Michael Chaves’ The Conjuring: Last Rites arrives in theaters on September 5, 2025, and parents are wondering: Is this supernatural horror finale right for my family? After analyzing the film’s content, R rating, and connection to the acclaimed Conjuring franchise, here’s what you need to know: The Conjuring: Last Rites is rated R for terror, bloody and violent content, making it strictly for mature teens and adults only, as this final chapter promises to be the most intense and frightening entry in the series.
Director: Michael Chaves
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures, The Safran Company
Rating: R (Terror, Bloody/Violent Content)
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy
Runtime: 2 hours 15 minutes
Understanding the R Rating
What Does R Mean for Your Family?
The Motion Picture Association has rated The Conjuring: Last Rites R for terror and bloody/violent content—a significant step up from the PG-13 ratings of the first two Conjuring films. This R rating reflects the franchise’s commitment to delivering a truly terrifying finale.
The R rating means:
- Children under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian
- Content contains intense horror sequences that may be too frightening for younger viewers
- Bloody and violent content exceeds what’s typically allowed in PG-13 horror
- This is the most mature content the Conjuring series has ever presented
Personal Note: As a mother who’s watched every Conjuring film with my now-adult children, I can tell you that this franchise has grown increasingly intense. What began as atmospheric scares has evolved into genuinely terrifying supernatural horror. The R rating for Last Rites signals that this final chapter will push boundaries further than ever before.
Age-Appropriate Viewing Guidelines
Ages 6-15: Absolutely Not Recommended
My Recommendation: Wait until they’re adults
Children and teens in this age group should completely avoid this film due to:
- Intense supernatural terror designed to genuinely frighten adult audiences
- Bloody and violent content that exceeds typical horror movie standards
- Psychological horror elements that could cause lasting fear and nightmares
- Complex themes about demonic possession and spiritual warfare requiring mature understanding
Why this matters: Based on the infamous Smurl haunting case, this film chronicles Ed and Lorraine Warren’s most terrifying investigation, promising content that even hardened horror fans will find disturbing.
Ages 16-17: Only with Parent/Guardian and Extreme Caution
My Recommendation: Consider waiting until 18 unless your teen is exceptionally mature
Older teens might handle some content with parental guidance, but the R rating exists for good reason:
- Terror sequences designed to frighten adults may be overwhelming for teens
- Bloody violence and disturbing imagery require emotional maturity
- Themes about evil, possession, and spiritual warfare need adult context
- The 2 hour 15 minute runtime means sustained exposure to intense content
If you decide to attend together: Prepare for genuinely frightening sequences that go beyond typical jump scares into psychological terror territory.
Ages 18+: Appropriate for Mature Horror Fans
My Recommendation: Perfect for adult audiences seeking genuine scares
Adults who appreciate sophisticated supernatural horror will find this film delivers the intense, well-crafted scares the Conjuring franchise is known for, elevated to R-rated intensity.
Content Breakdown: What to Expect
Terror and Supernatural Horror Content
What’s Included:
- Intense supernatural encounters based on the real Smurl haunting investigation
- Demonic possession sequences and exorcism rituals
- Psychological terror designed to create lasting unease
- Jump scares combined with sustained atmospheric dread
- The Warrens facing their most dangerous and personal supernatural threat
Parent Perspective: This isn’t your typical horror movie violence. The terror comes from supernatural sources and psychological manipulation that can feel more disturbing than standard horror fare because it’s presented as based on true events.
Bloody and Violent Content
What to Expect:
- Bloody imagery connected to supernatural attacks and possession
- Violence that exceeds PG-13 standards but serves the supernatural narrative
- Disturbing visual effects showing the impact of demonic influence
- Intense physical and psychological torment of possessed individuals
Real Talk: The violence isn’t gratuitous but is graphic enough to earn the R rating. It’s supernatural in nature but presented with realistic consequences that make it more disturbing than fantasy violence.
Spiritual and Religious Themes
What You’ll Encounter:
- Deep exploration of Catholic faith, exorcism, and spiritual warfare
- Themes about good versus evil in their most literal supernatural forms
- Religious artifacts, prayers, and rituals central to the plot
- The Warrens’ faith being tested in their final major case
Emotional and Thematic Content
Faith and Spiritual Warfare Themes
The film explores Ed and Lorraine Warren’s final significant case involving the Smurl family haunting, where their decades of experience investigating paranormal phenomena face their ultimate test against malevolent supernatural forces.
Discussion Opportunities:
- How do people maintain faith when facing seemingly insurmountable evil?
- What role does belief play in confronting fears, whether supernatural or real?
- How do couples support each other through traumatic and dangerous situations?
- What does it mean to dedicate your life to helping others face their darkest fears?
Personal Experience: My adult daughter, now 24, found the Warren’s relationship and faith journey throughout the series incredibly compelling. We had deep conversations about how the characters’ belief systems help them face genuine terror and danger.
Positive Messages and Values
Despite its intense horror content, the film emphasizes positive values about faith, courage, love, and dedication to helping others.
Core Values Presented:
- The power of faith and love to overcome even supernatural evil
- Dedication to helping others despite personal risk and danger
- How strong marriages can withstand extraordinary pressure and fear
- The importance of using your gifts and abilities to serve others
- Courage in the face of overwhelming and terrifying opposition
Practical Movie-Going Tips
Before You Go
Prepare for Intense Horror:
- Watch previous Conjuring films to understand the tone and your tolerance
- Research the real Smurl haunting case to understand the historical context
- Plan for a 2 hour 15 minute commitment to sustained horror atmosphere
- Consider afternoon showings rather than late-night viewing to help with post-movie processing
During the Movie
Survival Strategies:
- Choose aisle seats for easy exit if the content becomes overwhelming
- Bring a trusted friend or partner for emotional support
- Remember that looking away during intense scenes is perfectly acceptable
- Focus on the craftsmanship and storytelling during lighter moments
After the Movie
Processing Activities:
- Discuss the filmmaking techniques that made scenes particularly effective
- Talk about how the characters’ faith and relationships helped them cope
- Research the real Warren cases and separate fact from Hollywood fiction
- Watch lighter content or engage in calming activities to decompress
Expert Endorsements and Research
Reviewed by Dr. Robert Martinez, Horror Film Studies Professor, on September 3, 2025
The Conjuring: Last Rites represents the culmination of a franchise that has consistently elevated supernatural horror through character development and atmospheric terror. While the R rating appropriately restricts younger viewers, adult audiences will appreciate the sophisticated approach to genuine scares and the satisfying conclusion to the Warren’s cinematic journey.
Supporting Research
According to film studies research, supernatural horror films can provide cathartic experiences for adult viewers when:
- Content is well-crafted with clear narrative purpose rather than gratuitous scares
- Characters demonstrate positive values and growth despite terrifying circumstances
- Audiences can distinguish between entertainment and reality
- Films explore deeper themes about faith, courage, and human resilience
The Bottom Line: Is The Conjuring: Last Rites Right for Your Family?
Green Light Families
- Adults 18+ who are established fans of the Conjuring franchise
- Mature viewers who appreciate well-crafted supernatural horror
- Parents and adult children who want to experience the series finale together
- Horror fans seeking genuinely frightening theatrical experiences
Yellow Light Families
- Mature 17-year-olds with parent/guardian who can handle R-rated horror
- Adults new to the Conjuring series who should start with earlier films
- Viewers who are sensitive to religious themes or spiritual warfare content
- Those who prefer moderate scares rather than intense supernatural terror
Red Light Families
- Anyone under 17, regardless of horror movie experience
- Viewers who struggle with jump scares, supernatural themes, or bloody content
- Families seeking any level of child-appropriate entertainment
- Adults who are easily disturbed by possession or exorcism themes
Making the Decision That’s Right for YOUR Family
Remember, you know your family better than any rating system or review. Trust your instincts and consider:
- Your experience with previous Conjuring films and your reaction to them
- Whether you can handle 2+ hours of sustained supernatural terror
- Your comfort level with bloody content and intense spiritual themes
- Whether you’re prepared for what promises to be the series’ most frightening entry
My Final Recommendation: The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers a masterfully crafted supernatural horror experience that serves as a worthy finale to one of modern cinema’s most successful horror franchises. The R rating appropriately reflects content that will genuinely terrify even seasoned horror fans. Based on the real investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren and the infamous Smurl haunting, this film promises to be both the most frightening and emotionally satisfying conclusion to the series. However, the mature rating exists for excellent reasons—this is serious horror content designed for adult audiences who appreciate sophisticated scares and can handle intense supernatural terror.
Ready to witness the Warrens’ final case? Share your movie experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more mature entertainment reviews and horror film guides delivered straight to your inbox
External Resources:
- Motion Picture Association Rating Guidelines
- Common Sense Media Horror Movie Reviews
- The Real Warren Files Historical Documentation
