How to Watch the Conjuring Films in Order
To watch the Conjuring films in the optimal sequence, start with the core Conjuring series, then move through the extended universe in an order that preserves surprises while clarifying connections. This evergreen guide explains the recommended order, why each film matters, and what you can safely watch next regardless of your familiarity with horror. Below is a concise progression you can follow, plus details that help you choose alternate paths if you prefer specific characters or tones.
Quick Recommended Order
- The Conjuring (2013)
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- The Nun (2018)
- The Crooked Man (2020)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
- Annabelle Comes Home (1983) or the Annabelle prequels in release order
- Other spin-offs as desired
The Core Conjuring Lineup
The core Conjuring duo films are self-contained investigations led by Ed and Lorraine Warren. These movies prioritize grounded haunting, slow-building tension, and case-based structure. Watching them first establishes the tone, rules, and mythology that many later entries reference.
1) The Conjuring (2013)
The original introduces the Warrens as methodical paranormal investigators. The case centers on a family terrorized in a remote farmhouse, establishing recurring visuals, motifs, and the sense that no case is truly closed. It’s widely regarded as one of the modern era’s strongest horror debuts, balancing dread with emotional family drama.
2) The Conjuring 2 (2016)
The sequel revisits the Warrens, this time traveling to England to confront a famously violent poltergeist case. The film deepens the couple’s partnership, expands the world beyond U.S. cases, and leans into courtroom skepticism, setting up future supernatural legal dilemmas for the franchise.
Expanding Into the Extended Universe
After the core duology, multiple timelines and origin stories branch outward. Approaches vary: chronological in-universe order aligns with events, while release order often preserves mystery and manages character arcs sensibly. Below is a concise overview of each branch.
Religious Horror: The Nun and The Crooked Man
The Nun (2018) explores Valak’s origins and deepens the cosmic evil hinted at in the Warrens’ cases. The Crooked Man (2020) moves into personal vendettas and deals with morally compromised bargains, contrasting with the Warrens’ procedural cases by focusing on psychological corruption.
Legal Turn and Midlife Reflection: The Devil Made Me Do It
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) introduces a courtroom scenario and religious doubt, testing the Warrens’ credibility in a high-stakes murder trial. It marks a tonal shift toward institutional skepticism and meta-commentary on belief in the supernatural.
Annabelle and Prequel Context
Annabelle (2014) functions both as a spin-off and an archive footage bridge, offering curated glimpses of curated hauntings. If you choose to dive deeper, the Annabelle prequels detail the doll’s origins, while standalone sequels like Bride of Chucky and Curse of Chucky occupy self-aware horror-comedy territory distinct from the Conjuring core.
Practice View Order Options
| Approach | Order Strategy | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Experience First | Follow the release order of the core films and spin-offs as they launched | Preserving mystery and cultural impact |
| Chronological | Arrange by in-universe timeline, including older Annabelle events | Understanding mythology and cause-and-effect across decades |
| Thematic | Group films by tone: family hauntings, legal cases, origin stories | Focused marathons and tonal preferences |
Rules, Artifacts, and Continuity
The series leans on tactile artifacts, sacred relics, and rules that govern spirit behavior. Understanding that each case generates new lore helps contextualize later cameos and references. Key elements include religious symbolism tied to Christian iconography, personal moral compromises, and the idea that some cases remain officially unresolved.
Navigating Crossovers and Cameos
Crossovers between core cases and spin-offs are typically brief but narratively significant. Characters and artifacts may appear across timelines, yet the primary protagonists remain the Warrens in their main story beats. If you prefer tightly focused narratives, you can watch the core films first and treat other entries as optional deep dives.
Choosing Your Own Path
You need not follow a single rigid path. If creature-feature aesthetics appeal more than courtroom tension, prioritize Annabelle and The Nun early. If moral ambiguity and personal stakes resonate, consider The Crooked Man after the core duology. Select the progression that aligns with your comfort level, time, and curiosity.
Summary and Practical Next Step
For a straightforward introduction, begin with The Conjuring, then The Conjuring 2, followed by The Nun and The Crooked Man as you build familiarity. Add The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It when you are ready to engage with legal and ethical complexity. Use Annabelle titles to fill in backstory or revisit them selectively. This flexible roadmap supports multiple entry points while keeping the overall mythology coherent.