If you’re just now discovering the world of The Conjuring Universe, you might be wondering how to best approach the franchise. Because let’s face it. The Conjuring Universe isn’t just a collection of horror movies—it’s a deeply interconnected world with its own rules, character arcs, and iconic scares.
Whether you want to watch the Annabelle movies in chronological order or watch The Conjuring Universe movies in chronological order (or even in the release order as intended by the producers), this complete watch guide has you covered.
But let’s break it down and see how watching these films in different orders can completely alter your experience and impact everything from plot twists to character development.
Plus, our tips on the best way to watch the franchise. So don’t skip anything!
In this article:
How Is Annabelle Connected to The Conjuring Universe?
The Conjuring Universe is a series of interconnected horror films exploring paranormal investigations, demonic possessions, and haunted objects.
The universe’s core revolves around real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (whose unbelievable cases inspired the stories).
But what Annabelle films? How are they part of the Conjuring Universe?
Well, these films are integral to understanding the broader storyline of The Conjuring Universe—especially in terms of how Annabelle’s evil presence connects to other supernatural events.
However, the Annabelle films are also somehow unique in their perspective.
Unlike other movies from the Conjuring Universe, you can choose to watch only the three Annabelle films and not care about any other paranormal cases. And the story will still make sense.
In What Order Should I Watch the Annabelle Movies?
Let’s start with the three movies in the series:
1) Annabelle: Creation (2017)
Director: David F. Sandberg
Setting: 1955, California
Summary: Annabelle: Creation is the origin story of the infamous doll. The film centers on a dollmaker, Samuel Mullins, and his wife, who are grieving the tragic loss of their daughter.
In an attempt to find solace, they open their home to a group of orphaned girls and a nun.
However, the girls soon discover the terrifying secret behind the dollmaker’s creation, as one of them becomes possessed by a malevolent spirit tied to Annabelle.
2) Annabelle (2014)
Director: John R. Leonetti
Setting: 1967, California
Summary: Annabelle takes place several years after the events of Annabelle: Creation. The film builds on the Annabelle myth and follows John and Mia Form, a young couple expecting their first child.
After a violent home invasion by a satanic cult, they begin to experience horrifying supernatural events, all connected to a vintage doll named Annabelle.
As the couple’s life spirals into chaos, they realize that the doll is a conduit for a powerful demonic entity. The movie sets the stage for the events leading into The Conjuring.
3) Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
Director: Gary Dauberman
Setting: 1972, Connecticut
Summary: In Annabelle Comes Home, the sinister doll is safely locked away in the Warrens’ artifact room, surrounded by other haunted objects.
However, when the Warrens leave town, their daughter Judy is left in the care of a babysitter.
Things turn from bad to worse when a curious friend of the babysitter, intrigued by the mysterious artifacts, unknowingly unleashes Annabelle.
As the doll awakens other malevolent spirits in the house, Judy and her friends must fight to survive the night.
How to Watch the Annabelle Movies in Chronological Order
If you’re only interested in the Annabelle movies and want to watch the entire franchise in chronological order, it would go like this:
- Annabelle: Creation (2017)
- Annabelle (2014)
- Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
Related:
- Annabelle True Story Facts: 12 Most Disturbing Details You Need to Know
- Busby’s Stoop Chair Curse: Did It Really Killed Over 60 People?
- The Crying Boy: The Painting That Survived Fires—But Is It Really Cursed?
How to Watch the Annabelle Movies in Release Order
If you’re watching the Annabelle movies in release order (as intended by the producers), it would go like this:
- Annabelle (2014)
- Annabelle: Creation (2017)
- Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
How Should I Watch The Conjuring Universe Movies?
Like Annabelle’s films, The Conjuring Universe movies can be watched in two different orders. But first, here is the list of the Conjuring Universe films (without the three Annabelle movies):
1) The Nun (2018)
Director: Corin Hardy
Setting: 1952, Romania
Summary: The Nun takes us deep into the heart of Romania. Here, a Catholic priest with a haunted past and a novitiate on the brink of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate the mysterious and tragic death of a young nun.
But, when they arrive, they encounter the malevolent force known as Valak (a demon that takes the form of a terrifying nun).
This film not only uncovers the origins of Valak—who was first introduced in The Conjuring 2—but also establishes the dark and foreboding tone that resonates throughout the Conjuring series.
2) The Nun II (2023)
Director: Michael Chaves
Setting: 1956, France
Summary: In The Nun II, the story picks up four years after the first film’s events.
Sister Irene (still haunted by her previous encounter with Valak) is drawn back into the demon’s twisted web when disturbing events unfold in France.
As Valak’s reign of terror continues, the film deepens the lore of The Conjuring Universe, hinting at a mysterious connection between Sister Irene and Lorraine Warren.
3) The Conjuring (2013)
Director: James Wan
Setting: 1971, Rhode Island, USA
Summary: The Conjuring kicks off with Ed and Lorraine Warren investigating one of their most intense cases—a haunted farmhouse in Rhode Island. From the eerie clapping game to Lorraine’s terrifying visions, this movie pulls you right into the Warrens’ world. It’s the kind of horror that lingers in the back of your mind long after the credits roll.
Plus, it’s based on a true story. And it sets the stage for the Warrens’ future cases that define the franchise.
4) The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
Director: Michael Chaves
Setting: 1973, Los Angeles, USA
Summary: Although loosely connected to The Conjuring Universe, The Curse of La Llorona tells the chilling tale of a social worker in Los Angeles. After ignoring the mysterious warnings of a troubled mother, she finds her own children targeted by La Llorona, the Weeping Woman of Mexican folklore.
The film’s connection to the larger universe comes through the character of Father Perez, who previously appeared in Annabelle.
5) The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Director: James Wan
Setting: 1977, Enfield, London, UK
Summary: In The Conjuring 2, James Wan returns to direct Ed and Lorraine Warren as they travel to Enfield, a suburb of London. Their mission? To assist a single mother and her children being terrorized by poltergeist activity in their home.
As they dig deeper into the case, they confront Valak, the demon nun, who is manipulating the events to weaken Lorraine’s psychic abilities.
6) The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
Director: Michael Chaves
Setting: 1981, Connecticut, USA
Summary: The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It marks the third main installment in the Conjuring series.
This film departs from the haunted house formula. Instead, focuses on a real-life court case where demonic possession was used as a defense in a murder trial.
Ed and Lorraine Warren find themselves in a race against time to uncover the truth behind the demonic forces at play.
The film explores new facets of the Warrens’ relationship and the darker corners of the supernatural, blending horror with legal drama.
How to Watch Annabelle and Conjuring Movies in Chronological Order
If you want to watch The Conjuring Universe films in chronological order, start with The Nun (set in 1952) and progress to The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (set in 1981). This way, you’re introduced to the origins of evil forces early on, providing a deeper context for future events.
SpookySight’s note:
Although Director Michael Chaves has stated that The Curse of La Llorona isn’t an official part of The Conjuring Universe (as it wasn’t made with the franchise team), we decided to still include it here for a more comprehensive viewing experience. However, you can skip it. It won’t impact the story’s continuity.
The chronological list is as follows:
- The Nun (2018)—Set in 1952, Romania
- Annabelle: Creation (2017)—Set in 1955, California, USA
- The Nun II (2023)—Set in 1956, France
- Annabelle (2014)—Set in 1967, California, USA
- The Conjuring (2013)—Set in 1971, Rhode Island, USA
- Annabelle Comes Home (2019)—Set in 1972, Connecticut, USA
- The Curse of La Llorona (2019)—Set in 1973, Los Angeles, California, USA
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)—Set in 1977, Enfield, London, UK
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)—Set in 1981, Connecticut, USA
How to Watch The Conjuring Movies in Release Order
Watching the movies in release order is like experiencing the world the way it was unveiled to audiences. You’ll get the mystery, the buildup, and the gradual unveiling of backstories.
Plus, starting with The Conjuring throws you right into Ed and Lorraine Warren’s paranormal investigations, which sets the tone for the rest of the series.
This order preserves key twists—like the big reveal of Valak in The Conjuring 2—without giving away any backstory too early. Each film builds on the last, leading to satisfying payoffs that will hit harder if you don’t have prior knowledge from earlier films in the timeline.
Here’s how the release order plays out:
- 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)
The Pros and Cons of Each Watch Order
So, should you watch in chronological or release order? Here’s the breakdown:
1) Chronological Order
Pros:
- Better understanding of lore and backstory early on.
- Linear storytelling.
Cons:
- Spoils certain key twists intended for later films.
- May reduce the intensity of reveals.
2) Release Order
Pros:
- Preserves suspense and delivers surprises as intended.
- Builds up character arcs and storylines more dramatically.
Cons:
- It can leave you with lingering questions until prequels fill in the blanks.
Watching in different orders also affects how you view character development, particularly with Ed and Lorraine Warren.
The chronological order gives you insight into the evil forces they encounter earlier in their careers, which can make their confrontations later in the timeline feel more personal. On the other hand, watching in release order puts you right in the middle of their major cases, with their backstory slowly revealed through future films.
Pro Tip:
If you love the lore and want to piece together the universe like a true investigator, chronological order is for you. But if you’re more into unraveling mysteries and jump scares, stick with release order for the ultimate payoff.
SpookySight’s Recommendation to Watch Annabelle and Conjuring Movies in Order
Our view is that if you’re new to The Conjuring Universe, watching the movies in chronological order might not be the best approach. Many of the films rely on twists and connections that are revealed in the order they were released.
Watching them chronologically could spoil future movies and diminish the impact of key moments. Not to mention that the movies sometimes overlap or jump back in time, making the timeline tricky to follow.
We think going through the movies in chronological order is best for a rewatch when you already know the story inside out.
But, if you’re new to the franchise, sticking with the release order might feel more natural since it follows the way the ideas were introduced over time.
At the end of the day, it’s your call, and you might enjoy seeing how everything falls into place in release order. No matter which route you take, you’re in for a spooky ride.
Just maybe keep a funny movie on standby—you know, to help you sleep afterward!
Upcoming Conjuring Universe Movies
In October 2022, news broke that a sequel to The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It was in the works.
David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick is set to pen the script, with James Wan and Peter Safran back in the producer’s chairs. Wan later confirmed that Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga would return to their iconic roles.
Fast forward to April 2023 at CinemaCon, where the film’s title was officially unveiled. By September 2023, Michael Chaves hinted that the script was still being fine-tuned, describing the project as the “finale” to the series.
The film titled The Conjuring: Last Rites is slated for release on September 5, 2025, and is expected to wrap up the main series.
If The Conjuring: Last Rites were to fit into the existing Conjuring Universe watch lists, here’s where we think it would be placed:
- Chronological Order—The Conjuring: Last Rites would likely come after The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, assuming it continues with a case post-1981.
- Release Order—The Conjuring: Last Rites would naturally be added as the next installment following The Nun II.
Will There Be a Conjuring TV Series?
Yes, there are plans for a TV series set in The Conjuring Universe. The series is being developed for the streaming platform Max (formerly HBO Max).
While specific details about the plot and characters are still under wraps, the series is expected to expand on the stories within the universe, with James Wan, one of the franchise’s original creators, involved in the production.
As for the timeline and how the series will fit into the Conjuring Universe, we don’t have any specifics.
