What are The Conjuring 1, 2, and 3 about?
The Conjuring films refer to a trio of supernatural horror movies focusing on paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The first film, The Conjuring (2013), centers on the Perron family’s ordeal in a Rhode Island farmhouse, presented as based on real cases from the Warrens’ files. The second, The Conjuring 2 (2016), follows the Enfield Poltergeist in London. The third, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021), explores a courtroom case involving demonic influence. Together, they form a series renowned for atmospheric tension, practical effects, and an origin story for the wider Conjuring Universe.
The Conjuring 1: Plot and key details
Synopsis and setting
The Conjuring (2013) is set in 1971 Rhode Island, where husband-and-wife paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren are called to help the Perron family, who experience escalating phenomena in their isolated farmhouse. From mysterious thuds and moving objects to an oppressive presence in the darkness, the family’s safety unravels as events grow more violent and personal. The film emphasizes slow-building dread and relies on classic haunted-house storytelling.
True-story elements
The movie markets itself as inspired by purportedly true accounts recorded in the Warrens’ case files, notably the Harrisville farmhouse haunting. While the general framework resembles reported events from the 1970s, historians and investigators have documented discrepancies between the film and contemporaneous records. The core emotional theme—protecting a family from an unseen threat—remains consistent with the Warrens’ public narrative, but specific incidents are dramatized for horror effect.
Cast and characters
- Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren
- Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren
- Lili Taylor as Carolyn Perron
- Ron Livingston as Roger Perron
- Shanley Caswell as Andrea Perron
- Madison Wolfe as Judy Warren
Box office and reception
The Conjuring grossed approximately $3.19 billion worldwide on a $20 million budget, becoming one of the most profitable horror films of the 2010s. Critics praised its tension, performances, and restrained approach, and it holds a strong audience reputation for delivering effective scares through atmosphere and storytelling rather than gore alone.
The Conjuring 2: Plot and key details
Synopsis and setting
The Conjuring 2 (2016) shifts to London in 1977, where the Warrens are called to investigate the Enfield poltergeist haunting at a council house. The family, particularly two sisters, report loud noises, moving furniture, and a malicious presence that seems to target the youngest child. The film amplifies the claustrophobia and skepticism, as Lorraine’s vulnerability becomes central to the haunting’s emotional core.
True-story elements
The case draws from widely reported 1970s accounts in Enfield, London, which drew media attention and police involvement at the time. The Warrens’ involvement is part of their claimed case history, and while some aspects align with contemporaneous witness statements, the film takes liberties for narrative cohesion and horror impact. The emphasis on Lorraine’s personal struggle adds a subjective layer to a story already clouded by conflicting testimonies.
Cast and characters
- Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren
- Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren
- Frances O’Connor as Peggy Hodgson
- Benjamin Radcliffe as Johnny Hodgson
- Simon McBurney as Maurice Grosse
- Rupert Grint as Phil Hodgson
Box office and reception
The Conjuring 2 earned about $3.2 billion globally, outperforming its predecessor in both scale and critical reception. Reviewers highlighted its confident direction, strong performances, and effective use of period detail. The film is frequently noted for balancing slow-burn tension with startling sequences, solidifying the series’ reputation as a modern horror benchmark.
The Conjuring 3: Plot and key details
Synopsis and setting
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) pivots to a courtroom thriller, where a lawyer enlists the Warrens to prove that demonic influence drove a man to attempted murder. Set primarily in Connecticut and Massachusetts, the story explores the consequences of the Warrens’ intervention in cases they attribute to supernatural forces. The film leans into legal procedural elements, juxtaposing skepticism and faith as characters debate what really happened.
True-story elements
Inspired by real reported cases the Warrens claimed to have investigated, the film frames possession and moral ambiguity within a judicial context. Historical investigations of similar claims note that evidence for demonic influence is inherently unverifiable, and the movie acknowledges doubt while committing fully to its supernatural premise. The case it portrays remains controversial, with mixed views among researchers of paranormal phenomena.
Cast and characters
- Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren
- Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren
- Ryan Reynolds as Father Burke
- Sarah Catherine Hook as Dorcas Goodwin
- Julian Hilliard as Billy Goodman
- Evan Peters as Kurt Hartwell
Box office and reception
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It earned approximately $328 million worldwide on a larger production budget than its predecessors. Critics noted some uneven pacing but praised the performances and effective courtroom tension. The film continued the series’ focus on character-driven horror while expanding the lore of the Conjuring Universe, reinforcing the Warrens’ central role in the franchise.
Comparative overview: The Conjuring 1, 2, 3 at a glance
| Film | Year | Primary setting | Core premise | Box office (global, approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | 2013 | Harrisville, Rhode Island | Haunted farmhouse haunting | $3.19 billion |
| The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | London, England | Enfield poltergeist investigation | $3.20 billion |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | 2021 | Connecticut / Massachusetts | Courtroom possession case | $328 million |
Relationship to the broader Conjuring Universe
The three mainline Conjuring films act as cornerstones for an expanding cinematic universe that includes spin-offs like Annabelle, The Nun, Crocodile, and others. Each film roots itself in cases the Warrens claim to have investigated, creating a cohesive mythology centered on their work. While the series borrows familiar horror motifs—haunted houses, exorcism, and archival footage—it consistently returns to the human stakes of families in peril and the moral questions surrounding intervention by forces beyond scientific explanation.
Where to watch The Conjuring 1, 2, and 3
Availability varies by region and changes over time. As of the latest widely reported information, the films are commonly found on major subscription streaming platforms and digital storefronts. Check your local services and platforms for current access, and consider purchasing or renting digitally for flexible viewing. Physical media remains an option for collectors who prefer Blu-ray or 4K formats with bonus features.
Final verdict
The Conjuring 1, 2, and 3 represent a high point in modern horror for audiences who favor slow-burn tension, strong period atmosphere, and character-focused scares. Each entry advances a continuous mythology while largely standing on its own narratively. The series benefits from committed performances, meticulous craft, and a clear respect for the haunted-house traditions that underpin many classic horror stories. For viewers exploring the franchise, these three films offer a reliable, well-crafted entry into the world the Warrens’ stories have helped shape.
Tags: horror-series, supernatural-thriller, franchise-guide