New Line’s “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is outperforming projections, with a $30 million Friday that sets it on track for a $65 million opening weekend. If numbers hold, it will be the biggest debut in the “Conjuring” universe, surpassing 2018’s “The Nun,” which opened to $53.8 million.

Strong September Debut

The horror film could rank as the fifth-best September opening ever, behind “It” ($123M), “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” ($111M), “It: Chapter Two” ($91M), and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings” ($75.3M). It is also on course to claim the year’s best horror opening and top all recent Warner Bros and New Line horror releases, ahead of “Final Destination: Bloodlines” ($51M).

Preview Numbers Break Records

Thursday previews reached $8.5 million, the highest for any “Conjuring” film, beating “The Nun’s” $5.4 million in 2018. The preview turnout was 69% ages 18–34, with a strong 44% Latino and Hispanic audience share. Early reactions show a 60% “definite recommend,” especially among teens and viewers in their late 40s and early 50s.

Warner Bros Rides Horror Success

This marks Warner Bros’ seventh No. 1 opener in 2025 and its fourth straight with a horror title. The “Conjuring” franchise, including spinoffs like “The Nun” and “Annabelle,” has grossed more than $2.3 billion worldwide, making it the top horror franchise ever.

Mixed Critical Response

Critics gave “Last Rites” a 58% Rotten Tomatoes score, close to 2021’s “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” which landed at 56%. That film had a smaller opening due to a simultaneous HBO Max release during the pandemic. Despite reviews, audience turnout suggests “Last Rites” could finish far stronger.

Other Releases

Disney’s “Hamilton,” marking the Broadway musical’s 10th anniversary, grossed $850K on Thursday previews and is expected to open near $7M for the weekend.

For the latest box office updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine every weekend.