How To Watch Annabelle And Conjuring In Order
Fans of supernatural horror often find themselves drawn into the chilling universe of The Conjuring and Annabelle movies. These films are not just standalone stories but part of a larger interconnected narrative that explores haunted objects, demonic possessions, and real-life inspired cases investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren. If you are new to the series or looking to rewatch them in the correct sequence, it can be confusing to know whether to follow the release dates or the chronological order of events. Understanding how to watch Annabelle and Conjuring in order can make the experience more immersive and give you a clearer picture of the shared universe.
Release Order vs. Chronological Order
The first thing to know when figuring out how to watch Annabelle and Conjuring in order is that there are two main approaches by release date or by story timeline. Watching by release order lets you experience the films as audiences first saw them in theaters, while watching by chronological order allows you to follow the events in the timeline of the universe itself.
Release Order
Watching in release order can be appealing because it follows the way the franchise was originally built. The suspense and mystery are revealed gradually as the producers intended. Here’s the release order
- 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)
Chronological Order
If you want to experience the universe as the stories unfold in time, the chronological order is the way to go. This method connects the origins of evil to later investigations by the Warrens. The correct chronological sequence is
- The Nun (set in 1952)
- Annabelle Creation (late 1950s)
- Annabelle (1967)
- The Conjuring (1971)
- Annabelle Comes Home (early 1970s)
- The Curse of La Llorona (1973)
- The Conjuring 2 (1977)
- The Conjuring The Devil Made Me Do It (1981)
Why Watch in Chronological Order?
Choosing to watch Annabelle and Conjuring in chronological order lets you see the development of the demonic forces and the objects tied to them. Starting with The Nun sets the tone for the entire universe, introducing Valak, the demon that reappears in later films. Moving through Annabelle’s origin stories before arriving at The Conjuring gives more weight to the Warrens’ cases, as viewers already understand the cursed doll’s dark history. This approach builds continuity and allows deeper immersion into the horror lore.
Breaking Down the Key Movies
The Nun
Set in 1952 Romania, The Nun explores the origins of Valak, the sinister demon who later terrorizes the Warrens. Watching this first explains the dark force that connects much of the universe.
Annabelle Creation
This prequel to Annabelle tells the story of how the possessed doll came to be, following a dollmaker and the orphaned girls who encounter the cursed toy. It provides essential background before the main Annabelle movie.
Annabelle
Taking place in 1967, Annabelle shows how the doll terrorizes a young couple, eventually finding its way into the Warren’s collection of cursed artifacts. This is a direct link to the Warren family’s story arc.
The Conjuring
The movie that started it all in theaters, The Conjuring follows Ed and Lorraine Warren as they investigate the Perron family haunting in Rhode Island. This film officially establishes the couple as central figures of the franchise.
Annabelle Comes Home
Set in the early 1970s, this film shows what happens when the Warrens bring Annabelle into their artifact room. The doll unleashes chaos by waking up other cursed items, making it a centerpiece in the universe’s timeline.
The Curse of La Llorona
Though loosely connected, this 1973-set film mentions the Warrens’ influence and ties into the Conjuring universe through Father Perez, who also appears in Annabelle. It expands the horror mythos beyond the core characters.
The Conjuring 2
Set in 1977, this film brings the Warrens to London to investigate the infamous Enfield poltergeist case. Valak makes a powerful return, cementing its role as one of the most terrifying forces in the franchise.
The Conjuring The Devil Made Me Do It
The latest in the timeline, this film is set in 1981 and is based on the real-life trial where demonic possession was used as a legal defense. It pushes the universe into darker legal and spiritual territory.
Tips for Watching the Conjuring Universe
- Decide beforehand whether you prefer release order or chronological order for a smoother viewing experience.
- Watch in a dark room with minimal distractions for maximum impact.
- Consider taking breaks between films, especially if marathoning, as the intense atmosphere can be overwhelming.
- If you are rewatching, pay attention to recurring symbols and Easter eggs that connect different movies.
- Start with The Nun if you want to understand the origins of evil, or begin with The Conjuring if you prefer to follow the Warrens’ perspective first.
Which Order is Best?
There is no single right way to watch Annabelle and Conjuring movies in order. It depends on your preference. If you want suspenseful reveals and to experience the films as the creators released them, go with the release order. If you want a cohesive story from beginning to end, chronological order is best. Both approaches offer unique benefits, and some fans even choose to rewatch the series in both sequences for comparison.
Learning how to watch Annabelle and Conjuring in order is key to appreciating the full scope of the horror universe. With characters like Ed and Lorraine Warren, cursed objects like Annabelle, and demons like Valak, the films create a web of supernatural connections that keep viewers engaged. Whether you watch them by release or chronological order, the journey is terrifying, thrilling, and unforgettable. Taking the time to follow the right sequence ensures you won’t miss the subtle links and recurring themes that make the Conjuring universe one of the most successful horror franchises of all time.