The lights are dimming on one of modern horror’s most iconic franchises. The Conjuring: Last Rites is slated to hit theaters on 5 September 2025. Fans are preparing to say farewell to the cinematic universe that brought real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren into pop culture stardom. With Warner Bros. releasing the first teaser, the final chapter hints at a chilling end to a decade-long saga.
The Conjuring universe: A horror powerhouse
When The Conjuring debuted in 2013, marketers initially billed it as a standalone horror film rooted in the real-life case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Its unexpected success quickly paved the way for a shared universe, spawning spin-offs like Annabelle, The Nun, and The Curse of La Llorona. The idea of interconnected supernatural tales grounded in supposedly true events captivated audiences.
What set this franchise apart was its ability to weave characters and demonic forces across films, creating a cohesive narrative that kept viewers coming back. Each movie added layers to the universe while keeping the Warrens at its emotional core. Whether it was a haunted doll or a cursed convent, it all traced back to their world.
Commercially, The Conjuring universe is unmatched in the horror genre. With over $2 billion in box office revenue, it remains the highest-grossing horror series of all time. Director James Wan’s vision, rooted in suspense rather than gore, imbued the films with a timeless quality that appealed to both critics and fans. Beyond scares, it was the emotional depth of the Warrens’ characters that gave the films their lasting impact. Their unwavering faith and love added a human dimension, elevating the fear factor and making these films resonate on a deeper level.
What we know about Last Rites
While much of the plot remains under wraps, Warner Bros. has confirmed The Conjuring: Last Rites as the fourth and final mainline installment. The teaser trailer, released in April 2025, offers haunting voice-overs and shadowy visuals that hint at a particularly grim case, one that could hit closer to home for the Warrens than ever before.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as Ed and Lorraine Warren, reprising the roles that have defined their careers for over a decade. The film centers around what’s described as the couple’s “final and most terrifying investigation.” Though the real-life case that inspired the storyline remains a mystery, several sources speculate that it may reference one of the last major hauntings the Warrens investigated before Ed’s death in 2006.
Screenwriter David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who worked on the previous two Conjuring films, is back for this installment. James Wan, though not directing, remains involved as a producer, ensuring the franchise ends with the same creative vision it began with. Michael Chaves, director of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, returns behind the camera. However, fans are divided over whether his slightly glossier style can match the grounded horror tone of the earlier films.
The title Last Rites carries a dual meaning. It suggests both a spiritual conclusion and the finality of the Warrens’ cinematic journey. This theme is reinforced by the teaser’s chilling voice. It warns, “This will be our last case,” as the screen fades to black.
The legacy of Ed and Lorraine Warren
At the center of the Conjuring universe are Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed with warmth and conviction by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Their on-screen bond became the emotional heartbeat of the franchise, grounding the supernatural chaos in something deeply human. Audiences didn’t just follow the hauntings; they followed the Warrens’ love, faith, and quiet courage.
In real life, Ed and Lorraine were far more controversial figures. Over the years, skeptics questioned their work as self-proclaimed demonologists. Many of their cases were often dismissed as exaggerated or unfounded. Still, their stories found a second life through the films. These movies portrayed them as empathetic protectors of the innocent rather than polarizing public figures.
Hollywood often smooths rough edges, and the Conjuring films reimagined the Warrens not just as investigators but as guardians of morality. Whether confronting haunted dolls or demonic nuns, they consistently put themselves at risk to save others. It’s this portrayal, part myth, part homage, that has cemented their place in modern horror iconography.
The scare that stayed
More than just a ghost story, the Conjuring franchise has endured because it understands the mechanics of fear. At its best, the series avoids cheap thrills and instead builds dread through emotional stakes and atmospheric settings. Unlike slasher franchises built on gore, The Conjuring films rely on suggestion, silence, and spiritual horror, tapping into fears that are existential rather than merely physical.
Part of the franchise’s longevity lies in its treatment of the Warrens. While the real-life couple has drawn controversy over the years, the films leaned into their sincerity, portraying them as a devout, loving team risking everything to protect others. This human element made their characters relatable, even as the demons they faced remained firmly in the supernatural.
By framing each case as a moral and emotional trial, the franchise gave horror a heart. This is a rare feat in a genre often defined by cynicism. Whether it was a haunted farmhouse or a demonic doll tormenting a young couple, the stories always returned to a key question of belief. What do we trust, and what do we fear when the lights go out?
A proper goodbye
The Conjuring: Last Rites is more than a final installment. It marks the end of a journey that’s captivated audiences for over a decade. Whether it ends the Warrens’ saga with a whisper or a scream, it will reshape how we view supernatural horror. As the franchise slips into history, it leaves behind more than terror; it leaves a lasting legacy for fans and the genre. Few horror universes have managed to blend real-life mythos with cinematic storytelling so effectively. And as the screen fades to black, one thing is clear: the Warrens may be gone, but their fearsome legacy won’t rest in peace.
