Whether you are new to The Conjuring universe or revisiting it, this verified, evergreen guide explains The Conjuring movies in order by release and story chronology. From the Warrens’ first case to later epilogue films, you will find the primary series, spinoffs, and key shorts, plus release years and runtime context in a concise reference table. Each entry is explained with high-information detail so you know what to expect and how each film connects.
Main Series Films in Chronological Order
The core Conjuring series presents two central investigations led by paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Below is an answer-first summary followed by release-year and runtime details in a reference table.
The Conjuring (2013)
The Warrens travel to Rhode Island to defend a family haunted by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Focused on investigative procedure and slow-building tension, it sets up recurring characters and themes of faith versus fear.
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
The Warrens cross the Atlantic to Enfield, England, to confront a poltergeist terrorizing a single mother and her children. The film emphasizes methodical research and multilayered set pieces, while introducing connections to other cases.
The Conjuring: The Last Rite (2021)
An episodic anthology bridging The Conjuring 2 and The Conjuring 3, following a serial killer who encounters genuine demonic forces. It functions as an in-between chapter, expanding mythology without advancing the central Warren narrative.
The Conjuring 3: Lalins Farm (2017)
Originally produced as The Conjuring 3, this film was rebranded as a Souls cinema exclusive and later rereleased as part of the main series arc. It follows investigators tackling a case rooted in rural isolation, distinct from but thematically aligned with the Warrens’ work.
Annabelle: Creation (2017)
A prequel exploring the origins of the Annabelle doll, showing how an artisan couple’s good intentions invite a sinister presence. It deepens the rules of the Conjuring universe by tracing evil artifacts back to their source.
The Conjuring DC (2025)
The latest mainline chapter, focusing on a new family encountering a terrifying presence tied to the Warren legacy. It advances the overarching mythos while introducing contemporary investigative techniques.
Annabelle: Comes Home (1976)
A foundational horror entry where a family is locked inside with a haunted doll, establishing dread through atmosphere and limited-scope storytelling. Though released decades before the modern series, it informs later character and artifact depictions.
Recommended Viewing Approaches
You can watch The Conjuring movies in order by release date to follow production design and actor continuity, or in chronological story order to experience narrative cause and effect. Below is a concise comparison for quick planning.
| Approach | Order | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Release Chronology | Annabelle (1976) → The Conjuring (2013) → The Conjuring 2 (2016) → The Conjuring: The Last Rite (2021) → Annabelle: Creation (2017) → The Conjuring DC (2025) | Shows creative and technological evolution; preserves intended reveal structures. |
| Story Chronology | Annabelle (1976) → Annabelle: Creation → The Conjuring (2013) → The Conjuring 2 → The Conjuring: The Last Rite → The Conjuring DC (2025) | Follows artifact origins and Warrens’ case progression for cohesive arc understanding. |
Extended Universe and Related Titles
The Conjuring franchise includes numerous offshoots, crossovers, and standalone entries. This section clarifies which films are essential, which are optional, and how they relate to the central Warren narrative.
- The Nun (2018) and The Nun 2 (2022): Connect to the D.C. lineage through Father Burke, offering context on evil forces but not required for understanding the Warrens.
- Crooked Man (2025): A newer installment exploring regional hauntings; optional viewing unless you seek broader universe expansion.
- Various shorts and specials: Supplemental content that enriches tone but does not alter core storylines.
Mythology and Universe Rules
Across The Conjuring movies in order, a consistent framework emerges: malevolent entities are often tied to objects, locations, or unresolved human trauma. The Warrens operate with a mix of empirical documentation and spiritual tools, acknowledging both psychological and supernatural factors. Key recurring elements include blessed artifacts, ritual practices, and a clear delineation between human evil and metaphysical evil. This structure preserves narrative coherence while allowing each film to explore distinct threats.
Audience Guidance and Tone Notes
The Conjuring universe priorit atmospheric dread, practical effects, and character-driven suspense over graphic shock. Main series films adhere to tightly structured investigations, whereas spinoffs often experiment with stylistic horror. Viewer discretion is advised for intense sequences, especially in later entries, which escalate intensity. Families should consider age ratings and personal sensitivity before viewing.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Since the early 2010s, The Conjuring movies in order have defined modern haunted-house storytelling, emphasizing research, period detail, and restrained scares. The franchise revitalized careers, launched successful spinoffs, and set benchmarks for production design and sound design. Its influence persists in how studios approach supernatural horror, balancing authenticity with audience accessibility.
Reference Table at a Glance
| Title | Year | Runtime (min) | Type | Relation to Main Arc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annabelle | 1976 | 89 | Classic standalone | Artifact origin, foundational horror |
| The Conjuring | 2013 | 112 | Core investigation | Introduces Warrens and methods |
| The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | 134 | Core investigation | Expands scope and mythology |
| The Conjuring: The Last Rite | 2021 | 160 | Anthology bridge | Connects cases; not essential |
| Annabelle: Creation | 2017 | 109 | Prequel spinoff | Explores doll’s origin |
| The Conjuring DC | 2025 | 115 | Latest core entry | Advances ongoing mythos |
| The Nun | 2018 | 96 | Spinoff | Related but optional |
| Crooked Man | 2025 | 92 | Recent spinoff | Supplementary, non-essential |
Final Recommendations
To experience The Conjuring movies in order with maximum clarity, start with the 1976 Annabelle, then progress through the main series by story chronology. If you prefer production evolution, follow release order. Reserve spinoffs for supplemental viewing after you understand the Warrens’ central investigations. This approach ensures you appreciate both discrete scares and long-form narrative continuity.