Horror Box Office Surges Past $1 Billion for 2025 with Record-Breaking Opening for "The Conjuring: Last Rites

Horror Box Office Blows Past $1 Billion for 2025 as 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' Takes in Third-Largest Domestic Opening Ever The horror genre has shattered box office records once again, with the domestic market surpassing $1 billion in earnings for the first time this year. The Conjuring: Last Rites, a sequel to the popular franchise, has contributed significantly to this milestone, posting an impressive opening weekend of $83 million in 3,802 theaters. According to Comscore, a leading data firm, The Conjuring: Last Rites has secured the third-largest domestic opening for a horror movie, behind It and It: Chapter Two. Internationally, the film has earned a staggering $104 million, making it the largest horror opening outside of North America. The success of The Conjuring: Last Rites is a testament to the franchise's enduring popularity and its ability to produce high-quality horror movies that resonate with audiences worldwide. Since its debut in 2013, the Conjuring universe has consistently delivered box office hits, solidifying its position as one of the most successful horror franchises of all time. "This opening weekend is a clear indication of the franchise's staying power," said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. "Audiences know what to expect from The Conjuring – well-crafted scares and compelling storytelling – and that's why they continue to flock to theaters." The business implications of this success are significant, with Warner Bros. Pictures, the studio behind the film, likely to reap substantial profits from the movie's performance. The Conjuring: Last Rites has also broken records for the franchise, securing the biggest opening weekend in its history. Market analysts predict that the horror genre will continue to thrive in 2025, driven by consumer demand for thrilling and suspenseful entertainment. As a result, studios are likely to invest more heavily in horror productions, further fueling the genre's growth. Stakeholders in the film industry, including producers, distributors, and exhibitors, are also benefiting from The Conjuring: Last Rites' success. The movie's strong performance is expected to boost box office revenue for the year, providing a much-needed boost to an industry still recovering from the pandemic. Looking ahead, The Conjuring: Last Rites will likely continue to dominate box office charts in the coming weeks, with its international earnings set to surpass $200 million by the end of the month. As the horror genre continues to captivate audiences worldwide, studios and producers are taking note, investing in new projects and talent to capitalize on this lucrative market. In conclusion, The Conjuring: Last Rites has shattered box office records, contributing significantly to the horror genre's unprecedented success in 2025. With its impressive opening weekend and strong international performance, the film is set to become one of the highest-grossing horror movies of all time, cementing its place in the franchise's legacy. Key Statistics: Domestic box office earnings: $83 million International box office earnings: $104 million Total worldwide box office earnings: $187 million (and counting) Opening weekend theaters: 3,802 Franchise record broken: Biggest opening weekend for The Conjuring universe Sources: Comscore Warner Bros. Pictures Box Office Mojo *Financial data compiled from Fortune reporting.*