Filmmaker James Wan, known for creating the blockbuster horror franchises Saw and Insidious alongside Leigh Whannell, struck gold again with The Conjuring. Since its 2013 debut, this chilling universe has expanded to nine films, amassing over $2 billion at the global box office.
Rooted in the 1970s, The Conjuring Universe follows the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. The franchise not only tracks their demon-hunting exploits but also dives into the eerie origins of their cases through prequels set decades earlier. With the fourth and final Conjuring film on the horizon, now is the perfect time to explore the full timeline of this haunting saga.
Whether you prefer to watch the films in release order or immerse yourself in a chronological journey starting with The Nun in 1950s Romania, we’ve got you covered with both viewing options below.
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The Conjuring Universe comprises nine films: three Conjuring films, three Annabelle films, The Nun, The Nun 2, and The Curse of La Llorona. A fourth Conjuring movie is confirmed, and a TV series is in development for Max.
Set in 1952 Romania, The Nun is a chilling prequel starring Demián Bichir and Taissa Farmiga (sister of series star Vera Farmiga) as a priest and a novice uncovering a sinister secret tied to the malevolent Nun from The Conjuring 2.
Read our review of The Nun.
The Nun
New Line Cinema
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Set in 1955 California, Annabelle: Creation, the fourth film in the Conjuring Universe, is the second in chronological order. It explores the origins of the iconic haunted doll, Annabelle, as a dollmaker opens his home to a nun and six orphans, unwittingly unleashing a malevolent force.
Read our review of Annabelle: Creation.
Annabelle: Creation
New Line Cinema
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The Nun 2, set in 1956, follows four years after Sister Irene’s initial confrontation with Valak and one year after Annabelle: Creation. It continues the chilling narrative of the demonic entity introduced in The Nun.
Read our review of The Nun 2.
The Nun 2
New Line Cinema
R
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The second film in the Conjuring Universe, Annabelle, set in 1967 Southern California, follows a young doctor and his wife who bring the cursed doll into their home, unleashing terror among their collection of eerie dolls.
Read our review of Annabelle.
Annabelle
New Line Cinema
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The film that launched the franchise, The Conjuring, features Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren. Set in 1971 Rhode Island, they assist the Perron family tormented by a malevolent spirit. Directed by James Wan, this marked his third major horror franchise.
Read our review of The Conjuring.
The Conjuring
New Line Cinema
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Set in 1972, Annabelle Comes Home follows the Warrens’ daughter, Judy (McKenna Grace), as she battles Annabelle and other spirits unleashed from the Warrens’ artifact room while her parents are away. Directed by Gary Dauberman, this marks his debut as a director.
Read our review of Annabelle Comes Home.
Annabelle Comes Home
New Line Cinema
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Drawing from Latin American folklore, The Curse of La Llorona, set in 1973 Los Angeles, follows a mother (Linda Cardellini) protecting her children from a vengeful spirit. This standalone tale connects to the franchise through Father Perez from Annabelle.
Read our review of The Curse of La Llorona.
The Curse of La Llorona
New Line Cinema
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Inspired by the Enfield Poltergeist, The Conjuring 2, set in 1977 England, sees Lorraine and Ed Warren, now renowned from the Amityville case, aiding a family plagued by a sinister spirit. Directed by James Wan, it introduced The Nun, sparking her own prequel.
Read our review of The Conjuring 2.
The Conjuring 2
New Line Cinema
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Set in the 1980s, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It follows the real-life trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who claimed demonic possession after a murder. The Warrens investigate after a botched exorcism transfers a demon into Arne’s body.
Read our review of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
New Line Cinema
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For those preferring theatrical release order, here’s the sequence:
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 2 (2023)The Conjuring Universe includes two trilogies: The Conjuring and Annabelle. The Annabelle films’ narrative timeline differs from their release order, so here’s a quick guide.
The Conjuring: Last Rites, the final mainline film, is set for release on September 5, 2025, directed by Michael Chaves. Additionally, a TV series for Max was announced in 2023, though details on its cast and timeline remain scarce.
Explore more top horror films with our guides to Netflix and Max horror selections for IGN’s recommendations.
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