Theater counts: Last Rites still rules: The Conjuring holds top theater count in second weekend

September 11, 2025

The weekend box office saw newcomer, The Conjuring: Last Rites, take theaters by storm, sinking its teeth into a franchise-best $84 million in its opening salvo. The horror hit claimed the top spot by nearly $74 million over the competition in just its first three days. But it may be a short-lived reign for Last Rites, as a fresh wave of releases arrives this weekend, including the highly-anticipated latest entry in the Demon Slayer franchise with the release of Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Infinity Castle.

The biggest newcomer hitting the big screen this weekend in terms of theaters is Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. Opening in 3,694 cinemas, the latest chapter in the beloved franchise follows the Crawley family as they navigate the looming threat of social disgrace after Mary becomes entangled in a public scandal. Set in 1930s London, The Grand Finale marks the third film in a franchise that has already earned over $287 million globally, driven largely by the original film’s impressive $194 million haul. The new installment reunites the sprawling ensemble cast and brings back director Simon Curtis, who previously helmed Downton Abbey: A New Era.

After securing over $316 million in overseas play, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Infinity Castle finally makes its long-awaited debut in North America this weekend, arriving in approximately 3,315 theaters. The latest installment in the hit manga series follows Tanjiro Kamado and the Demon Slayer Corps as they’re pulled into the Infinity Castle, where they face the terrifying Upper Rank demons and ultimately their greatest enemy, Muzan Kibutsuji. Of the $316 million earned so far, the largest share comes from the franchise’s home country of Japan, where the film has amassed over $213 million since its release on July 18. Following a successful rollout across Southeast Asia throughout August, the film now begins its largest international expansion with today’s North American release.

Also opening in wide release is The Long Walk. Set in a dystopian America, the story centers on an annual event, also called “The Long Walk,” in which a totalitarian regime forces participants to maintain a walking speed of at least 3 miles per hour, with execution as the penalty for slowing down. The film is adapted from Stephen King’s 1979 novel and stars Cooper Hoffman, with direction by The Hunger Games filmmaker Francis Lawrence. The Long Walk will debut in 2,845 cinemas throughout North America.

Meanwhile, launching in 1,919 theaters is Bleecker Street’s mockumentary sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. The film follows the now-estranged bandmates as they’re compelled to reunite for one final concert. Rob Reiner returns to direct, reprising his role behind the camera from the original cult classic.

Lastly, the first feature from Pixar Animation Studios is back for its 30th anniversary as Toy Story buzzes into 2,375 theaters. Originally released in 1995, the groundbreaking animated film earned over $191 million domestically during a remarkable 29-week run that stretched well into the summer of 1996. The legacy of Toy Story has since expanded into a beloved franchise, spawning four sequels, 2022’s Lightyear, and a collection of short films.

Looking ahead to next weekend, we see another flurry of wide releases making their cinematic debuts. These include football horror, Him, starting out in approximately 3,100 locations, while A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, is projected to arrive in approximately 3,000 theaters.
A special 30th anniversary release of Apollo 13 will lift off in 185 cinemas.

Filed under: Theater Counts, Toy Story, The Conjuring, Downton Abbey, Demon Slayer, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Spinal Tap, Stephen King, Francis Lawrence, Rob Reiner, Simon Curtis, Cooper Hoffman