With multiple series, spinoffs, and period pieces, The Conjuring universe can be confusing to navigate. This guide explains the recommended viewing order and why it works, focusing on narrative progression, character arcs, and escalating stakes. You will learn which films to see first, which optional entries to add later, and how each movie contributes to the broader mythology. The approach emphasizes clarity and long-term payoff so you can experience the saga as intended while retaining emotional impact across the full timeline.
The core chronological viewing order
Start with the two foundational films that introduce Ed and Lorraine Warren and establish the era and tone. Move into the modern timeline centered on the Perron family, which anchors the most intense character-driven scares. Finish with expansions, alternate timelines, and creature-focused entries that broaden the world without disrupting the core mythology.
Why follow this sequence
- Preserves mystery by delaying universe reveals and crossovers.
- Builds dread progressively, aligning with era transitions.
- Keeps character introductions and payoffs in narrative order.
- Reduces spoiler risk from later entries retroactively contextualizing earlier ones.
Phase 1: Warrens origin and early cases
This phase centers on the Warrens’ early work, grounding the supernatural in period detail and careful investigation. You meet the couple’s methods, domestic life, and the moral complexity that distinguishes the saga from simple monster scares.
The Conjuring (2013)
The modern standard by which subsequent films are measured. Set in 1971, it introduces Ed and Lorraine Warren through the haunting of the Perron family farmhouse. The case is methodical, tension escalates gradually, and creature design is restrained yet unsettling.
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Moves to Enfield, London, in 1977, expanding the scope internationally while maintaining slow-burn dread. The investigation spans weeks and feels more procedural, allowing Lorraine Warren’s visions and the team dynamics to deepen the stakes.
Phase 2: The Crooked Man and the modern timeline
This trio centers on a lineage of connected hauntings that escalate toward cosmic conflict. The saga narrows into family tragedy, addiction, and consequence-driven storytelling before widening to mythological threats.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
Introduces courtroom elements and a historical artifact, marking the saga’s first legal procedure angle. The case involves demonic influence and inherited trauma, setting up multiversal stakes without contradicting earlier continuity.
Annabelle (2014)
A prequel in timeline but a narrative extension of The Conjuring’s universe. It deepens the mythology around the cursed doll and introduces cult activity, backstory for the Warrens’ artifact containment, and a more gothic aesthetic.
Annabelle Comes Home (1973)
A classic slow-burn ghost story set in a single location, focused on a family and their babysitter. It grounds the supernatural in domestic routine and functions as both an effective horror entry and a companion piece to the modern films.
The Conjuring: Death (2025)
Neither confirmed release nor finalized production details are public as of mid-2025. Treat any information about this film as speculative until official sources confirm cast, crew, or plot specifics.
Phase 3: Spinoffs and creature-focused entries
These films widen the world while leaning into specific monsters or traditions. They work best after the core Warrens arc, because their threats are larger and less constrained by period realism.
The Nun (2018)
Explores the Vale of Shadows mythology and the origin of a specific entity within the artifact collection. Set in 1952, it precedes the Warrens’ museum work but benefits from established rules and iconography.
The Nun 2 (2023)
Follows a French missionary and a local in the 1950s, connecting the artifact lineage to new geography and religious iconography. It functions as both sequel and expansion of the lore established in The Nun.
The Crooked Man (2025)
Planned entries remain unconfirmed in detail as of mid-2025. Approach rumored plot points, release windows, and cast changes with caution, since final specifications may differ once officially announced.
The Bride in Black (2025)
Details are unverified; treat summaries, stills, and set photos as tentative until a studio confirms cast, crew, and marketing materials. Prioritize official press releases over unofficial leaks.
Alternate orders and what to consider
Some viewers prefer to group films by era, monster type, or intensity. A historical arc might cluster period films together, while a monster arc might follow entities across entries. However, these approaches can disrupt foreshadowing and weaken emotional continuity.
| Approach | Order example | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narrative chronology | 1 → 2 → Annabelle (1973) → Annabelle (2014) → The Devil Made Me Do It → The Nun → The Nun 2 | Clear cause-and-effect, character growth | Later films may feel tonally heavier earlier |
| Release chronology | By theatrical date from 2013 to 2023 | Matches public conversation and marketing | May weaken internal timeline logic |
| Monster-centric | Group by entity (Annabelle, Crooked Man, etc.) | Highlights design and mythology | Scatters character and setting progression |
How to choose if you are new to the series
Start with The Conjuring (2013) to establish tone, then follow with The Conjuring 2 (2016) for escalation and investigation depth. Add Annabelle (2014) next to understand artifact origins, then layer in The Nun (2018) and The Nun 2 (2023) for expanded lore. Save courtroom and experimental entries for after you are familiar with the Warrens’ world, and skip unverified projects until confirmed details emerge.
Streaming, formats, and practical notes
Availability varies by region and changes as licensing agreements shift. Check your platform’s catalog for current status. If you prefer physical media, boxed sets sometimes include commentary and archival extras that enrich understanding of continuity and production design.
Final recommendations
- Core path: The Conjuring → The Conjuring 2 → Annabelle (2014) → The Nun → The Nun 2 → The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.
- Optional deep cuts: Annabelle (1973) for classic atmosphere; revisit The Conjuring 2 for fuller procedural context.
- Defer unverified projects and rumor-driven announcements until credible sources confirm details.
By following this sequence, you preserve suspense, respect character development, and allow each film to contribute meaningfully to your understanding of the Conjuring universe.