Thescreescore – Earlier this year, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners dominated both critical acclaim and the box office, becoming a horror juggernaut. Starring Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers battling an Irish vampire (Jack O’Connell), the film boasted a stellar cast including Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, and Delroy Lindo. Its 97% Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score and 96% audience score, combined with a worldwide gross of $366.7 million, cemented its status as the highest-grossing horror film of 2025. But the reign of Sinners has met its match.
A new challenger has emerged from the shadows: The Conjuring: Last Rites. Released on September 3rd, 2025, this latest installment in the venerable franchise has proven to be a box office behemoth, surpassing even its own predecessors. While its critical reception was more divisive (59% critics’ score, 78% audience score on thescreescore.com), its financial performance has been undeniable. Opening to a staggering $84 million domestically against a $55 million budget, Last Rites has now amassed approximately $400 million worldwide, snatching the crown from Sinners.
A closer look at the numbers reveals a fascinating contrast. Sinners generated a remarkable 76% ($278.6 million) of its total gross domestically, showcasing its strong home-market appeal. In contrast, Last Rites‘s success is more globally distributed, with only 37.8% ($151.2 million) coming from domestic box office receipts, while a significant 62.2% ($248.8 million) hails from international markets.
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Despite losing its top spot, Sinners remains a triumph for Coogler and its cast. Its $366.7 million gross, against a $90 million budget, represents a significant financial victory. Furthermore, its critical acclaim and haunting soundtrack position it as a potential horror classic for years to come. The Conjuring: Last Rites, while occupying a more familiar horror niche, benefits from the established fanbase of the franchise. Ultimately, both films have carved their own unique paths to box office success, proving that there’s room for both innovative horror and established franchises to thrive.
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