"The Conjuring: Last Rites" Arrives on HBO Max: Is This Really the End for the Warrens?

Get ready for more chills! The latest chapter in the record-breaking Conjuring Universe, originally touted as its finale, is landing on Hbo Max just in time for a spooky holiday binge.

TL;DR: Quick Scares on the Go

• "The Conjuring: Last Rites" begins streaming on HBO Max November 21.
• Despite being billed as the finale, its record-breaking box office success ($492 million worldwide) has sparked talks of a prequel series.
• Catch up on the entire Conjuring Universe, as all films are now available on HBO Max, with an HBO linear marathon set for November 22.

A Box Office Beast Unleashed: Setting New Records for Horror Films

Remember those whispered tales of the Warrens, the real-life paranormal investigators whose cases have kept us glued to our seats (and perhaps peeking through our fingers) for over a decade? Well, their latest cinematic outing, "The Conjuring: Last Rites," didn't just scare audiences; it smashed box office records.

Released theatrically on September 5, this film didn't waste any time making history. It conjured up an astonishing $194 million globally during its opening weekend, setting a brand-new world record for the horror genre, surpassing even 2017's "It." (Source: Scary Record: "The Conjuring 4" Has the Best Start Among Horror Movies in History, September 9, 2025). Domestically, it pulled in an impressive $84 million in its initial run. (Source: Deadline, November 14, 2025).

By the end of its theatrical run, "Last Rites" had amassed a chilling $492 million worldwide. (Source: Variety, November 14, 2025). This massive success further cemented the entire "Conjuring" cinematic universe as the highest-grossing horror franchise of all time, with a total box office exceeding $2.3 billion. This isn't just about big numbers; it shows a phenomenal and sustained appetite for supernatural stories, proving that the Warrens' world still holds a potent spell over moviegoers.

Unraveling the Terrifying Plot: The Warrens Face a Personal Haunting

"The Conjuring: Last Rites" dives back into the lives of Ed and Lorraine Warren, once again portrayed by the incredibly consistent Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. This time, director Michael Chaves, who's no stranger to the "Conjuring" world, brings to the screen a story loosely based on the real-life Smurl Haunting case. The plot takes a particularly personal turn, tying back to the Warrens' very first ghostly encounter.

The narrative sees the Warrens come out of a self-imposed retirement for what feels like their most intense investigation yet. The demonic forces they confront in "Last Rites" don't just threaten a new family; they strike at the very heart of the Warrens' own, involving their daughter, Judy Warren (played by Mia Tomlinson). Ben Hardy joins the cast as Tony Spera, Judy's boyfriend, adding another layer of personal connection and peril to the unfolding horrors.

For fans who've followed the series, seeing Wilson and Farmiga reprise their roles is like catching up with old, ghost-busting friends. Critics often praise their performances, noting they "know the exact register of intensity" needed for these roles, making their long-standing onscreen partnership truly pay off. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes Editorial, "The Conjuring: Last Rites: Review"). This deep familiarity between the actors and characters lends a sincerity to the emotional stakes, making the scares resonate beyond just jump scares.

A Sprawling Cinematic Universe That Keeps on Growing

The "Conjuring" Universe is more than just a series of standalone horror films; it's a carefully constructed web of interconnected frights. It all kicked off 12 years ago with James Wan’s original "The Conjuring" in 2013. Since then, the franchise has expanded dramatically, encompassing three direct sequels to the main story, three "Annabelle" spinoffs, and two "The Nun" films.

Even "The Curse of La Llorona," Michael Chaves' directorial debut, ties into this expansive universe. Franchise architects James Wan and Peter Safran, through their production companies Atomic Monster and The Safran Company, have overseen every single entry, ensuring a consistent (and consistently creepy) mythology across all titles. This intricate world-building has given fans plenty to sink their teeth into, establishing a "heritage of horror, fear and ritual" that defines the series. (Source: Yaseen Khan, The Conjuring: Last Rites: Review).

Critical Divides Versus Audience Devotion: A Tale of Two Receptions

Despite its undeniable box office might, "The Conjuring: Last Rites" sparked some interesting discussions among critics and general audiences. On one hand, many critics gave it a mixed bag of reviews, landing it a 56% on Rotten Tomatoes. (Source: Scary Record: "The Conjuring 4" Has the Best Start Among Horror Movies in History, September 9, 2025). Common points of critique included inconsistent pacing, a feeling that the scares were a bit "formulaic or rehashed," and a narrative that felt "overstuffed" with too many competing storylines. (Source: Yaseen Khan, The Conjuring: Last Rites: Review).

However, audiences seemed to embrace the film with far more warmth, giving it a 78% user rating. (Source: Scary Record: "The Conjuring 4" Has the Best Start Among Horror Movies in History, September 9, 2025). This difference highlights a key tradeoff in horror filmmaking: sometimes, what critics see as conventional, fans interpret as comforting familiarity. For many, the return of Ed and Lorraine, and the emotional core they bring, outweighs any perceived lack of groundbreaking scares. The film offers a sense of "returning home" for long-time followers, even if it doesn't reinvent the wheel. (Source: Yaseen Khan, The Conjuring: Last Rites: Review).

The "Finale" That Just Might Not Be: A Future for the Warrens?

Here's where things get really interesting: "The Conjuring: Last Rites" was initially marketed as the grand finale, the definitive end to the Warrens' cinematic story. But with that kind of record-breaking box office success, Hollywood rarely says goodbye forever.

True to form, the overwhelming financial performance of "Last Rites" has already sparked conversations about future projects. Warner Bros. isn't letting this spooky series lie dormant. In fact, HBO Max is actively developing a prequel TV series, aiming to explore younger versions of Ed and Lorraine Warren. These younger iterations were even glimpsed in flashback scenes within "Last Rites," subtly laying the groundwork for what's next. So, while this might be the "last rites" for a specific chapter, it's certainly not the last we'll see of this terrifying universe.

Example: Imagine Sarah, a long-time fan who’s followed the Warrens since 2013’s "The Conjuring." She went to the theater for "Last Rites" expecting a definitive farewell, a neat bow on a decade of terror. While the film delivered familiar chills and strong performances from Wilson and Farmiga, she left with a sense of "Wait, is that really it?" Then, news of the prequel series dropped, changing her farewell feeling into hopeful anticipation. It’s a common experience for fans of these sprawling cinematic universes: a "final" chapter often just means "final for now."

Your Guide to Streaming and Binge-Watching the Entire Universe

Good news for horror hounds! You won't have to wait long to experience "The Conjuring: Last Rites" from the comfort of your couch. The film arrives on HBO Max on Friday, November 21. If you prefer the old-school linear TV experience, HBO will broadcast the movie on Saturday, November 22, at 8 PM ET.

And if you're feeling ambitious and want to truly immerse yourself, HBO is making it easy to binge the entire "Conjuring" Universe. They'll be airing a marathon on November 22, starting bright and early. Here's how to catch all the scares, conveniently scheduled in timeline order:

• 7:35 a.m. ET: The Nun
• 9:15 a.m. ET: The Nun II
• 11:08 a.m. ET: Annabelle
• 12:50 p.m. ET: Annabelle: Creation
• 2:43 p.m. ET: The Conjuring
• 4:38 p.m. ET: The Conjuring 2
• 8:00 p.m. ET: The Conjuring: Last Rites (premiere)

Additionally, "Annabelle Comes Home" and "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It" are available to stream anytime on HBO Max, ensuring you can complete your full franchise fright-fest.

Practical Takeaways for Your Next Spooky Stream

• Mark Your Calendars: "The Conjuring: Last Rites" hits HBO Max on November 21. Perfect for a pre-Thanksgiving fright.
• Plan a Binge: Leverage the HBO linear marathon on November 22 or stream the entire universe on HBO Max to catch up on the Warrens' adventures.
• Stay Tuned for More: The "Conjuring" Universe is far from over. Keep an eye out for news on the upcoming HBO Max prequel series.
• Expect Familiar Chills: While critics had mixed reactions, fans appreciated the emotional depth and consistent performances from Farmiga and Wilson.

Frequently Asked Questions About "The Conjuring: Last Rites" When does "The Conjuring: Last Rites" stream on HBO Max? The film will be available to stream on HBO Max starting November 21. Is "The Conjuring: Last Rites" the absolute final movie in the franchise? It was marketed as the final chapter focusing on the main Warren storyline. However, its box office success has led to discussions about more projects, including a prequel series for HBO Max, suggesting the universe will continue. Where can I watch all the other "Conjuring" Universe films? All "Conjuring" Universe titles, including the "Annabelle" and "The Nun" spinoffs, are currently available to stream on HBO Max. What is "The Conjuring: Last Rites" about? The film follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they tackle a case based on the Smurl Haunting, which has terrifying ties to their very first investigation and directly impacts their daughter, Judy.

Sources

• Variety: "The Conjuring: Last Rites" Sets HBO Max Release Date (Andrew McGowan, Nov 14, 2025)
• io9: The Not-So-Final 'Conjuring' Movie Is Coming to HBO Max in Time for Thanksgiving (Sabina Graves, Nov 14, 2025)
• Deadline: 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' To Stream On HBO Max Nov. 21 (Anthony D'Alessandro, Nov 14, 2025)
• The Economic Times: The Conjuring: Last Rites streaming release date and how to watch online (Gandharv Walia, Nov 14, 2025)
• CNET: 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' Will Stream on HBO Max Next Week (Kourtnee Jackson, Nov 14, 2025)
• CBR: The Conjuring: Last Rites Sets HBO Max Release Date (Nov 14, 2025)
• Media Play News: 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' Returns to Top Spot on DEG Digital Transactions Chart for Week Ended Nov. 2 (John Latchem, Nov 11, 2025)
• Scary Record: "The Conjuring 4" Has the Best Start Among Horror Movies in History (September 9, 2025)
• Yaseen Khan: The Conjuring: Last Rites : Review (Published 6 days ago)
• UPI: 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' coming to HBO Max Nov. 21 (Nov 14, 2025)