The Ultimate Guide: 10 Conjuring Universe Movies In Chronological Order (Updated December 2025)

Welcome to the definitive guide for navigating the terrifying timeline of The Conjuring Universe. As of December 2025, this sprawling horror franchise encompasses nine released films and one highly anticipated finale on the way, making the viewing order a confusing labyrinth for new and veteran fans alike. We've compiled the most accurate, up-to-date chronological viewing order, which is essential for understanding the interconnected stories of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the demonic entity Valak, and the Annabelle doll. The entire universe, which is based on the real-life case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, spans decades of supernatural events, starting deep in the 1950s and extending through the 1980s. To truly grasp how the demonic forces connect and how the Warrens’ most famous cases unfolded, you need to watch the films in the correct internal timeline, not just their release order. Prepare yourself, because the final chapter, *The Conjuring: Last Rites*, is set to conclude this terrifying "phase one" of the franchise in 2025.

The Complete Conjuring Universe Filmography (As of December 2025)

Before diving into the chronological viewing experience, here is the complete list of all 10 films in the franchise, including their original release dates and the year the events take place in the story. This list includes the upcoming movie, *The Conjuring: Last Rites*, which is slated for a September 2025 release.

• The Conjuring (2013) - Events in 1971
• Annabelle (2014) - Events in 1967
• The Conjuring 2 (2016) - Events in 1977
• Annabelle: Creation (2017) - Events in 1943 / 1955
• The Nun (2018) - Events in 1952
• The Curse of La Llorona (2019) - Events in 1973 (Spin-off, loosely connected)
• Annabelle Comes Home (2019) - Events in 1972
• The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) - Events in 1981
• The Nun II (2023) - Events in 1956
• The Conjuring: Last Rites (Upcoming 2025) - Events in the 1980s (TBC)

The Definitive Chronological Viewing Order

For the ultimate, most cohesive experience that traces the origin of the demonic entities like Valak and the Annabelle doll, this is the order you must follow. This timeline begins with the oldest events in the 1950s and moves forward to the Warrens’ final known case in the early 1980s.

1. The Nun (2018)

   Timeline: 1952. This is where it all begins. Set in a remote monastery in Romania, this film introduces the demonic nun, Valak, and establishes the ancient evil that will plague the Warrens decades later. It is the true origin story of the franchise’s main antagonist.

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2. Annabelle: Creation (2017)

   Timeline: 1955. This prequel reveals the origin of the terrifying Annabelle doll. Set in the home of a dollmaker and his wife, it shows how a grieving couple’s desperate attempt to contact their deceased daughter results in a powerful demonic entity possessing the porcelain doll.

3. The Nun II (2023)

   Timeline: 1956. Taking place four years after the first film, this sequel sees Sister Irene once again facing Valak, who is now terrorizing a French boarding school. The film further connects the demon's movements across Europe and its ultimate goal.

4. Annabelle (2014)

   Timeline: 1967. The first *Annabelle* film, though released second, takes place 12 years after *Creation*. It shows the doll in the possession of the Form family, where the demon’s pursuit of a soul continues, leading to the doll’s eventual containment.

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5. The Conjuring (2013)

   Timeline: 1971. The film that started it all. This movie introduces Ed and Lorraine Warren as they investigate the terrifying haunting of the Perron family in their new Rhode Island farmhouse. This is the first time the audience sees the core investigators in action.

6. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

   Timeline: 1972. Set shortly after the events of *The Conjuring*, the Warrens bring the Annabelle doll home and lock it away in their artifact room. The movie focuses on their daughter, Judy Warren, and her babysitters as the doll awakens other evil spirits in the room.

7. The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

   Timeline: 1973. While officially a part of the universe, this spin-off is the most loosely connected. Its main link is the appearance of Father Perez, who briefly mentions the Annabelle case. It can be watched as an optional side story.

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8. The Conjuring 2 (2016)

   Timeline: 1977. The Warrens travel to London to investigate the famous Enfield Poltergeist case. This film is a direct sequel to the first and features the return of the demon Valak, solidifying its place as the franchise's overarching antagonist.

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

   Timeline: 1981. This installment follows the real-life case of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who claimed demonic possession as his defense in a murder trial. It’s the latest chronological event in the released films and marks a significant shift in the Warrens' methodology.

10. The Conjuring: Last Rites (Upcoming 2025)

    Timeline: 1980s (TBC). Slated for a September 2025 release, this film is rumored to be the final chapter of the main *Conjuring* trilogy and will conclude the Warrens' story in the franchise's "Phase One." It is expected to be the latest event on the timeline.

Why The Chronological Order Matters for Topical Authority

Watching the films in chronological order is not just a preference; it’s key to understanding the deep lore and the concept of a shared universe (topical authority). The franchise is built on a handful of recurring entities and themes that only make sense when viewed in sequence.

The Valak/Nun Entity Arc

The demon Valak is arguably the most important entity in the entire franchise, outside of Ed and Lorraine Warren themselves. The chronological order reveals a clear, terrifying arc:

• The Nun (1952) and The Nun II (1956): These films establish Valak's ancient, powerful presence and its initial attempts to escape the monastery and possess a human host.
• The Conjuring (1971) & The Conjuring 2 (1977): The chronological viewing shows Valak's ultimate goal: tormenting the Warren family. The demon is seen in the background of the first film and becomes the main antagonist in the second, directly connecting the seemingly disparate cases.

The Annabelle Doll’s Path of Destruction

The Annabelle doll’s story is a perfect example of a self-contained trilogy that is woven into the larger narrative. The chronological viewing order of Annabelle: Creation (1955), Annabelle (1967), and Annabelle Comes Home (1972) shows the demon's escalating power, from its creation through a desperate ritual to its eventual containment in the Warrens’ artifact room.

What’s Next for The Conjuring Universe?

While *The Conjuring: Last Rites* is set to conclude the main trilogy in 2025, the universe is far from over. Producers have hinted at various spin-offs and sequels that could continue to expand the lore, potentially launching a "Phase Two."

• The Crooked Man: A spin-off centered on the terrifying entity from *The Conjuring 2* has been discussed, though its status is currently uncertain.
• The Lost Demon & The Axeman: These are case files from the real-life Warrens that could serve as inspiration for future spin-offs, maintaining the franchise's topical authority.
• Annabelle 4 & The Nun 3: Given the success of the prequels, sequels for both the Annabelle and Valak storylines remain strong possibilities for future development.

For now, fans can look forward to the dramatic conclusion of the Warrens’ saga with *The Conjuring: Last Rites* in 2025. This film is expected to tie together many loose threads, providing a powerful send-off to the characters who defined the modern horror genre.