The Conjuring Universe can feel sprawling, but the chronological order of conjuring movies is straightforward if you follow release date and in-story timeline. This verified explainer walks through every main film and major spinoff in the order they occur, distinguishing theatrical releases from later streams and holiday specials. Below you will find the complete sequence, key milestones, and a quick reference table you can return to whenever you need to plan a watch or settle a debate.
Main Theatrical Releases in Release Order
The core theatrical timeline begins with The Conjuring in 2013, followed by its sequel, then Annabelle as a prequel, and continues through the expanding roster of films. Below are the principal entries in the exact order they reached audiences in theaters, which also aligns with an accessible chronological path for new viewers.
2013: The Conjuring
The first film introduces paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in 1971 Rhode Island, setting the tone for the franchise. Its measured scares and case-file structure became the blueprint for later entries and remains the tonal anchor of the series.
2016: The Conjuring 2
The second main installment shifts to 1977 England, focusing on the Enfield poltergeist. The film deepened the universe by linking cases and reinforcing the idea of a connected paranormal world, leading directly to further spinoffs.
2014: Annabelle
2017: Annabelle: Creation
2019: The Curse of La Llorona
2021: The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
Upcoming and Recently Released Mainline Entries
Annabelle Comes Home was released in 1976 and remains a classic, though it is referenced later rather than placed directly in the modern chronology. The Conjuring: Last Rites is scheduled for 2025, continuing the Warrens’ story in a new chapter.
Spinoffs and Related Films in Sequence
Several films carry the Conjuring banner but focus on different characters or eras. Understanding where these fit helps clarify the broader timeline and prevents confusion when mapping the overall continuity.
- The Nun (2018), set in 1952 Romania, explores the origins of Valak and deepens the mythos surrounding a key antagonist.
- The Crooked Man (2023) returns to the Warren era, offering a mid-1970s case that connects to events referenced in The Conjuring 2.
- Clairvoyant investigator stories and other tangential entries expand the timeline without overwriting the central Warren narrative.
Quick Reference: Chronological Order of Conjuring Movies
The table below lists major Conjuring films by in-story date, approximate release year, and format, so you can quickly determine what to watch next. Note that some entries are referenced or mentioned in passing rather than shown in full, which affects strict chronology.
| Title | In-Story Date or Period | Release Year | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | 1971 | 2013 | Theatrical |
| The Conjuring 2 | 1977 | 2016 | Theatrical |
| Annabelle | 1969 | 2014 | Theatrical |
| Annabelle: Creation | 1955 | 2017 | Theatrical |
| The Nun | 1952 | 2018 | Theatrical |
| The Curse of La Llorona | 1973 | 2019 | Theatrical |
| The Crooked Man | 1975 | 2023 | Theatrical |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | 1981 | 2021 | Theatrical |
| Annabelle Comes Home | 1976 | 1976 | Theatrical |
How to Watch in Order for Story and Nostalgia
Viewers seeking strict chronological order can follow the in-story timeline from 1952 to 1981, which reveals the evolution of threats and the Warrens’ involvement. If you prefer release order, simply watch by theatrical date to experience the franchise as it unfolded. Both approaches are valid; the best method depends on whether you prioritize narrative continuity or cultural context.
Key Milestones and Turning Points
Several entries mark significant shifts in tone, scope, or mythology. Annabelle: Creation expanded the origin story and deepened dread in 1950s settings. The Nun introduced Valak and connected the universe to European folklore. The Crooked Mill reopened Warren-era investigations in the 1970s, while The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It pushed continuity into real-world legal territory during the 1980s.
Recurring Themes Across the Timeline
Across the chronological order of conjuring movies, certain motifs persist: family protection, faith versus fear, and the thin veil between worlds. The Warrens’ commitment to documenting each case reinforces the idea that no haunting is an isolated incident, linking every film through shared purpose and escalating stakes.
Common Questions About Viewing Sequence
New viewers often ask whether they must watch films in release order or strict timeline order. The short answer is no; each story stands alone, though continuity fans will notice callbacks and evolving lore. Starting with the two main Conjuring films provides a solid foundation before exploring spinoffs, prequels, and deeper cuts.