The Conjuring Movies in Order: A Complete Guide helps you navigate the expanding universe of films in The Conjuring Universe. This guide presents the series in release order, explains the timeline sequence, and highlights how each film connects to the broader world of Warren and Ed Warren. Whether you are catching up or exploring for the first time, understanding the order clarifies recurring characters, case arcs, and evolving mythology.
Main Conjuring Films in Release Order
The core Conjuring series began in 2013 and has since grown into a shared cinematic universe. The primary franchise follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren across various cases. Below is a breakdown of the main series in the order they were released, which is also the recommended viewing order for most audiences.
| Title | Release Year | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | 2013 | The Perron family haunting in Harrisville, Rhode Island |
| The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | The Enfield poltergeist in London, England |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | 2021 | A historic legal case involving demonic possession defense |
| The Conjuring: Last Rites | 2025 | An Exorcism case spanning decades in the Warren legacy |
Chronological Order Within the Main Arc
When arranged by the timeline of events depicted, the main series follows a linear progression rooted in the 1970s and advances toward the present day. The story of the Perron family comes earliest, followed by the Enfield case, then the court case in the 1980s, and finally the continuation of the Warrens’ legacy into recent years. This sequence aligns with the in-world progression of the Warrens’ cases and their ongoing involvement in supernatural investigations.
- The Conjuring (2013): 1971, based on the Harrisville haunting
- The Conjuring 2 (2016): 1977, covering the Enfield poltergeist
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021): 1981, revolving around a murder trial
- The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025): Extends through different eras, concluding parts of the Warren saga
Spin-Off Films and Their Placement
The Conjuring Universe includes several spin-off films that explore related stories and characters. These films often focus on individual entities or cases connected to the Warrens. Viewing them after the main series can help audiences better understand shared mythology and recurring lore, though some spin-offs operate with standalone narratives.
| Title | Release Year | Relation to Main Series |
|---|---|---|
| Annabelle | 2014 | Prequel focusing on the doll and its origins |
| Annabelle: Creation | 2017 | Prequel exploring the doll’s creation and backstory |
| Annabelle Comes Home | 2025 | Set between main series events, expanding the doll’s legacy |
| The Nun | 2018 | Introduces Valak in a Lorraine Warren case |
| The Crooked Man | 2025 | Brings back the entity from the second film in a new story |
| Mary Requiem | TBA | Announced, details under wraps |
| The Bride in Black | TBA | Announced, details under wraps |
Why Order Matters in The Conjuring Movies
Following The Conjuring movies in order reveals recurring themes, character development, and the evolving nature of the threats within The Conjuring Universe. Key entities and artifacts appear across multiple films, creating continuity that is more impactful when experienced sequentially. For viewers, this structured approach ensures that payoffs, lore reveals, and emotional throughlines resonate clearly without requiring prior knowledge of every spin-off.
Suggested Viewing Path for New Viewers
Newcomers can choose between two primary paths: release order or chronological order. Release order aligns with how each film builds on audience expectations and references established in prior entries, while chronological order follows the internal timeline of the Warrens’ cases. Below is a simplified recommended path:
- The Conjuring
- The Conjuring 2
- Annabelle (optional before or after The Conjuring 2)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
- The Nun (standalone but connected)
- The Conjuring: Last Rites
Common Questions About The Conjuring Sequence
Viewers often wonder where each film fits and whether they need to watch every title to understand the main story. The core narrative arc is contained within the main series, while spin-offs enrich the world but are not strictly required. Ambiguity around entity crossovers, timelines, and character involvement becomes clearer when watching in the recommended order. This approach minimizes confusion and enhances the impact of returning characters and motifs.
By following The Conjuring movies in order, you gain a cohesive view of how each story contributes to the larger mythology. The progression from haunted families to institutional cases and evolving supernatural threats reflects a carefully structured universe. Whether you start with the original haunting or dive deeper into spin-offs, understanding the sequence enhances appreciation of the films’ shared legacy and lasting impact.