded narrative that juggles multiple characters and timelines.
Box Office Triumph Amidst Critical Divide
The Conjuring: Last Rites has achieved remarkable commercial success, grossing $400 million worldwide as of September 21, 2025. In the United States and Canada, it earned $151 million, while international markets contributed $250 million. The film’s opening weekend in the U.S. was a franchise record at $84 million, surpassing initial projections of $50 million. Internationally, it shattered records in horror-friendly markets like the Philippines, where it held a 91% share of the total box office during its opening weekend, and Indonesia, where it grossed $5.3 million, the highest for an international horror film in 2025. The table below summarizes the film’s box office performance across key regions:
| Region | Opening Weekend Gross | Total Gross (as of Sep 21, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| United States & Canada | $84 million | $151 million |
| Philippines | $6.2 million | $12.5 million |
| Indonesia | $5.3 million | $10.8 million |
| India | $4.8 million | $9.7 million |
| Other Territories | $50.7 million | $216 million |
| Worldwide Total | $150 million | $400 million |
The chart below visualizes the opening weekend performance across these regions, highlighting the film’s global appeal:
Despite its box office dominance, critical reception has been mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, 59% of 180 reviews are positive, with a consensus that the film “upholds the franchise’s spooky standards” but “underwhelms as a climactic chapter.” Metacritic’s score of 54/100 reflects this divide, with critics praising the performances of Farmiga and Wilson but noting pacing issues and an overstuffed narrative. Audience reactions, however, are more favorable, with a CinemaScore of “B” and 58% of PostTrak respondents recommending the film. This suggests that while Last Rites satisfies fans with its scares and emotional depth, it struggles to meet the high expectations set by earlier entries like The Conjuring (2013) and The Conjuring 2 (2016).
Strengths and Challenges of a Franchise Finale
The film’s strengths lie in its performances and production quality. Farmiga and Wilson deliver nuanced portrayals of Lorraine and Ed, capturing their weariness and unwavering commitment to each other and their mission. Mia Tomlinson’s Judy adds a fresh dynamic, her psychic sensitivity echoing her mother’s while carving her own path. The Smurl family, particularly Kíla Lord Cassidy as Heather, grounds the horror in relatable familial bonds. Benjamin Wallfisch’s score, a departure from Joseph Bishara’s work, enhances the film’s eerie atmosphere, particularly in scenes involving the mirror.
However, Last Rites faces challenges inherent to its position as a potential finale. The inclusion of cameo appearances from characters across the franchise—such as Carolyn and Cindy Perron from the first film and Janet Hodgson from the second—feels like fan service that occasionally disrupts the narrative flow. The dual timelines, while ambitious, can feel disjointed, and the demon’s motivations remain vague, a common critique of the franchise’s later entries. Critics have also noted that the film’s attempt to tie up the Warrens’ story while introducing Judy as a potential successor stretches the runtime, diluting the intensity that defined earlier films.
Cultural and Industry Impact
The Conjuring: Last Rites underscores the enduring appeal of horror as a genre that thrives on emotional resonance and cultural relevance. The film’s exploration of faith, family, and resilience resonates in a world grappling with uncertainty, making it a timely addition to the franchise. Its success in markets like the Philippines and Indonesia highlights the global hunger for horror, particularly stories rooted in spiritual and supernatural themes. For business leaders in the entertainment industry, the film’s $400 million gross demonstrates the profitability of established franchises, even as critical reception suggests the need for innovation to sustain audience engagement.
From a policy perspective, the film’s R-16 rating in the Philippines and its record-breaking performance there raise questions about content regulation and market dynamics. Horror films often push boundaries, and Last Rites’ success suggests that audiences are willing to embrace mature themes when delivered with emotional depth. Studios may look to replicate this model, balancing accessibility with the genre’s inherent intensity.
Conclusion: A Legacy Sealed in Fear
The Conjuring: Last Rites is a fitting, if imperfect, capstone to the Warrens’ cinematic journey. Its record-breaking box office performance cements the franchise’s commercial dominance, while its mixed reviews highlight the challenges of concluding a beloved series. The film’s blend of horror, heart, and spirituality continues to captivate audiences, particularly in regions where the genre holds cultural significance. For business leaders, it offers lessons in leveraging established IPs, while for policymakers, it underscores the global appetite for emotionally resonant storytelling. As the Warrens’ story draws to a close, Last Rites leaves the door open for new chapters, perhaps with Judy at the helm, ensuring that the Conjuring Universe’s legacy of fear endures.