Guide to Watching The Conjuring Universe Films in Chronological Order

Filmmaker James Wan, known for creating hit horror franchises Saw and Insidious with collaborator Leigh Whannell, struck gold again with The Conjuring. Since its 2013 debut, this chilling universe has expanded to nine films, amassing over $2 billion globally.

Rooted in the 1970s, this eerie saga follows the real-life paranormal investigations of Lorraine and Ed Warren. The Conjuring Universe has grown to include not only the Warrens' supernatural battles but also prequels exploring the haunting origins of their cases, set decades earlier. With the fourth and final Conjuring film on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to revisit the full timeline of this spooky franchise.

Whether you want to watch The Conjuring films in release order or dive into a chronological marathon starting with The Nun in 1950s Romania, we’ve got both viewing options listed below.

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The Conjuring Films in Chronological Order

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Total Number of The Conjuring Films

The Conjuring Universe comprises nine films: three Conjuring movies, three Annabelle films, The Nun, The Nun 2, and The Curse of La Llorona. A fourth Conjuring film is confirmed, and a TV series is in development for Max.

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The Conjuring Films in Chronological Order

1. The Nun (2018)

Set in 1952 Romania, The Nun is a chilling prequel featuring Demián Bichir and Taissa Farmiga (sister of franchise star Vera Farmiga) as a priest and a novice unraveling a dark secret tied to Bonnie Aarons’ malevolent Nun from The Conjuring 2.

Read our review of The Nun.

The NunNew Line CinemaSep 7, 2018

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2. Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Set in 1955 California, Annabelle: Creation, the fourth film in The Conjuring Universe but second in chronological order, reveals the origin of the iconic haunted doll, Annabelle. It follows a dollmaker who invites six orphans and a nun into his home, unwittingly unleashing a sinister force.

Read our review of Annabelle: Creation.

Annabelle: CreationNew Line CinemaAug 11, 2017

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3. The Nun 2 (2023)

The Nun 2, set in 1956, follows four years after Sister Irene’s initial clash with the demon Valak and one year after Annabelle: Creation. It marks the third chronological entry in the franchise timeline.

Read our review of The Nun 2.

The Nun 2New Line CinemaSep 8, 2023R

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4. Annabelle (2014)

The second film in The Conjuring Universe, Annabelle, is set in 1967 Southern California, 12 years after the doll’s origin story. It follows a young doctor and his wife who bring the sinister Annabelle doll into their home, sparking terror among their collection of eerie dolls.

Read our review of Annabelle.

AnnabelleNew Line CinemaOct 23, 2014

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5. The Conjuring (2013)

The film that launched the franchise, The Conjuring, stars Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren, whose real-life cases inspired The Amityville Horror. Set in 1971 Rhode Island, they help the Perron family battle a malevolent presence. Directed by James Wan, this marked his third major horror franchise.

Read our review of The Conjuring.

The ConjuringNew Line CinemaJul 19, 2013

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6. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

Set in 1972, Annabelle Comes Home follows the Warrens’ daughter, Judy (McKenna Grace), as she faces Annabelle and other spirits unleashed from the Warrens’ artifact room while her parents are away. Directed by Gary Dauberman, known for writing It: Chapter One and Two, this marks his directorial debut.

Read our review of Annabelle Comes Home.

Annabelle Comes HomeNew Line CinemaJun 26, 2019

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7. The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

Drawing from Latin American folklore, The Curse of La Llorona, set in 1973 Los Angeles, follows a mother (Linda Cardellini) protecting her children from a vengeful spirit. Featuring Tony Amendola’s Father Perez from Annabelle, this spinoff is the most standalone tale in the franchise.

Read our review of The Curse of La Llorona.

The Curse of La LloronaNew Line CinemaApr 19, 2019

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8. The Conjuring 2 (2016)

Inspired by the Enfield Poltergeist, The Conjuring 2, set in 1977 England, sees Lorraine and Ed Warren, now famed from the Amityville case, aiding a family tormented by a malevolent spirit. Directed by James Wan, this film introduced The Nun, spawning her own prequel.

Read our review of The Conjuring 2.

The Conjuring 2New Line CinemaJun 10, 2016

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9. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)

The eighth film in the franchise and in chronological order, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, set in the 1980s, explores the real-life trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who claimed demonic possession after killing his landlord. Lorraine and Ed Warren investigate after a failed exorcism transfers a demon into Arne.

Read our review of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do ItNew Line CinemaJun 4, 2021

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Watching The Conjuring Films by Release Date

To watch the films in their theatrical release order, follow this sequence:

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 2 (2023)

Guide to Watching The Annabelle Films

The Conjuring Universe includes two trilogies: The Conjuring and Annabelle. The Annabelle films’ narrative timeline differs from their release order, so here’s a concise guide to both.

Chronologically

Annabelle: Creation (1955)Annabelle (1967)Annabelle Comes Home (1972)

By Release Date

Annabelle (2014)Annabelle: Creation (2017)Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

Future of The Conjuring Franchise

The Conjuring: Last Rites, the final mainline film, is set for release on September 5, 2025, directed by franchise veteran Michael Chaves. A TV series for Max was greenlit in 2023, though details on its cast and timeline remain scarce.

Explore more top horror films with our guides to Netflix horror and horror movies on Max for IGN’s recommendations.

Looking to watch more of the best horror movies? Take a look at our guides to Netflix horror and horror movies on Max for IGN's top picks.