The Ultimate No-Spoiler Guide to The Conjuring Movies (2025 Update)

Whether you're a horror newbie or you've just heard friends whisper about a certain haunted doll, The Conjuring Universe is one of the most consistently chilling—and surprisingly cohesive—franchises in modern horror. Built around the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren (portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), the series blends slow-burn dread, practical scares, and myth-building into a shared world that's easy to dive into without prior homework.

> Fast fact: The Conjuring Universe has earned over $2.2 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing horror franchise to date.

Where to Start (No Spoilers)

If you're brand new, watch in release order. You'll meet key characters and cursed objects exactly as audiences did, and the tension and lore unfold naturally. Once you're hooked, a chronological rewatch is a fun way to spot connective tissue you might've missed the first time.

The Conjuring Movies in Release Order (Recommended for First-Timers)

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)

10. The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)

Fans debate whether La Llorona** is "officially" canon—there's character overlap, but its status has been inconsistent. It's optional if you want a tighter core-series watch.

The Conjuring Movies in Chronological Order (For Return Visits)

- The Nun (set in the 1950s)

- Annabelle: Creation

- The Nun II

- Annabelle

- The Conjuring

- Annabelle Comes Home

- The Curse of La Llorona (optional)

- The Conjuring 2

- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

- The Conjuring: Last Rites (set in the 1980s)

2025 Update: The Conjuring: Last Rites

The Warrens return for a final chapter in The Conjuring: Last Rites, hitting cinemas in early September 2025 (regionally staggered). Producer James Wan has emphasized that the focus is on giving the Warrens' saga an emotionally satisfying conclusion—without ditching the franchise's signature "based on a true case" chills.

What Makes The Conjuring So Scary (Without Spoiling Anything)

- Atmosphere over gore: The franchise leans on mood, shadow, and silence. You anticipate what's in the dark long before you see it. - Classic craftsmanship: Creator James Wan (and a roster of sharp directors) favor practical set-pieces, precise framing, and soundscape design that weaponizes creaks, knocks, and dead air. - Hearts behind the hauntings: The Warrens' partnership is the emotional anchor. That human core keeps the films from feeling like anthology shock rides—there's continuity, warmth, and high stakes you can feel. - A living mythos: Spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun expand the lore without requiring homework, letting newcomers jump in and veterans dig deeper.

Light Content Advisory (No Plot Details)

The series features sustained dread, supernatural menace, and occasional jump scares. Violence is present but generally less graphic than slasher fare; the intensity comes from the build-up and sound design rather than explicit gore. If you're scare-prone, plan group viewings and daylight debriefs.

Quick FAQ (No Spoilers)

Is The Conjuring Universe based on true stories? Yes—cases linked to real-life investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren inspire the films, with creative liberties for cinematic storytelling.

Do I need to watch the spin-offs? You'll enjoy the mainline trilogy (soon tetralogy) without them, but spin-offs deepen the lore around certain entities and artifacts.

What's the best order to watch? Release order for first-timers; chronological is a rewarding second run.

When does Last Rites release? Early September 2025 in many regions (check local listings); it's billed as the Warrens' curtain call.

Start Your Conjuring Journey

Ready to dive into the Warren's world of supernatural investigations? Whether you're planning a horror movie marathon or just want to understand what all the fuss is about, this franchise offers something for every level of horror fan.

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Remember: The best horror experience is one where you feel comfortable and can enjoy the story. Use our jumpscare warnings to enhance your viewing, not limit it.