The Conjuring: Last Rites Delivers Record-Breaking Scares and a Bittersweet Farewell

Get ready for a deep dive into The Conjuring: Last Rites! This movie isn't just a box office smash; it's also a definitive, yet slightly complicated, goodbye to our favorite paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren.

TL;DR: The Quick Spooky Summary You Need

• A Grand Finale for the Warrens: Director Michael Chaves confirms Last Rites is the final Conjuring film for Ed and Lorraine Warren, with stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga officially bidding farewell.
• Box Office Powerhouse: Despite its "ending" status, the film broke franchise records with an $83 million opening weekend and became the highest-grossing horror movie of 2025, pulling in over $474.5 million worldwide against a $55 million budget.
• The Universe Continues: While the main storyline concludes, Warner Bros. is keeping the broader Conjuring Universe alive with a new TV show, a prequel film, and potential spin-off sequels for favorites like Annabelle and The Nun.

Our Favorite Paranormal Investigators Take Their Final Bow in The Conjuring: Last Rites

Alright, horror fans, it’s time to talk about The Conjuring: Last Rites. This movie has been making waves since its September 5, 2025, theatrical debut, not just for its spine-tingling scares but also for its huge box office numbers. But here's the kicker: it’s also being hailed as the absolute final chapter for paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

Director Michael Chaves, who’s no stranger to the Conjuring Universe (he also helmed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and The Nun II, plus the spin-off The Curse of La Llorona), has been pretty clear about this. In interviews, he’s explicitly stated that this is it for the main storyline featuring our beloved ghost-busting couple. "It is done. This is the final chapter — that’s why we called it Last Rites. It’s the last one. There’s no other Conjuring Movies. It is absolutely the end," Chaves told ComicBook.com, reinforcing that the emotional core of the film was about "letting go of the series, like letting go of these characters."

Even Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, who have embodied Lorraine and Ed Warren for over a decade, have officially waved goodbye to their iconic roles. It's tough news for many, especially given the franchise's undeniable popularity, but it seems their journey has reached its cinematic conclusion.

The Conjuring: Last Rites Achieves Massive Box Office Domination

Don't let the talk of "the end" fool you – The Conjuring: Last Rites was an absolute monster at the box office. This final film didn't just perform well; it smashed records. It boasted a franchise-record-breaking opening weekend of $83 million, and its global opening reached an astounding $194 million, making it the highest-grossing global opening for any horror movie, even surpassing 2017's Stephen King adaptation, It.

As of October 17, 2025, Last Rites has pulled in approximately $474.5 million worldwide against a modest $55 million budget. This insane performance makes it the highest-grossing horror title of 2025 and the second-highest-grossing horror movie of all time, just behind It (2017). Clearly, fans flocked to see Ed and Lorraine's final outing, proving that the Conjuring Universe still has immense drawing power.

The entire Conjuring franchise, including all its spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun, has collectively grossed over $2 billion worldwide. So, while the Warrens might be hanging up their crucifixes, the financial success here makes it hard for Hollywood to completely close the door on this lucrative horror world.

Unraveling the Chilling Storyline of the Warrens' Final Case

So, what exactly brings Ed and Lorraine Warren to their "last rites"? The film takes us to Pennsylvania, where the couple faces a demonic presence connected to Lorraine’s past. It’s inspired by the real-life Smurl haunting and kicks off with a tragic incident in 1964 involving a haunted antique mirror. In a moment of despair, Lorraine’s prayers miraculously revive her stillborn child, Judy (Mia Tomlinson), who later develops a sensitivity to psychic visions.

Fast forward twenty-two years, and the Smurl family moves into a new Pennsylvania home. That same cursed mirror resurfaces, unleashing supernatural terror upon them. The family endures attacks from multiple spirits, leading to a climactic showdown with a powerful demon. Ed, Lorraine, and a new character, Tony Spera (Ben Hardy), must help Judy harness her burgeoning psychic abilities to defeat the malevolent entity. Reviews have called it a "touching finale" with "good scares," though some critics felt it leaned a bit too heavily on clichés.

A Family Reunion of Horrors: The Emotional Finale and Familiar Faces

The Conjuring: Last Rites isn’t just about new scares; it’s also a heartfelt send-off that brings back a lot of familiar faces. The film features a wedding scene for Judy Warren and her fiancé Tony, which serves as a sort of "curtain call" for many alumni from the previous three Conjuring movies. Director Michael Chaves compared it to the funeral scene in Avengers: Endgame, bringing together characters the Warrens had helped over the years.

Imagine seeing:

• Cindy Perron (Mackenzie Foy) and her formerly possessed mother Caroline (Lily Taylor) from the original The Conjuring (2013).
• Peggy Hodgson (Frances O'Connor) and her formerly possessed daughter Janet (Madison Wolfe) from The Conjuring 2 (2016).
• David Glatzel (Julian Hilliard) from The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021).

Even franchise creator James Wan made a cameo appearance, delighting eagle-eyed horror fans. Chaves, who hadn't worked with many of these actors before, described the experience as "a family reunion that I feel like I married into." It’s a powerful way to acknowledge the series' history and the many lives Ed and Lorraine touched, giving long-time fans a sweet, nostalgic moment amid the terror.

"It is done. This is the final chapter — that’s why we called it Last Rites. It’s the last one. There’s no other Conjuring movies. It is absolutely the end."

— Michael Chaves, Director of The Conjuring: Last Rites

How Critics and Audiences Felt About The Conjuring: Last Rites

The reception for The Conjuring: Last Rites has been a bit of a mixed bag, though its box office performance clearly shows audience enthusiasm. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a 59% rating. This is a noticeable drop from the original The Conjuring (2013), which debuted with a strong 86% rating. However, it's a slight improvement over the third installment, which landed at 56%.

Some reviews, like /Film's Chris Evangelista, praised it as a "hectic and sweet finale that serves as a worthy conclusion." Many viewers echoed sentiments of it being a "touching finale" with "good scares." However, other critics noted the presence of "too many clichés" and that it "wasn't what they expected." Despite the critical divisiveness, the film's financial success speaks volumes about its impact on horror moviegoers.

The Future of the Spine-Chilling Conjuring Universe Beyond the Warrens

Okay, so Michael Chaves and the actors say goodbye to Ed and Lorraine Warren. Does that mean the entire Conjuring Universe is dead? Not so fast, scream queens and kings!

While the main "Conjuring" movies focusing on the Warrens are indeed concluding, Warner Bros. isn't ready to let go of this incredibly successful horror world just yet. They’ve already announced that the broader Conjuring Universe will continue. Here's what's on the horizon:

• HBO TV Show: A Conjuring TV series was first announced back in 2023 and is still in the works, with Nancy Won recently named as its showrunner. This opens up new avenues to explore different corners of the paranormal world without relying solely on Ed and Lorraine.
• Prequel Film: There’s also a Conjuring prequel movie currently in development. This could delve into earlier cases, other investigators, or perhaps even the origins of some of the demonic entities we’ve come to fear.
• Spin-off Sequels: Don't forget the popular spin-off franchises! There’s potential for more sequels to Annabelle and The Nun, though nothing has been officially confirmed for these at the moment.

So, while we're sad to see Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga step away from their roles, the legacy of the Conjuring Universe is far from over. It's just evolving into new forms, promising more scares and stories for years to come.

Behind the Screams: Director Michael Chaves Praises His Leading Stars

Directing a franchise as massive as The Conjuring comes with its own set of challenges, but Michael Chaves credits much of his success to working with stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. In an interview with Slashfilm, Chaves shared valuable lessons he learned from them, particularly about fostering a collaborative and trusting environment on set.

He explained that the incredible chemistry between Wilson and Farmiga made his job significantly easier. "I just create a safe space on set. I think that it’s like, you know, they’re so great, and they know their characters so well, and they’re directors also," Chaves said. He initially felt intimidated by actors who also direct, but now sees it as a huge asset. "They actually bring so much more... They’re so much more supportive of the whole process."

Chaves even revealed that his directorial input for the duo in Last Rites was minimal: "Honestly, with them, I’m just like… I just remind them of where we are in the story, and then I just let them go. They’re so great, you know?" It's clear that their deep understanding of Ed and Lorraine allowed them to deliver authentic and powerful performances, solidifying their place as horror icons.

Whatever Happened to The Crooked Man Spin-Off? Director Shares Insights

For many fans, one lingering question about the Conjuring Universe has been the fate of a planned spin-off for The Crooked Man, the eerie character introduced in The Conjuring 2. Director Michael Chaves addressed this in his interview with Slashfilm, noting that "‘Crooked Man’ is the question that everybody asks. It’s strangely more recurring than if there’s gonna be another Annabelle sequel."

Chaves hinted that the project was eventually shelved due to "mixed reviews" of the character, particularly a misconception that the Crooked Man was entirely CGI. He clarified that the role was brought to life by the "amazing creature performer" Javier Botet, enhanced by VFX, not pure CGI. While he couldn't give a definitive answer, Chaves still seemed hopeful about the character's future, implying that The Crooked Man could still find a place in the broader Conjuring Universe someday. So, don't lose all hope for that creepy rhyme to come back to haunt us!

Where and When Can You Watch The Conjuring: Last Rites From Home?

Couldn't catch it in theaters or just want to re-experience the scares from the comfort of your couch? Good news! The Conjuring: Last Rites, rated R, is already available for digital streaming via Premium Video On Demand (PVOD).

It hit digital platforms on October 7, 2025. You can find it on services like Prime Video, Apple TV+, Fandango at Home, and YouTube. To purchase the movie, it'll cost you $24.99. If you're just looking for a temporary fright, digital rentals are available for $19.99 for a 48-hour viewing period.

For those who prefer physical media, mark your calendars! The Blu-ray and DVD editions, which are set to include deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes footage, will be released on November 25, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Conjuring: Last Rites When was The Conjuring: Last Rites released? The film premiered in theaters on September 5, 2025, and became available on digital streaming (PVOD) on October 7, 2025. Where can I watch The Conjuring: Last Rites at home? You can purchase or rent it digitally on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Fandango at Home, and YouTube. Blu-ray and DVD will be available on November 25, 2025. What is The Conjuring: Last Rites rated? The movie is rated R for strong horror violence, disturbing images, and some language. How long is The Conjuring: Last Rites? The runtime for the film is 135 minutes (2 hours and 15 minutes). Sources

• ScreenRant: The Conjuring: Last Rites' Director Has Confirmed The Fate Of The Horror Franchise
• /Film: How The Conjuring: Last Rites' Cameo-Laden Finale Came Together [Exclusive]
• GamesRadar+: The Conjuring: Last Rites director confirms this is the end for the Warrens: "We wanted to end with confidence and on our own terms"
• KoiMoi: The Conjuring: Last Rites Worldwide Box Office: Patrick Wilson’s Horror Hit On Track To Beat Two Marvel Movies
• The Economic Times: The Conjuring: Last Rites OTT release in India. Horror movie is available for streaming, but with a twist
• MovieWeb: The Conjuring: Last Rites Director Reveals Truth About Possible Sequel
• Official Film Chart: The Official Film Chart | The UK Top Ten (15th October)
• Media Play News: ‘The Conjuring: Last Rights’ Tops Fandango at Home Chart Through Oct. 12
• FandomWire: The Conjuring: Last Rites Director Explains How He Was Able to Get the Best Out of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga
• FandomWire: Michael Chaves Reveals Why The Crooked Man Spin-Off Never Happened
• OTTPlay: OTT Alert: Amazon Prime Video Streams The Conjuring Last Rites, But It’s Expensive