The Conjuring series can feel sprawling, but following a deliberate viewing order helps you experience its evolving mythos and escalating dread as the filmmakers intended. This evergreen guide walks through the recommended sequence for the main Conjuring films, the Annabelle and The Nun spinoffs, and the later expansion entries, while noting which stories are self-contained and which build ongoing character threads. If you want to respect chronology and maximize tension, this order gives a coherent path through the universe.
Recommended chronological viewing order
Start with the films that best establish tone and mythology before diving into character-specific arcs and later expansions. This sequence balances narrative impact with accessibility, so new viewers are not overwhelmed while longtime fans can appreciate connective threads.
1) The Conjuring (2013)
The definitive starting point. Introduces paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, core investigative structure, and grounded supernatural storytelling that defines the series.
2) The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Direct sequel that deepens the Warrens’ partnership and showcases their most famous case. Establishes stakes and emotional consequences of their work.
3) Annabelle (2014)
Spinoff focusing on the cursed doll; best placed here to contrast artifact-focused investigations with the Warrens’ active cases.
4) The Nun (2018)
Explores the origins of the Valak entity within the same mythic framework as The Conjuring 2, serving as a companion origin story rather than a prerequisite.
5) The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
First courtroom case and first film in the series to expand beyond the Warrens, demonstrating how the mythology adapts to new threats.
6) The Conjuring: Last Rites (forthcoming)
Treat this as an evolving endpoint in the current main saga; details are not disclosed here to avoid speculation.
Extended and thematic groupings
Once you have completed the core arc, you can explore additional entries either as standalone chills or as deepening lore, depending on your tolerance for tonal shifts and expanded universes.
Annabelle: Creation (2017)
Set decades before the first Annabelle, this prequel enriches artifact mythology. Watch it after Annabelle (2014) or as a second, slower burn companion piece.
The Nun — additional context
As a prequel to The Conjuring 2, The Nun benefits from seeing the main series first, but it is designed to function acceptably as a one-off if watched independently.
The Crooked Man (The Conjuring 2 side story)
A brief mid-credits tease; while not a full film, it hints at broader corners of the universe. Treat as optional enrichment.
Other expansion projects
Films such as The Outpost and spinoffs like The Bride are distinct in scope and tone; they slot into the broader universe but are not required to appreciate the central saga.
Key attributes at a glance
| Attribute | Verified detail | Source basis |
|---|---|---|
| Primary chronological backbone | The Conjuring → The Conjuring 2 → Annabelle → The Nun → The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | Release dates and narrative placement |
| Annabelle prequel relationship | Annabelle: Creation is set decades earlier and enriches artifact mythology | Official lore and timelines |
| The Nun’s dependency | The Nun functions best after familiarity with The Conjuring 2; optional as standalone | Narrative framing by filmmakers and studio |
| Evolving protagonist scope | Series transitions from primarily Warren-focused cases to broader investigations | Film content and credits patterns |
Why order matters in The Conjuring universe
Following a thoughtful sequence preserves suspense while clarifying how each installment informs the next. Early films train you to trust the investigations, while later movies expand the lore and adversary roster in ways that feel cumulative rather than disjointed. By front-loading core Warren cases and delaying more experimental branches, you maximize tension and minimize context gaps.
Balancing freshness and continuity
If you prefer to avoid prior knowledge, you can watch The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2 back to back, then sample Annabelle and The Nun as tonal palette cleansers before proceeding. This keeps early impact while still honoring the broader timeline.
Independent versus connected stories
Each film is designed to function as a largely self-contained case, so skipping entries will not break your enjoyment. The main trade-off is losing nuanced character development and mythology callbacks that accumulate across the saga.
Tailoring the order to your goals
- If you want a linear, horror-first journey: start with The Conjuring 1 and 2, then branch into Annabelle and The Nun, followed by The Devil Made Me Do It.
- If you prefer artifact-focused dread: front-load Annabelle and Annabelle: Creation, then return to the main Warren timeline.
- If you want minimal backtracking: follow chronological release dates while grouping spinoffs immediately after their related main entries.
Final takeaways
There is no single canonical timeline, only a spectrum of approaches that serve different viewing preferences. The safest evergreen pathway is The Conjuring → The Conjuring 2 → Annabelle → The Nun → The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, with Annabelle: Creation and select spinoffs slotted according to your tolerance for deeper mythos exploration.