“Audiences know when they go in to see ‘The Conjuring,’ the minute this scary, ominous music comes up with the Warner’s logo, you know you’re in for a wild ride,” Dergarabedian said.
The film has received mixed reviews from critics, carrying a 55% on Rotten Tomatoes and a “B” CinemaScore.
“It just shows how arguably more than any other genre, horror has stood the test of time,” Dergarabedian said. “That’s because there’s nothing quite like seeing a horror movie in a darkened room full of strangers.”
The horror genre last crossed the $1 billion mark in 2023. Meeting that threshold this early in the year is unprecedented, Dergarabedian said, “because usually you need a full year of horror movie box office to bank that much cash.”
Upcoming horror films like “Black Phone 2” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” are likely to boost that number, Dergarabedian said.
With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:
1. “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” $83 million.
2. “Hamilton,” $10 million.
3. “Weapons,” $5.4 million.
4. “Freakier Friday,” $3.8 million.
5. “Caught Stealing,” $3.2 million.
6. “The Roses,” $2.8 million.
7. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” $2.8 million.
8. “The Bad Guys 2,” $2.5 million.
9. “Light of the World,” $2.4 million.
10. “Superman,” $1 million.
