Ready to dive into the spine-chilling world of The Conjuring Universe? But here’s where it gets controversial—while some fans swear by watching these films in release order, others argue the canonical timeline is the only way to truly appreciate the story. So, which path will you choose? Let’s unravel the mystery.
The release of The Conjuring: Last Rites in September 2025 sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the iconic Lorraine and Ed Warren, this installment takes the paranormal investigators to Pennsylvania to confront a demon terrorizing a family. If you’re planning a horror marathon, here’s how to navigate this eerie universe.
The Canonical Order: A Journey Through Darkness
The Conjuring franchise isn’t just about the main series—it’s a sprawling universe that includes the Annabelle series and other spin-offs. Produced by New Line Cinema, these films mostly follow the Warrens, though not exclusively. Here’s the canonical order to experience the story as intended:
- The Nun (2018)
- The Nun 2 (2023)
- Annabelle: Creation (2017)
- Annabelle (2014)
- The Conjuring (2013)
- Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
- The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
- The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
- The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)
And this is the part most people miss—while The Conjuring: Last Rites is billed as the finale, director Michael Chaves hinted in a 2023 interview that the door isn’t entirely closed. Could there be more? Only time will tell.
Release Order: For the Chronologically Inclined
If you prefer watching films as they hit theaters, 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)
- The Nun 2 (2023)
- The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)
Streaming Options: Where to Find the Fright
Wondering where to watch? Since The Conjuring saga is a New Line franchise, most films are available on HBO Max, except Last Rites, which is currently on premium VOD. You can also catch classics like The Conjuring, The Nun, and Annabelle on platforms like Netflix and The Roku Channel. Pro tip: Head to HBO Max’s horror section for a one-stop spooky experience.
Streaming Updates: What’s New?
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is back on HBO Max just in time for Halloween! Originally released in June 2021, it’s now available for streaming alongside its rental options on VOD platforms.
Last Rites: When Can You Stream It?
For now, The Conjuring: Last Rites is only available for digital rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. But will it eventually join its siblings on HBO Max? Stay tuned.
Final Thoughts: To Canon or Not to Canon?
Here’s the million-dollar question: Does watching in canonical order enhance the experience, or is release order just as satisfying? And with Last Rites supposedly wrapping up the series, is this truly the end? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s debate!
