Confused about where The Conjuring movies fit in the larger universe? This guide walks you through The Conjuring series in order, explaining how each film connects to the larger mythos. You’ll learn which movies belong to the main Enfield and Harrisville arcs, where the Annabelle and Crooked Man stories sit in the timeline, and how the standalone films and TV shows relate to one another.
Whether you want a tidy chronological run or the most effective viewing order for scares and payoff, this article breaks down the major entries so you can watch with confidence and recognize the recurring entities that tie the universe together.
Core Viewing Order for The Conjuring Universe
The main story arcs of The Conjuring universe are anchored by two cases featured in the first two films, with later entries expanding the roster of entities and investigators. A clear chronological route helps you experience the escalating threats as the filmmakers intend.
The Conjuring (2013)
The starting point for the shared universe. Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren confront a dark presence tormenting the Perron family in rural Rhode Island. This case introduces themes of demonic intrusion and spiritual warfare that recur throughout the series.
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
The Warrens travel to England to help a single mother and her four children in a notorious London home. The case deepens the lore around older entities and showcases the team’s expanding network of allies and documented evidence.
Annabelle (2014)
A couple’s peaceful marriage unravels after a mysterious doll becomes the conduit for a violently disturbed spirit. Seen through the lens of a curio collector, the film roots the hauntings in tangible artifacts and the Warrens’ archival work.
Annabelle: Creation (2017)
A prequel exploring how the doll became a vessel for the entity, following a group of orphaned girls and a couple who opens their home to a troubled artist. The story underscores the tragic origins behind one of the universe’s most iconic objects.
The Nun (2018)
Set in 1952 Romania, this film follows a priest and a novice investigating a suicide that unveils a sinister presence within a secluded abbey. It expands the geography and historical depth of the shared world while linking to the Crooked Man storyline.
The Crooked Man (2016)
A former soldier returns home to find his family targeted by a supernatural predator that exploits greed and mistrust. Its grounded setting and focus on unseen threat provide a tonal contrast to other entries while reinforcing recurring themes of hidden corruption.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
The Warrens face their most challenging case yet when a murder trial suggests a human suspect may be influenced by demonic forces. The film leans into courtroom tension and introduces fresh historical context while deepening the procedural side of the universe.
Alternate Chronological Approaches
Some viewers prefer strict timeline order based on in-universe dates rather than production or narrative arcs. Below is one viable approach that preserves internal chronology while grouping related stories.
| Release Year | Title | Primary Entity | Narrative Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | The Conjuring | Presence in the Perron House | Establishes the Warrens’ work and recurring hauntings |
| 2014 | Annabelle | Annabelle Mullins (doll) | Rooted in artifacts linked to a wider network |
| 2016 | The Conjuring 2 | Crooked Man and disturbances in Enfield | Expands scope to international cases and historical records |
| 2016 | The Crooked Man | The Crooked Man | Grounded, character-driven investigation of a hidden threat |
| 2017 | Annabelle: Creation | The Doll and the Legend of Annabelle Higgins | Prequel that deepens the mythology of the artifact |
| 2018 | The Nun | Valak | Expands geography and era with European religious horror |
| 2021 | The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | Demonic influence in a courtroom | Brings the universe into modern legal and procedural territory |
Spin-offs, TV, and Supporting Entries
Beyond the core features, the Conjuring universe has expanded through television, additional films, and cameos that connect key entities to broader mythic themes.
- The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
- The Haunted (TV series)
- The Devil Made Me Funny (documentary short)
- Wynonna Earp (crossover episode)
- Various tie-in shorts and promotional materials
These entries often reference the same rules and spirit hierarchy as the main series, making them useful for fans who want more context without following a strict timeline.
How the Universe Connects: Recurring Characters and Themes
A durable franchise relies on recognizable threads that link each installment. In The Conjuring universe, certain names, objects, and concepts surface repeatedly, creating a sense of continuity even in standalone stories.
The Warrens
Ed and Lorraine Warren act as anchors for many films, providing continuity across cases. Their personal history, documented evidence, and established relationships with other entities inform how later stories approach new hauntings.
Artifacts and Containers
Objects such as the Annabelle doll, the Crooked Man’s coin, and various cursed items serve as focal points for malevolent activity. The films emphasize that these artifacts must be handled with specific protocols, reinforcing the idea that the universe operates by consistent spiritual laws.
Institutions and Allies
Over time, the Warrens’ connections with priests, detectives, and archival researchers grow, showing a broader network committed to containing threats. This structure helps integrate spin-offs and ensures that new entities feel part of a larger, coherent system rather than isolated shocks.
Why Viewing Order Matters in The Conjuring Universe
Unlike some shared universes that reset between entries, The Conjuring series builds dread through slow reveals and callbacks. Spotting earlier entities in later films or recognizing how a seemingly minor artifact escalates into a larger threat can deepen your appreciation. The recommended orders below balance narrative impact with chronological clarity.
For Maximum Continuity
Follow the timeline by in-universe dates: Annabelle (1969 and 1970s events), The Nun (1952), The Conjuring (1971), The Crooked Man and The Conjuring 2 (1976–1977), and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (1981). This approach preserves the mystery of how conflicts evolve.
For Thematic Impact
Start with The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2 to understand the Warrens’ methods, then explore Annabelle and The Nun to see how smaller horrors connect to larger conspiracies. Finish with the courtroom-centered third main film to witness how the stakes evolve beyond single households.
Key Takeaways
- The core films are most effective when watched in approximate chronological order, with The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2 as anchors.
- Annabelle and The Nun provide essential backstory that enhances later encounters with established entities.
- The Crooked Man completes a trio of grounded, character-focused investigations distinct from the artifact-driven arcs.
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It elevates the series with courtroom tension while remaining consistent with prior rules.
- Spin-offs and TV appearances extend the universe, but understanding the core films ensures you catch the most nuanced connections.
Final Thoughts
Watching The Conjuring movies in order does more than protect you from spoilers; it reveals how a modern horror franchise can sustain long-term intrigue. By following the evolution of cases, entities, and investigators, you’ll experience the universe as the filmmakers structured it: a cohesive blend of documented mystery, spiritual warfare, and carefully orchestrated dread.
Whether you choose strict timeline order or a thematically driven path, the goal remains the same—appreciate the craft behind one of modern horror’s most enduring shared worlds.