The Conjuring Universe is large and occasionally confusing, but watching the films in the right order makes the mythos, character beats, and payoffs much clearer. This guide presents the main feature films and key spin‑offs in the order most fans and critics follow, with brief notes on each movie’s role. Below you will find a recommended viewing sequence, context for continuity, and a summary of related shorts and series so you can plan your viewing with confidence.
Recommended Viewing Order for The Conjuring Films
For a first time viewer who wants the story and scares in the intended progression, follow this sequence.
1) The Conjuring (2013)
The first main entry introduces paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren and showcases their approach to a tightly contained haunting. It establishes the period detail, procedural case structure, and tone that define the series.
2) The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Set a few years later, this sequel expands the scope, moves between locations, and deepens the sense of a world inhabited by multiple entities. Important character and case links to subsequent spin‑offs appear here.
3) The Nun (2018)
Set in 1952, this film explores the origin of the demon Valak and provides crucial backstory for the wider mythos. Although a prequel in spirit, it follows chronologically after The Conjuring 2 in many fan timelines due to mid‑story placement within the Warren case continuity.
4) The Crooked Man (2023)
The first new main Conjuring installment in several years, this feature follows a contemporary case while respecting the tone and rules of the earlier universe. It functions effectively as a continuation for long‑time viewers and an accessible entry for newcomers.
5) The Boogeyman (2023)
A more intimate, psychological entry focused on grief and trauma, this film aligns with the Warrens’ world through subtle continuity and tonal consistency rather than direct crossover events.
6) Terrifier (2016) and Terrifier 2 (2022)
Though separate from the Warren cases, these films share a broader horror branding and are often sought by fans of elevated slasher content. They can be placed after the main Conjuring entries if you want extreme horror alongside the core storyline.
The Conjuring Universe at a Glance
A quick reference table of key entries with release years, central focus, and their position in the continuity helps you plan your viewing and understand how each film connects.
| Title | Year | Primary Focus | Continuity Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | 2013 | Warren investigation of a haunting | Foundation entry |
| The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | Expanding cases and mythos | Bridge to spin‑offs |
| The Nun | 2018 | Origin story for Valak | Prequel/backstory |
| The Crooked Man | 2023 | New case in established world | Modern continuation |
| The Boogeyman | 2023 | Psychological family horror | Thematic alignment |
| Terrifier | 2016 / 2022 | Slasher/extreme horror | Side companion |
Core Films and Their Narrative Roles
The two main Conjuring films function as the spine of the franchise, each spotlighting a different type of threat and deepening the Warrens’ legacy. The Nun explicitly revisits events touched on in The Conjuring 2, while The Crooked Man and The Boogeyman extend the universe into new eras and subgenres without breaking established rules.
- The Conjuring: Introducing Ed and Lorraine Warren, grounded investigations, and the sense that entities cross over between cases.
- The Conjuring 2: Demonstrating escalating stakes, international cases, and the ripple effects of earlier encounters.
- The Nun: Filling in the Valak storyline and expanding the 1950s era context.
- The Crooked Man: Reflecting modern anxieties and long‑term consequences for the Warrens’ work.
- The Boogeyman: Focusing on emotional trauma with a restrained, character‑driven approach.
Spin‑offs and Related Horror Features
Beyond the central Conjuring titles, a handful of related features and shorts exist within or adjacent to the shared universe. These are optional and generally do not disrupt your understanding of the main plotlines, but they can enrich the experience if you seek deeper immersion.
Annabelle Series
Though not part of the direct Conjuring narrative, the Annabelle films explore the origins of a specific haunted object and link to the Warrens’ world through cameos and lore references.
Lore
This series examines encounters and exorcisms outside the Warren family, offering different perspectives on familiar supernatural rules.
Where to Watch and Availability
Streaming and licensing vary by region, but the core Conjuring titles are commonly available on major platforms in most markets. Check your local catalog for rotating windows, and consider rental or purchase for the most recently released features if they are not yet included in subscription services.
Common Questions About Viewing Order
- Should I watch The Nun before The Conjuring 2? Many recommend The Conjuring 2 first to preserve mystery, but The Nun is largely self‑contained as a prequel.
- Are the new 2023 films required viewing? They work well as follow‑ups, but you can enjoy the evolution of the Warrens by stopping after The Conjuring 2 or The Nun.
- How do the shorts and web content fit in? Most are flavor pieces or introductions to artifacts; they are enriching but not essential to the central story arcs.
Planning Your Marathon
To experience the Conjuring films in order from foundational to contemporary, start with The Conjuring, proceed to The Conjuring 2, enjoy The Nun for deep backstory, then move into The Crooked Man and The Boogeyman for modern stories. Add Terrifier and similar slashers only if you want extreme horror alongside the main progression. This structure keeps revelations impactful and preserves the emotional throughline that makes the universe compelling.
Whether you are new to the Warrens’ world or revisiting established scares, following a clear order helps the connections land and the scares hit harder. Use this guide as your roadmap and adjust based on your tolerance for intensity and your interest in side stories.
As with any long‑running horror franchise, opinions on pacing and quality will vary, but the recommended sequence above reflects the most widely accepted progression for narrative clarity and impact.