"The Conjuring Movies: Chronological Viewing Guide"

You'd think it would be enough for filmmaker James Wan to have two hugely successful horror franchises under his belt with Saw and Insidious (both co-created with writing partner Leigh Whannell). But then he also went and created The Conjuring, which, since its debut in 2013, has produced nine films in total, grossing over $2 billion at the box office.

Starting as a 1970s ghost series, based on the real-life investigations of married paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren, The Conjuring Universe has expanded into a sprawling franchise. It not only follows the Warrens' demon-busting adventures but also explores the haunted backstories of their cases with prequel installments set decades before the Warrens' involvement. As we approach the fourth and final Conjuring movie, revisiting the full timeline of The Conjuring-verse is a must.

Whether you're looking to watch these Conjuring films in the order they were released or prefer to immerse yourself in a chronological binge, starting from 1950s Romania with The Nun, both lists are provided below for your convenience.

Jump to:

• How to watch in chronological order
• How to watch by release order

The Conjuring Movies in (Chronological) Order

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How Many The Conjuring Movies Are There?

There are 9 total movies set within The Conjuring universe — three Conjuring movies, three Annabelle movies, The Nun and The Nun 2, and The Curse of La Llorona. A fourth Conjuring movie has been confirmed, while a TV series is in development for Max.

The Conjuring: 7 Film Collection [Blu-Ray]

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The Conjuring Movies in Chronological Order

1. The Nun (2018)

The prequel frightfest, The Nun, takes place in 1952 Romania. It stars Demián Bichir and Taissa Farmiga (sister of franchise star Vera Farmiga) as a Roman Catholic priest and a nun uncovering an unholy secret involving Bonnie Aaron's evil Nun from The Conjuring 2.

Read our review of The Nun.

The NunNew Line CinemaSep 7, 2018

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2. Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Set after The Nun, in 1955 California, Annabelle: Creation is the fourth installment in the Conjuring Universe but the second chronologically. It depicts the origin story of the franchise's breakout star, Annabelle, the haunted doll. The film follows a doll-maker who opens his home to six orphans and a nun, only to have an ancient evil unleashed within his own house.

Read our review of Annabelle: Creation.

Annabelle: CreationNew Line CinemaAug 11, 2017

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3. The Nun 2 (2023)

Although The Nun 2 follows the events of The Nun, it is the third movie in the timeline. The events take place in 1956, four years after Sister Irene's first encounter with Valak and one year after the events of Annabelle: Creation.

Read our review of The Nun 2.

The Nun 2New Line CinemaSep 8, 2023R

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