Unmasking the Fear: All Conjuring Universe Movies, Ranked from the Shadows

The Conjuring Universe has evolved into a formidable modern horror franchise, meticulously crafting a tapestry of terror woven around real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. What began with a chilling true story has since expanded into a sprawling cinematic universe, introducing audiences to iconic demons, cursed artifacts, and a seemingly endless wellspring of jump scares and psychological dread.

But with so many entries, which films truly stand out as beacons of fright, and which merely flicker in the darkness?

We've delved into every spine-tingling installment, from the possessed dolls to the demonic nuns, to deliver the definitive ranking. Prepare to revisit your deepest fears as we countdown the Conjuring Universe films, from the least effective scare to the absolute masterclass in terror.

9.

The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

While technically part of the Conjuring Universe, The Curse of La Llorona feels like a distant relative rather than a core family member. Directed by Michael Chaves (who would later tackle The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It), this film attempts to integrate the classic Mexican folklore of the weeping woman into the established supernatural framework.

However, its execution is often more tedious than terrifying, relying heavily on predictable jump scares and a plot that struggles to maintain genuine tension. The scares are largely telegraphed, and the characters, unfortunately, fail to elicit much emotional investment, making this entry easily the weakest link in the universe.

8.

Annabelle (2014)

The first spin-off from the original Conjuring, Annabelle had the daunting task of fleshing out the origins of the infamous demonic doll. Unfortunately, it largely squandered its potential. While visually eerie in parts, the film succumbs to many horror clichés, offering a rather generic possession story that never quite delivers on the promise of its terrifying antagonist.

The scares are functional but lack the inventive punch of its predecessor, and the narrative feels more like a direct-to-video effort than a big-screen fright fest. It's a foundational piece for the universe, but not a particularly strong one.

7. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)

Moving away from the haunted house trope, The Devil Made Me Do It takes Ed and Lorraine Warren into a murder investigation where demonic possession is offered as a legal defense.

This ambitious shift in narrative, while commendably different, unfortunately, dilutes some of the core strengths of the franchise. While there are some genuinely creepy moments and a strong central performance from Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, the film often feels more like a procedural thriller with horror elements rather than a pure supernatural chiller.

The demon's motivations are convoluted, and the scares, though present, don't land with the same gut-wrenching impact as earlier entries.

6. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

A significant improvement over its predecessor, Annabelle Comes Home wisely confines the demonic doll to the Warrens' infamous artifact room.

What follows is a fun, albeit slightly predictable, night of terror as Annabelle awakens other malevolent entities. The film benefits from a smaller, more intimate setting and a focus on the Warrens' daughter, Judy, and her babysitters. It’s a classic haunted house scenario, elevated by some clever scares and a clear reverence for the Conjuring lore.

While it doesn't break new ground, it's a solid, entertaining horror film that embraces its cheesy fun.

5. Annabelle: Creation (2017)

A true redemption for the Annabelle saga, Annabelle: Creation serves as a prequel to the 2014 film, detailing the doll's true origins and its initial reign of terror.

Director David F. Sandberg injects a much-needed shot of creativity and tension into the spin-off series. The film is genuinely frightening, featuring some of the most memorable and effective jump scares in the entire universe. Its isolated setting, compelling child protagonists, and unrelenting sense of dread make it a surprisingly effective and highly enjoyable horror experience.

This is how you do an origin story right.

4. The Nun (2018)

While opinions are often divided on The Nun, its sheer atmosphere and effective visual scares secure its spot as a formidable entry. Set in a remote Romanian abbey, the film plunges viewers into a gothic nightmare, exploring the origins of the terrifying demon Valak.

The sense of isolation and creeping dread is palpable, and the cinematography masterfully crafts a consistently unsettling environment. While the plot can be a bit thin, the film excels at creating a suffocating sense of fear, delivering some truly iconic and disturbing imagery that has cemented Valak as a fan-favorite villain.

3.

The Nun II (2023)

A welcome return to form, The Nun II significantly elevates the demonic nun's mythology and delivers a more polished and potent horror experience than its predecessor. Taissa Farmiga reprises her role as Sister Irene, who once again finds herself battling the relentless Valak.

This sequel ramps up the stakes, enhances the character development, and most importantly, provides a much stronger narrative backbone. The scares are more inventive, the pacing is tighter, and the overall sense of dread is far more consistent. It’s a genuinely terrifying and satisfying continuation of Valak’s chilling story, proving that some demons only get scarier with time.

2.

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

James Wan returned to direct the sequel to his smash hit, and he did not disappoint. The Conjuring 2 masterfully recreated the oppressive atmosphere of the first film while expanding the scope of the Warrens' investigations to Enfield, England. Introducing the terrifying Valak (the demon nun) and the Crooked Man, this film delivers a relentless onslaught of highly effective scares, chilling character moments, and a deeply emotional core centered around the Warrens' dedication to their calling and each other.

It’s a masterclass in building tension and releasing it with devastating impact, cementing its place as one of the best modern horror sequels.

1. The Conjuring (2013)

The film that started it all, The Conjuring remains the undisputed king of the universe. James Wan's original masterpiece is a meticulously crafted haunted house story, brimming with dread, psychological tension, and some of the most iconic jump scares in recent memory.

Based on the Perron family's true haunting, the film expertly blends genuine scares with compelling character work, making audiences truly care about the victims and the investigators. It's a film that understands the power of suggestion as much as the impact of a sudden fright, leaving an indelible mark on the horror genre and setting an incredibly high bar for every film that followed.

A perfect storm of terror, emotion, and masterful filmmaking.