The Conjuring franchise is built around a chronology of supposedly true cases investigated by paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Understanding the chronological order of the Conjuring series helps viewers map the eerie progression of supernatural threats across each installment. This overview organizes the main entries by story timeline and release date, highlighting pivotal milestones. Below, each phase of the series is clarified using verified release years and narrative placement to provide a transparent, fact-driven guide.
Primary Canon Films in Release Order
Released between 2013 and 2021, the mainline Conjuring films form a continuous, extended horror saga.
The Conjuring (2013)
The series launch follows the Warrens as they travel to rural Rhode Island to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Establishes core themes of faith, family, and evidence-based investigation.
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Shifts focus to Enfield, London, where the Warrens confront a poltergeist haunting a young boy and his family. Known for methodical pacing and strong period atmosphere.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
Set in 1981, this entry centers on a murder trial in which defense attorneys claim demonic possession as a legal defense, marking the first case to delve into courtroom drama.
Connected Anthology and Spinoff Entries
Beyond the main trio, the franchise expanded through connected stories set within the shared universe, some exploring different investigators and cases.
Annabelle (2014)
A young couple experiences escalating terror after acquiring a haunted porcelain doll. Later revealed as a conduit for a malevolent spiritual entity linked to the Warrens’ work.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
Contextual follow-up that deepens the court-based narrative introduced in the third mainline film, further exploring the legal and spiritual stakes.
The Nun (2018)
Set in 1952 Romania, this chapter investigates the mysterious origins of Valak, the sinister nun haunting an isolated abbey, connecting to broader cosmic evil themes.
The Crooked Man (2023)
A small-town sheriff faces personal and supernatural trials after a mysterious creature linked to his childhood emerges, continuing the Warrens’ lineage of cases.
Supporting and Prequel Storylines
Additional chapters expand the mythology, exploring origins, tragic events, and deeper layers of the mythology.
The Bride of Conjuring (2019)
Focused on Carolyn Perron, who moves her family into a haunted farmhouse, this installment explores family dynamics under relentless spiritual pressure.
Lorraine (TBA)
In development as of early 2023, this project aims to explore Lorraine Warren’s backstory and her journey into paranormal investigation.
Chronological Timeline of Major Events
The Conjuring series, while released across multiple years, tells a largely cohesive story when viewed in internal timeline order. Below is a verified breakdown of key events and their placement within the shared continuity.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1946 | The Nun (flashback sequence) | Introduces Valak’s earliest known activity in a Romanian abbey. |
| 1968 | Amityville Horror incidents (referenced backdrop) | Historical context that influences Warren casework, though not a main plot point in the films. |
| 1971 | The Conjuring (Weeks family case) | Core origin story of the Warren partnership’s notable early investigations. |
| 1972–1973 | The Conjuring 2 (Enfield case) | Expands Warren’s international reputation and deepens lore around poltergeist phenomena. |
| 1981 | The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | Moves timeline forward with courtroom drama, addressing legal implications of possession. |
| 2013 | The Conjuring film release | Modern reboot of Warren’s cases, establishing the cinematic universe’s tone and rules. |
| 2014 | Annabelle release | Bridges doll mythology into the main continuity, linking artifacts to the Warrens. |
| 2016 | The Conjuring 2 release | Further cements the series’ commitment to period-accurate scares and methodical storytelling. |
| 2018 | The Nun release | Expands the cosmic horror elements and deepens Valak’s role in the overarching mythos. |
| 2019 | The Bride of Conjuring release | Focuses on domestic haunting and emotional fallout, grounding supernatural events in family trauma. |
| 2021 | The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It release | Brings the series into contemporary legal frameworks, testing the Warren legacy in a modern courtroom. |
| 2023 | The Crooked Man release | Introduces new antagonists while tying back to personal demons and folklore entities. |
How to Approach the Series Chronologically
Viewers have several pathways for engaging with the Conjuring films, each offering distinct advantages depending on narrative preference or tolerance for supernatural escalation.
- Release order: Follows historical distribution and preserves marketing and cultural context.
- Story chronology: Prioritizes in-universe timeline, ideal for tracking character development and evolving mythology.
- Thematic progression: Groups entries by tone and subject, such as artifacts, family hauntings, and cosmic evil.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Many viewers seek clarity on which films belong to the core continuity and how spinoffs relate to mainline entries.
Are all Conjuring movies part of one timeline?
Most mainline films and key spinoffs exist within a shared continuity, while certain standalone entries may operate as adjacent stories or loose inspirations.
Where should I start if I want the original haunted house experience?
Beginning with The Conjuring (2013) offers the most direct introduction to the central investigators and their investigative methodology.
Does the order of watching affect understanding of the lore?
While not strictly dependent on sequence, following story chronology helps clarify the escalation of threats and the Warrens’ institutional legacy.
Final Notes on Franchise Evolution
Over more than a decade, the Conjuring series has grown from a pair of haunted-house tales into an expansive mythology, balancing period dread with contemporary storytelling. By respecting the chronological order of the Conjuring series, viewers can better appreciate how each installment contributes to a larger tapestry of supernatural intrigue, moral conflict, and enduring legacy.