How to watch

The Conjuring Universe Movie Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Conjuring Universe movies in order

Last updated: September 14 2026

Written by: ChronoBob

The Conjuring Universe is one of horror's biggest shared franchises, spanning the Warren case files, Annabelle, and The Nun. Release order and chronological order differ wildly, so a guide is essential.

Launched by James Wan's The Conjuring, this interconnected horror franchise follows real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren while spinning off terrifying entities like the demon nun Valak and the possessed doll Annabelle. It's a sprawling web of prequels, sequels, and side stories.

πŸ• Release Order

Release order is how the shared universe was revealed, with spinoffs filling in backstory over time.

  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 II (2023)
  10. The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)

Because so many entries are prequels, the in-universe timeline looks very different from the release schedule.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

Story chronology arranges the films by the year their events take place, starting with Valak's origins.

  1. The Nun (2018) β€” set in 1952
  2. The Nun II (2023) β€” set in 1956
  3. Annabelle: Creation (2017) β€” set in 1955–1957
  4. Annabelle (2014) β€” set in 1967
  5. The Conjuring (2013) β€” set in 1971
  6. The Curse of La Llorona (2019) β€” set in 1973
  7. Annabelle Comes Home (2019) β€” set in 1972
  8. The Conjuring 2 (2016) β€” set in 1977
  9. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) β€” set in 1981
  10. The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) β€” set in the 1980s

Which Order Should You Choose?

For a first watch, follow release order β€” the main Conjuring films anchor the universe, and the spinoffs are more rewarding once you know the Warrens. Horror completists may enjoy a chronological rewatch to trace how Valak and Annabelle's stories connect across decades. If you only want the essentials, stick to the three Conjuring films.

πŸ”— Related Guides

  • The Nun Watch OrderGuide
  • Annabelle Watch OrderGuide
  • Insidious Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!