The Conjuring movies in order

Ten films across four decades and three sub-series. This is one of the few horror franchises where watching by timeline genuinely improves it.

Updated 4 August 2026 · 10 titles tracked

The Conjuring Universe is really three series braided together: the Warren case files, the Annabelle films, and the Nun films. Released in one order, set in a completely different one.

Unlike most franchises, chronological order here is a real improvement. The spin-offs keep jumping backwards, so release order has you meeting the Annabelle doll mid-story, then watching its origin, then jumping forward again.

The Conjuring Universe in chronological order

By in-universe date, from 1952 to 1986. Note that The Nun — one of the last films made — opens the timeline.

Open the interactive The Conjuring list

Chronological or release order?

Chronological, with one caveat.

By timeline, the artefacts accumulate properly — the Nun appears before she is explained, the doll passes from owner to owner in sequence, and the Warrens' cases run forward in a straight line from 1971 to 1986. It turns ten loosely related films into something closer to one history.

The caveat: chronological order opens with The Nun, which is among the weakest entries. Starting a ten-film run on its weakest film is a real cost. If that worries you, watch The Conjuring (2013) first as a taster, then restart in timeline order.

The three sub-series

Knowing which is which makes the whole thing easier to navigate.

The Conjuring films (four) are the spine — Ed and Lorraine Warren working real-world case files. These are the good ones.
The Annabelle films (three) follow the doll. Annabelle: Creation is much stronger than the first Annabelle, which is unfortunate given the order they were made in.
The Nun films (two) explain Valak, the demon introduced in The Conjuring 2.

What you can skip

The Curse of La Llorona is connected to the rest by a single supporting character and is the most skippable film in the universe. It is included here because it is conventionally counted, not because it earns the slot.

Annabelle (2014) is widely considered the weakest of the doll films. Annabelle: Creation covers the same ground better.

Where to start

Start with The Conjuring (2013) regardless of which order you plan to follow. It is the best film in the series, it is entirely self-contained, and it establishes the Warrens and the tone everything else is measured against.

Common questions

What order should I watch The Conjuring movies in?

Chronological order works better than release order here. The timeline runs The Nun (1952), The Nun II, Annabelle: Creation, Annabelle, The Conjuring, Annabelle Comes Home, The Curse of La Llorona, The Conjuring 2, The Devil Made Me Do It, and Last Rites.

How many Conjuring movies are there?

Ten, across three sub-series: four Conjuring films, three Annabelle films, two Nun films, and The Curse of La Llorona.

Which Conjuring movie should I watch first?

The Conjuring (2013). It is the strongest film, entirely self-contained, and sets the tone for everything that follows.

Can I skip any of the Conjuring movies?

The Curse of La Llorona connects by a single character and is easily skipped. Annabelle (2014) is the weakest of the doll films, and Annabelle: Creation covers similar ground better.