The Conjuring films are set in the early 1970s, anchored by the real case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren. The first movie, The Conjuring (2013), unfolds in 1971, while The Conjuring 2 moves to 1977 in England. Other franchise entries spin outward across different eras, from 1943 wartime in The Devil Made Me Do It to 1988 in The Nun. Understanding this timeline helps distinguish what is drawn from the Warrens’ docket versus creative invention. This guide explains when each main Conjuring story takes place and how they fit into a broader chronology.
What period are The Conjuring movies set in?
The core Conjuring duology is anchored to the early 1970s, aligning with real investigations by Ed and Lorraine Warren. The first film is framed by events beginning in 1971, with courtroom and epilogue scenes advancing to 1976 and a conclusion in 1986. The sequel, The Conjuring 2, is set primarily in 1977 in Enfield, London. This period grounds the films in a recognizable historical backdrop of analog technology, pre-digital investigation methods, and Cold War anxieties. By sticking close to documented case notes, the franchise preserves a sense of plausibility even when depicting supernatural threats.
The Warrens’ cases on screen
Several major cases appear across the main Conjuring films, each tied to specific years and transitions in the Warrens’ ministry. The Hollywood Conings case from 1970 intersects with the family’s early work, while the Enfield haunting of 1977 forms the spine of the second movie. Other appearances are composites or dramatizations inspired by contemporaneous files. Keeping the years in mind helps viewers separate what the Warrens themselves testified to versus narrative embellishments introduced for cinematic tension.
The Conjuring movie timeline at a glance
The table below captures the primary settings and release details for key entries in the Conjuring cinematic universe (CCU). Years reflect in-story timelines; release years show when each film reached audiences.
| Title | In-story year | Release year | Primary setting | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | 1971–1976 | 2013 | Harrisville, Rhode Island | Drawn from the Warrens’ 1971 case files. |
| The Conjuring 2 | 1977 | 2016 | Enfield, London | Centered on the Enfield Poltergeist case. |
| The Devil Made Me Do It | 1981 | 2021 | Connecticut | Expands the Warrens’ docket into 1981. |
| The Nun | 1988 | 2018 | Romania | Set in 1988, with strong atmospheric ties to earlier events. |
| The Curse of La Llorona | 1974 | 2019 | Los Angeles | Loosely connected; shares tone and temporal proximity to early 1970s cases. |
| Annabelle Comes Home | 1969–1974 | 2014 | Santa Monica, California | Although a prequel in the CCU, it overlaps chronologically with early Warren work. |
| Annabelle | 1966–1967 | 2014 | Santa Monica and later artifacts | Earlier origin story of the doll preceding its possession case. |
| Annabelle Creation | 1957 | 2017 | California | Prequel exploring the doll’s creation many years before the other entries. |
| The Crooked Man | 1979 | 2017 | Appalachia and surrounding regions | Follows the Warrens’ later cases with a folkloric antagonist. |
| The Conjuring: The Devilon the Other Side | 1981 | 2025 | Ohio | Recent installment anchored to early 1980s case materials. |
| The Bride | 1995 | 2023 | Future-set narrative exploring legacy | Positions itself later in the CCU continuity. |
Chronology within the broader Conjuring universe
The CCU spans multiple decades and sub-franchises, yet maintains an underlying timeline that connects possessions, artifacts, and Warren investigations. Annabelle origin stories are set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, creating a bridge into the first Conjuring film. The Nun expands outward to 1988, probing events that shaped the Warrens’ understanding of certain entities. Later entries, such as The Crooked Man and the upcoming The Devil on the Other Side, push into the late 1970s and early 1980s, preserving continuity while exploring regional folklore. While spin-off films experiment with setting and tone, the core timeline remains oriented around the Warrens’ evolving case history.
Key facts about The Conjuring timeline accuracy
When asking when The Conjuring is set, it’s important to distinguish between in-story dates, production years, and source basis. The films frequently reference real cases documented by the Warrens, but dramatization and composite storytelling introduce variations. The following table summarizes verified details, estimates, and their narrative context.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring main events | 1971–1976, with epilogue in 1986 | Film narrative; inspired by Warren files |
| The Conjuring 2 timeframe | 1977, Enfield Poltergeist | Film narrative; based on widely reported case |
| The Devil Made Me Do It | 1981, murder trial backdrop | Film narrative; composite legal case |
| The Nun | 1988, Romanian abbey | Film narrative; continuity placement |
| Annabelle series | 1966–1974, artifacts and hauntings | Film narrative; prequels expand earlier lore |
| The Crooked Man | 1979, folkloric antagonist | Film narrative; draws on regional tales |
How to track the Conjuring timeline
- Start with The Conjuring (2013) and The Conjuring 2 (2016) for the core Warren cases.
- Watch prequels in production order to understand artifact origins: Annabelle (2014), Annabelle: Creation (2017), The Devil Made Me Do It (2021).
- Place spin-offs contextually: The Nun (1988) and The Crooked Man (1979) fill regional and chronological gaps.
- Note that The Conjuring: The Devil on the Other Side (2025) is framed as a later, research-driven investigation.
- Use timelines and behind-the-scenes materials to separate dramatized sequences from referenced dates.
Why the setting matters for the story
The early 1970s setting is central to The Conjuring’s tension. It situates the Warrens amid analog police work, limited forensic technology, and emerging public awareness of paranormal phenomena. The historical backdrop amplifies vulnerability: families are more isolated, communication slower, and institutional support uncertain. This atmosphere of constrained resources and creeping dread distinguishes the main films from later entries that embrace broader mythology. By keeping most core stories anchored to 1971–1979, the franchise maintains a coherent throughline that fuels long-term engagement.
Common questions about The Conjuring timeline
Viewers often ask whether the movies follow strict chronological order or skip years. The main Conjuring films proceed roughly chronologically within their arcs, though not every story is back-to-back. Some entries are prequels or composites designed to enrich the world rather than advance the primary timeline linearly. The placement of certain films, like The Nun at 1988, helps explain the evolution of Warren encounters without requiring viewers to have seen every preceding installment. Understanding these distinctions prevents confusion around release order versus in-story progression.
The Conjuring timeline in practice
For new viewers, watching The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2 provides the strongest entry into the shared universe, as they establish the Warrens’ methodology and recurring adversaries. Subsequent films can be enjoyed in narrative or production order depending on whether one prefers strict timeline adherence or myth-building breadth. The series benefits from a curated marathon approach: beginning with the 1970s cases, branching into origins, and exploring later arcs once foundational fears are established. This structure preserves stakes while expanding the horror canvas responsibly.
Wrap-up on when The Conjuring takes place
Most Conjuring stories are set between 1967 and 1988, with the main duology firmly rooted in 1971–1977. The franchise uses this period to explore evolving threats while staying anchored in documented cases. Variations exist across spin-offs, but the overall timeline remains cohesive when approached with awareness of prequels, composites, and continuity devices. Knowing when The Conjuring is set enhances appreciation for the Warrens’ work and the franchise’s long-form storytelling craft.