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- The Full, Chronological Timeline of All the Conjuring Movies – So Far
The Full, Chronological Timeline of All the Conjuring Movies – So Far
It may come as a shock to know that The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is actually the eighth film to take place in what has been dubbed “The Conjuring Universe.” The horror franchise initially began with stories tied to paranormal investigations led by famed demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. In the eight years since The Conjuring first terrified audiences in 2013, quite a few new entries have entered the fold, including a few without the Warrens front and centre. As we move forward into the future, with more movies based in this universe on the horizon, we figured now was as good a time as any to establish a timeline of when each story takes place and how they all connect to each other.
– Additional reporting by Grayson Gilcrease
The Nun - 1952 and 1971
The Nun follows the investigation of a suspicious death at a remote Romanian abbey by a skeptical priest, a nun-in-training who keeps having visions, and a local man. Set in 1952, the film sheds light on the origins of Valak, the demonic nun seen terrorizing Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring 2. The ending jumps ahead to 1971, connecting Frenchie to the events of The Conjuring and the seminar held by Ed and Lorraine Warren.
When the film was released in 2018, fans theorized there could be a deeper connection between Sister Irene and Lorraine Warren due to the actresses real-life familial connection; they’re played by sisters Taissa and Vera Farmiga. “I think it could be fun,” Taissa said in a previous interview with Coming Soon. “I think that we should see what the writers come up with. I feel like if they do it they’ll find a fun, interesting way to make it happen and it won’t be too obvious. That’s what I hope. Maybe my expectations are too high? I think it’s gonna be great, we’ll see. No promises, I can’t promise!”
Annabelle: Creation - 1943 and 1955
In 1943, the Mullins family accidentally summons a malevolent spirit after the death of their daughter Annabelle. The grief-stricken couple lock away the possessed Annabelle doll and bless their house after it attacks and injures Esther. 12 years later, Sister Charlotte and a group of orphans are welcomed by Samuel and Esther Mullins into their home. Not long after their arrival, a polio-stricken orphan by the name of Janice discovers the haunted Annabelle doll and becomes the evil entity’s next vessel.
Annabelle - 1967
The beginning of Annabelle starts where Annabelle: Creation leaves off, with an older Janice trying to complete a satanic ritual. In the film, the doll only becomes possessed after Janice’s blood drips on its face. Annabelle eventually finds her way into an antique shop, where a mother purchases her as a gift for her daughter.
The Conjuring - 1971
The Conjuring takes place in 1971, after Ed and Lorraine Warren are approached for help by Carolyn Perron at a seminar. Things escalate once the Warrens uncover the Perron family home’s horrific history.
Annabelle Comes Home - 1972
Once Annabelle is locked away in their mysterious artifacts room, Ed and Lorraine Warren head off to investigate another case, leaving their daughter in the care of a babysitter. Annabelle lures the babysitter into the artifacts room as it springs to life, causing those in the house to fight for survival. The artifacts room features a number of paranormal “souvenirs” confiscated from the Warrens’ previous investigations, including the music box from The Conjuring.
The Curse of La Llorona - 1673 and 1973
The Curse of La Llorona begins in Mexico in 1673, with a mother drowning her children. It then jumps ahead 300 years to Los Angeles 1973, where social worker Anna Tate-Garcia accidentally becomes La Llorona’s next target. The film’s only connection to the rest of The Conjuring Universe is Annabelle‘s Father Perez, who Anna asks for help with vanquishing the spirit.
The Conjuring 2 - 1977
The story of the Enfield haunting takes place in England in 1977, where malicious spirits make the Warrens their next target. The Conjuring 2 is the first time we’re introduced to Valak, the demonic nun that frequently haunts Lorraine, and the Crooked Man, who is set to get his own spinoff in The Conjuring Universe.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It - 1981
Based on the Arne Cheyenne Johnson murder trial, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It takes place over the course of 1981. Beginning with David Glatzel’s exorcism, the Warrens also help Arne out with his defense of not guilty by reason of demonic possession. There aren’t many connections to the other movies outside of the Perron family, who send the Warrens condolence flowers.