Annabelle, 2014, dir. John R. Leonetti
The first spin-off from The Conjuring lands a year after the main installment and comes across as the most modest chapter within the official lineup. Its antagonist is Annabelle, the infamous haunted infant doll that was first hinted at in the prologue of The Conjuring, and the film centers on Mia, a young mother whose vulnerability is portrayed with restrained intensity. The setting evokes a retro late-1960s California mood, yet the pacing slows and the plot feels overstuffed, dampening the suspense the story tries to sustain. In retrospect, the film marks an early expansion of the Warrens’ universe, featuring moments of traditional hauntings that are amplified by a period aesthetic that ultimately feels uneven in execution.
Annabelle: Creation, 2017, dir. David F. Sandberg
David F. Sandberg, fresh off the success of Lights Out, takes the helm to explore the doll’s origins. With guidance from James Wan and Peter Safran, the director avoids replaying the flaws of the first Annabelle. The fear strategy shifts away from relentless jump scares toward a creeping, oppressive mood that lingers. The setting—a stark, sun-bleached orphanage—resonates with Guillermo del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone, offering a compelling parallel that deepens the atmosphere and the sense of dread throughout the film.
Sister 2, 2023, dir. Michael Chavez
The Nun’s sequel, directed by Michael Chavez, balances gothic intensity with a modern unease. It narrows the focus to Taissa Farmiga and Jonas Bloq, whose characters complicate the franchise’s dynamics. While some viewers may find it less eerie than its predecessor, the film strengthens the larger arc by foregrounding the demon Valak, whose presence remains striking and unsettling long after the final credits roll.
Nun, 2018, dir. Corin Hardy
The Priestess Curse narrative begins with a tremor of guilt and sin. Corin Hardy crafts a distinctly atmospheric lens, pushing Valak into a bleak Romanian monastery that amplifies dread. The on-screen pairing of Vera Farmiga and Taissa Farmiga anchors the human core of the story, providing a resonant emotional anchor for the horror. This installment proved the most commercially successful in the universe to date, expanding the demon’s footprint and inviting broader lore into the series.
Annabelle Comes Home, 2019, dir. Gary Dauberman
This entry lightens the tone while staying true to the franchise’s roots. If one enjoys stories with a Goosebumps-like vibe, this chapter lands with a playful yet perilous mood. The plot follows children who unleash a literal horde of monsters while Ed and Lorraine Warren are away. The twist positions this story as a family-friendly entry that still slots neatly into the Conjuring tapestry. A notable moment arrives as the Warrens’ daughter Judy directly confronts the supernatural, with the secret museum serving as a dramatic backdrop.
Magic, 2013, dir. James Wan
Viewed as part of the opening arc for The Conjuring universe, this film showcases James Wan’s talent for turning fear into intimate moments. The Warrens, inspired by real-life paranormal investigators, become one of cinema’s most memorable couples. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga anchor the emotional core, guiding the audience through a blend of supernatural dread and believable partnership. It remains a strong example of horror that fuses gothic menace with personal, relatable ties.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, 2021, dir. Michael Chavez
Directed by Michael Chavez, this entry leans into a detective-noir vibe while continuing to harness supernatural terror. The Warrens tackle a case that blends legal drama with a chilling curse, introducing a fearsome witch and a mystery that unfolds with glossy suspense. The cross-genre approach gives the film a distinct texture within the series, keeping things fresh while honoring the core themes. It generated strong fan engagement and added a memorable layer to the ongoing saga.
The Conjuring 2, 2016, dir. James Wan
The sequel transports the Warrens to 1970s suburban London to confront the Enfield Poltergeist. It is widely regarded as a high point of the series, featuring the terrifying demon Valak and the eerie Crooked Man. The Conjuring 2 is hailed as one of the scariest and most exhilarating entries, honoring classic horror while pushing the franchise forward. It helped establish the series as a landmark in modern supernatural cinema.