The Conjuring Universe has captivated horror fans for over a decade with its terrifying tales based on the real-life investigations of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. From demonic dolls to haunted houses, the franchise has expanded beyond the core Conjuring films to encompass a complex web of interconnected stories. But with so many movies, prequels, and spin-offs, it can be challenging to keep track of it all.
This comprehensive guide will unravel the mysteries of the Conjuring Universe, providing a chronological journey through each film and its connection to the larger narrative. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer looking to dive into the world of the Warrens, this guide will equip you to navigate the screams and jump scares that await.
Table of Contents:
- The Conjuring (2013): The Foundation of Fear
- Annabelle (2014): The Origin of an Evil Doll
- The Conjuring 2 (2016): The Enfield Poltergeist
- Annabelle: Creation (2017): Unveiling the Doll’s Origins
- The Nun (2018): Unmasking a Demonic Presence
- The Curse of La Llorona (2019): A Weeping Woman’s Wrath
- Annabelle Comes Home (2019): The Warrens’ Artifact Room Unleashed
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021): A Case of Demonic Possession
1. The Conjuring (2013): The Foundation of Fear
This is where it all began. The Conjuring introduces us to Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), a married couple who investigate paranormal occurrences. The film centers on the haunting of the Perron family farmhouse in Rhode Island in 1971. As the Warrens delve into the history of the property, they uncover a dark secret and a malevolent entity that threatens the family’s lives. The Conjuring set the tone for the entire franchise with its focus on atmospheric tension, jump scares, and a strong emotional core. It also introduced the infamous Annabelle doll, which would go on to have its own terrifying story arc.
2. Annabelle (2014): The Origin of an Evil Doll
Annabelle, a prequel to The Conjuring, delves into the origins of the possessed porcelain doll. The film follows a young couple who receive the doll as a gift, only to find their lives turned upside down by terrifying paranormal events. While Annabelle received mixed reviews, it cemented the doll’s status as an iconic figure of horror and further enriched the growing Conjuring Universe.
3. The Conjuring 2 (2016): The Enfield Poltergeist
The Conjuring 2 transports the Warrens across the Atlantic to investigate a haunting in Enfield, England. The film centers on the Hodgson family, particularly young Janet Hodgson, who becomes the target of a malevolent spirit claiming to be a former resident. This sequel intensified the scares, introduced new demonic entities (including the terrifying Crooked Man), and further showcased the strength and dedication of Ed and Lorraine Warren.
4. Annabelle: Creation (2017): Unveiling the Doll’s Origins
Annabelle: Creation takes us back even further in time, revealing the tragic circumstances behind the doll’s creation and the origins of its malevolence. Set decades before the events of Annabelle, the film showcases a dollmaker and his wife who, after losing their daughter, open their home to a group of orphaned girls. The spirit of their lost child, seeking a vessel, latches onto the doll, unleashing a reign of terror. This prequel offered a deeper understanding of Annabelle’s malevolence and connected her story more directly to the overarching themes of loss and the vulnerability of innocence within the Conjuring Universe.
5. The Nun (2018): Unmasking a Demonic Presence
Venturing into the world of demonic entities, The Nun acts as a prequel to The Conjuring 2, focusing on the origin story of the demonic nun Valak. Set in 1952 Romania, the film follows a priest and a novitiate as they investigate the suicide of a nun at a secluded abbey. They soon uncover a dark secret tied to Valak, a powerful demon with a terrifying presence. The Nun deepened the mythology of the Conjuring Universe by providing a backstory for one of its most frightening antagonists.
6. The Curse of La Llorona (2019): A Weeping Woman’s Wrath
This film deviates slightly from the direct narrative of the Warrens, focusing on the Mexican folklore figure of La Llorona, a weeping woman who drowns children to reunite with her own. The Curse of La Llorona follows a social worker and her children as they become the target of La Llorona’s wrath. While not explicitly featuring the Warrens, the film is connected to the universe through the presence of Father Perez, a character who first appeared in Annabelle.
7. Annabelle Comes Home (2019): The Warrens’ Artifact Room Unleashed
Annabelle Comes Home shifts the focus back to the Warrens’ artifact room, a place where they safely store objects from their investigations. The film centers on the Warrens’ daughter, Judy, and her babysitter who inadvertently unleash a wave of terror when they disturb the spirits contained within the room, including the ever-present Annabelle. This film, while focusing on a new generation, strengthens the connection to the core films by highlighting the continued danger posed by the Warrens’ work.
8. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021): A Case of Demonic Possession
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It marks a shift in the franchise, delving into the first known court case where demonic possession was used as a legal defense. The film focuses on the real-life case of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, a man who claimed demonic possession led him to commit murder. The Warrens become deeply involved in the investigation, uncovering a sinister web of witchcraft and demonic forces. This installment dives into the complexities of belief and the grey areas of good and evil within the Conjuring Universe.
Exploring the World of the Warrens
The Conjuring Universe continues to expand with new stories and terrifying entities. This chronological guide provides a roadmap through the films, allowing fans to appreciate the interconnected narratives and the growing mythology of the Warrens’ world. Whether you choose to watch in chronological order or by release date, the Conjuring Universe offers a chilling journey into the unknown. But be warned: once you enter the world of the Warrens, you may never look at a doll, a dark corner, or a creaking floorboard the same way again.