Scary Movies Keep Scaring Up Big Bucks
Horror Dominates with "Last Rites"
The latest installment in the Conjuring series, "Last Rites," has shattered records, earning $34.5 million on its first day. This massive opening surpasses all previous films in the franchise, proving that horror fans are still eager for more scares.
Starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the Warrens, the film is directed by Michael Chaves, who has also worked on other Conjuring movies. Despite mixed reviews from critics, audiences are flocking to theaters, with projections suggesting it will surpass $50 million in its opening weekend—the biggest debut ever for a Conjuring film.
Playing in premium formats like IMAX, "Last Rites" is capitalizing on the demand for big-screen horror experiences.
Disney's "Hamilton" Makes a Splash
Meanwhile, Disney's "Hamilton" is also making waves at the box office. Despite being available on Disney+ for years, the musical drama earned $3.9 million on its first day. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the film is expected to bring in around $9 million in its opening weekend—a strong showing for a movie already familiar to millions of viewers.
Other Box Office Highlights
- "Weapons" continues its strong run in its fifth weekend, with over $140 million in North American earnings.
- Disney's "Freakier Friday" has grossed $85 million, positioning it to surpass "Snow White" as one of the year's highest-grossing films.
- "Caught Stealing" had a weak opening, earning just $3.2 million in its second weekend.
- "Light of the World," a Christian film, is projected to make only $700,000 on its first day.
Conclusion
The success of "Last Rites" and "Hamilton" proves that audiences still crave horror and musical experiences, regardless of critical reception. As always, the box office speaks loudest—fans are voting with their wallets, and right now, they're choosing "Last Rites" and "Hamilton."