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 a successful year for horror: this has been confirmed by the huge 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 grossed a whopping 194 million dollars worldwide on its opening weekend. This is the most successful opening weekend ever for a horror film. The record was previously held by the 2017 Stephen King adaptation "It". The horror flick grossed 190 million dollars worldwide in its first weekend.

In "Conjuring 4", Ed and Lorraine Warren return from retirement to investigate the sinister case of the Smurl family. The paranormal investigators come across secrets that are reminiscent of their first case. As the film title "Last Rites" makes clear, this is probably the last film in the "Conjuring" series.

Overall, the film continues the horror trend of 2025. Recently, the horror flicks "Weapons" and "Bring Her Back" already enjoyed great popularity. Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" was particularly well received by audiences. And with "The Long Walk", an adaptation of a novel by horror master Stephen King is already in the starting blocks. We are excited to see what else the horror year 2025 has to offer.

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

The "Conjuring" phenomenon

"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" films 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