The Ultimate Guide: How To Watch The Conjuring Universe Movies In Chronological Order (2025 Update)

For fans of spine-chilling horror and the paranormal, navigating The Conjuring Universe can be as complex as deciphering an ancient curse. With eight films released, and a ninth one on the way, this shared universe jumps across four decades of terrifying events, making the correct viewing order a major point of confusion for new and veteran viewers. As of December 10, 2025, the franchise continues to expand its dark lore, but understanding the timeline is essential to truly appreciate the interconnected stories of Ed and Lorraine Warren and the demons they fight.

This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion, providing the definitive, updated chronological order for all the main films, from the earliest demonic origins of Valak to the latest case of the Warrens, including the newest installment, *The Nun II* (2023), and the upcoming final chapter, *The Conjuring: Last Rites* (2025). Prepare your watchlist, because this is the only way to experience The Conjuring Universe as a single, terrifying narrative.

The Official Chronological Timeline of The Conjuring Universe (1952–1981)

The Conjuring Universe narrative spans nearly 30 years, beginning in the early 1950s and extending into the 1980s. Watching the films in this chronological order provides the deepest understanding of the history of the demonic entities, particularly the demon Valak and the Annabelle doll, as their stories unfold sequentially. There are currently nine films in the official canon, including the upcoming sequel.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

The definitive chronological order is as follows:

• 1. The Nun (2018) | Setting: 1952, Romania

This is where the terror begins. Set in a remote Romanian monastery, the film introduces the demon Valak, disguised as the terrifying Nun, and establishes the earliest demonic presence in the universe. It serves as the origin story for the malevolent entity that will later plague the Warrens.

• 2. Annabelle: Creation (2017) | Setting: 1955, California

This prequel reveals the origin of the cursed Annabelle doll. A dollmaker and his wife open their home to a group of orphaned girls, only for a dark force—summoned years earlier—to possess the doll. This film directly sets up the events of the original *Annabelle* movie.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf
• 3. The Nun II (2023) | Setting: 1956, France

A direct sequel to *The Nun*, this film sees Sister Irene once again confronting the demon Valak, who has followed her from Romania to a boarding school in France. This installment strengthens the connection between Valak and the Warrens' future cases, further developing the demon's power and reach.

• 4. Annabelle (2014) | Setting: 1967, California

The first spin-off film in the franchise. It follows a young couple who receive the Annabelle doll as a gift, only for their lives to be tormented by the demonic presence attached to it. While released second, its events occur a decade after *Annabelle: Creation*.

• 5. The Conjuring (2013) | Setting: 1971, Rhode Island

The film that started it all. This is the first time audiences meet paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they tackle the terrifying haunting of the Perron family farmhouse. This case is crucial as it establishes the Warrens' reputation and introduces the concept of the Artifact Room.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje
• 6. Annabelle Comes Home (2019) | Setting: 1972, Connecticut

The Warrens bring the Annabelle doll into their home and lock it away in their sacred Artifact Room. The doll, however, awakens other malevolent spirits in the room, targeting the Warrens' daughter, Judy, and her babysitters. The film takes place shortly after the events of the first *The Conjuring*.

• 7. The Conjuring 2 (2016) | Setting: 1977, London

Ed and Lorraine travel to England to assist the Hodgson family, who are experiencing a terrifying poltergeist haunting in their council house. This film is pivotal as it reintroduces the demon Valak, linking the events of *The Nun* and *The Nun II* directly to the Warrens' lives.

• 8. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) | Setting: 1981, Connecticut

The latest main installment focuses on the real-life trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the first time a murder suspect claimed demonic possession as a defense. This case marks a shift in the Warrens' investigations, moving from house hauntings to legal battles against the forces of evil.

The Conjuring Universe by Release Date (The Best for First-Time Viewers)

While the chronological order is excellent for lore enthusiasts, many fans and the creators themselves recommend watching the films in the order they were released. The release order maintains the intended narrative reveals, jump scares, and character introductions, as each film often contains flashbacks or references that assume prior knowledge of earlier-released titles.

For a first-time viewer, the release order provides the best cinematic experience:

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

The Canonical Status of The Curse of La Llorona

One film often mistakenly included in the main timeline is *The Curse of La Llorona* (2019). While the film features a cameo by Father Perez, who appeared in *Annabelle*, director Michael Chaves (who also directed *The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It* and *The Nun II*) has confirmed that *La Llorona* is not officially part of The Conjuring Universe canon. It exists in the same supernatural universe, but its production and narrative links were not strong enough to earn it official canonical status alongside the core films. For the purpose of a true marathon, it is best to treat it as a standalone horror film.

The Future of The Conjuring Universe: Last Rites and Beyond

The Warrens' journey is far from over, with the most anticipated film in the franchise now officially confirmed and scheduled for release. This next installment is expected to be the final chapter for the main Warren storyline, wrapping up the core series that began in 2013.

The Conjuring: Last Rites (Upcoming)

The next official film in the main series is *The Conjuring: Last Rites*, slated for release in 2025. This will be the fourth main *Conjuring* film and is being billed as the final installment in the core trilogy, bringing a conclusion to the Warrens' most terrifying cases.

• Release Date: Scheduled for 2025
• Starring: Patrick Wilson (Ed Warren) and Vera Farmiga (Lorraine Warren) will reprise their iconic roles.
• Director: Michael Chaves, who has become a key director in the franchise, returns after helming *The Devil Made Me Do It* and *The Nun II*.
• Potential Plot: While plot details are scarce, some speculation suggests the film may cover the Smurl Haunting, a notorious case investigated by the Warrens in the 1980s. The title itself, *Last Rites*, hints at a dire, possibly conclusive, event for the paranormal investigators.

Beyond *Last Rites*, the future of the universe remains wide open. The franchise is the highest-grossing horror series in history, making further spin-offs and new entities highly likely. Producers have hinted that future projects could potentially focus on the real-life experiences of Judy Warren, the daughter of Ed and Lorraine, who features prominently in *Annabelle Comes Home* and is played by Mia Tomlinson in *Last Rites*. The success of *The Nun II* also suggests that the Valak storyline may continue to be explored in other time periods, ensuring that the dark, interconnected timeline of The Conjuring Universe will continue to terrify audiences for years to come.