Planning a weekend movie session is easier with a clear conjuring universe movies in order guide. You can follow the release sequence and story connections to enjoy every spell, ritual, and eerie moment.
This overview walks you through the main entries, spinoffs, and timelines so you know exactly which titles to queue next. Use the details below to build your perfect viewing path.
| Entry | Year | Focus | Key Hook | Watch Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring (2013) | 2013 | Paranormal investigators | Origin haunting that launched the franchise | Essential |
| The Conjuring 2 (2016) | 2016 | Enfield case expansion Enfield case expansion> | Larger scale investigation in London | Essential |
| Annabelle (2014) | 2014 | Doll origin story | Prequel linking to The Conjuring | High |
| Annabelle: Creation (2017) | 2017 | Backstory of the doll | Deeper mythos on creation | High |
| The Nun (2018) | 2018 | Valak demon origins | Introduction of the iconic villain | Medium |
| The Crooked Man (2018) | 2018 | Corrupting curse | Folklore-based standalone tale | Medium |
| The Conjuring Universe: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) | 2021 | Courtroom demonic influence | First courtroom legal horror angle | Medium |
| Ghost Anniversaries of the Dead (2023) | 2023 | Family grief ritual | Recent entry expanding rules | Optional |
Chronological Viewing Path
Core Franchise Flow
Following the main series in release order helps you notice how each haunting escalates and how the Warrens’ reputation grows. Starting with The Conjuring gives you the baseline scares, while the sequels deepen the mythology with new cases and settings.
Spinoff Universe Order
The Annabelle series functions as a prequel layer, showing how the doll becomes a conduit for evil before The Conjuring timeline. The Nun and The Crooked Man then expand the demonic roster, so watching them after the second main film can feel like a natural bridge into the wider cosmology.
Modern Additions and Variants
Latest Installments
The 2021 courtroom thriller introduces legal stakes to the universe, while the 2023 family-focused chapter shifts toward emotional hauntings. These newer titles work well as palate cleansers or deeper dives once you are familiar with the classic formula.
Building Your Personal Marathon
Use the priorities below to shape a viewing schedule that matches your time, fear tolerance, and desire for story depth.
- Essential path: The Conjuring → The Conjuring 2 → Annabelle → Annabelle: Creation → The Nun → The Crooked Man
- Deep dive: add The Conjuring Universe: The Devil Made Me Do It for courtroom twists
- Quick refresher: rewatch The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2 for context
- Optional chillers: sample Ghost Anniversaries of the Dead only after you know the core beats
- Note runtime and tone so each session fits your evening energy
FAQ
Reader questions
Which movie should I watch first in the conjuring universe movies in order?
Start with The Conjuring (2013) to establish the core investigators and rules, then move to The Conjuring 2 (2016) for escalation before exploring Annabelle and The Nun.
Do I need to watch every spinoff to understand the main story?
No, the main Warren case line is complete after The Conjuring 2 and The Conjuring Universe: The Devil Made Me Do It, while spinoffs add background and context.
Is there a recommended order for Annabelle and The Nun?
Watch Annabelle (2014), then Annabelle: Creation (2017), followed by The Nun (2018) to trace the doll’s origin and the demon’s introduction in a logical flow.
How does The Crooked Man fit into the conjuring universe movies in order?
Place The Crooked Man (2018) after The Nun if you want to follow the villain’s emergence, as it explores a different folklore-based curse within the same expanded lore.