The definitive viewing order for The Conjuring Movies
If you want to watch The Conjuring movies in order, the simplest reliable path is the main Conjuring sequence, followed by the extended Conjuring Universe timeline, then targeted spinoffs. This guide explains the recommended order, the reasoning behind it, and how you can customize the sequence for horror depth, continuity, or time constraints.
Why watch The Conjuring movies in a recommended order
Viewing order matters for story cohesion, character introduction, and escalating dread. The main Conjuring films are largely self-contained but share investigators, historians, and mythos touchpoints. Watching in a logical sequence improves payoff from callbacks, recurring artifacts, and evolving threats, without requiring strict continuity. The goal is clarity, context, and the fullest emotional impact.
Core recommended watch order
Start with the two foundational films, then expand into the broader universe. This progression balances narrative introduction, escalating stakes, and tonal consistency.
- The Conjuring (2013)
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
- Annabelle (2014)
- Annabelle: Creation (2017)
- Annabelle Comes Home (1973)
- The Nun (2018)
- The Crooked Man (2023)
- Other entries as desired (e.g., The Haunting of Hill House via crossover references)
Breakdown: Main series versus extended Conjuring Universe
The Conjuring main series focuses on Ed and Lorraine Warren, with each film centering on a distinct case. The Conjuring Universe expands to related entities, artifacts, and timelines, including the Nun, Annabelle, and Crooked Man stories. Understanding this distinction helps you prioritize what to watch first based on your goals.
The Conjuring main series at a glance
| Title | Year | Subject | Key artifact or entity | Role in the larger universe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | 2013 | Haunting in rural Rhode Island | Annabelle doll (introduced) | Introduces Warrens and investigative approach |
| The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | Enfield poltergeist case in London | Entity linked to dark clerical artifacts | Deepens Warrens’ legacy and skepticism vs. faith |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | 2021Demonic obsession trial case | Relic and courtroom tension | Broadens scope to societal consequences and artifacts
Annabelle series context
The Annabelle line traces the origin and escalation of a single cursed doll, moving from origin story to full-blown haunting. Chronologically, the recommended sequence aligns with both narrative impact and release patterns.
The Nun and related entities
The Nun explores the origins of a key figure within the shared mythology, while The Crooked Man addresses an older, distinct entity. These entries extend the universe horizontally, connecting to prior artifacts and themes without centralizing the Warrens.
Alternate sequences based on your goals
- For fear and dread intensity: Start with Annabelle (2014) or Annabelle: Creation, then move to The Conjuring 1–2, followed by The Conjuring 3.
- For universe breadth: Interleave Annabelle and The Nun after the core Conjuring trilogy to balance entity lore.
- For time-constrained viewing: The Conjuring 1 + The Conjuring 2 + The Conjuring 3 provide a strong arc with focused stakes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I skip ahead without losing context? The main series is designed to stand alone per film, though shared artifacts and references increase cohesion when watched in order. Spinoffs add depth but are not strictly required to enjoy the core stories.
What about the older films like The Haunting or The Amityville Horror? Those are classic haunted-house films but exist outside The Conjuring Universe. They inform the aesthetic and lineage, yet you can safely watch them independently.
Is The Conjuring 3 a finale? It concludes major Warren arcs while leaving ancillary characters and entities open, allowing future stories to expand the universe beyond the central investigators.