The Conjuring Last Rites Opens to Record Box Office

The Conjuring Last Rites opened to a blockbuster weekend, vaulting to the top of the box office days after its theatrical release on September 5 and giving the longrunning horror franchise a record-setting sendoff. Industry estimates put the U.S. opening at about $83 million and global receipts between roughly $187 million and $194 million, with Thursday night previews alone contributing about $8.5 million, according to box office trackers. The film’s strong start far exceeded initial studio projections and eclipsed previous franchise highs.

Directed by Michael Chaves and produced by the franchise’s architects, the film reunites Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren for a dramatization of the real-life Smurl haunting. Set largely in 1986 Pennsylvania, the story follows the Warrens and their adult daughter Judy as they confront a demonic force linked to a cursed mirror. The movie was financed on a reported production budget of about $55 million, leaving it well positioned to turn a profit after the opening haul.

The international performance was particularly notable. Trade data from India showed exceptional presales and strong first-day business, with early...