The Conjuring 1 release date centers on July 19, 2013, when Warner Bros. opened the film in wide theatrical distribution across the United States. This verified timing marks the feature debut of the Warrens’ story and the start of what became a durable franchise. Below is a concise overview of the rollout and a factual table that captures key milestones and context.
Release Timeline and Key Dates
The Conjuring followed a carefully planned theatrical schedule that moved from test screenings to a wide opening. Understanding these dates clarifies how the studio built momentum and how the film reached audiences.
From Test Screenings to Wide Release
- Test screenings: Early-to-mid 2013, with reactions that strengthened studio confidence.
- Official wide release: July 19, 2013, in the United States.
- Subsequent markets: August and September 2013 saw region-by-region rollouts in Europe and Asia.
Box Office and Performance Context
On its opening weekend, The Conjuring earned approximately $41.5 million from North American theaters, finishing first at the box office. That result helped establish director James Wan’s horror comeback and demonstrated strong audience appetite for slow-burn, story-driven supernatural thrillers. The film’s financial success contributed to long-term franchise planning.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Release Date (U.S.) | July 19, 2013 | Box office records |
| Opening Weekend Gross (North America) | $41.5 million | Box office reports |
| Production Company | New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster, Thunder Road Pictures | Credits and studio filings |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. Pictures | Distribution agreements |
| Domestic Total Gross | $137.4 million | Box office summaries |
| International Total Gross | $182.8 million | Box office summaries |
| Budget Estimate | $20 million | Industry reporting |
Marketing and Positioning
Studio marketing emphasized period atmosphere, practical effects, and a research-based approach to haunting. Trailers highlighted creaky hallways, archival footage, and the ominous presence of the Warrens, differentiating the film from faster-paced contemporaries. Strategic weekend placements and critic preview screenings built credibility that sustained legs at the box office.
Cultural and Genre Impact
The Conjuring 1 release date arrived when audiences were hungry for tightly structured, tone-driven horror. The film’s measured pacing and emotional family drama resonated, inspiring a wave of period-set haunted-house movies. Its influence can be seen in later entries in both the Conjuring Universe and broader supernatural thriller subgenres, reinforcing the value of slow-burn storytelling.
The Modern Franchise Trajectory
The June 5, 2014 follow-up expanded the timeline and deepened the mythology, while later entries introduced spinoffs that explored related cases. The original remains the tonal anchor of the series, and its July 2013 debut continues to shape expectations around quality and authenticity in contemporary horror.