How to Watch The Conjuring Movies in Order: A Definitive Guide

So, you want to dive headfirst into the chilling world of The Conjuring Universe? Excellent choice! But navigating the chronological vs. release order can be trickier than escaping Annabelle’s gaze. The answer you’re seeking, as often discussed on Reddit, is multifaceted. You have two main options: Chronological Order (following the timeline of events within the films) or Release Order (how they were released to theaters). Both offer unique viewing experiences, and the “best” way is largely a matter of personal preference.

Here’s the rundown, both for chronological order and release order, ready for your next horror movie marathon:

Chronological Order (In-Universe Timeline):

1. The Nun (2018): Set in 1952 Romania, this prequel explores the origin of the demonic nun, Valak.
2. Annabelle: Creation (2017): Takes place in 1955 and reveals the cursed doll’s terrifying beginnings.
3. Annabelle (2014): Set in 1967, this film details Annabelle’s initial reign of terror on the Form family.
4. The Conjuring (2013): Based on a 1971 case, this is where we first meet Ed and Lorraine Warren as they investigate a haunting on the Perron family farm.
5. Annabelle Comes Home (2019): Occurring in 1972, the Warrens lock Annabelle away, but she awakens other evil entities in their artifact room.
6. The Curse of La Llorona (2019): Set in 1973 Los Angeles, this film isn’t directly connected to the main Conjuring storyline, but shares thematic ties and a universe connection.
7. The Conjuring 2 (2016): The Warrens travel to Enfield, England, in 1977 to investigate the infamous Enfield Poltergeist case.
8. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021): Based on the 1981 Arne Cheyenne Johnson trial, this film marks a darker turn, focusing on demonic possession as a legal defense.
9. The Nun II (2023): Set in 1956, this serves as a direct sequel to the first Nun movie, bridging the gap to the Conjuring movies.

Release Order (Theatrical Release):

1. The Conjuring (2013)
2. Annabelle (2014)
3. The Conjuring 2 (2016)
4. Annabelle: Creation (2017)
5. The Nun (2018)
6. The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
7. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
8. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
9. The Nun II (2023)

Choosing between the two depends on what you value more: experiencing the story as it unfolds within the universe’s timeline or appreciating the evolution of the filmmaking and narrative choices as they were presented to audiences. In any case, watching the movies in either of these two sequences is recommended.

Why Choose Chronological Order?

• Deeper Lore Immersion: Witness the universe’s backstory unfold from the very beginning. You see the origin of Valak and Annabelle before they become major threats to the Warrens.
• Seamless Story Flow: Minimizes potential plot holes or continuity errors, as you’re experiencing events in the order they supposedly happened.
• Satisfying Prequel Payoffs: Appreciate the callbacks and references to earlier events that occur later in the timeline.

Why Choose Release Order?

• Narrative Pacing: The release order was strategically designed to build suspense and introduce characters gradually.
• Evolving Filmmaking Techniques: Notice the improvement in visual effects, storytelling, and overall production quality as the franchise progresses.
• Surprise Reveals: Discover secrets and character backstories as they were originally intended to be revealed, rather than knowing them beforehand.

Determining Your Perfect Conjuring Marathon

Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you are new to The Conjuring Universe and love to be surprised, begin with the release order. If you prefer to view the universe in the most sensible story order, you can start with the chronological viewing order.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

H3: 1. Is The Curse of La Llorona truly part of The Conjuring Universe?

While The Curse of La Llorona isn’t directly connected to the Warrens, it exists within the same universe. It shares a character, Father Perez (from Annabelle), solidifying its connection. However, it feels somewhat disconnected from the main narrative.

H3: 2. Do I need to watch all the Annabelle movies?

While not strictly essential, watching the Annabelle movies adds significant context to the overall storyline. They provide insight into the origins and power of the demonic doll and her connection to the Warrens. At the very least, Annabelle: Creation is highly recommended.

H3: 3. Should I watch The Nun before The Conjuring 2?

In chronological order, yes. The Nun establishes the backstory of Valak, a major antagonist in The Conjuring 2. Understanding Valak’s origins enhances the impact of her presence in the latter film.

H3: 4. Are the Conjuring movies based on real events?

Yes, the Conjuring movies are inspired by the case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators. However, the films take significant creative liberties with the facts for dramatic effect.

H3: 5. Which Conjuring movie is the scariest?

Subjectivity reigns supreme here. Many find The Conjuring (2013) to be the most terrifying due to its grounded horror and suspenseful atmosphere. Others are more affected by the demonic imagery in The Nun or the intense possession scenes in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.

H3: 6. Where can I stream The Conjuring movies?

Streaming availability varies depending on your region and the platform. Generally, you can find them on services like HBO Max, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or available for rent on platforms like Apple TV and Google Play Movies.

H3: 7. Are there any more Conjuring movies planned?

As of the current time, there is no announcement of upcoming Conjuring movies. However, the universe has a huge fan base, so don’t count it out.

H3: 8. Can I watch the movies out of order?

While you can, it’s not recommended, especially if you want to fully appreciate the story and character development. Watching in chronological or release order provides the best viewing experience.

H3: 9. Who are Ed and Lorraine Warren?

Ed and Lorraine Warren were real-life paranormal investigators who investigated numerous alleged hauntings and possessions. Their work served as the inspiration for The Conjuring Universe.

H3: 10. What is the artifact room in Annabelle Comes Home?

The artifact room is a collection of cursed and haunted objects that the Warrens have collected over their years as paranormal investigators. It serves as a containment unit for these dangerous items.

H3: 11. Is The Nun II connected to the other movies?

Yes, The Nun II directly connects to The Nun and expands on the lore of Valak. It also features a crucial connection to Maurice Theriault (“Frenchie”) who would later be involved in the events of the first Conjuring movie.

H3: 12. What makes The Conjuring movies so popular?

The popularity stems from a combination of factors: compelling characters, terrifying scares, a basis in real-life paranormal cases, and a well-developed universe with interconnected stories. The films also tap into universal fears about the supernatural and the unknown.