The horror box office race of 2025 has seen a surprising shift. Earlier this year, the supernatural vampire thriller Sinners was declared the top-grossing horror film of the year. With $366.7 million in global earnings and a 97% critic approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it seemed unbeatable.
However, a new contender has stormed the charts. The Conjuring 4: Last Rites, released on September 3, 2025, has now surpassed Sinners to become the highest-grossing horror film of 2025.
Box Office Success of The Conjuring 4: Last Rites
Directed by Michael Chaves, the fourth installment of The Conjuring franchise opened with a powerful debut. With a production budget of $55 million, the film earned $84 million in its opening weekend alone.
By September 21, the film’s worldwide gross had already climbed close to $400 million, making it not only the most successful entry in The Conjuring franchise but also the year’s top-performing horror movie overall.
Plot of The Conjuring 4: Last Rites
Starring Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, and Taissa Farmiga, this installment is part of the larger Conjuring Universe—a film saga inspired by the real-life cases of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.
The story follows the Warrens as they confront their most terrifying case yet. The Smurl family, hopeful after moving into their dream home, soon finds themselves plagued by dark supernatural forces. What begins as a fresh start quickly transforms into a nightmarish haunting that challenges even the Warrens’ expertise.
Critical and Audience Scores
Reception for The Conjuring 4: Last Rites has been mixed among critics but more favorable with audiences.
- Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 59%
- Audience Score: 78%
This divide reflects a common trend in horror cinema—where critics may be lukewarm, but audiences flock to theaters for the scares and storytelling.
Sinners: A Strong Rival
Although Sinners no longer holds the box office crown, it remains one of the most acclaimed horror films of the year. With a near-perfect critic score and awards buzz—including whispers of potential Oscar recognition—the film has cemented its place as 2025’s critical darling in horror.
Final Thoughts
With The Conjuring 4: Last Rites surpassing Sinners, 2025 has proven to be a year of both commercial blockbusters and critical darlings in the horror genre.
While Sinners impressed critics with its originality and artistry, The Conjuring 4 demonstrated the enduring box office power of established horror franchises.
As the year continues, horror fans and industry watchers alike will be keeping an eye on whether any upcoming releases can challenge The Conjuring 4’s dominance—or if it will remain the undisputed king of horror in 2025.
