If you are new to The Conjuring universe and wonder what order to watch the films, you are not alone. The franchise has expanded across multiple timelines, spinoffs, and shared entries, making the path unclear. This guide answers up front: you can follow the continuous chronology by release date or prioritize the main continuity films first, then explore spinoffs and later additions. Below you will find a practical viewing sequence, explanations of each choice, and options if you prefer a different goal such as chronology, scares, or breadth.
Recommended main-series viewing order
The chronological storyline route (also called continuity order)
This sequence follows the internal timeline of events, which aligns closely with the order films were released. It is the safest choice if you want the story to unfold as the characters experience it and avoid narrative contradictions. This route treats The Conjuring (2013) as the starting point, moves through its direct sequel, then flows into the expanding shared world.
- The Conjuring (2013)
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- The Nun (2018)
- The Crooked Man (2020)
- The Boogeyman (2023)
Release-date order (same as above for the core arc)
Because the primary continuity was released in the sequence above, the recommended storyline route matches release date order for these five entries. Alternate films and later spinoffs are placed after the core arc so the main events remain coherent.
Alternate routes by viewing goal
Depending on your priority, you might prefer one of these alternate paths. Below each route lists the titles in order, why you might choose it, and approximate runtimes to help you plan viewing sessions.
By scare intensity (ascending)
Begin with lighter, more contained stories and build toward the most intense entries. This is useful if you are sensitive to horror elements or want to warm up to the style.
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
- The Conjuring (2013)
- The Nun (2018)
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- The Crooked Man (2020)
- The Boogeyman (2023)
By release date (full franchise, core first)
This approach keeps the main arc together while slotting spinoffs and side stories around them so you experience the evolution of the franchise over time.
- The Conjuring (2013)
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- The Nun (2018)
- The Crooked Man (2020)
- The Boogeyman (2023)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
- Rings (2017)
- Annabelle (2014)
- Annabelle Comes Home (2015 re-release program note)
Key films at a glance
| Title | Year | Relationship to main continuity | Notable note |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | 2013 | Entry point of the main continuity | Introduces Ed and Lorraine Warren |
| The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | Direct sequel; expands the Warrens’ timeline | Set in 1977; links to The Nun |
| The Nun | 2018 | Prequel to The Conjuring within the main continuity | Explores the origin of Valak |
| The Crooked Man | 2020 | Side story in the broader universe | Not a direct Warren case; set in 1979 |
| The Boogeyman | 2023 | Later addition to the shared timeline | Modern setting; connects to The Conjuring 2 |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | 2021 | First standalone courtroom entry | Loosely connected to the Warren mythology |
Other entries and how they fit
The Conjuring Universe includes additional films that sit outside or loosely connect to the main Warren-focused arc. Annabelle (2014) and Annabelle Comes Home (1971) focus on a different artifact and largely exist on a separate track, though they share the same world. Rings (2017) is a Japanese-influenced supernatural story with limited continuity ties. If your goal is breadth, you can sample these after completing the main arc to see how the franchise expands stylistically and mythologically.
Practical viewing tips
To reduce decision fatigue, pick one primary route and stick to it. If you want the cleanest story experience, follow the chronological storyline route. If you prefer to see the most acclaimed or scariest first, reorder based on reviews or personal tolerance. Consider batching films by theme or tone in a single sitting or across weekends to maintain immersion. When you are ready to explore beyond the core arc, return to films such as Annabelle or Rings to deepen your understanding of the wider mythology without disrupting the main sequence.
Common questions at a glance
- Should I watch The Conjuring films in release date order? For the primary continuity yes; it matches the internal timeline and preserves intended reveals.
- Does it matter if I watch Annabelle or The Nun first? It matters less for enjoyment, but for continuity The Nun is positioned as a prequel to The Conjuring 2 within the main arc, whereas Annabelle is a side story.
- Can I skip The Crooked Man and still follow the main story? Yes; The Crooked Man is a side story and not required to understand the central Warren narrative.
- Is The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It part of the main continuity? It exists in the shared universe but focuses on a courtroom case; you can place it after the core arc without losing context.
Wrap-up guidance
Use the chronological release route if you want a straightforward, high-integrity path through the main continuity, or choose a goal-based order if you prefer scare pacing or thematic clustering. Either way, you can enjoy The Conjuring series with a clear, repeatable structure that remains useful as the franchise continues to evolve.