The bone-chilling movies in the Conjuring Universe you should watch in 2023

As a genre, horror movies have captivated audiences for many decades, offering thrilling escapades into the world of the supernatural, the unknown, and the macabre. Their primary intent is to create an atmosphere of fear, suspense, terror, or horror to ultimately evoke the audience’s emotional, psychological, or physical response.

One of the most prominent franchises in modern horror is “The Conjuring” series. It is a marvelously crafted cinematic universe that has reshaped the landscape of contemporary horror. Here is the list of all Conjuring movies you should watch.

The Conjuring (2013)

Release Date: July 19, 2013
Ratings: 7.5/10 (IMDb); 85% (Rotten Tomatoes)

“The Conjuring,” directed by James Wan, kickstarted the supernatural horror universe that would expand to become one of the most successful horror franchises in film history. Based on the real-life investigations of paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine Warren, the movie chronicles the haunting of the Perron family in their Rhode Island farmhouse. With its skillful tension building and terrifying atmosphere, “The Conjuring” set the bar high for the subsequent entries in the franchise.

• Where to watch: Max (HBO Max), Direct TV, Sky Go (UK), Netflix (Canada).

Annabelle (2014)

Release Date: October 3, 2014
Ratings: 5.4/10 (IMDb); 29% (Rotten Tomatoes)

“Annabelle” is the first spin-off in the Conjuring Universe, telling the origins of the malevolent doll first introduced in “The Conjuring.” The film, directed by John R. Leonetti, focuses on a young couple expecting their first child, who experience terrifying occurrences involving a vintage doll shortly after their home is invaded by satanic cultists. Although not as critically successful as its predecessor, “Annabelle” nevertheless expanded the universe’s lore and added a new level of terror to seemingly innocent objects.

• Where to watch: Hulu (US)

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

Release Date: June 10, 2016
Ratings: 7.3/10 (IMDb); 80% (Rotten Tomatoes)

“The Conjuring 2,” again directed by James Wan, sees the return of the Warrens, this time investigating the Enfield Poltergeist in London. Filled with even more suspense and horror, the film further cements the Conjuring Universe’s ability to deliver genuinely frightening experiences based on real-life paranormal cases. “The Conjuring 2” also introduces us to the malevolent spirit Valak, setting the stage for future movies in the franchise.

• Where to watch: Sky Go (UK)

Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Release Date: August 11, 2017
Ratings: 6.5/10 (IMDb); 71% (Rotten Tomatoes)

Directed by David F. Sandberg, “Annabelle: Creation” dives deeper into the history of the possessed doll. This prequel explores the origin of the doll and introduces audiences to the tragic past of its maker. Filled with spine-chilling sequences and intense storytelling, “Annabelle: Creation” adds depth to Annabelle’s tale while successfully contributing to the expansion of the Conjuring Universe.

• Where to watch: Netflix (Australia)

The Nun (2018)

Release Date: September 7, 2018
Ratings: 5.3/10 (IMDb); 26% (Rotten Tomatoes)

“The Nun,” directed by Corin Hardy, reveals the origins of the demonic entity Valak. Set in 1952 Romania, the story revolves around a Catholic priest and a novice who are sent by the Vatican to investigate the mysterious suicide of a nun at the Cârța Monastery. This film further pushes the boundaries of the Conjuring Universe, adding elements of gothic horror and expanding on the malevolent presence that haunted the Warrens in “The Conjuring 2.”

• Where to watch: Netflix (Australia), Max(US)

The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

Release Date: April 19, 2019
Ratings: 5.3/10 (IMDb); 29% (Rotten Tomatoes)

Directed by Michael Chaves, “The Curse of La Llorona” adds a rich tapestry of Latin American folklore to the Conjuring Universe. Drawing on the iconic legend of La Llorona, the Weeping Woman, the film tells the story of a social worker and her children who are drawn into a frightening supernatural realm. Although a standalone tale, the film subtly ties into the wider Conjuring Universe, enriching its supernatural lore.

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Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

Release Date: June 26, 2019
Ratings: 5.9/10 (IMDb); 64% (Rotten Tomatoes)

“Annabelle Comes Home,” directed by Gary Dauberman, brings the haunted doll back into the spotlight. This time, it wreaks havoc in the Warrens’ artifact room, awakening the evil spirits within and targeting the Warrens’ ten-year-old daughter. With an atmosphere brimming with suspense and terror, “Annabelle Comes Home” effectively rounds off the Annabelle trilogy while contributing to the wider Conjuring narrative.

• Where to watch: Paramount (Australia)

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)

Release Date: June 4, 2021
Ratings: 6.3/10 (IMDb); 56% (Rotten Tomatoes)

Directed by Michael Chaves, “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” sees the return of the Warrens in a chilling story of terror, murder, and unknown evil. Departing from the haunted house formula of the previous films, this installment is based on the first-ever case in the US where a murder suspect claimed demonic possession as a defense. This daring exploration into new territory keeps the franchise fresh and engaging.

• Where to watch: Netflix (Canada), Prime Video (UK), Max (US)

The Nun 2 (2023)

Release Date: TBA
Ratings: TBA

“The Nun 2,” the latest entry in the Conjuring Universe as of 2023, aims to explore the terrifying character of Valak further. Specific details, including the plot and the ratings, are yet to be announced. Fans await with bated breath, hoping for another thrilling addition to this expansive universe.

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The Conjuring movies in chronological order?

1. The Nun (2018)
2. The Nun 2 (2023)
3. Annabelle: Creation (2017)
4. Annabelle (2014)
5. The Conjuring (2013)
6. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
7. The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
8. The Conjuring 2 (2016)
9. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)

Wrap Up

With each film, the Conjuring Universe expands its spectral reach, drawing in audiences worldwide with its unique blend of historical folklore, true stories, and chilling supernatural narratives. It’s a franchise that knows how to leave its viewers sleeping with the lights on, eagerly awaiting the next installment.