The Conjuring Universe has redefined modern supernatural horror by creating a sprawling interconnected web of demons, cursed artifacts, and paranormal investigations. Since James Wan introduced audiences to Ed and Lorraine Warren in 2013, the franchise has expanded into a multi-billion dollar juggernaut. If you are looking to dive into this terrifying world, the first thing you need to know is that there are currently 10 films in total, including the upcoming 2025 release.

Understanding the sequence of these films is essential because the narrative jumps across decades, from 1950s Romania to 1980s Connecticut. Whether you want to witness the lore evolve as the creators intended or follow the demonic entities from their earliest origins, this breakdown provides the definitive roadmap for your marathon.

Quick Summary of The Conjuring Universe Orders

For those who want an immediate answer, here are the two primary ways to watch the series:

The Release Date Order

  1. The Conjuring (2013)
  2. Annabelle (2014)
  3. The Conjuring 2 (2016)
  4. Annabelle: Creation (2017)
  5. The Nun (2018)
  6. The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
  7. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
  8. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
  9. The Nun II (2023)
  10. The Conjuring: Last Rites (Upcoming 2025)

The Chronological Timeline Order

  1. The Nun (Set in 1952)
  2. Annabelle: Creation (Set in 1955)
  3. The Nun II (Set in 1956)
  4. Annabelle (Set in 1967)
  5. The Conjuring (Set in 1971)
  6. Annabelle Comes Home (Set in 1971/1972)
  7. The Curse of La Llorona (Set in 1973)
  8. The Conjuring 2 (Set in 1977)
  9. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (Set in 1981)
  10. The Conjuring: Last Rites (Set in 1986/Future)

Detailed Breakdown of the Chronological Timeline

Watching the films in chronological order allows you to see the "butterfly effect" of demonic possession. You start with the ancient origins of the Nun and see how the Warrens eventually step in to contain the fallout.

1. The Nun (Set in 1952)

The story begins in a secluded abbey in Romania. This film serves as the foundational origin story for Valak, the demonic entity that haunts Lorraine Warren in later years. When a young nun takes her own life, the Vatican sends Father Burke and a novice, Sister Irene, to investigate.

From a production standpoint, the atmosphere here is gothic and heavy. In our analysis of the franchise's visual language, The Nun stands out for its use of shadow and religious iconography. It ends with a crucial link to the original The Conjuring, showing how a villager named "Frenchie" becomes the vessel that eventually brings the Warrens into the fold.

2. Annabelle: Creation (Set in 1955)

Technically a prequel to a prequel, this film explores the tragic origins of the possessed porcelain doll. It takes place 12 years after the death of a dollmaker’s daughter. When a group of orphans moves into the home, they inadvertently awaken a spirit trapped within a doll.

This installment is widely regarded as the best of the Annabelle trilogy. Director David F. Sandberg brings a "funhouse" energy to the scares. The ending of this film leads directly into the opening scene of 2014's Annabelle, creating a seamless loop in the timeline.

3. The Nun II (Set in 1956)

Picking up just four years after the events in Romania, The Nun II follows Sister Irene to France. Valak has resurfaced, hiding within Frenchie as he works at a boarding school. This film expands the lore of the "eyes of Saint Lucy" and provides more context on the bloodlines involved in fighting these ancient evils.

In our practical review of the scares, the "magazine stand" sequence in The Nun II is a masterclass in tension, proving that the franchise can still innovate with physical props in an era dominated by CGI.

4. Annabelle (Set in 1967)

We move to Southern California in the late 60s. A young couple experiences terrifying supernatural occurrences after their home is invaded by satanic cultists. One of the cult members dies while holding a vintage doll, transferring a demonic entity into it.

While this film received mixed critical reception, it is vital for understanding why the doll is so feared. It captures the "Satanic Panic" era perfectly, grounding the horror in the real-world anxieties of that decade.

5. The Conjuring (Set in 1971)

This is the film that started it all. Based on the real-life case of the Perron family in Rhode Island, it introduces Ed and Lorraine Warren as they attempt to cleanse a farmhouse of a witch’s curse.

The chemistry between Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga is the emotional anchor of the entire universe. James Wan’s direction focuses on "slow-burn" dread rather than cheap jump scares. The famous "hide and clap" scene remains one of the most effective sequences in 21st-century horror.

6. Annabelle Comes Home (Set in 1971/1972)

This film takes place almost immediately after the Warrens bring the Annabelle doll back to their artifact room (as seen in the prologue of the first movie). While Ed and Lorraine are away, their daughter Judy and her babysitters accidentally release the spirits trapped in the room.

It feels like a "greatest hits" of the Warrens' haunted museum. We are introduced to new entities like the Ferryman and the Black Shuck, many of which are rumored to have their own spin-offs in development.

7. The Curse of La Llorona (Set in 1973)

While its connection to the main universe is the subject of debate among fans and even some directors, the presence of Father Perez (who also appeared in Annabelle) firmly places it in this timeline. Based on Mexican folklore, a social worker must protect her children from a weeping ghost who steals kids.

8. The Conjuring 2 (Set in 1977)

The Warrens travel to London to investigate the Enfield Poltergeist. This film is crucial because it re-introduces Valak (The Nun) as the puppet master behind the haunting and teases the Crooked Man.

The scale of this sequel is much larger than the first, dealing with the media's skepticism of the Warrens' work while delivering intense supernatural set pieces. It’s here that the overarching narrative of Lorraine’s visions regarding Ed’s death begins to peak.

9. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (Set in 1981)

Breaking away from the "haunted house" formula, this installment follows the real-life murder trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the first time in U.S. history that "demonic possession" was used as a legal defense.

The film leans more into a paranormal detective thriller. While it lacks the claustrophobic dread of the first two main entries, it provides a fascinating look at the Warrens' relationship with the legal and medical systems of the early 80s.

10. The Conjuring: Last Rites (Set in 1986/Future)

Scheduled for 2025, this is billed as the final chapter of the mainline series. While plot details are under wraps, it is expected to tackle another famous case from the late 1980s, potentially the Smurl haunting or the Snedeker house. It will likely serve as a grand finale for Wilson and Farmiga’s portrayal of the couple.

Why Release Order is Better for First-Time Viewers

If you have never seen a Conjuring movie, the Release Order is the superior way to experience the franchise. Here is why:

  1. The Mystery Factor: The original The Conjuring (2013) introduces the Warrens and their museum of artifacts as a mystery. You see the Annabelle doll in a glass case and wonder about its history. If you watch Annabelle: Creation first, that mystery is gone.
  2. Visual Evolution: You get to see the filmmaking techniques evolve. James Wan’s specific style in the first two films sets a high bar, and the spin-offs experiment with that style in different ways.
  3. The Valak Reveal: The demonic nun is first teased as a terrifying shadow in The Conjuring 2. The origin story in The Nun is much more effective if you already know how powerful and pervasive that demon becomes in the future.
  4. Post-Credit Teases: Several films, like Annabelle: Creation, have post-credit scenes that explicitly set up the next theatrical release. These can feel confusing or spoiler-heavy if you are watching chronologically.

Is The Curse of La Llorona Canon?

The status of The Curse of La Llorona is a frequent point of contention in the horror community.

  • Evidence for Canon: Father Perez appears in the film and explicitly references his encounter with the Annabelle doll. He even has a flashback to the events of the 2014 movie.
  • Evidence against Canon: Director Michael Chaves and producer James Wan have occasionally suggested that it was intended as a standalone project that merely shared an actor/character. It was not marketed under the "Conjuring Universe" banner as heavily as The Nun or Annabelle.

In our professional opinion, if you are a completionist, include it. It fits perfectly into the 1973 slot and shares the same "vibe" and priest character, even if it doesn't directly impact the Warrens' main story arc.

The Real-Life Inspiration: Ed and Lorraine Warren

One of the reasons these movies resonate so deeply is their connection to real people. Ed Warren was a self-taught demonologist, and Lorraine was a self-proclaimed clairvoyant and medium.

Their "Occult Museum" in Monroe, Connecticut, is the real-world basis for the artifact room seen in the movies. While the films certainly dramatize the events (the real Annabelle was actually a Raggedy Ann doll, not a terrifying porcelain figure), the core cases—the Perron family, the Enfield Poltergeist, and the trial of Arne Johnson—are all based on documented reports and interviews conducted by the couple.

For a deeper experience, we recommend looking into the real "Enfield Poltergeist" recordings. Hearing the actual raspy voice of the "spirit" that tormented the children in London adds a chilling layer of reality to The Conjuring 2.

What is the Future of The Conjuring Universe?

The franchise shows no signs of slowing down even as the mainline series concludes.

The Conjuring TV Series

In April 2023, it was announced that a Conjuring television series is in development for the Max streaming platform. Peter Safran and James Wan are both involved. This series is expected to continue the stories of the Warrens’ case files, perhaps focusing on the numerous cases that weren't big enough for a feature film but are too interesting to ignore.

Potential Spin-offs

There has long been talk of a Crooked Man movie. While James Wan recently stated the project had been put on hold, the success of The Nun II proves that audiences are still hungry for origin stories of the "big bads." With Annabelle Comes Home introducing entities like the Ferryman, the "Artifact Room" serves as a nearly infinite source of potential content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Conjuring movie is the scariest?

Subjectivity varies, but most horror critics and fans agree that The Conjuring (2013) and The Conjuring 2 are the most effective. They rely on "sustained tension" and expert pacing. Among the spin-offs, Annabelle: Creation is often cited as the most frightening due to its aggressive jump scares.

Can I watch The Conjuring movies out of order?

You can, as many of the spin-offs are designed to work as standalone horror films. However, you will miss the subtle connections, such as how the ending of The Nun explains a specific scene in the first Conjuring.

Are the movies based on true stories?

The "mainline" Conjuring movies are based on the case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren. While they are based on "true events" as reported by the families involved, the films take significant creative liberties for dramatic effect. The spin-offs (The Nun, Annabelle) are almost entirely fictionalized versions of the origins of the objects or entities.

How many Annabelle movies are there?

There are three: Annabelle (2014), Annabelle: Creation (2017), and Annabelle Comes Home (2019).

Summary of the Best Viewing Experience

To wrap up, there are 10 movies in the franchise. For the best experience:

  • Use Release Order if you want to experience the scares as they were revealed to the world.
  • Use Chronological Order if you want to follow the historical timeline of the demonic hauntings from 1952 to 1986.

With The Conjuring: Last Rites on the horizon for 2025, now is the perfect time to catch up on this monumental horror saga. Whether you believe in the paranormal or simply enjoy a well-crafted jump scare, the Warrens' journey remains the gold standard for shared-universe horror.