It's no secret that filmmaker James Wan has carved a legendary niche in the horror genre. With co-creations like *Saw* and *Insidious* already under his belt alongside Leigh Whannell, he went on to deliver what would become one of the most successful horror franchises ever — *The Conjuring*. Since its debut in 2013, this universe has expanded into nine major films, grossing over $2 billion globally and showing no signs of slowing down.

Originally rooted in the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren during the 1970s, *The Conjuring* franchise has evolved into an expansive cinematic universe. It dives deep into the origins of its supernatural threats, offering prequels that explore the terrifying backstories behind each haunting. Whether you're preparing for the final installment or simply revisiting the series from start to spine-chilling finish, knowing how to watch them in order — chronological or release date — is essential.

So whether you’re diving into the eerie past with *The Nun* set in 1950s Romania, or following the theatrical rollout from 2013 onward, we've got your guide to navigating the entire *Conjuring*-verse. Read on for both viewing options and find out which path best suits your horror binge.

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How to watch in chronological order
How to watch by release order

How Many The Conjuring Movies Are There?

As of now, there are 9 official movies within The Conjuring universe:

• 3 main Conjuring films
• 3 Annabelle films
• The Nun and The Nun 2
• The Curse of La Llorona

Additionally, a fourth Conjuring film titled The Conjuring: Last Rites has been confirmed for release on September 5, 2025, marking what may be the end of the primary series. A TV series is also currently in development for Max.

The Conjuring: 7 Film Collection [Blu-Ray]

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The Conjuring Movies in Chronological Order

1. The Nun (2018)

Set in 1952 Romania, The Nun introduces us to Sister Irene and Father Burke as they investigate a mysterious death at a remote abbey. What they uncover leads to a confrontation with Valak — the demonic force later seen tormenting the Warrens in The Conjuring 2. This film sets the stage for many of the evil forces that appear throughout the series.

Cast: Demián Bichir, Taissa Farmiga
Director: Corin Hardy
Read our review of The Nun.

2. Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Taking place in 1955 California, this prequel explores the tragic backstory of the haunted doll that becomes central to the Conjuring universe. A grief-stricken dollmaker and his wife open their home to a group of orphaned girls, unaware that an ancient evil has found its way inside.

Cast: Anthony LaPaglia, Miranda Otto, Samara Lee
Director: David F. Sandberg
Read our review of Annabelle: Creation.

3. The Nun 2 (2023)

Set in 1956, The Nun 2 follows Sister Irene once again as she faces off against Valak after the events of the first film. This time, the demon’s influence spreads across Europe, threatening not only her soul but others connected to the Warrens’ future investigations.

Cast: Taissa Farmiga, Bonnie Aarons
Director: Michael Chaves
Read our review of The Nun 2.

4. Annabelle (2014)

Fast-forward to 1967, where a young couple unknowingly invites terror into their home when they bring home a seemingly innocent doll. The spirit of a murdered girl latches onto Annabelle, unleashing chaos on everyone around it.

Cast: Annabelle Wallis, Ward Horton
Director: John Leonetti
Read our review of Annabelle.

5. The Conjuring (2013)

In 1971, Lorraine and Ed Warren are called upon to help the Perron family, who believe their rural Rhode Island farmhouse is haunted. Based on true accounts, this film launched the franchise and introduced audiences to the real-life paranormal investigators whose stories would continue to unfold.

Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson
Director: James Wan
Read our review of The Conjuring.

6. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

Set in 1972, this film sees the Warrens' daughter Judy dealing with the horrors lurking in the locked artifacts room of their home while her parents are away. Among the possessed objects is none other than Annabelle herself.

Cast: Mckenna Grace, Madison Iseman, Katie Sarife
Director: Gary Dauberman
Read our review of Annabelle Comes Home.

7. The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

In 1973 Los Angeles, a social worker investigating a supernatural child abduction finds herself and her own children targeted by La Llorona — a vengeful spirit rooted in Latin American folklore. While more standalone than the rest, it still connects subtly to the wider Conjuring world.

Cast: Linda Cardellini, Raymond Cruz
Director: Michael Chaves
Read our review of The Curse of La Llorona.

8. The Conjuring 2 (2016)

Set in 1977 England, this film follows the Warrens as they assist a single mother and her children being tormented by a malevolent spirit — inspired by the real-life Enfield Poltergeist case. It also marks the introduction of The Nun, who would later get her own origin story.

Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson
Director: James Wan
Read our review of The Conjuring 2.

9. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)

Set in the early 1980s, this film dramatizes the infamous trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson — the first U.S. murder case where “demonic possession” was used as a legal defense. The Warrens are drawn into the case after performing an exorcism that inadvertently transfers a demon into Arne.

Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson
Director: Michael Chaves
Read our review of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.

How to Watch The Conjuring Movies by Release Date

If you prefer watching the films as they were released in theaters, here’s the correct order:

1. The Conjuring (2013)
2. Annabelle (2014)
3. The Conjuring 2 (2016)
4. Annabelle: Creation (2017)
5. The Nun (2018)
6. The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
7. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
8. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
9. The Nun 2 (2023)

How to Watch The Annabelle Movies in Order

There are two ways to experience the Annabelle trilogy:

By Chronology:

• Annabelle: Creation (1955)
• Annabelle (1967)
• Annabelle Comes Home (1972)

By Release Date:

• Annabelle (2014)
• Annabelle: Creation (2017)
• Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

Future of The Conjuring Movies

Mark your calendars — The Conjuring: Last Rites (also known as The Conjuring 4) is scheduled for release on September 5, 2025, and will reportedly serve as the final chapter in the core Conjuring saga. Directed once again by franchise veteran Michael Chaves, this film promises to wrap up the Warrens' journey definitively.

Meanwhile, a Conjuring-verse TV series is currently in development for Max, though few details have been revealed so far regarding plotlines, characters, or timeline integration.

Looking for more horror recommendations? Check out our guides to the best horror movies on Netflix and HBO Max for curated lists of must-watch fright fests.