The Most Successful Horror Opening of All Time: The Conjuring 4 Breaks Records

The horror film surpasses the Stephen King adaptation "It"

By Konstantin Koos on 3 min reading time
© Warner Bros.

2025 is proving to be a successful year for horror – that much is certain, especially with the major success of "The Conjuring 4: Last Rites". The industry magazines Variety and Deadline are now reporting sensational box office numbers.

According to them, the film earned an impressive 194 million dollars worldwide during its opening weekend. That makes it the most successful opening weekend for a horror film ever. The record was previously held by the 2017 Stephen King adaptation "It". At the time, the horror flick grossed 190 million dollars globally over its first weekend.

In "The Conjuring 4", Ed and Lorraine Warren come out of retirement to investigate the chilling case of the Smurl family. The paranormal investigators uncover secrets that are reminiscent of their first case. As the title "Last Rites" suggests, this is intended to be the final film in the "Conjuring" series.

Overall, the latest film continues the horror trend of 2025. This summer, horror movies like "Weapons" and "Bring Her Back" already enjoyed great popularity. But it was especially Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" that resonated strongly with audiences. Soon, "The Long Walk", another adaptation of a novel by horror master Stephen King, is sure to thrill viewers. We are excited to see what the horror year 2025 still has in store!

Image of THE CONJURING 4: Last Rites Official Final Trailer (2025)

The "Conjuring" Phenomenon

"The Conjuring 4" is another chapter in the success story of a horror franchise that has long since achieved cult status. But what exactly is the enduring appeal of this film series, which has been terrifying audiences around the world for over a decade?

The franchise originated in 2013, when director James Wan struck a nerve with "The Conjuring". With subtle horror, a careful build-up of tension and a dense atmosphere, the focus is on psychological horror. The series is based on the real-life cases of the well-known demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren.

A brief overview of the franchise

The "Conjuring" universe consists of several main and spin-off films that are loosely connected and form a shared cinematic universe. As it's easy to lose track of all the films, we list all the parts of the franchise here. The order is based on the date of release.

"The Conjuring" movies form the centerpiece, while films such as "Annabelle", "The Nun" or "Llorona's Curse" deepen subplots or explain the origins of individual demons and artifacts. Particularly fascinating is the way these films are interwoven – through small clues, recurring characters or the Warrens' infamous artifact chamber. For fans, this creates a "Haunted Universe" that needs to be rediscovered again and again.

Image of THE CONJURING 4: Last Rites Teaser Trailer (2025)

Why is the franchise so popular?

A key success factor is the balance between the familiar and the new. Each film takes up classic horror motifs – possessed dolls, cursed houses, exorcistic rituals – but enriches them with individual stories and a high level of production. Visually, the series impresses with its harmonious sets and dark color palettes. At the same time, the "true core" of the stories provides an appeal that triggers both curiosity and goosebumps in the audience.

The characters also play a major role. The Warren couple in particular – played by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson – provide an emotional constant in an otherwise gloomy universe. Their relationship, characterized by mutual trust, sacrifice and a deep spirituality, lends the films a human dimension that elevates them beyond pure horror.

Last but not least, the commercial success is also due to skillful franchise management. Warner Bros. has managed to pour the interest in demons, occult legends and "true stories" into a consistent cinematic concept that leaves room for countless other narratives. So the horror never gets boring – because somewhere in the shadowy world of the "Conjuring" universe, the next demon is always waiting.

Image of “Don't Look At It!” - THE CONJURING 4: LAST RITES Clip