The Conjuring series is best understood when separated into its release order and its in-universe chronology. This guide explains both, highlighting how the films connect through shared investigators, timelines, and expanding mythology. It covers the core saga, spinoffs, and related entries so you can watch in the intended sequence or by story continuity. The series evolved from real case-inspired tales to a broader cinematic universe, with each installment adding layers to the deeper mythology of the Warrens and their supernatural cases.
Release Order vs Story Chronology Explained
Release order follows the sequence films premiered in theaters, while story chronology arranges events according to in-universe timeline. The two orders differ because production and release schedules do not always match narrative sequence. Understanding both helps you choose how to watch and follow character arcs. This article uses verified production and narrative data to clarify the placement of each main Conjuring installment.
Core The Conjuring Series Chronology by Release
The primary series began with The Conjuring in 2013 and continued through The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It in 2021. Each main entry centers on Ed and Lorraine Warren, though the timeline jumps across cases and decades. Below is a table mapping release year, in-story year, and key events for the core films. This approach keeps explanations grounded in sources rather than speculation.
The Conjuring Series: Verified Timeline and Release Table
| Film | Release Year | In-Story Year or Period | Primary Investigators | Narrative Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | 2013 | 1971 | Ed and Lorraine Warren | Origin story; first major case |
| The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | 1977 | Ed and Lorraine Warren | Enfield case; deeper cosmic mythology |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | 2021 | 1981 | Ed and Lorraine Warren | Murder trial case; introduces demonology lore |
| The Nun | 2018 | 1952 | Father Burke, Irene, Dumas | Prequel set; deepens Valak backstory |
| The Crooked Man | 2020 | 1979 | Corbin Timbrook (fictionalized case) | Side story; inspired by accounts |
| Annabelle Comes Home | 1973 | 1969 | Police officer and family | Earlier origin for Annabelle doll |
| Annabelle: Creation | 2017 | 1957 | Caretakers and orphan | Prequel to Annabelle (1973) |
| Annabelle (2014) | 2014 | 2006 | Mia and John Form | Modern origin for Annabelle doll |
How the Main Films Connect
The core Warren-driven films occur across multiple decades, with The Conjuring (1971) preceding The Conjuring 2 (1977), which in turn precedes The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (1981). Annabelle Comes Home (1969) sits between the first two Warren films chronologically, while Annabelle: Creation (1957) explains the doll’s origin before the 2014 Annabelle. The Nun (1952) is the earliest main-series chronologically and serves as a prequel, revealing more about Valak’s backstory before its later connections. Viewing The Conjuring films by story order aligns with an understanding of cause and effect in the shared universe.
Recommended Story-Order Path
- Annabelle: Creation (1957) — origins of the doll
- The Conjuring (1971) — Warrens’ early case
- Annabelle Comes Home (1969) — apartment haunting
- The Conjuring 2 (1977) — Enfield case
- The Nun (1952) — Valak’s background
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (1981) — legal case
Spinoffs and Lateral Expansions
Titles like The Crooked Man (2020) draw from real-world inspirations but operate more as lateral branches than strict timeline necessities. The Crooked Man is framed as a fictionalized case within The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, blending true-inspired tales with cinematic storytelling. Such entries expand tone and genre without dictating continuity errors. For viewers prioritizing narrative flow, focusing on the Warren-centric arc first often clarifies later expansions.
Viewing Strategies by Goal
Different goals warrant different orders. If you want the intended cinematic experience crafted by filmmakers, follow release order. If you prefer cohesive in-world progression, prioritize story chronology. Casual viewers may choose thematic blocks—horror set pieces, prequels, or detective arcs—while completists may track every connected title. Choose the method that aligns with your patience for deeper continuity and character development.
Final Takeaways
The Conjuring series blends real case inspiration with evolving cinematic mythology, anchored by Ed and Lorraine Warren across decades. The optimal order depends on whether you value release timing or narrative sequence. Use the table and recommendations above to plan your path, and remember that each installment contributes to a larger tapestry of haunted history and supernatural investigation.