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‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Breaks Box Office Records and Delights Fans

Source: ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Director Michael Chaves on His Record-Breaking Success—and the 90s Sequel That Ruined His Childhood [Exclusive] (2025-11-26)

In a remarkable achievement, ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ has become the highest-grossing horror film opening in history, captivating audiences worldwide and setting new industry benchmarks. Director Michael Chaves, whose vision brought this record-breaking sequel to life, shares insights into the film’s success, his deep roots in horror fandom, and the evolving landscape of horror cinema in 2025. The film’s home media release is now available, allowing fans to experience the terror at home, while the franchise continues to influence new generations of horror enthusiasts. Since its release, ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ has shattered previous box office records, earning over $150 million globally within its first week, surpassing previous horror leaders like ‘It’ (2017) and ‘The Exorcist’ (1973). This surge is attributed to a combination of innovative storytelling, high-quality production, and a dedicated fanbase that has grown exponentially thanks to social media buzz and viral marketing campaigns. The film’s success also reflects a broader trend in 2025 where horror movies are dominating the box office, with genre films accounting for nearly 40% of total theatrical revenue—a significant increase from previous years. Director Michael Chaves, known for his work on the ‘The Conjuring’ universe, emphasizes his gratitude towards fans and the importance of staying true to the franchise’s roots. “We poured our hearts into this film, respecting the legacy while pushing boundaries,” Chaves states. His approach aligns with recent industry shifts favoring authentic storytelling and diverse horror narratives, which have contributed to the genre’s resurgence. In addition to its box office triumph, ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ has sparked a renewed interest in supernatural horror, leading to a surge in related content across streaming platforms. Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video have expanded their horror catalogs, with several new original series and films inspired by the franchise. Notably, streaming services now allocate over 25% of their horror content to supernatural themes, reflecting audience preferences. The film’s success also highlights the growing influence of immersive technology in horror filmmaking. Virtual reality (VR) experiences tied to ‘The Conjuring’ universe have been launched, allowing fans to explore haunted locations and interact with characters, enhancing engagement and immersion. Industry analysts predict that by 2026, VR horror experiences will constitute a $200 million market segment, driven by advancements in haptic feedback and 3D audio. Furthermore, the horror genre’s popularity is influencing mainstream cinema, with major studios investing heavily in supernatural and psychological horror projects. Recent releases like ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ series and ‘The Nun 2’ have received critical acclaim and box office success, reinforcing horror’s status as a dominant genre. The trend is also evident in the rise of horror-themed events, including immersive haunted house attractions and horror conventions, which saw record attendance in 2025. Michael Chaves also reveals that his childhood experiences with horror, including watching films like ‘Predator 2,’ continue to inspire his work. He notes that the genre’s ability to evoke genuine fear and emotional connection is what keeps him passionate about creating horror stories. As the industry evolves, Chaves predicts a future where horror will increasingly blend with other genres such as science fiction and psychological thriller, offering richer, more complex narratives. In conclusion, ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ not only marks a milestone in horror history but also exemplifies the genre’s dynamic growth and cultural significance in 2025. With innovative technology, expanding streaming content, and a passionate fanbase, horror is more vibrant than ever. Fans can now enjoy the film on physical media, and industry insiders anticipate even greater box office achievements and creative innovations in the coming years. As horror continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: fear is here to stay, and it’s more popular than ever.

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