The Conjuring Universe has become one of the biggest horror franchises in history, grossing over $2 billion worldwide and proving that audiences can’t get enough of haunted houses, cursed objects, and creepy nuns lurking in the shadows.
With nine films (and counting!), the timeline is anything but simple. Between prequels, spin-offs, and demonic crossovers, figuring out the best way to watch these films can feel like solving a paranormal case with Ed and Lorraine Warren.
So whether you’re a newcomer or a hardcore fan, here’s how to navigate the chaos – both in chronological order and release order.
The Story Behind The Conjuring Universe
It all started with James Wan’s The Conjuring (2013) – a supernatural horror film inspired by the real-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, two of the most famous paranormal investigators in history.
The Warrens were real people who claimed to have handled over 10,000 hauntings, including the infamous Amityville Horror case.
Their investigations inspired multiple films, including The Amityville Horror (1979) and The Haunting in Connecticut (2009) – but The Conjuring launched an entire cinematic universe.
The success of The Conjuring led to spin-offs, prequels, and crossovers, making it the highest-grossing horror franchise of all time.
Unlike traditional franchises, The Conjuring universe isn’t a straight-line timeline. Instead, it jumps back and forth between decades, exploring different cursed objects and demonic entities.
How to Watch The Conjuring Universe in Chronological Order
If you want to experience the story as it unfolds in the timeline, this is the correct order:
1. The Nun (2018) – Set in 1952
The franchise’s earliest chapter, The Nun explores the origins of Valak, the demonic entity that later haunts Lorraine Warren. It follows Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) and Father Burke (Demián Bichir) as they investigate a series of gruesome deaths in a Romanian abbey.
Why it’s important: Introduces Valak, the main antagonist in The Conjuring 2.
2. Annabelle: Creation (2017) – Set in 1955
A prequel to Annabelle, this film reveals how the cursed doll came to be. After the tragic death of their daughter, a dollmaker and his wife accidentally invite a demonic entity into their home, leading to pure nightmare fuel.
Why it’s important: Shows the origin of Annabelle, who later appears in The Conjuring and Annabelle Comes Home.
3. The Nun II (2023) – Set in 1956
A sequel to The Nun, this film follows Sister Irene’s continued battle with Valak, who begins a murderous rampage across Europe.
Why it’s important: Connects Valak’s evil to The Conjuring films.
4. Annabelle (2014) – Set in 1967
Taking place right before the events of The Conjuring, this film follows a young couple terrorized by Annabelle after a home invasion by a Satanic cult.
Why it’s important: Sets up Annabelle’s presence in the Warren’s occult museum.
5. The Conjuring (2013) – Set in 1971
The film that started it all. Ed and Lorraine Warren investigate the Perron family’s haunted house, leading to one of the scariest exorcism scenes in horror history.
Why it’s important: Introduces Ed and Lorraine Warren, the heart of the franchise.
6. The Conjuring 2 (2016) – Set in 1977
The Warrens travel to Enfield, England, to help a family tormented by a malevolent entity – only to realize Valak is behind it all.
Why it’s important: Further explores Valak’s influence and sets up The Nun films.
7. Annabelle Comes Home (2019) – Set in 1972
After The Conjuring, the Warrens bring Annabelle to their occult museum – but a curious babysitter unleashes hell inside their house.
Why it’s important: Introduces more cursed objects in the Warren’s collection.
8. The Curse of La Llorona (2019) – Set in 1973
Loosely connected to The Conjuring universe, this film follows a social worker haunted by the vengeful spirit of La Llorona.
Why it’s important: Features Father Perez, who also appeared in Annabelle.
9. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) – Set in 1981
Based on a real case where a man claimed demonic possession as his legal defense, this film takes the Warrens from haunted houses to courtrooms.
Why it’s important: Expands the franchise beyond haunted house horror.
How to Watch The Conjuring Universe in Release Order
If you prefer to watch the films as they were released, follow this order:
The Conjuring (2013)
Annabelle (2014)
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Annabelle: Creation (2017)
The Nun (2018)
The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
The Nun II (2023)
What’s Next in The Conjuring Universe?
The Conjuring franchise is far from over. Here’s what’s coming:
The Conjuring 4: Last Rites (2025) – Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return for one final case as Ed and Lorraine Warren.
Untitled Conjuring TV Series – A Max original show expanding the universe, but details are still under wraps.
Unfortunately, some projects never made it:
The Crooked Man – A spin-off film about the terrifying entity from The Conjuring 2 was canceled in 2022.
Final Thoughts: How Should You Watch?
New to the series? Watch in chronological order for the full story experience.
Rewatching? Watch in release order to relive the franchise’s evolution.
Just want the best films? Stick with The Conjuring trilogy + Annabelle: Creation.
With haunted dolls, demon nuns, and real-life horror stories, The Conjuring universe remains one of the most terrifying cinematic sagas ever made.
How do you prefer to watch The Conjuring films? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
