The Conjuring series presents a tightly woven timeline of haunted cases based on the real investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. From the infamous Amityville haunting to the occult war in the Crooked Man story, viewers often wonder how each chapter fits together. This guide maps out the chronological order of the main films, connecting the supernatural threats and the Warrens’ evolving legacy.
By tracing the events in narrative order rather than release order, you can see how each case builds dread and deepens the shared universe. The following sections break down the core eras, character arcs, and supernatural milestones that define the cinematic journey.
Chronological Film Timeline at a Glance
| Film Title | Year | Primary Case | Connection to Warren Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring (2013) | 1971 | Perron family haunting in Harrisville, Rhode Island | Introduces the Warrens’ first major case in the series timeline |
| Annabelle (2014) | 1969–1971 | Origin story of the Annabelle doll in Santa Monica | Shows early supernatural artifacts later stored in the Warrens’ museum |
| The Conjuring 2 (2016) | 1977 | Enfield poltergeist case in London, England | Expands Warren reputation internationally within the timeline |
| Annabelle: Creation (2017) | 1957 prequel> | Origin of the Annabelle doll in 1957 | Deepens doll mythology before the 1969 incidents |
| The Nun (2018) | 1952 | Valak haunting in a Romanian abbey | Early encounter with entities linked later to other cases |
| The Crooked Man (2018) | 1981 | Jesse Locke’s supernatural bargain in Appalachia | Bridges Warren cases to the broader mythology |
| The Curse of La Llorona (2019) | 1973 | Los Angeles child abduction by a vengeful spirit | Parallel case to the Perron haunting in 1971 |
| Annabelle Comes Home (1976) | 1976 | The demonic presence inside the Warren home | Brings the doll narrative full circle in the timeline |
| The Haunting of Hill House (2018 series) | 1991 then 2006 | Core family trauma layered with supernatural events | Interweaves psychological and ghostly horror in the universe |
| The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020 series) | 1990s | Mysterious children and field staff at Bly Manor | Explores the light-versus-shadow spectrum linked to the Warrens |
The Early Encounters: 1950s to 1971
Annabelle: Creation sets the earliest timeline point in 1957
Annabelle: Creation takes place in 1957, making it the earliest installment chronologically. The film details how the notorious doll came into the possession of the Warrens, establishing a foundation for later supernatural artifacts. By the time the Perron family moves into their Rhode Island farmhouse in 1971, the doll already carries a documented history of evil, directly linking this case to the Warren legacy.
The Nun continues the 1950s era with Romanian horror
Set in 1952, The Nun explores Valak’s reign of terror inside a Romanian abbey. This story introduces a malevolent force that later intersects with the artifact collection seen in future films. While geographically distant from Rhode Island, the events inform the broader mythology, showing how ancient evils connect to the Warrens’ later investigations.
The 1970s: Core Warren Cases and Expanding Dread
The Conjuring begins the saga with the Perron investigation in 1971
Placed in 1971, The Conjuring marks the first chronological appearance of Ed and Lorraine Warren in the main series timeline. Their methodical approach to the Perron haunting sets the standard for subsequent cases. The artifacts retrieved from this farmhouse, including the infamous doll, become recurring elements that tie separate incidents together across the years.
Annabelle deepens the doll mythology in a 1976 setting
Annabelle Comes Home shifts to 1976, focusing on the demonic entity inside the Warrens’ home. This installment follows the original Annabelle film in timeline order, revealing how the couple handles a crisis on personal ground. The events reinforce that some threats are not isolated but part of a larger spiritual conflict involving the artifacts they collect.
The Curse of La Llorona overlaps 1973 Los Angeles
Set in 1973, The Curse of La Llorona runs parallel to the Perron case and expands the series’ geographic scope. Though occurring earlier in 1973, it is narratively positioned after the Annabelle origin stories. This film demonstrates that the Warrens’ influence extends beyond New England, addressing widespread supernatural dangers facing vulnerable families.
The 1970s Finale and 1980s Turning Point
The Conjuring 2 brings the Warrens to London in 1977
Chronologically situated in 1977, The Conjuring 2 shows the Warrens confronting a powerful poltergeist across the Atlantic. This case tests their partnership and resources, directly influencing their future work with other entities. The Enfield story serves as a bridge between earlier hauntings and later mythos-heavy installments involving demonic pacts.
The Crooked Man marks the move into adult horror around 1981
Set in 1981, The Crooked Man introduces a supernatural debt collector tied to Appalachian folklore. This entry diverges from classic possession themes, focusing on moral consequences and personal bargains. It expands the series’ scope while remaining connected to the Warren legacy through indirect encounters and shared mythological elements.
Key Takeaways
- The series begins in 1952 with The Nun and deepens doll lore in 1957 via Annabelle: Creation.
- The main Warren cases unfold from 1971 (The Conjuring) through 1977 (The Conjuring 2).
- Parallel stories like The Curse of La Llorona (1973) extend the timeline geographically and thematically.
- Later entries such as The Crooked Man (1981) shift tone and focus while preserving continuity.
- Annabelle Comes Home (1976) closes the doll arc within the Warren home context.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does The Conjuing series not follow release order?
The films are presented here by story chronology rather than release date to clarify how each supernatural case fits into the Warrens’ timeline, helping viewers understand cause-and-effect across the shared universe.
Does The Nun take place before The Conjuring?
Yes, The Nun is set in 1952, well before The Conjuring’s 1971 setting, making it an early chapter that informs later encounters with artifacts tied to the Warren collection.
Where does The Crooked Man fit in the timeline?
The Crooked Man occurs in 1981, placing it after The Conjuring 2 and into the later Warren years, showing how their cases evolve into more personal and morally complex supernatural encounters.
How does Annabelle: Creation affect the overall sequence?
As a prequel set in 1957, Annabelle: Creation explains the origin of the haunted doll that appears in later films, establishing a continuous lineage of cursed artifacts within the Warren mythology.