The Conjuring universe timeline including Annabelle and The Nun movies

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Navigating the universe of “The Conjuring” can sometimes be complex due to its growth with two distinct spin-off series.

Instead of suggesting we’re on the level of Halloween or Saw, let me clarify that our series doesn’t quite reach those intensities (although we do have individual timelines for both Halloween and Saw if you’d like). However, it does follow a complex structure involving prequels, sequels, and even sequels to prequels.

The Curse of La Llorona, which was once included in the Conjuring universe but is no longer considered a part of its official canon, having a character from Annabelle, has been temporarily removed from our timeline for now.

We’ve taken The Curse of La Llorona out of the Conjuring series because it’s not officially recognized as part of that universe anymore, even though it features a character from Annabelle. For now, we won’t include it in our storyline.

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Returning to an earlier era with the premiere of “The Nun II“, we’re once more delving into a timeline preceding “The Conjuring“. The finale might have you puzzling over the connections and how the pieces fit neatly into place.

Here at our resource, we’re devoted to providing an accurate depiction of The Conjuring timeline. While we acknowledge the official stance, we have reservations about Annabelle Comes Home being set in 1972. We’ll delve deeper into this discrepancy shortly.

(You can head over here if you just want to watch The Conjuring movies in release order.)

Annabelle: Creation – 1946 / 1952 / 1958 / 1970

Watch now: Prime Video | iTunes | Microsoft Store

Annabelle: Creation is a prequel to Annabelle, itself a prequel to The Conjuring.

The story delves into the origins of the sinister doll introduced by James Wan in his initial film, beginning with a fateful car crash in 1946, and then shifting to an orphanage in 1958, where the narrative truly picks up pace.

In order to view these films sequentially, it is essential that you start with the beginning of this movie instead of jumping straight to the post-credit scene. This scene serves as a preview for The Nun, which takes place in 1952.

After watching most of “The Nun” and “The Nun 2”, you can then move on to “Annabelle: Creation” and follow it until its conclusion in 1970.

The Nun – 1952 / 1971

Watch now: iTunes | Microsoft Store

In 1952, the storyline of “The Nun” mostly unfolds within this timeframe as Father Burke, a Catholic priest portrayed by Demián Bichir, and Sister Irene, a novitiate played by Taissa Farmiga, delve into the mysterious suicide of a nun at a Romanian convent. Unbeknownst to them, their investigation is tied to the demon Valak.

In a slight shift, the closing moments of the film leapfrog forward to the year 1971, unveiling an intriguing revelation – the character Frenchie, portrayed by Jonas Bloquet, is in fact none other than Maurice Theriault, as hinted at in the movie “The Conjuring”.

He’s the character from “The Conjuring” movie where the Warrens performed an exorcism on him. To watch the series in order, you would need to pause “The Nun” and instead watch this scene at the same point it appears in “The Conjuring”. If you choose not to follow that path, we won’t hold it against you!

The Nun II – 1956

Watch now: Cinemas

In the same vein as the original film, I found myself immersed once more in the storyline of “The Nun II,” which is set a solid four years following the initial events depicted.

In my role as a devoted sister residing within the tranquil confines of an Italian convent, life was as serene as a calm Mediterranean sea. However, that peaceful existence was abruptly disrupted when I received a somber summons to France, following the gruesome slaying of a fellow priest. This grim news led me to an unanticipated rendezvous with Maurice – and the chilling encounter with the demonic nun Valak, who persists in manipulating poor Frenchie as her unwitting pawn.

The Devil Made Me Do It.

Annabelle – 1970

Watch now: Prime Video | iTunes | Microsoft Store

Now, you can watch “Annabelle,” where the ominous doll takes its initial steps into the haunted world. Regrettably, this is considered the weakest entry in the series. However, viewing it after “Annabelle: Creation” makes it slightly more enjoyable.

The Conjuring – 1968 / 1971

Watch now: Prime Video | iTunes | Microsoft Store

Initially, we delve into the first film of the series, often considered the best. In crafting The Conjuring, director James Wan drew upon his inspirations, breathing new life into classics like The Changeling and Burnt Offerings for today’s audience.

In these films, the chilling incidents unfold in the year 1971, during which Ed and Lorraine Warren lend aid to a family residing in a haunted farmhouse. The narrative is said to be based on actual events, though the existence of ghosts in farmhouses remains debatable (it’s safe to say that farmhouses do exist, however).

In the opening scene, set in the year 1968, we witness the Warrens’ initial meeting with Annabelle. However, this is where the sequence of events becomes somewhat confusing, as the film “Annabelle Comes Home” seems to be placed in 1972. Yet, that movie unfolds a year after the Warrens have brought Annabelle into their home.

If you’re interested in following this sequence, I’d recommend first watching “Annabelle Comes Home” after “The Conjuring”. Then, after finishing that movie, you should go back to continue the story with another viewing of “The Conjuring”.

A simpler way to approach it might be to first watch “The Conjuring” and then move on to “Annabelle Comes Home,” disregarding any complications that may arise from the intertwined timelines.

Annabelle Comes Home – 1971 / 1972

Watch now: Prime Video | iTunes | Microsoft Store

The third film titled “Annabelle Comes Home” begins with the Warrens transferring Annabelle to their haunted artifact storage area. This sequence picks up from the opening scene we witnessed in “The Conjuring,” which took place in the year 1968.

In the film, it leaps forward a year to 1969, and unfolds over a single night. Here, Annabelle chooses to stir other malevolent spirits, aiming to torment the Warrens’ daughter, Judy. This unwanted awakening happens after her babysitter’s acquaintance inadvertently releases Annabelle from confinement.

It appears there is a discrepancy regarding the timeline, with the opening scene of “The Conjuring” apparently set in 1971. However, for the sake of accuracy, we’ve chosen to adhere to the original timeline that positions most of the film in the year 1972, even though there may be disagreement about this choice.

The Conjuring 2 – 1976 / 1977

Watch now: Prime Video | iTunes | Microsoft Store

A film inspired by real events, where the idea of ghosts causing levitation might seem more plausible compared to an ordinary teenager leaping from a bed.

In “The Conjuring 2,” the characters, the Warrens, probed the Amityville house in 1976 initially, but later shifted their attention to a case in the United Kingdom in 1977 – the Enfield Hauntings, famously known for allegedly spooky bed-leaping incidents.

Including the character of Sister Jane (the Nun) and the ominous figure of The Crooked Man, “The Conjuring 2” significantly expanded the franchise’s universe, making it increasingly resemble the Marvel Cinematic Universe within the realm of horror films.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It – 1981

Watch now: Prime Video | iTunes | Microsoft Store

As a devoted fan, I’d say “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” is a film that largely mirrors the actual events chronicled in Arne Cheyenne Johnson’s life story, serving as a captivating cinematic reenactment of real-world events.

The events begin on July 18, 1981, with the exorcism of 11-year-old David Glatzel, a ceremony that Johnson attended, although it’s important to note that by this time, Johnson was already incarcerated for the murder of his landlord, Alan Bono. This portrayal slightly deviates from the true events.

If not deviating significantly from historical accuracy, the film follows the actual chronology, ending with Johnson’s conviction for manslaughter on November 24, 1981. However, it does employ quite a bit of artistic freedom in its portrayal of the real-life events.

The Nun II is out now in cinemas.

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2025-09-05 16:53