Overview
There are eight main Conjuring Universe feature films released between 2013 and 2023, centered on Ed and Lorraine Warren and their cases. This includes The Conjuring (2013), The Conjuring 2 (2016), The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021), and The Conjuring in the Face of Evil (2025). Alongside these are the Annabelle, Crooked Man, and other related entries that expand the shared universe. The series also extends to spin-offs, reboots, and legacy sequels, creating a broad franchise network.
Whether you are exploring for horror depth, continuity details, or viewing order guidance, this breakdown clarifies theatrical releases, streaming originals, timelines, and connects each film to its place in the evolving Conjuring Universe.
What Counts as a Conjuring Movie
Defining the Canon
The Conjuring canon generally includes wide theatrical features produced by New Line Cinema and distributed by Warner Bros. under the Conjuring brand. It covers the Warren case films, period horror entries, and mythos-building spin-offs. Lesser-known releases, TV specials, and unproduced projects are typically excluded from the core count when distinguishing what fans refer to as the main Conjuring movies.
It is useful to separate theatrical features from streaming originals, short-form content, documentaries, and promotional pieces. This distinction ensures clarity when discussing the primary series and related works, especially as the universe expands across different platforms and formats.
Feature vs. Short and Special
- Theatrical features designed as narrative installments with full production budgets and wide distribution.
- Direct-to-streaming feature films with comparable scope but platform-specific releases.
- Documentaries, making-of specials, and retrospective programs that explore the world without advancing the central plots.
- Pilot projects and uncompleted films that reached advanced development but did not receive public releases.
When people ask “how many Conjuring movies were there,” they are typically referring to the released theatrical and streaming features that form the primary narrative canon.
The Core Theatrical Series
The Conjuring (2013)
The first modern haunted house blockbuster that revived classic creature-driven scares. It introduced the Warrens and set the tone for character-led supernatural horror. Strong word-of-mouth turned it into a durable launchpad for a shared universe.
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Expanded the scale with Lorraine Warren and a poltergeist case in Enfield, London. It leaned heavily on atmosphere and period detail while deepening the cosmic mythology hinted at in the first film.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
The first theatrically released sequel in several years and the inaugural film of a planned trilogy following the aftermath of a demonic trial. It notably incorporated courtroom thriller elements while reinforcing the idea of demonic manipulation.
The Conjuring in the Face of Evil (2025)
A later installment that repositions the Warren legacy for new timelines and cases. It brings back Wendy Williams in a leading role and tests the boundaries of the shared universe.
Narrative Order of Core Feature Films
Viewing order guidance helps maintain intended story beats and mythos reveals. Below is the recommended order for the primary narrative features.
| Film | Year | Role in Series | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | 2013 | Introduction | Establishes the Warrens, tone, and rules of the universe |
| The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | Escalation | Deepens lore and expands the cosmic mythology |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | 2021 | Modern Sequel | Pivots into a courtroom format while advancing continuity arcs |
| The Conjuring in the Face of Evil | 2025 | Legacy Expansion | Bridges classic and contemporary storytelling with new lead |
Spin-Off and Supporting Entries
Annabelle Series
Origin stories that focus on the cursed doll and its connection to broader Warren investigations. These feature distinct settings while reinforcing the mythology around artifact containment and spiritual residue.
Other Related Films
- The Crooked Man series, exploring a folkloric creature tied to the Warren case files.
- The Nun and other entity-focused releases that test boundaries of fear within the shared universe.
- Legacy sequels and rebranded continuations that maintain audience engagement between major features.
These supporting entries enrich the overarching narrative without always moving the central Warren-centric plot forward. They are important for understanding the breadth of the Conjuring world.
Comparative Overview of Key Releases
Below is a concise reference for release windows and primary contribution to the shared universe.
| Title | Theatrical Release | Primary Contribution | Streaming Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | July 19, 2013 | Launch of Warren mythos | Available on major platforms |
| The Conjuring 2 | June 10, 2016 | International case expansion | Available on major platforms |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | June 4, 2021 | Courtroom mythology pivot | Available on major platforms |
| The Conjuring in the Face of Evil | 2025 | Legacy reboot and new lead | Likely premium streaming window |
Additional Context on Spin-Off Strategy
Spin-offs like Annabelle serve dual purposes: they generate revenue between mainline sequels and deepen the rules of the universe through artifact-centric storytelling. Some entries, such as The Crooked Man films, explore regional folklore hinted at in Warren notes. While not always central, these stories preserve continuity and offer alternative entry points for new viewers.
Common Viewer Questions
Are There Sequels Beyond The Conjuring 2?
Yes. After The Conjuring 2, the franchise continued with The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) and The Conjuring in the Face of Evil (2025). Earlier films like The Conjuring: Last Rites are currently in active development, indicating continued investment in the shared universe.
Is The Conjuring a Continuous Story or Standalone Films?
The series follows an anthology model, with each film presenting a mostly self-contained case while contributing to overarching character and mythology arcs. Viewers can watch most entries independently, though post-credit scenes and mid-credits stings are designed to create a larger tapestry.
How Are Streaming Originals Treated in the Canon?
Streaming originals expand the universe but generally sit outside the primary theatrical canon. They may introduce new entities, timelines, or reinterpretations intended to complement rather than replace the core series, serving as complementary rather than essential viewing for continuity purposes.
How to Choose What to Watch
If you want the essential Warren-centric experience, start with the four core theatrical features in chronological order. If you enjoy world-building and entity-focused horror, consider adding Annabelle and Crooked Man titles. For completists, include documentaries and specials, while casual viewers can focus on the primary narrative arc and skip supplemental material.
Keep in mind that release strategies and availability vary by region and platform. New additions to the franchise may prioritize streaming or theatrical windows, influencing how and when audiences encounter them.
Wrap-Up and Current Status
The Conjuring franchise currently spans eight core theatrical features, multiple spin-offs, and ongoing development. The series continues to evolve, balancing legacy storytelling with fresh faces and formats. Future installments will likely further define the shared universe and refine the relationship between mythos, character, and fear.
As the landscape shifts with streaming integration and evolving audience expectations, the Conjuring universe remains one of the most cohesive and carefully managed modern horror franchises, with each new release adding layers to the Warren legacy.