For fans exploring The Conjuring cinematic universe, the correct chronological order is: The Conjuring (2013), The Conjuring 2 (2016), The Nun (2018), The Curse of La Llorona (2019), Annabelle (2014), Annabelle: Creation (2017), and finally Annabelle Comes Home (2018). This sequence aligns each film with its period setting, from the 1940s to the late 1970s, while respecting the real-world release timeline when events overlap. The following guide explains the order, connections, and timeline nuances so you can watch in a way that maximizes narrative impact.
What we mean by chronological order for Conjuring films
Chronological order for The Conjuring movies can refer to in-universe timeline order or real-world release order. The Conjuring universe spans multiple timelines, eras, and story arcs, so a single chronological sequence must clarify which axis it follows. For a viewer aiming to understand the sequence of events within the shared world, chronological by story setting is most useful. Key dates include 1944 through 1979, with some contemporaneous cases and others separated by decades. The table below anchors each film to its period and illustrates how the viewing order maps to the underlying timeline.
Timeline overview and period setting
| Film | Year or period in story | Primary setting or anchored date |
|---|---|---|
| Annabelle | 1944–1945 | Santa Monica, California; opening scenes in 1944 |
| Annabelle: Creation | 1955–1956 | 1956, California farmhouse |
| Annabelle Comes Home | 1975–1979 | 1976, California home; babysitting events in 1979 |
| The Conjuring | 1971 | 1971, Harrisville, Rhode Island |
| The Conjuring 2 | 1977 | 1977, London, Enfield; scenes in 1976–1977 |
| The Nun | 1952 | 1952, Romania; legacy scenes in 1987 |
| The Curse of La Llorona | 1974 | 1974, Los Angeles |
When ordered by in-story dates, the logical sequence becomes:
- Annabelle (1944–1945 events)
- Annabelle: Creation (1955–1956)
- The Conjuring (1971)
- The Curse of La Llorona (1974)
- Annabelle Comes Home (mid-1970s to 1979)
- The Conjuring 2 (1977)
- The Nun (1952 setting, with 1987 coda)
This ordering follows the progression of decades and respects each entry’s focal case rather than the real-world release dates, which vary across franchises and prequels.
How each Conjuring film fits the shared timeline
The Conjuring films are connected by the recurring presence of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, but they are not a strictly linear series. Some stories overlap thematically or temporally, while others branch into adjacent timelines. Below is a high-information guide that preserves useful context without redundant filler.
Early foundations: The Annabelle series
The Annabelle line begins with the original doll’s 1940s haunting, moves to a 1950s farmhouse exploration, and concludes with a late-1970s residential case. Though Annabelle (1944) is presented as a prequel, it was released after the first two Annabelle installments but is set earliest. Annabelle: Creation deepens the doll’s origins in 1956, and Annabelle Comes Home brings the narrative to 1970s Santa Monica. Watching these in release order (Creation, Annabelle, Comes Home) aligns with increasing dread, but chronological by story, the 1940s entry should lead.
The core Warren investigations
The Conjuring (2013) establishes the Warrens’ methodology with the 1971 Harrisville case, while The Conjuring 2 (2016) revisits their 1977 involvement in the Enfield haunting. Both are tightly linked and benefit from viewing in release order, which also matches story chronology since 1971 precedes 1977. These entries anchor the main continuity and directly influence later spin-offs through Warren legacy references.
Adjacent cases: La Llorona and The Nun
The Curse of La Llorona (1974) operates within the same mythos but focuses on a distinct entity, with the Warrens appearing in advisory roles. The Nun (1952), though released later, is chronologically situated between the 1950s farmhouse arc and the 1970s Warren cases, closing with a 1987 coda that bridges timelines. These films expand the universe without overwriting the central Warren narrative.
Why story order matters more than release order here
Release order does not match story order for The Conjuring movies due to franchise expansion and prequel strategies. A viewer who watches by release date may encounter late-set films before early-set ones, which can obscure the evolution of the Warrens’ cases and the deepening mythology. Choosing a chronological-by-setting approach clarifies how each haunting connects to the next and why certain artifacts and investigations matter at specific points in the timeline.
Practical viewing sequence recommendations
Two practical approaches serve different goals. For viewers prioritizing narrative continuity and a logical progression of the Warren timeline, the story-based sequence is ideal. For those interested in seeing how the films evolved in presentation and style, release order provides a distinct experience. Below is a quick reference comparing both paths.
| Order type | Viewing sequence | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Story chronological | Annabelle (1944) → Annabelle: Creation → The Conjuring (1971) → The Curse of La Llorona (1974) → Annabelle Comes Home → The Conjuring 2 (1977) → The Nun (1952) | Clear timeline understanding |
| Release chronological | Annabelle (2014) → Annabelle: Creation (2017) → The Conjuring (2013) → The Conjuring 2 (2016) → The Nun (2018) → The Curse of La Llorona (2019) | Preserving marketing and franchise development |
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Annabelle (2014) story year | 1944–1945 | Film text and director commentary |
| The Conjuring (2013) story year | 1971 | Film text and official synopsis |
| The Conjuring 2 (2016) story year | 1977 | Film text and production notes |
| The Nun (2018) story year | 1952, with 1987 coda | Film text and interviews |
| The Curse of La Llorona (2019) story year | 1974 | Film text and Warner Bros. materials |
| Annabelle: Creation story year | 1955–1956 | Film text and supplementary features |
| Annabelle Comes Home story year | 1975–1979; primary setting 1976–1979 | Film text and behind-the-scenes documentation |
Common questions about the Conjuring chronological order
Viewers often ask whether they must watch films in release sequence to understand the stories. For The Conjuring movies specifically, you can follow story order without losing essential context. The Warrens’ cases are largely self-contained, though subtle continuity touches become clearer when watched chronologically by setting. Horror enthusiasts seeking mythos depth may prefer story order, while casual viewers may choose release order for familiarity with how the universe expanded.
Wrap-up guidance
Use this guide as a durable reference for navigating The Conjuring universe. Story-based chronological order aligns with in-world events and supports deeper engagement with the timeline. If you prefer to mirror marketing and franchise momentum, release order remains a valid alternative. Either way, the films can be enjoyed in the sequence that best matches your viewing goals.