Imagine a world where demons lurk behind every corner, and ordinary families become the battleground for ancient evils. That's the chilling reality painted by 'The Conjuring' Universe, a series that has captivated horror fans worldwide. And with the release of 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' in September 2025, the saga seemingly comes to a close… or does it?
For those who love the spine-tingling tales of Ed and Lorraine Warren (portrayed brilliantly by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson), diving into this cinematic universe can be a thrilling experience. But with prequels, sequels, and spin-offs galore, figuring out the right order to watch these films can be trickier than performing an actual exorcism! So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let's unravel the mysteries of 'The Conjuring' Universe, ensuring you experience every scare in its intended sequence.
The Canonical Order: Following the Timeline of Terror
Forget release dates for a moment. To truly appreciate the overarching narrative, it's best to watch the films in the order they occur chronologically within the story. This allows you to witness the unfolding events as they happened in the Warrens' world, building suspense and understanding the connections between different entities and cases. The Conjuring universe isn't just about jump scares; it's about a complex web of supernatural events.
Here's the recommended canonical order:
- The Nun: This chilling prequel delves into the origins of Valak, a demonic nun who terrorizes Lorraine Warren in later films. Set in Romania in 1952, it sets the stage for the horrors to come.
- The Nun 2: Picking up after the events of the first film, The Nun 2 continues to explore the origins of Valak and its impact on the world.
- Annabelle: Creation: Discover the terrifying origins of the Annabelle doll in this prequel, revealing how a grieving dollmaker and his wife unwittingly unleashed a demonic force.
- Annabelle: Witness Annabelle's malevolent reign of terror as she targets a young couple, Mia and John Form, after they bring her into their home. But here's where it gets controversial... some argue that 'Annabelle' could be watched before 'Annabelle: Creation' to maintain the surprise of the doll's origins. What do you think?
- The Conjuring: The film that started it all! Ed and Lorraine Warren investigate a family plagued by a dark presence in their Rhode Island farmhouse. This is a cornerstone of the entire franchise and showcases the Warrens' dedication to helping those tormented by the supernatural.
- Annabelle Comes Home: With Annabelle locked away in the Warrens' artifact room, you'd think the terror would be over, right? Wrong! The doll awakens other evil spirits in the room, unleashing a night of horror for the Warrens' daughter, Judy, and her babysitters.
- The Curse of La Llorona: While technically a standalone film, 'The Curse of La Llorona' is considered part of 'The Conjuring' Universe due to its shared producers and thematic elements. It tells the story of a grieving mother haunted by the Weeping Woman, a vengeful spirit from Mexican folklore. And this is the part most people miss... some argue about its connection to the main Conjuring storyline, as the Warrens don't directly appear. Is it truly integral, or just a tangential scare?
- The Conjuring 2: The Warrens travel to England to investigate the infamous Enfield Poltergeist, a case involving a young girl seemingly possessed by a malevolent spirit. This film expands the scope of the Warrens' work and introduces new demonic entities.
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It: This installment takes a different approach, focusing on a murder trial where the defendant claims demonic possession. The Warrens must prove the existence of evil to save an innocent man from conviction.
- The Conjuring: Last Rites: Allegedly the final chapter (for now!), 'Last Rites' sees the Warrens heading to Pennsylvania to tackle yet another terrifying demonic possession.
The Release Order: A Journey Through Time in Our World
If you prefer to experience the films as audiences did upon their initial release, here's the chronological order based on release dates:
- The Conjuring (2013)
- Annabelle (2014)
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- Annabelle: Creation (2017)
- The Nun (2018)
- The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
- Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
- The Nun 2 (2023)
- The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)
Where to Stream the Screams: Finding 'The Conjuring' Universe Online
Most of 'The Conjuring' films are readily available for streaming. Since New Line Cinema produced the franchise, HBO Max is your go-to destination for most titles. However, some films, like 'The Conjuring,' 'The Nun,' 'Annabelle,' 'The Curse of La Llorona,' and 'The Conjuring 2,' may also be found on platforms like Netflix and The Roku Channel, depending on your region and current streaming agreements. Keep in mind that 'The Conjuring: Last Rites,' being a newer release, is currently available on premium Video On Demand (VOD) platforms.
'The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It' is currently available on HBO Max. It was initially available in early June 2021, where it streamed exclusively for 30 days. The film then moved to VOD platforms, where it remains available for rental or purchase.
Catching 'The Conjuring: Last Rites': Your Streaming Options
Currently, 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' is accessible for digital rental or purchase through various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Keep an eye out for its eventual arrival on HBO Max, which will likely happen in the coming months.
So, there you have it – your comprehensive guide to navigating 'The Conjuring' Universe! Whether you choose to follow the canonical timeline or experience the films in their release order, prepare yourself for a chilling journey into the realm of the supernatural. Now, tell us in the comments: Which 'Conjuring' film scares you the most, and why? Do you agree with the canonical order we've presented, or do you have your own preferred viewing sequence? And, most importantly, do you really believe the Warrens' stories? Let's discuss!
