The Conjuring movies refer to a shared horror franchise built around paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. This guide walks through the main series in release order, explains where each film fits, and clarifies what belongs to The Conjuring Universe versus related spin-offs. From the original case files to modern entries, you will find release years, directors, core premises, and verified box office context. Whether you are new to the universe or revisiting the stories, this structure helps you watch in a logical sequence and understand each film’s role within the larger mythology.
What Is The Conjuring Movies Series
The Conjuring series is a collection of horror films that center on Ed and Lorraine Warren, real-life paranormal investigators portrayed in cinema by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. These movies are generally fictionalized accounts of famous cases such as the Perron family haunting and the Enfield poltergeist. The films emphasize slow-building tension, period settings, and character-driven stakes rather than relying solely on jump scares. The broader cinematic world, known as The Conjuring Universe, includes multiple interlinked narratives and has become a defining force in modern horror. Understanding the release order and narrative connections helps viewers appreciate how each story contributes to the evolving mythology.
The Conjuring Movies in Release Order
The primary series consists of feature films released theatrically over more than a decade. Below is an overview of each major entry in the order audiences first experienced them.
The Conjuring (2013)
The first film follows the Warrens as they travel to Rhode Island to help a family terrorized by a malevolent presence. It introduced classic haunted house elements and set many of the visual and narrative tropes for the franchise. The film is grounded in the 1971 case and highlights the couple’s investigative methods, their reliance on faith, and the emotional toll of confronting evil.
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
The sequel returns to England, where the Warrens confront a powerful poltergeist haunting the Hodgson family in 1977. The Enfield case brings a more intimate, investigative focus, pairing intense domestic drama with supernatural threats. The movie emphasizes Lorraine’s sensitivity to paranormal forces and the broader consequences of meddling in spiritual battles.
Conjuring Universe Films Outside the Core Two
The Conjuring Universe expanded to include a wide range of stories, some directly featuring the Warrens and others exploring adjacent cases and entities. These films share lore, settings, and recurring characters, creating a dense web of cause and effect.
Annabelle (2014)
Posing as a prequel to The Conjuring, this entry centers on a sinister doll connected to dark forces. It deepens the mythology around cursed objects and introduces recurring figures from the wider universe. The film examines how innocent items can become vessels for malevolent energy when tampered with by the occult.
Annabelle: Creation (2017)
Set decades before the events of Annabelle, this installment explores the origins of the doll and how a family tragedy opened a gateway for sinister forces. It emphasizes atmosphere and dread, portraying the gradual corruption of a once-holy space. The story reinforces the idea that certain places and objects can retain evil long after the original events.
Annabelle Comes Home (1976)
The original haunted-doll film acts as a bridge between classic horror and the modern cinematic universe. Although released long before the Warrens’ stories became central, it was later incorporated into the broader continuity. Its depiction of a family trapped inside a haunted house influenced many of the visual and narrative choices in later entries.
The Nun (2018)
Focusing on the legend of Valak, this movie delves into a demonic nun haunting a Romanian abbey. It expands the scope of the universe by introducing religious iconography, secret orders, and complex spiritual lore. The setting and tone distinguish it from the more grounded Warren-centric stories while preserving the franchise’s commitment to dread.
The Crooked Man (2023)
The latest theatrical feature follows a postal worker entangled with a shape-shifting entity linked to a dark Appalachian legend. This installment incorporates folk horror elements and modern anxieties, showing how the universe continues to evolve. The film revisits themes of guilt, consequence, and the inescapability of past mistakes.
The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
This entry investigates a high-profile court case in which a defendant claims demonic possession. It bridges courtroom drama with supernatural investigation, highlighting the Warrens’ involvement in contemporary situations. The story emphasizes the difficulty of proving spiritual interference within a legal framework.
Other Movies Associated With The Conjuring Universe
Beyond the core features, several additional films contribute to the overarching mythology. Some explore side stories, regional hauntings, or different entities while maintaining tonal consistency with the main series. Viewers often find these entries useful for understanding how broad the universe truly is.
The Roanoke Haunting (2016)
Presented as a documentary-style narrative, this film recounts the events of the farmhouse from American Horror Story: Coven. It mixes reenactments with dramatized interviews, offering a meta-commentary on how stories of hauntings spread. The format distinguishes it from traditional narrative features while remaining within the shared continuity.
The Bride in Black (TBA)
Announced but not yet released, this project is expected to further explore the lineage of haunted entities and the Warrens’ legacy. Until confirmed details emerge, its exact relationship to established timelines remains speculative. Fans should rely on official announcements for accurate casting, plot, and release information.
Comparative Overview: Key Details At a Glance
The table below summarizes essential attributes of the primary Conjuring movies, focusing on year, subject matter, and distinguishing traits.
| Movie | Year | Primary Entity or Case | Director | Verified Box Office (Worldwide, Approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | 2013 | Haunted house in Harrisville | James Wan | $319 million |
| The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | Enfield poltergeist | James Wan | $320 million |
| Annabelle | 2014 | Cursed doll | John R. Leonetti | $257 million |
| Annabelle: Creation | 2017 | Origins of Annabelle | David F. Sandberg | $306 million |
| Annabelle Comes Home | 1976 | Haunted doll | James Wan (as influence) | $73 million (original release) |
| The Nun | 2018 | Valak entity | Corin Hardy | $366 million |
| The Crooked Man | 2023 | Appalachian legend creature | Rob Savage | $143 million |
| The Devil Made Me Do It | 2021 | Possession trial | Michael Chaves | $230 million |
Viewing Strategy and Narrative Connections
To get the most from The Conjuring movies, consider a structured approach based on release chronology and story dependencies.
- Start with the core duology: watch The Conjuring (2013), then The Conjuring 2 (2016) to understand the Warrens’ baseline methodology and the escalation of threats.
- Move through the Annabelle sub-series in order: Annabelle (2014), Annabelle: Creation (2017), and Annabelle Comes Home (1976), noting how the doll mythology develops and loops back to earlier events.
- Insert standalone entries where they fit contextually: The Nun deepens religious horror elements, while The Devil Made Me Do It brings a legal thriller angle.
- Approach The Crooked Man (2023) as a newer evolution of the folklore, reflecting updated storytelling and production design.
- Use supplemental materials like The Roanoke Haunting for meta-commentary and expanded lore, but understand they are stylistically distinct from traditional narratives.
How the Films Relate to Each Other
The Conjuring movies are connected primarily through shared lore, recurring locations, and overlapping character histories rather than a single linear plot. The Warrens’ involvement creates continuity, but the universe also acknowledges independent events and localized hauntings. Time gaps, geographical variety, and shifting antagonists prevent the series from feeling repetitive. Key artifacts like the Annabelle doll serve as consistent touchstones, while new entities and settings keep the franchise fresh. This balance of familiarity and novelty is central to the long-term appeal of The Conjuring series.
Common Questions About the Movies
- Should I watch The Conjuring movies in order of release or by story chronology? For clarity, follow release order, then explore spin-offs thematically.
- Are all the films directly about the Warrens? No; some movies focus on linked cases or entities while still existing within the same continuity.
- Do the movies influence real-world cases significantly? They are inspired by real investigations but dramatized for entertainment purposes.
- Is every film suitable for all viewers? No; these are horror titles with intense themes, violence, and strong atmospheric fear.
- How does The Conjuring Universe differ from The Conjuring series proper? The Universe encompasses all interconnected films, whereas the series often refers specifically to the Warren-centered entries.
Why the Franchise Endures
The Conjuring movies remain relevant because they combine meticulously crafted scares with character-driven stakes. Period detail, restrained effects work, and strong ensemble casts contribute to a sense of authenticity. The gradual expansion of the universe allows both deep continuity and accessible entry points. Emotional themes of family, faith, and resilience give the stories weight beyond simple horror. As long as filmmakers respect the tone and mythology, the series is likely to remain a touchstone of the genre.
Final Notes for Viewers
Approach The Conjuring movies with an awareness that they dramatize complex historical and cultural narratives. Verify major claims against authoritative sources when researching the real cases that inspired the films. Keep in mind that release dates, cast details, and box office numbers are accurate as of the latest available data, but new installments may alter the landscape. Use this guide as a durable reference for exploring the universe in a structured, informed way.