If you are new to The Conjuring Universe, the sheer number of releases can make it unclear in which order to watch Annabelle and The Conjuring films. This relationship explainer maps the series chronologically and by story arc, so you can choose a viewing path that matches your preferences while avoiding common confusion about placement and prerequisites.
The two core viewing approaches
For most viewers, the decision comes down to release order or chronological order. Release order follows the timeline in which the films reached audiences, while chronological order follows in-universe events. Both paths will take you through the same core movies, but they surface different tones and narrative arcs.
Release order overview
Release order preserves the escalation of stakes and production evolution. You meet established characters and rules early, then encounter expansions and spinoffs that deepen the universe. This approach often feels more satisfying for first-time viewers who want the intended buildup.
Chronological order overview
Chronological order tells the story as it happens in the world’s timeline, starting with the origins of the haunting artifacts and moving toward wider consequences. This can emphasize tragedy and cause-and-effect, though it may alter the pacing of reveals and character introductions.
Recommended sequence for Annabelle and The Conjuring
The following table summarizes the principal entries and how they fit into each recommended order. Use it to decide whether you prefer narrative causality or release momentum.
| Film | Release order | Chronological order | Primary focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring (2013) | 1 | 7 | Paranormal investigators |
| Annabelle (2014) | 2 | 1 | Origin of the doll |
| The Conjuring 2 (2016) | 3 | 8 | Enfield case and family ties |
| Annabelle: Creation (2017) | 4 | 2 | Haunted dollhouse and nun |
| The Nun (2018) | 5 | 3 | Valak and Lorraine connection |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) | 6 | 9 | Legal case and artifact custody |
| Annabelle Comes Home (2019) | 7 | 4 | Family siege and aftermath |
| The Conjuring Universe: Last Rites (TBA) | 8 | 5 | Future ensemble conclusion |
| Other spinoffs / cameos | Variable | Variable | Cameo and lore links |
Path A: Prioritize release order and escalation
Choose this sequence if you want to experience the series in the way it reached audiences, preserving surprises and production growth. Expect edits and refinements to pay off as each film builds on established rules and tools.
- The Conjuring (2013)
- Annabelle (2014)
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- Annabelle: Creation (2017)
- The Nun (2018)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
- Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
- Future ensemble conclusion (when released)
Pros and cons of release order
- Pros: Maintains intended escalation, honors filmmaker pacing, keeps major reveals impactful.
- Cons: Certain origin details are delayed, some prequels appear later in your journey.
Path B: Prioritize chronological storytelling
Choose this sequence if you care most about in-world causality and want to follow the saga from its earliest moments. You will encounter the origins of the haunted artifacts before you see the investigators confront their consequences.
- Annabelle (2014) — presents origin first within this path
- Annabelle: Creation (2017)
- Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
- The Conjuring (2013)
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- The Nun (2018)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
- Future ensemble conclusion (when released)
Pros and cons of chronological order
- Pros: Emphasizes tragedy and cause-and-effect, aligns with in-world timeline.
- Cons: May reduce early suspense around the investigators, shifts the tonal ramp-up.
Key distinctions between Annabelle and The Conjuring films
Annabelle movies center on the cursed doll and its origins, expanding the rules and lore of the object. The Conjuring films focus on paranormal investigators and a broader tapestry of cases, connecting multiple artifacts and locales. The relationship between the two is largely complementary, with crossovers and references designed to enrich the overarching mythology rather than to replace self-contained scares.
How crossovers and lore links affect your order
References and cameos appear in both directions: Annabelle events influence the investigations in The Conjuring films, while team insights and case details occasionally inform later Annabelle entries. You do not need to watch one series in strict isolation, but being aware of these links can help you decide whether to follow a single franchise thread or hop between stories.
Tailoring the order to your preferences
Consider your tolerance for origin revelations, your interest in investigators versus haunted objects, and whether you value production craft or narrative causality more highly. If you enjoy slow-burn dread, starting with early Annabelle entries may suit you. If you prefer ensemble investigations with procedural beats, beginning with The Conjuring could be more appealing.
Common confusion points clarified
- No film is strictly required viewing for any other, but chronology deepens emotional continuity.
- Spinoff and crossover appearances are typically brief and meant to enrich, not disrupt, the primary story arcs.
- Future ensemble projects are positioned to draw on established rules and character histories, so earlier engagement can enhance payoff.
Wrap-up and recommendation guidance
There is no single correct way to watch Annabelle and The Conjuring films; the best order aligns with whether you prioritize release momentum or in-world chronology. Both paths converge on the same core stories while offering different emphasis on origins, investigations, and lore. Choose the sequence that best matches your narrative preference, and adjust as you discover what heightens your engagement and enjoyment.