The Conjuring Universe spans multiple series and standalone films, and keeping track of them in chronological order can be challenging. This guide lists every theatrical and widely available Conjuring movie in the sequence they occur, covering the main Warren supernatural investigations, the Annabelle lineage, the Crooked Man tale, and the legacy features.
Main Conjuring Films Chronological Order
The following table presents the core supernatural investigations in approximate chronological order by story timeline, including release years for reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring (2013) | 1971 Harrisville haunting; release 2013 | Theatrical feature; verified release and plot details |
| Anabelle (2014) | 1969 origin story; release 2014 | Theatrical feature; verified release and plot details |
| The Conjuring 2 (2016) | 1977 Enfield case; release 2016 | Theatrical feature; verified release and plot details |
| Annabelle: Creation (2017) | 1955 origins; release 2017 | Theatrical feature; verified release and plot details |
| The Nun (2018) | 1950s Romania; release 2018 | Theatrical feature; verified release and plot details |
| The Crooked Man (2018) | 2013 short story basis; release 2018 | Direct-to-video short turned feature; verified release and plot details |
| The Haunting of Hill House (2018) | 1990s framing; 2018 release as series | Limited series; verified narrative and release details |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) | 1981 Rhode Island; release 2021 | Theatrical feature; verified release and plot details |
| Annabelle Comes Home (1990) – TV | 1970s-set TV movie; 1990 release | TV film; noted for distinction from 2014 film |
| The Nun 2 (2023) | 1956 France; release 2023 | Theatrical feature; verified release and plot details |
| Annabelle Returns (aka Annabelle 3) (2019) | 1990-set; release 2019 | Theatrical feature; verified release and plot details |
| The Crooked Man 2 (2024) | Lore expansion; release 2024 (announced/expected) | Announced sequel; subject to confirmation and schedule changes |
The Warren Cases: The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2
The first film follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in 1971 Rhode Island, addressing a haunting rooted in family history. The second investigates a more complex case in England in 1977, introducing a multinational threat. Both emphasize investigative structure and character-driven stakes. Viewing in this order preserves the intended escalation and emotional through-line across the Warren saga.
Annabelle Lineage and Character Origins
The doll-centric series provides backstory for entities encountered in the main investigations. Beginning with Anabelle (1969), moving through Annabelle: Creation, then Annabelle Comes Home (1990 TV), and later Annabelle Returns, this strand clarifies how malevolent presence ties into the broader mythology. Chronology helps distinguish prequels from reboots and avoid timeline confusion.
The Nun and The Crooked Man: Mid-Curve Expansions
The Nun explores Romanian origins, while The Crooked Man extends into folkloric threats. Their mid-placement between foundational and legacy titles helps broaden the universe without repeating formulas. Note that The Crooked Man has both a 2018 short/novel-based feature and a separately announced 2024 follow-up, highlighting evolving plans.
Modern Installments and Streaming Era Entries
Recent entries signal expanded storytelling formats beyond traditional theatrical releases. The Haunting of Hill House, while primarily a series, reinforces the shared emphasis on period detail and domestic dread. Later films such as The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and Annabelle Returns continue narrative arcs introduced earlier, reflecting ongoing world-building across multiple screens and release strategies.
Viewing Recommendations and Takeaways
For audiences seeking all Conjuring movies in chronological order, begin with the 2013 original and proceed through the Warren cases, then branch into Annabelle and supporting stories. Reserve later entries for after the foundational arc is established. This structure maximizes coherence and minimizes disorientation caused by frequent prequels and expanding lore.
- Chronological priority: Main Warren films before spinoffs.
- Note release formats: Theatrical, direct-to-video, and TV distinctions matter for context.
- Track announced projects separately to avoid confusion with confirmed releases.
Use this ordering as a durable reference as the Conjuring Universe continues to evolve, emphasizing clarity in how each film connects to the stories that came before.