The Conjuring Universe: A Quick Guide for Horror Fans

If you love a good scare and want to know where to begin, this guide breaks down the Conjuring Universe in plain English. No jargon, just the basics you need to decide which movie to watch first and why the series matters.

Core Films and Their Order

Start with The Conjuring (2013). It introduces paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren and sets the tone for the whole universe. Next comes The Conjuring 2 (2016), which moves the action to England and adds a new case that expands the Warrens' mythos.

After the first two, jump to Annabelle (2014). This spin‑off tells the story of the cursed doll that first appeared in the original Conjuring movie. Annabelle: Creation (2017) is a prequel that explains how the doll got its evil vibes.

Then watch The Nun (2018). It takes you back to 1952 Romania and introduces the terrifying nun, Valak, who also shows up in The Conjuring 2. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) wraps up the mainline storyline with a courtroom drama that feels fresh while staying true to the franchise’s style.

For a final side story, check out The Curse of La Llorona (2019). It’s loosely connected but shares the same spooky universe, giving fans a deeper look at the folklore that the Warrens investigate.

Spin‑offs and Side Stories

Beyond the main titles, the universe includes short films and behind‑the‑scenes specials that flesh out minor characters. These are perfect if you’ve binge‑watched the big releases and still want more.

One notable side story is the Annabelle short that appears in the credits of the first Conjuring film. It’s a quick glimpse into the doll’s early haunting and sets up the later movies without taking up much time.

Another fan favorite is the Ed and Lorraine Warren documentary footage. While not a fictional film, it blends real‑life interviews with dramatized reenactments, giving the whole series a touch of authenticity.

All these spin‑offs follow the same visual style: dim lighting, low‑key colors, and a focus on unsettling sound design. That consistency is why the Conjuring Universe feels like one big, creepy world rather than unrelated movies.

When you’re ready to binge, the simplest order is to watch the mainline films first, then sprinkle in the spin‑offs where they fit chronologically. This way you’ll see the storyline develop naturally and won’t get confused by timeline jumps.

Want to know where to stream these movies? Most titles are on popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar in India. A quick search of the title plus “streaming” will point you to the right service.

Finally, if you’re looking for a quick scare before bedtime, the best pick is The Nun. Its single‑location horror feels like a classic haunted house story and doesn’t require prior knowledge of the other films.

Now you have a clear map of the Conjuring Universe. Pick a film, dim the lights, and enjoy the ride—just keep the lights on if you’re easily spooked!