‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ scares up $187 million, second biggest horror debut in history

What happens when the world’s most famous ghost-busting couple returns to the big screen for one “last” case? Box office magic. ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’, the newest chapter in the hit supernatural franchise, has exploded worldwide with a massive $187 million debut.

That makes it the second-biggest global opening for a horror movie ever, just behind 2017’s ‘It’, which still holds the top spot with $190 million.

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Directed by Michael Chaves, the film brings back Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as Lorraine and Ed Warren, the real-life paranormal investigators who’ve become iconic through this franchise.

The movie opened on September 5 and has already broken records across several countries. From the Netherlands and Germany to the UK, Italy, and almost every market in Latin America, the film scored the biggest opening weekend ever for the ‘Conjuring’ universe.

In the US, ‘Last Rites’ also impressed. It earned $9.4 million on IMAX screens alone, marking the format’s strongest opening for a horror film. That’s a big win for Warner Bros., considering how long-running franchises usually struggle to keep the momentum going.

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But clearly, fans want more from the Warrens’ spooky tales.

This is the fourth main installment and ninth overall film in the ever-expanding ‘Conjuring’ universe, which includes spinoffs like ‘Annabelle’ and ‘The Nun’.

The franchise already holds the crown as the highest-grossing horror series in history, having collected more than $2.3 billion worldwide. With ‘Last Rites’, that number is only going to climb higher.

The story of the new film is inspired by another of the Warrens’ real-life cases, this time centered on the Smurl family haunting from 1986. Set five years after the events of ‘The Devil Made Me Do It’, the movie shows Ed and Lorraine considering retirement when they are drawn into one final, terrifying case in Pennsylvania.

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A desperate couple begs for their help as they face a violent and unexplainable force in their home. Despite their reluctance, the Warrens agree to step in, perhaps for the last time.

For fans, seeing Farmiga and Wilson return is a major draw. Their chemistry and ability to balance horror with heartfelt moments have been key to the franchise’s success. Director Chaves, who previously helmed ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’ and ‘The Nun II’, also brings back his signature atmospheric style.

Meanwhile, James Wan and Peter Safran, the creative forces who launched the universe, remain onboard as producers.