Conjuring Universe: Watch In Order (Timeline & Release Date)
Are you brave enough to enter the chilling world of the "Conjuring" universe and unravel its intricate timeline? Prepare to be terrified, as navigating the correct order of these interconnected films is crucial to experiencing the full extent of their scares and supernatural lore.
The "Conjuring" franchise, a sprawling tapestry of terror woven across multiple films, has captivated audiences with its tales of demonic entities, haunted artifacts, and the courageous paranormal investigators who dare to confront them. But with a multitude of installments, each delving into different timelines and events, the question arises: how does one truly experience this cinematic world? Is it best to follow the release dates, or to immerse oneself in the chronological order of the stories? The answer, as it turns out, depends entirely on the type of viewing experience one craves.
For many, the initial experience with the "Conjuring" universe began in 2013 with the release of The Conjuring. This film, a chilling account of the Perron family's haunting in Rhode Island, introduced audiences to Ed and Lorraine Warren, the real-life paranormal investigators whose cases form the backbone of the franchise. Following the release order provides a sense of discovery, allowing viewers to experience the unfolding of the narrative as it was originally intended. This approach allows for an organic understanding of the series, akin to how fans experienced the franchise as it grew.
Film Title | Release Year | Director | Setting | Key Events/Plot Points |
The Nun | 2018 | Corin Hardy | Romania, 1952 | A priest and a young nun investigate the suicide of a nun at a Romanian abbey, uncovering a sinister secret involving the demon Valak. |
Annabelle: Creation | 2017 | David F. Sandberg | California, 1943-1950s | A dollmaker and his wife, grieving the loss of their daughter, invite a nun and several orphaned girls into their home, only to unleash the demonic Annabelle. |
Annabelle | 2014 | John R. Leonetti | California, 1967 | A young couple welcomes a new doll into their home, which is soon revealed to be a vessel for a malevolent entity. |
The Conjuring | 2013 | James Wan | Rhode Island, 1971 | Ed and Lorraine Warren investigate a haunting at the Perron family's farmhouse, battling demonic forces and protecting the family from harm. |
Annabelle Comes Home | 2019 | Gary Dauberman | Connecticut, 1972 | Ed and Lorraine Warren bring the possessed Annabelle doll to their home, where she awakens other evil spirits and wreaks havoc on their daughter and her friends. |
The Nun II | 2023 | Michael Chaves | France/Romania, 1956 | Sister Irene faces Valak once more, this time in France, to stop the demon's destructive plan. |
The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | James Wan | England, 1977 | The Warrens travel to Enfield, England, to investigate the haunting of the Hodgson family, facing the demonic entity known as Valak. |
The Curse of La Llorona | 2019 | Michael Chaves | Los Angeles, 1973 | A social worker and her children are targeted by the vengeful ghost of La Llorona, who seeks to claim their lives. |
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | 2021 | Michael Chaves | Connecticut, 1981 | The Warrens investigate the case of Arne Johnson, who claims he was possessed by a demon and committed murder, challenging the very definition of good and evil. |
This chronological viewing path presents a more coherent narrative. It's important to remember that The Curse of La Llorona, despite its ties to the universe and familiar faces, functions largely independently of the core "Conjuring" storyline. The events unfold alongside the main chronology but dont directly impact the main Warren narrative. Nevertheless, the film did well in theaters, bringing in over $123 million worldwide. Likewise, the Annabelle films, while providing essential backstory to the Warrens encounters, can be watched as self-contained stories within the broader framework.
The "Conjuring" universe didn't just appear overnight. It's the result of careful planning and a willingness to explore different facets of the paranormal. From The Nun, offering a glimpse into the origins of the demonic Valak, to Annabelle: Creation, providing a terrifying origin story for the possessed doll, each film has contributed to the complex and ever-expanding lore. The events in Romania, 1952, detailed in The Nun predate many other events, setting the stage for the evil that will plague the Warrens and their world for years to come.
The narrative continues to grow. Creator James Wan has confirmed that the main series will eventually conclude with The Conjuring: Last Rites. However, the franchise will continue to live on through potential spinoff TV series and movies, expanding the world and providing fans with even more terrifying tales. Before The Nun II arrived in 2023, viewers were left with the anticipation of where the franchise would go next. With the release of The Nun II, the universe offers more questions and scares.
Navigating the "Conjuring" timeline isn't just about watching a set of movies; it's about embarking on a journey through a rich and detailed world of horror. The order chosen influences the audience's perspective, deepening their understanding of the lore and enhancing the experience.
The journey begins in Romania, 1952, with The Nun, where the origins of the demonic entity Valak are explored. This film provides crucial context for the events that would unfold later. It is followed by Annabelle: Creation, which takes the viewer to 1943, where the doll's story begins, expanding in the subsequent film Annabelle in 1967. Then, the focus shifts to 1971 with The Conjuring, the film that launched the franchise. Afterward, the story jumps to 1972 for Annabelle Comes Home, before heading to 1973 for The Curse of La Llorona. Moving forward to 1977, The Conjuring 2 continues the story. Finally, the story completes with The Devil Made Me Do It (1981), and the latest installment of the main series, the chilling sequel The Nun II.
For those seeking the most complete experience, the chronological order is the clear choice. This allows viewers to piece together the connections and references that tie the films together. The evolution of the Warrens as paranormal investigators, the recurring presence of demonic entities, and the origins of the sinister artifacts they encounter are all made clearer when watched in the right sequence.
The "Conjuring" universe is the most successful horror franchise of all time, and it continues to grow, promising more scares, more thrills, and more insights into the world of the paranormal. Whether one chooses to experience the franchise through the order of release or the chronological timeline, the films are guaranteed to provide a thrilling and terrifying experience for the audience.
Regardless of the approach, one thing is certain: this franchise is a testament to the power of storytelling within the horror genre. The creators have crafted a world that is immersive, terrifying, and endlessly fascinating.
So, prepare yourself, turn down the lights, and get ready to delve into the world of the "Conjuring" universe. The journey will be terrifying, but the reward a deeper understanding of the supernatural and the enduring power of good against evil is well worth it.


