The True Chronological Order Of The Conjuring Universe: All 9 Movies And The Final Chapter (Updated For 2025)

Are you ready to dive deep into the most successful horror franchise of all time? As of December 18, 2025, The Conjuring Universe spans nine films (eight released, one upcoming), but watching them by release date will completely scramble the chilling story of Ed and Lorraine Warren and the demonic entities they fought. To truly appreciate the escalating dread, the Valak story arc, and the origins of the infamous Annabelle doll, you must watch the films in their proper in-universe chronological order.

This definitive guide provides the only correct timeline, starting in 1952 and leading all the way to the final, highly anticipated chapter, The Conjuring: Last Rites, set for release in 2025. Follow this list to experience the complete, terrifying saga of the Warrens and their case files as they were meant to be seen.

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

The Conjuring Universe, overseen by creator James Wan, has meticulously constructed a timeline that spans nearly three decades of paranormal activity. The films jump back and forth in their production schedule, but the events within the story follow a precise order, detailing the first appearances of demonic entities like Valak and the Annabelle doll before they ever reached the Warrens' museum.

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1. The Nun (2018)

• In-Universe Year: 1952
• The Story: The true beginning of the darkness. Set in a remote Romanian monastery, a priest and a novitiate are sent by the Vatican to investigate the mysterious suicide of a nun. This investigation leads them directly into a confrontation with the demon Valak, establishing the entity's history and its connection to the Warrens' future cases.
• Key Entities: Valak (The Demon Nun).

2. Annabelle: Creation (2017)

• In-Universe Year: 1955 (with flashbacks to 1943)
• The Story: This is the origin story of the malevolent Annabelle doll. Set in California, a dollmaker and his wife open their home to a group of orphaned girls. The dollmaker’s creation, Annabelle, becomes the vessel for a powerful demon summoned by the grieving couple years earlier, setting the stage for decades of terror.
• Key Entities: The Annabelle Demon, Samuel and Esther Mullins.

3. The Nun II (2023)

• In-Universe Year: 1956
• The Story: The most recent release in the franchise (as of 2023) immediately follows the events of the first film. Sister Irene returns to face Valak after the demon is revealed to be possessing Maurice (Frenchie). The pursuit takes her across France, demonstrating the demon’s persistent evil and its ability to jump hosts.
• Key Entities: Valak (The Demon Nun), Sister Irene, Maurice (Frenchie).

4. Annabelle (2014)

• In-Universe Year: 1967
• The Story: The first film chronologically to feature the doll in its iconic, modern form. A young doctor buys the antique doll for his pregnant wife, Mia. After a brutal home invasion by cult members, the couple is plagued by the demon attached to the doll, which seeks a soul to possess. This is the last time the doll is seen before it is secured by the Warrens.
• Key Entities: The Annabelle Demon, The Disciples of the Ram Cult.

5. The Conjuring (2013)

• In-Universe Year: 1971
• The Story: The film that started it all, introducing paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. They are called to the Perron family farm in Rhode Island, where a powerful, territorial spirit named Bathsheba is tormenting the family. This case is one of the most famous in the Warrens' real-life case files.
• Key Entities: Ed and Lorraine Warren, Bathsheba Sherman.

6. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

• In-Universe Year: 1972
• The Story: Set shortly after the Warrens bring the Annabelle doll to their artifact room. The film focuses on the Warrens’ daughter, Judy, who is left with a babysitter. When a friend of the babysitter foolishly enters the artifact room, Annabelle is released, and she begins to reawaken the other evil objects stored there.
• Key Entities: Annabelle, Judy Warren, The Ferryman, The Bride.

7. The Conjuring 2 (2016)

• In-Universe Year: 1977
• The Story: Ed and Lorraine travel to North London to investigate the famous Enfield Poltergeist case. They help the Hodgson family, who are being tormented by a malevolent entity. It is during this case that Lorraine has her most intense and personal confrontation with the demon Valak, which has been stalking her since the events of The Nun.
• Key Entities: Valak (The Demon Nun), The Crooked Man, Bill Wilkins (The Poltergeist).

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

• In-Universe Year: 1981
• The Story: The most recent film chronologically, this story follows the real-life trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the first time a murder suspect claimed demonic possession as a defense in a US court. The Warrens investigate the possession of a young boy that leads to the murder, uncovering a dangerous cult and a powerful occultist.
• Key Entities: Arne Cheyenne Johnson, The Occultist, The Demon.

The Future of the Warrens: The Final Chapter

The core storyline of Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, is set to conclude with the next major installment, promising a grand, terrifying finale to the main trilogy.

9. The Conjuring: Last Rites (Upcoming)

• In-Universe Year: Post-1981 (TBA)
• Release Date: September 5, 2025
• The Story: While plot details are tightly guarded, the title Last Rites heavily suggests a final, climactic case for the Warrens, potentially involving a life-or-death scenario or a direct confrontation with the most powerful entity they have ever faced. It is confirmed to be the final chapter in the main Conjuring trilogy, wrapping up the first phase of the universe and providing closure to the story of the beloved paranormal investigators.
• Key Entities: Ed and Lorraine Warren, TBA.

Topical Authority: Why the Chronological Order Matters and the La Llorona Question

Watching the films in chronological order is not just a preference; it’s essential for understanding the overarching mythology of the franchise. The universe is a masterclass in cinematic world-building, where seemingly separate events are linked by a few key entities.

The Valak Arc: A Demon’s Journey

The chronological timeline is crucial for tracking the demon Valak. Your viewing experience is significantly enhanced when you see the demon’s origin in 1952 (The Nun), its continued pursuit of Maurice in 1956 (The Nun II), and then its final, terrifying confrontation with Lorraine Warren in 1977 (The Conjuring 2). This order transforms Valak from a simple monster into a decades-long, persistent threat to the Warrens and their allies.

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The Annabelle Doll’s History

Similarly, the chronological order reveals the full life cycle of the Annabelle doll. You witness its creation and first demonic possession in 1955 (Annabelle: Creation), its subsequent terrorizing of a young couple in 1967 (Annabelle), and finally, its placement in the Warrens' secure artifact room in 1971 (The Conjuring), only to be unleashed again in 1972 (Annabelle Comes Home).

Is The Curse of La Llorona Part of the Canon?

A common question among fans is the status of 2019’s The Curse of La Llorona. While the film features a cameo by Father Perez from Annabelle, director Michael Chaves (who also directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and Last Rites) has confirmed that La Llorona is not officially part of The Conjuring Universe. It is considered a standalone ghost story that shares a producer (James Wan) and a minor character, but is not essential to the main timeline. For a purist’s chronological marathon, you can skip it.

The Conjuring Universe by Release Date (The Alternative Viewing Order)

For those who prefer to watch the films as they were originally presented to the public, here is the official release order. Watching this way allows you to experience the franchise’s evolution and the slow reveal of the timeline's complexity.

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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)
9. The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) - Upcoming

The Unmatched Success of The Conjuring Universe

The longevity and success of the franchise are due to its compelling blend of supernatural horror and the real-life case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren. The universe is not just a successful horror series; it is the highest-grossing horror franchise of all time.

Collectively, the films have grossed over $2.7 billion worldwide against a combined budget of just over $260 million, making it a box office powerhouse. This incredible commercial performance is a testament to the audience's deep investment in the Warrens' story and the interconnected mythology.

Interestingly, the spin-off film The Nun (2018) is currently the highest-grossing film in the entire universe, proving the global appeal of the demon Valak. The original The Conjuring (2013) remains the most critically acclaimed, earning a "Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes and setting the standard for the entire series.

With The Conjuring: Last Rites on the horizon for 2025, the franchise is preparing for a massive conclusion to the Warrens' main story, but the interconnected universe of demons, dolls, and priests is likely to continue for years to come, confirming its status as a modern horror institution.