When it comes to bone-chilling cinematic experience, the conjuring movies dominates the conversation. Spanning over several decades, this supernatural tale of horror showcases true occult investigations conducted by Ed and Lorraine Warren. Even though, every movie is close to a treat for horror fans, when watched chronologically, they offer a more immersive experience. This guide arranges the conjuring movies in order, along with thread that connects them all.
Haunted dolls, terrifying poltergeists, or demonic nuns, impressive story arc connects all of the movies to the upcoming installment. Arranged by in-universe chronology, the breakdown will reveal how the degree of scare evolved over the years.
The Nun (1952)
The journey of the conjuring verse begins with The Nun. Set in 1952, Romania, it foretells the original story of Valak, the demonic entity. With eerie abbey setting, gothic atmosphere and introduction to a generational curse lead a foundation for rest of the tales.
Annabelle: Creation (1950s)
Though a prequel, Annabelle: Creation narrates the sinister beginnings of the cursed doll. After untimely, tragic death of a child, occult demonic forces lathes themselves onto a porcelain doll. This led to the spark of mysterious, unholy events which echoes across the conjuring universe.
The Nun II (Early 1950s)
This occult cinematic scare expands Valak’s demonic influence. Intertwining themes of Annabelle: Creation, it strengthens the narrative. Often, fans overlook the influence of The Nun II on the conjuring series timeline.
Annabelle (1960s)
Annabelle shifts the conjuring series timeline to 1960s. It narrates how Annabelle (the demonic doll), after tormenting a young couple ends up inside Warren’s infamous artifact room. Annabelle is a direct bridge that connects to Warren’s storyline. It even showcases the haunted relics that were stored inside the Warren’s house.
The Conjuring (1971)
The Conjuring introduces Ed and Lorraine Warren to the horror fans. It narrates the true incident where the Warrens help the Perron’s to put up a fight against the malevolent forces tormenting their family. This is considered as one of the most iconic James Wan horror movies. Often considered as the soul of the conjuring universe, it even narrates the legendary careers of Ed and Lorraine Warren.
Annabelle Comes Home (1970s)
Following The Conjuring, this horror masterpiece has uniqueness etched to itself as it brings the macabre itself into the Warren’s house. Judy, their daughter became the victim of demonic forces when Annabelle unleashes mayhem inside the artifact room. This movie foretells the personal threat Warrens had to face for intervening with the dark.
The Curse of La Llorona (1970s/Early 1980s)
Though not directly related, this tale of horror belongs to The Conjuring verse. It features Father Perez, who was also in Annabelle. This movie insidiously links the storylines of the horror tales. While watching the conjuring movies in order, The Curse of La Llorona brings in subtle continuity for the whole horror verse.
The Conjuring 2 (1977-1979)
Avid fans of James Wan horror movies were taken to England. It focuses primarily on the poltergeist case tormenting a family living in Enfield. However, Valak surfaces as the real manipulator. This fact confirms the decade spanned demonic influence of the cursed nun. Here, even The Amityville haunting is briefly referenced, this cements the legacy of Ed and Lorraine Warren. While studying the timeline, this tale of horror narrates the inception of Warrens’ career.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (1981)
The film foretells the real-life trial of Arne Johnson. It was the first penal court case in the U.S. where the defendant uses demonic possession as a defense. This was the darkest battle of the Warrens’. Along with legal proceedings, they had to face personal struggles and confront curses.
The Conjuring: Last Rites (1986)
The Conjuring’s time line comes to an end with the Last Rite. Focusing over the Smurl haunting incident, the final chapter will put Warrens’ strength to test. Additionally, it will bring Judy Warren to the forefront. This movie focus on the generational involvement in the occult investigation. And offer emotional closure to the Warren couple.
Why Should You Watch It Chronologically?
If you want a seamless storyline along with thematic depth and character development, then do watch the conjuring movies in order. Not only you will come to know about the Warrens’ true struggle, but you will also witness origin of Valak and the cursed journey of Annabelle. Moreover, watching the movies chronologically will also clarifies how the spin-offs fit it like gloves.
The Conjuring Universe Explained
At core, The Conjuring franchise is more than an occult series. It is a web of horror that interconnects real-life cases including demonic possessions and cursed objects. Along with the mainstream horror where the Warrens prove to be the spine, the verse also include spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun.
Understanding The Conjuring Series Timeline
By meticulously following the timeline, you can’t help but appreciate how the horror evolves over the decades. From Romania Abbey, 1952, to Smurl haunting, 1986; each chapter builds upon the preceding one. The Conjuring Series is a generational lore of good versus evil, that’s been anchored by Ed and Lorraine Warren’s firm determination.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a new-comer or a die-hard fan of the franchise, the only way to fully immerse in the horror verse is by watching the conjuring movies in order. From the sinister beginnings of Valak to the Last Rite, the chill and terror these movies have instill in the viewers is unforgettable.