Conjuring Universe: Watch Order Guide (Chronological & Release)
Are you brave enough to confront the chilling timeline of the Conjuring universe? The order in which you experience these films drastically alters the impact of each scare, transforming a collection of horror movies into a meticulously crafted tapestry of terror.
The Conjuring franchise, a behemoth in the horror genre, has captivated audiences worldwide with its tales of paranormal investigations, demonic entities, and the courageous Warrens. However, navigating the interconnected storylines can be as daunting as facing a malevolent spirit. Whether you're a seasoned horror aficionado or a curious newcomer, understanding the correct viewing order is crucial to fully appreciate the franchise's intricate narrative.
The second film made in the Conjuring universe, even before the events of The Conjuring 2, was the prequel Annabelle, which takes place in 1967 in Southern California. This film explores the origins of the infamous doll, setting the stage for the later encounters with her malevolent presence. This prequel explores the haunting tale of Annabelle, showcasing the chilling origins of the possessed doll and setting the stage for the many subsequent encounters.
There are primarily two ways to approach watching the Conjuring universe: the chronological order and the release date order. Both offer unique viewing experiences, but the chronological order, while potentially spoiling some plot points, allows for a deeper appreciation of the overarching narrative. Conversely, watching in release order allows you to experience the unfolding of the story as fans did, building suspense organically.
Let's delve into the correct chronological order of the Conjuring universe, a timeline that will guide you through the origins of the franchise's most terrifying elements:
| Film Title | Year Set | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Nun | 1952 | Set in a Romanian monastery, explores the origins of the demonic nun, Valak. |
| Annabelle: Creation | 1955 | Details the creation of the Annabelle doll and its first haunting. |
| The Nun II | 1956 | Continues the story of Sister Irene's battle against Valak. |
| Annabelle | 1967 | Explores the initial haunting of the Annabelle doll in California. |
| The Conjuring | 1971 | Introduces the Warrens and their investigation of the Perron family haunting in Rhode Island. |
| Annabelle Comes Home | 1972 | The Warrens bring Annabelle home, leading to further supernatural events. |
| The Curse of La Llorona | 1973 | A standalone film set in the Conjuring universe, based on Latin American folklore. |
| The Conjuring 2 | 1977 | The Warrens investigate the Enfield Poltergeist case in the UK, which involves the demonic entity Valak. |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | 1981 | The Warrens investigate a case of demonic possession that leads to a murder trial. |
This watch order gives you a strong backstory on the weird and extremely cursed world of the Conjuring, and sets up Valak, the creepy nun from The Nun, and Annabelle, the cursed doll, as central figures of fear within the universe.
The chronological order offers a more immersive experience, allowing viewers to understand the backstory and the development of certain characters and entities. It will also enhance the scares by setting up each entity or event in detail.
The first film in the chronological order is The Nun. Released in 2018, the film takes us back to 1952, to the Saint Carta Monastery in Romania. This film serves as an origin story for the demonic nun Valak, one of the most terrifying entities in the Conjuring universe. It sets the stage for her later appearances and helps to contextualize the terror she unleashes in the subsequent films.
Next in line is Annabelle: Creation, released in 2017, which takes place in 1955. It delves into the origins of the Annabelle doll. In Creation, we witness the creation of the doll and how it became a vessel for evil. This is a crucial installment in understanding the backstory of the doll and why it is so dangerous. This film builds the suspense and adds to the horror as it sets the stage for all the films that follow.
Following this is The Nun II, which is set in 1956. This sequel to The Nun further explores the origins of the demonic nun Valak and her malevolent influence.
Annabelle, the first film centered around the possessed doll, takes place in 1967. This film, released in 2014, chronicles the initial haunting of the doll and offers a glimpse into its destructive capabilities.
Then comes The Conjuring, released in 2013, set in 1971. This is where the Warrens are introduced to the world and become major players in the story. The original film that started the franchise, it introduces the Warrens as paranormal investigators and sets the stage for all the future films.
Annabelle Comes Home takes us back to 1972. This film, released in 2019, features the Warrens, and shows the doll being brought home and the chaos it ensues.
Then, we have The Curse of La Llorona, which is set in 1973. It's a standalone film within the Conjuring universe, drawing upon Latin American folklore and its themes of loss, grief, and the supernatural. Despite being only vaguely part of the Conjuring universe, this film performed well in theaters, bringing in more than $123 million worldwide.
The Conjuring 2, set in 1977, brings back the Warrens to investigate the Enfield Poltergeist case in the UK. The events in this film further emphasize the danger of Valak and the importance of the Warrens in the fight against evil.
Finally, the latest installment in the chronology is The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. Released in 2021, this movie starts in 1981, where the Warrens witness an exorcism. It is set during the trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, marking a significant event in the history of the Warrens and the Conjuring universe.
Alternatively, theres the release date order, which is what many fans have already seen. This is how the films were experienced by most viewers as they were originally released, making it a valid viewing order for a first-time watch. The franchises popularity has exploded since the first film dropped in 2013. If you are new to the Conjuring universe, some fans would argue that you should watch in the release order.
Here is the release date order:
| Film Title | Release Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | 2013 | The film that started it all, introducing the Warrens and the Perron family. |
| Annabelle | 2014 | The first spin-off, focusing on the origins of the Annabelle doll. |
| The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | Continues the Warrens' investigations, this time in the UK. |
| Annabelle: Creation | 2017 | A prequel that delves into the creation of the Annabelle doll. |
| The Nun | 2018 | Explores the origins of the demonic nun, Valak. |
| The Curse of La Llorona | 2019 | A standalone film based on Latin American folklore. |
| Annabelle Comes Home | 2019 | The Warrens deal with Annabelle's presence in their home. |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | 2021 | The Warrens investigate a case of demonic possession leading to a murder trial. |
| The Nun II | 2023 | Continues the story of Sister Irene's battle against Valak. |
Whether you opt for chronological or release order, the Conjuring universe promises a thrilling journey through the world of the supernatural. Both options are great choices to fully immerse yourself in the chilling narrative of the franchise.
This is the correct order in which to watch the films.
The Conjuring universe is the most successful horror franchise of all time, and its story isn't over yet. Creator James Wan has confirmed the main series will soon conclude with the Conjuring: Last Rites, although the franchise will continue to live on in the form of a spinoff TV series and potential spinoff movies.
