The Conjuring Universe, horror franchises at the top level, have gripped global audiences quite well.
Based on real-life paranormal investigations by Ed and Lorraine Warren, these films have grown into a ten-movie saga talking about haunted houses, cursed dolls, and demonic nuns — each story nailed to specific terms of faith, fear, and human vulnerability.
Yet, with all the spin-offs, prequels, and crossovers, there is one question that confuses almost all of us: In which order should we watch The Conjuring movies?
This 2025 guide answers that in a deep dimension — providing both chronological and release order lists, detailed commentary on each film, and a critical look at why the order actually matters.
What is the Conjuring Universe
Before directly diving into the orders, it’s worth knowing what makes this entire universe as one.
The Conjuring (2013), directed by James Wan, wasn’t meant to create a cinematic universe — but its success changed horror forever.
Based on a real investigation by the Warrens in 1971, this film, featuring realism and relentless suspense, has spawned spin-offs (Annabelle, The Nun) and sequels (The Conjuring 2, The Devil Made Me Do It).
Based on a real investigation by the Warrens in 1971, this film, featuring realism and relentless suspense, has spawned spin-offs (Annabelle, The Nun) and sequels (The Conjuring 2, The Devil Made Me Do It).
That, making a single ghost story, evolved into an interconnected timeline of ten films (2013–2025) — making The Conjuring Universe the biggest blockbuster in the horror franchise industry, grossing over $2.2 billion worldwide.
Each story focuses on spiritual conflict — between faith and fear, love and corruption — themes that transcend borders and cultures, explaining why this series can lead to a global resonance.
The Conjuring Movies in Chronological Order
If you want to follow events as they unfold in-universe — from the 1950s nun hauntings to the Warrens’ final case in the 1980s — here’s the correct chronological order.
Quick Chronological List
- The Nun (1952)
- Annabelle: Creation (1955)
- The Nun II (1956)
- Annabelle (1967)
- The Conjuring (1971)
- Annabelle Comes Home (1972)
- The Curse of La Llorona (1973, optional)
- The Conjuring 2 (1977)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (1981)
- The Conjuring: Last Rites (1986)
The Nun (2018, set in 1952 Romania)
The story about the evil creation Valak, who haunts a secluded abbey for a long time, is introduced chronologically in the first movie. Its European location and gothic imagery prepared the audience for the upcoming supernatural conflicts. This is how evil first appeared; the seed that James sowed later grows in The Conjuring 2.
Annabelle: Creation (2017, set in 1955)
A grieving dollmaker and his wife invite orphaned girls into their home — only to unleash an ancient demonic force. This prequel explains how the Annabelle doll became cursed. The atmosphere blends grief, guilt, and possession — a recurring motif in the universe.
The Nun II (2023, set in 1956 France)
Sister Irene returns to confront Valak in a French boarding school. More polished than its predecessor, The Nun II bridges the lore between the abbey events and Valak’s later appearance in The Conjuring 2, showing how evil evolves over time.
Annabelle (2014, set in 1967 California)
A young couple is terrorized by the Annabelle doll after a satanic cult’s ritual. While not the franchise’s scariest film, it directly ties to the Warrens’ artifact collection — the same doll we see in their home in The Conjuring.
The Conjuring (2013, set in 1971)
The cornerstone of the series. The Warrens (Patrick Wilson & Vera Farmiga) investigate the Perron family in Rhode Island that has been haunted by an evil thing. Wan’s direction and restrained storytelling gave this horror masterpiece an incredible credibility — mixing emotional realism with supernatural terror.
Annabelle Comes Home (2019, set in 1972)
Back in the Warrens’ home, Annabelle awakens other cursed objects, trapping their daughter and her babysitters. While lighter in tone, this entry cleverly explores the consequences of the Warrens’ work — a “contained chaos” movie full of franchise Easter eggs.
The Curse of La Llorona (2019, set in 1973, optional)
Set in Los Angeles, this story of the “Weeping Woman” ghost is only loosely connected — via Father Perez from Annabelle. Think of it as a parallel haunting in the same cinematic world.
The Conjuring 2 (2016, set in 1977 London)
The Warrens face the Enfield poltergeist case, one of their most diabolical cases. Valak (the demon nun) becomes the primary antagonist. Beyond jump scares, this sequel deepens the Warrens’ relationship — Love brings you Achilles’ armor and his heel.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021, set in 1981)
A chilling case where demonic possession becomes a legal defense. The Warrens investigate a murder trial that challenges both their faith and credibility. Less haunted-house, more investigative thriller — but thematically powerful.
The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025, set in 1986)
The newest and possibly final film. Without spoilers, the officially retired couple, the Warrens, no longer engage in exorcism work. However, some events eventually brought them back to the battlefield and broke the cycle that began in 2013.
The Conjuring Movies in Release Order
For most viewers, release order remains the best experience — preserving narrative reveals, suspense, and directorial intent.
- The Conjuring (2013)
- Annabelle (2014)
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- Annabelle: Creation (2017)
- The Nun (2018)
- The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
- Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
- The Nun II (2023)
- The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)
Why release order matters:
James Wan and New Line crafted the franchise so that each new film builds on previous mythology. Watching in release order preserves those emotional beats — the first reveal of Valak, the gradual introduction of Annabelle, and the maturing of the Warrens’ relationship.
Chronological vs. Release Order: Which One Is Better?
| Criteria | Chronological Order | Release Order |
| Story Flow | Follows actual timeline | Matches filmmaker intent |
| Spoiler Risk | High | Low |
| Ideal For | Rewatchers, lore hunters | First-time viewers |
| Tone Consistency | Variable (prequels jump eras) | Evolves naturally |
Recommendation:
If it’s your first time stepping into James Wan’s universe, go with release order. If you’re a frantic fan who loves exploring Easter eggs and prioritizing backstory continuity, try chronological for a smoother experience.
💡 Editor’s Tip: Some fans prefer a hybrid watching. Starting with The Conjuring, then the Annabelle films, and finishing with The Nun entries, in doing so, fans want to balance storytelling flow and emotional continuity as a whole.
The Future of The Conjuring Universe (2025–2026)
The saga isn’t over yet.
The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) wraps up the Warrens’ trilogy arc, but spin-offs are already rumored. Warner Bros. is reportedly developing a TV series for Max (HBO), expanding side stories and new hauntings from the Warrens’ archives.
Franchises evolve, and The Conjuring is now less a linear storyline than a shared universe of fear — a modern mythos that continues to expand across screens and, soon, across languages.
How AI Dubbing Is Revolutionizing Horror Localization
Traditional dubbing takes weeks, voice actors, and huge budgets. Modern AI dubbing platforms like VMEG AI are changing that — generating multilingual voiceovers in hours instead of days.
Why VMEG AI Is Ideal for Movie Lovers and Creators
VMEG AI is an AI-powered video localization platform that enables seamless translation, dubbing, and voice synchronization.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- 170+ languages supported — the broadest coverage among competitors.
- 7,000+ AI voices across accents, genders, and tones.
- Voice cloning to replicate the original speaker’s identity.
- Lip-sync AI that aligns translated speech with mouth movements.
- Subtitle presets with automatic styling and timing.
- 17× faster than manual dubbing.
- Plans from Free to Enterprise, suitable for YouTubers or studios alike.
For horror fans, it’s a way to experience The Conjuring Universe authentically in any language. For creators, it’s a tool to reach new audiences — imagine reviewing Annabelle in Hindi or narrating ghost stories in Japanese using your cloned voice.
“Just as the Warrens confronted entities beyond human understanding, AI dubbing helps storytellers cross another invisible boundary — language.”
FAQs
Which order is best for watching The Conjuring films?
For organic narrative, if you're new, adhere to the release order. For lore continuity, rewatchers can experiment with chronological sequence.
For organic narrative, if you're new, adhere to the release order. For lore continuity, rewatchers can experiment with chronological sequence.
Are the Nun movies connected to The Conjuring?
Yes. Both The Nun films act as prequels, showing the demon Valak’s origins before confronting the Warrens.
Yes. Both The Nun films act as prequels, showing the demon Valak’s origins before confronting the Warrens.
Is The Curse of La Llorona part of the Conjuring Universe?
Technically, yes — Father Perez connects it to Annabelle, though its story stands alone.
Technically, yes — Father Perez connects it to Annabelle, though its story stands alone.
Which order is better for first-time viewers?
Release order — it maintains suspense and mirrors how the story was meant to unfold.
Release order — it maintains suspense and mirrors how the story was meant to unfold.
How can I watch The Conjuring movies in my language?
Use VMEG AI to translate and dub any film with accurate lip-sync and natural cloned voices in 170+ languages.
Use VMEG AI to translate and dub any film with accurate lip-sync and natural cloned voices in 170+ languages.
Conclusion
The human side of The Conjuring Universe is just as beautiful as its jump scares. Every haunting reflects universal feelings that are difficult to translate, such as love, guilt, and faith.
You are witnessing a development of storytelling that is both spiritual and visual, regardless of whether you watch in chronological order (from The Nun to Last Rites) or in order of release.
These days, those stories can be dubbed, synchronized, and emotionally genuine everywhere in the world because of systems like VMEG AI. Because genuine fear only needs to be heard in your own voice; it doesn't require subtitles.
You are witnessing a development of storytelling that is both spiritual and visual, regardless of whether you watch in chronological order (from The Nun to Last Rites) or in order of release.
These days, those stories can be dubbed, synchronized, and emotionally genuine everywhere in the world because of systems like VMEG AI. Because genuine fear only needs to be heard in your own voice; it doesn't require subtitles.
Try VMEG AI’s AI Video Translator and bring the Conjuring Universe — and any story — to life in your own language.
The VMEG Team
Behind VMEG stands a passionate team of creatives, engineers, and language lovers. At the crossroads of AI and storytelling, they craft tools that bridge languages and cultures.