Contains spoilers for “The Conjuring: Last Rites”

The Conjuring Universe ranks among Hollywood’s most successful horror series. While the films often deviate from the true stories of Ed and Lorraine Warren, they’re undeniably thrilling when viewed with a sense of skepticism. If you found yourself peering through your fingers during the terrifying scenes of 2025’s “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” or if the ending left you puzzled, consider watching Looper’s explainer video for a comprehensive breakdown of the movie’s conclusion.

Touted as the concluding chapter in the core “Conjuring” timeline, “Last Rites” may close this specific storyline, but Hollywood’s knack for continuation suggests there could always be more. If this marks the final appearance of Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren and Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren, they certainly exit on a high note, as Looper describes “The Conjuring: Last Rites” as a “heartfelt swan song.” From familial conflict to eerie apparitions, here’s a concise recap of the film’s ending.

The movie sets off in 1964, with younger Ed (Orion Smith) and Lorraine (Madison Lawlor) investigating a haunted mirror. Lorraine unexpectedly goes into labor and delivers Judy, who initially shows no signs of life but then miraculously recovers. As Judy (Mia Tomlinson) grows up, she inherits her mother’s psychic gift, sensing the presence of spirits. However, Lorraine advises Judy to ignore these visions to avoid her own burdens.

Fast forward to 1986, and the Smurl family acquires the same haunted mirror, unleashing supernatural disturbances. Though the events attract media attention, the Warrens have no interest in the affair, preferring to enjoy their retirement and help Judy plan her wedding to Tony (Ben Hardy). Meanwhile, Father Gordon (Steve Coulter), an ally of the Warrens, independently investigates but falls victim to demonic forces. Judy, curious about Gordon’s fate, visits the Smurls, prompting her parents to confront their most dangerous case ever.

Lorraine identifies three spirits haunting the Smurls, but they serve as a cover for a more sinister entity within the mirror that eventually possesses Judy. The solution is to bring the mirror to the Warrens’ home. Ed and Jack Smurl (Elliot Cowan) attempt to relocate it from the attic, but the demon’s power intensifies, causing chaos and injuring Tony.

Although Lorraine once urged Judy to block out her visions, she now encourages her to embrace her uniqueness. Together with Ed and Lorraine, Judy successfully expels the demon from the mirror. Once neutralized, they secure it with other haunted relics they’ve collected over the years.

Judy and Tony get married, and, during the reception, Lorraine tells her husband about a new vision she had in which they grow old and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. As a final epilogue, text appears on the screen to inform viewers of how Ed and Lorraine stayed married until his death, and how, even after that, Lorraine never remarried.

The ending of “The Conjuring: Last Rites” represents the end of an era for the franchise, both on and off the screen. Co-stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are walking away from roles that they’ve inhabited for over a decade, and filming the finale of “Last Rites” was emotionally taxing. Speaking to Dread Central, Farmiga revealed that the reality hit home once Wilson’s scenes were done and he was no longer on set. “My nervous system just packed its bags after that,” she said. “My favorite thing about this, it always has been, is embodying Ed and Lorraine’s unwavering bond. And I had just the most perfect scene partner.”

If one word can sum up the ending of “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” it’s “family” — not only does it drive home how strong the bond between Ed and Lorraine Warren is, but the finale serves as a passing-the-torch moment. According to director Michael Chaves, that’s why they decided to lean into Judy learning how to harness her abilities and eventually getting married. “I think that it felt like a great metaphor,” the filmmaker told We Live Entertainment, adding that the film “really was designed to be a final chapter.”

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” may be the end of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s story on the big screen, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the franchise. “The Conjuring” already has a slew of spin-offs like “Annabelle” and “The Nun” (we’ve ranked every Conjuring Universe movie from worst to best if you’re interested in seeing how they all stack up), and it’s possible that “Last Rites” could spawn another one. Director Michael Chaves has even said that the MacGuffin from “Last Rites” could feature in future stories. “I think something could be done with the mirror, and I believe that the trick lies in the face of the mirror,” he told Dread Central.

Producer James Wan, who directed the first two “Conjuring” movies, has also spoken about having future films focus on Judy Warren. When Bloody Disgusting asked him about that possibility, he said, “I don’t want to jump the gun, but if there is a phase two, something like that does not seem out of place. Actually, it feels very organic, if you will.” Wan’s “phase two” statement refers to something said by New Line Cinema CCO Richard Brener, who hinted that “Last Rites” could be the end of “The Conjuring” phase one. Mia Tomlinson is clearly game for returning to this world. She told Screen Rant, “I’d love to come back to work with Ben [Hardy] and see more creepy stuff. Let’s do it!”