With a storyline stretching across five different decades and a host of demonic faces to remember, the ever-expanding world of The Conjuring Universe can be as perplexing as it is terrifying. New additions like the upcoming “Nun II” and the Conjuring TV series only add more layers to the intricate web spun by twins Chad and Carey W Hayes. Here’s your one-stop-shop for figuring out how to experience the dread in the most comprehensive way.
The Perils of Watching Out of Order
“Taking place over five decades, from the ’40s to the ’80s, the storied world is rich with lore and references to other entries, and you can miss out on a lot of these details if you haven’t seen some of the films that take place before the events of the mainline Conjuring films.”
It might be tempting to dive in and start with the latest release, but trust us, there’s a method to the madness. You risk missing out on some essential plot details and character developments if you don’t follow the films in a certain order.
Navigating the Chronological Minefield
In case you’d like to see the events unfold as they happened in the fictional world, here’s how you can do it:
- The Nun (1952/1971)
- Annabelle: Creation (1943/1952/1955/1967)
- Annabelle (1967)
- The Conjuring (1968/1971)
- Annabelle Comes Home (1968/1969 or 1971/1972)
- The Curse of La Llorona (1973)
- The Conjuring 2 (1976/1977)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (1980/81)
“Director Michael Chaves has since argued that The Curse of La Llorona shouldn’t be counted as it wasn’t made with the franchise team, but we’ve left it here for a sense of completeness.”
The Timeline Quirks You Didn’t Know
For example, “Annabelle: Creation” has a post-credit scene that teases “The Nun,” which might lead you to wonder why it’s placed before “Annabelle” in the chronological timeline. It’s a creative way to build suspense for the next installment while keeping the events in order.
Going by Release Dates: A Different Kind of Ride
If the chronological order doesn’t strike your fancy, you can always opt for the order of release. Starting with “The Conjuring” and ending with “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” this method lets you experience the universe as it was introduced to the world.
The Best Way? You Decide!
There are two paths you can take: the chronological order, offering more in-depth character and plot understanding, or release date order, letting you witness the evolution of the franchise. Whichever you choose, a spine-chilling experience is guaranteed.
“Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed to have a great and spooky time, though we can’t say how much sleep you’ll get after getting through them all – so it might be worth watching some comedy picks to calm your nerves.”
Stream or Not to Stream: The UK Dilemma
For our friends across the pond, streaming options are limited to only “The Conjuring 1 and 2” on NOW or Sky Go. Fret not, as Blu-ray and DVDs are readily available for your midnight movie marathons.
What’s Next in the Conjuring Universe?
Hold on to your seats! “The Nun II” is releasing on 8th September 2023. Plus, a Conjuring TV series is in the works for the streaming platform Max.
“James Wan, who directed the first two Conjuring movies and produced others in the series, is also in talks to be part of the project.”
Is It All Connected?
As for those wondering about any connections between The Conjuring and Insidious franchises, James Wan is the only common thread, directing the initial entries of both series. But no, they’re not linked.
To Infinity and Beyond…Or Maybe Just to the Nearest Streaming Service
With this guide in hand, navigating the haunting alleys and dark corridors of The Conjuring Universe should be a walk in the park. Or perhaps a run for your life. Either way, good luck!
So, got your popcorn and sage smudge sticks ready? It’s time to plunge into the world where nightmares come to life.
