Navigating the twisting timeline of the Conjuring Universe can be a daunting task, especially with sequels, prequels, and spin-offs. To watch all the Conjuring movies in the most narratively satisfying order, follow this guide which prioritizes understanding the Warrens’ cases as they unfold: begin with The Conjuring (2013), then proceed with Annabelle (2014), followed by The Conjuring 2 (2016), Annabelle: Creation (2017), The Nun (2018), Annabelle Comes Home (2019), The Curse of La Llorona (2019), and conclude with The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021).
The Narratively Cohesive Conjuring Universe Order
This viewing order offers the best blend of chronological events and narrative flow, allowing you to piece together the overall story of Ed and Lorraine Warren and the various supernatural entities they encounter. While release order has its merits, watching chronologically muddles the core narrative of the Warrens’ central cases.
The Rationale Behind the Chosen Order
This structure is based on several factors:
- Focus on the Warrens: The Conjuring films are the tentpoles of the universe. Starting with the original establishes their character and introduces the audience to their world.
- Annabelle’s Origins: Annabelle serves as a prequel, explaining the doll’s malevolent origins and its initial possession. It bridges nicely into The Conjuring 2 which includes a cameo of Annabelle.
- Chronological Connections: Annabelle: Creation provides a crucial flashback to Annabelle’s origins, revealing the tragic events that led to her demonic inhabitation. Placing it after the initial Annabelle provides context for the later films.
- Expanding the Universe: The Nun expands the universe by introducing Valak, the demonic nun, and revealing her origin in 1952 Romania. While chronologically first, its connection to Lorraine Warren makes sense after understanding her abilities.
- Bringing Annabelle Home: Annabelle Comes Home directly follows the Warrens securing Annabelle and brings together other haunted artifacts.
- Standalone Stories: The Curse of La Llorona is a looser connection, but it includes a priest, Father Perez, from Annabelle, thus further grounding it in the universe. It is positioned after the Annabelle trilogy to let the audience familiarize themselves with the doll’s backstory.
- Culmination of the Core Series: The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It builds on the established lore and presents the Warrens with one of their most challenging cases, providing a satisfying conclusion to their core narrative.
Alternative Viewing Orders
While the above order is recommended, there are other options.
Release Order
The release order is the way the movies were originally presented to the public:
- The Conjuring (2013)
- Annabelle (2014)
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- Annabelle: Creation (2017)
- The Nun (2018)
- Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
- The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
This order allows you to experience the films as they were intended to be revealed, but it can disrupt the chronological flow of the narrative.
Chronological Order
The chronological order presents the events in the order they occur within the universe’s timeline:
- The Nun (1952)
- Annabelle: Creation (1955)
- Annabelle (1967)
- The Conjuring (1971)
- Annabelle Comes Home (1972)
- The Curse of La Llorona (1973)
- The Conjuring 2 (1977)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (1981)
This order may be confusing as it jumps between the Warrens’ cases and the origins of the supernatural entities, diluting the impact of their central investigations.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Conjuring Universe
Here are frequently asked questions that will enrich your understanding and viewing experience of the Conjuring Universe:
FAQ 1: Are the Conjuring movies based on real events?
Yes, the Conjuring movies are loosely based on the real-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators who gained notoriety for their involvement in several high-profile hauntings. While the films take creative liberties for dramatic effect, the core stories are inspired by their experiences.
FAQ 2: Do I need to watch the movies in a specific order?
While not strictly necessary, watching the movies in a specific order, as outlined above, will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the overall narrative. The narratively cohesive order offers a more complete and engaging viewing experience.
FAQ 3: Is The Curse of La Llorona really part of the Conjuring Universe?
Yes, The Curse of La Llorona is considered part of the Conjuring Universe due to a direct connection to the Annabelle films through the character of Father Perez, who appears in both. This connection firmly establishes its place within the shared cinematic world.
FAQ 4: Which Conjuring movie is the scariest?
Subjectivity plays a role here, but The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2 are frequently cited as the scariest due to their effective use of suspense, jump scares, and disturbing imagery. The original Conjuring often tops the list due to its groundbreaking execution.
FAQ 5: Who are Ed and Lorraine Warren?
Ed and Lorraine Warren were real-life paranormal investigators and demonologists who gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century. They investigated numerous hauntings, including the Amityville haunting, which was highly publicized. Ed was a self-taught demonologist, and Lorraine claimed to be clairvoyant.
FAQ 6: Are there any more Conjuring movies planned?
As of late 2024, there are currently no officially announced future Conjuring movies. However, given the franchise’s success, it is highly probable that additional spin-offs or sequels will be developed in the future.
FAQ 7: Where can I watch the Conjuring movies?
The Conjuring movies are available on various streaming platforms, for rent or purchase on digital marketplaces like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies, and physically on Blu-ray and DVD. Availability varies depending on your region and current streaming agreements.
FAQ 8: Which movie introduces the demon Valak?
While Valak makes a brief appearance in The Conjuring 2, her origin story is explored in The Nun. ** The Nun serves as a prequel, detailing Valak’s history and the initial attempts to contain her.**
FAQ 9: What is the significance of Annabelle in the Conjuring Universe?
Annabelle is arguably the most iconic and recognizable figure in the Conjuring Universe. As a conduit for demonic forces, she represents the pervasive and insidious nature of evil and serves as a recurring threat throughout the series.
FAQ 10: Are all the actors the same in each movie?
While Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson consistently portray Lorraine and Ed Warren, respectively, the supporting cast varies across the films, reflecting the different cases and characters involved. Farmiga and Wilson are the constant anchors of the Conjuring films.
FAQ 11: Is The Devil Made Me Do It based on a true story?
Yes, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is based on the real-life trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who claimed demonic possession as a defense in a murder case. The film dramatizes the events surrounding the trial and the Warrens’ investigation into the alleged possession.
FAQ 12: What makes the Conjuring Universe so popular?
The Conjuring Universe’s popularity stems from a combination of factors, including its grounding in purportedly real events, its exploration of universal themes of fear and faith, its well-developed characters, and its effective use of atmospheric horror. The combination of scares and the Warrens’ relatable humanity is key.