(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
"The Conjuring: Last Rites," touted as the final installment in "The Conjuring" main series, made a powerful debut in theaters worldwide last weekend, far exceeding industry expectations. In North America, the film raked in an astounding $83 million during its opening weekend, claiming the top spot for the highest North American debut in "The Conjuring" universe. This record surpasses the previous champion, spin-off "The Nun," which opened to $53.8 million.
(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Industry projections initially placed "Last Rites"' North American opening weekend between $50 million and $60 million, making its actual performance even more impressive. This also marks the best horror film opening in North America this year, surpassing the $51.6 million earned by Warner Bros. Pictures' "Final Destination: Bloodlines" a few months prior. Furthermore, it stands as the third-highest horror opening in North American history, trailing only the two "It" films, also from Warner Bros.
(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Internationally, "Last Rites" pulled in $104 million, eclipsing "It: Chapter Two"'s previous record of $92 million to become the highest-grossing international opening for a horror film in history. Including its North American take, the film's global opening weekend soared to $187 million, making it the second-highest worldwide horror debut of all time. While its production budget of approximately $55 million is considered high for a horror movie, the film is still poised for easy profitability.