After more than a decade of terrifying audiences worldwide, The Conjuring: Last Rites has cemented itself as a monumental success — both critically and commercially. Released by Warner Bros. and directed by Michael Chaves, the film marks the ninth and reportedly final installment in the Conjuring Universe, a series that began in 2013 and helped redefine modern supernatural horror. Now, with over $420 million worldwide, Last Rites stands as the highest-grossing horror film of 2025, beating competitors like Sinners, Dust Bunny, and Final Destination: Bloodlines.
At its heart, Last Rites offers closure to the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed once again by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. The movie takes place in the early 1980s and focuses on one of the Warrens’ most disturbing real-life cases — a haunting involving a defrocked priest whose obsession with the occult leads to a confrontation that tests the couple’s faith and love. The film’s emotional core, combined with its relentless tension and gothic visuals, has resonated deeply with fans.
Critics have hailed the movie as a return to form after the mixed reactions to The Nun II and The Curse of La Llorona. Last Rites balances bone-chilling scares with heartfelt storytelling, something that defined the original Conjuring films. Wilson and Farmiga’s chemistry remains the franchise’s soul — their performances grounding the supernatural chaos in something human, fragile, and real.
The box office triumph came as a pleasant surprise to industry watchers. Horror has always been a strong genre for low-budget, high-return results, but Last Rites exceeded even optimistic projections. With a production budget of around $45 million, its worldwide haul has already multiplied that nearly tenfold. Analysts credit its success to several factors: a powerful marketing campaign centered on “the final case,” glowing early reviews, and the loyal fanbase that has grown with the Warrens for over a decade.
Beyond the numbers, The Conjuring: Last Rites represents something of an era’s end. When the first Conjuring released in 2013 under director James Wan, it reinvigorated haunted house horror for a new generation. Its success spawned an interconnected cinematic universe that would rival even Marvel’s structure in terms of scope — with spin-offs including Annabelle, The Nun, and The Curse of La Llorona. Over twelve years, this universe accumulated more than $2.6 billion globally, making it the most profitable horror franchise in history.
Fans have been emotional about the franchise’s farewell. Social media has been flooded with tributes, fan art, and discussions about the film’s ending — many calling it “the perfect goodbye.” Without delving into spoilers, Last Rites gives its beloved characters a resolution that feels both heartbreaking and hopeful. The narrative not only closes the Warrens’ arc but subtly acknowledges the impact they’ve had on the genre itself.
Director Michael Chaves, who previously helmed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, seems to have learned from earlier criticism. His work here feels more refined, with deliberate pacing and masterful camera work. The use of practical effects over digital enhancements heightens the authenticity of the scares — echoing the franchise’s early roots under Wan’s direction. The atmosphere is thick with dread, but also deeply spiritual, exploring the weight of faith and sacrifice in the face of true evil.
Composer Joseph Bishara returns once again to deliver a soundscape of unsettling whispers, creaking wood, and infernal choral elements that crawl under your skin. Combined with the film’s shadowy lighting and meticulous set design, every frame drips with menace. This is horror crafted with reverence — a rare blend of craftsmanship and passion that few modern horror films achieve.
Warner Bros. has yet to confirm whether this truly marks the end of the Conjuring Universe. While Last Rites ties off the Warrens’ story beautifully, producer Peter Safran hinted in an interview that “evil never really rests,” suggesting potential spin-offs could emerge later. For now, though, audiences are treating this as the franchise’s grand finale — and box office numbers reflect that sentiment.
The film’s success also reaffirms the enduring power of theatrical horror. In a streaming-heavy landscape, The Conjuring: Last Rites drew massive crowds back into cinemas, where collective fear amplifies the experience. Horror thrives on shared tension — the gasps, the laughs, the whispered “don’t go in there!” moments that only a crowded theater can provide. This communal terror has been a crucial part of The Conjuring’s DNA since the beginning.
Looking at the broader picture, Last Rites joins a growing trend of high-quality horror dominating mainstream box offices. 2025 has already seen hits like Dust Bunny, Keeper, and The Harrowed Ones, but The Conjuring’s blend of legacy, lore, and heart has given it a unique edge. It’s proof that horror franchises can grow, evolve, and end on a strong note without losing their integrity.
As fans leave theaters, many report staying through the credits — not for a post-credit tease, but out of respect. The final moments of Last Rites include a tribute montage spanning the entire franchise, reminding viewers of how far the Warrens — and the audience — have come together. For some, it’s a deeply nostalgic goodbye. For others, it’s a promise that the darkness will never fully fade; it only waits for the next story.
Whether or not this is truly the end, The Conjuring: Last Rites has earned its place among horror’s greatest finales. It’s not just another haunted house story — it’s a love letter to the genre itself. A decade of demons, cursed objects, and human resilience comes full circle here, leaving behind a cinematic legacy that will haunt audiences for years to come.
For now, the lights are on, the case is closed, and the Warrens can finally rest — knowing their work will never be forgotten.
Tags: The Conjuring Last Rites, The Conjuring Universe, Ed and Lorraine Warren, Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, horror box office 2025, Michael Chaves, Warner Bros horror, supernatural movie 2025, best horror films 2025
