“The Conjuring: Last Rites” delivered a thrilling chapter of the Conjuring cinematic universe, based on the true events of one of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s cases as the founders of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). While Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 57% and critics said the film “could’ve been a lot better.” Others said “The Conjuring: Last Rites is a solid horror film, a satisfying finale and among the top within the universe.”
Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson played Ed and Lorraine Warren in the Conjuring franchise for more than a decade, and returned for one last movie to showcase the end of their story. The Warrens came out of retirement for one last encounter that led back to their first ever case. The paranormal investigators were faced with the demon they ran away from years ago for the protection of their daughter, Judy Warren, played by Mia Tomlinson.
Surpassed “IT” as the biggest horror movie opener
With the movie’s release just over a week ago, the box office claims “Conjuring: Last Rites” (2025) has overtaken “IT” (2017) for the biggest global opening for a horror film at $194 million worldwide, compared to IT’s $190 million.
“The latest ‘Conjuring’ film earned $84 million domestically, marking the third-biggest for the genre (after two other Warner Bros. titles, 2017’s ‘IT’ with $123 million and 2019’s ‘IT: Chapter Two’ with $91 million).” It also set a horror record at the international box office with $110 million in its opening.
The “Conjuring” movie experience
Selected theaters held a promotional event featuring a bishop who offered blessings and holy water to moviegoers. These events echo the Catholic exorcism theme of the franchise by distributing holy water and prayer cards, which received viral attention on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and more. Audience opinions on this are split, with some viewing this as an effective marketing stunt while others see this as a clever way to exhibit the experience.
As for the movie itself, many viewers admitted it wasn’t their favorite of the Conjuring series.
“It was a good movie, I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite in the series, but definitely up there,” said criminal justice student Gypsy Morales.
“I think compared to previous movies the storyline was also like mehhhhhish everything happened in the last 20-25 minutes of the movie, so maybe more could’ve happened at the beginning,” she said.
Morales would still recommend the film to fans of the Conjuring series and said, “it’s worth finishing till the end.”
What is the future for the Conjuring Universe?
While the film brings an end to the Warrens’ story, this doesn’t mean it’s the end of the Conjuring Universe.
“We’re very early in the process, have very preliminary visual effects, but it’s already through the roof. So, while this is the last of what we call Phase One, we are hopeful that we can make more…Phase Two is TBD,” said Richard Brener, New Line Cinema’s Chief Creative Officer.
In recent interviews, Michael Chaves, director of multiple Conjuring Universe movies, teased for more “The Nun” movies.
“There’s a line in [“The Nun II”]: ‘demons are infinite.’ I like the idea that she’s (Valek) always been her in different forms,” Chaves said to SFX. “I think that there’s still more stories of Valak the demon nun to be told.”
Theories continue to circulate on the continuation of the Conjuring universe. Though the Warrens’ story comes to an end, there are speculations that in future movies they may make an appearance. Viewers also believe that their daughter Judy and son-in-law Tony Spera, played by Ben Hardy, will carry on Ed and Lorraine’s work in helping families with paranormal encounters.
