Conjuring Universe: All 10 Movies Ranked From Worst To Best

Sep 14, 2025 by Rajiv Sharma 60 views

Hey horror fans! Ever wondered how the movies in the Conjuring Universe stack up against each other? With a whopping 10 films in the franchise, it's time we dove deep and ranked them all from the least spooky to the most terrifying. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through demonic possessions, creepy dolls, and everything that goes bump in the night. Let's jump right into it, guys!

10. The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

At the bottom of our list is The Curse of La Llorona. While it tries to tap into the chilling legend of the Weeping Woman, this movie, unfortunately, falls short of delivering the scares we've come to expect from the Conjuring Universe. The film follows a social worker in 1970s Los Angeles who must save her children from a malevolent spirit trying to steal them. The concept itself has potential, drawing from a well-known and genuinely creepy Latin American folktale. La Llorona, the wailing woman who drowned her children and now seeks to replace them, is a figure ripe for horror. However, the execution is where this movie stumbles. The scares often rely on jump scares that feel predictable and lack the psychological depth that makes the best Conjuring movies so effective. The characters, while adequately portrayed, don't have the depth needed to truly connect with the audience, making it difficult to invest in their plight fully.

The narrative feels somewhat disjointed, and the connections to the broader Conjuring Universe feel tenuous at best, almost like an afterthought to capitalize on the franchise's popularity. There are moments where the film hints at deeper themes, such as the struggles of single motherhood and the challenges faced by social workers, but these are never fully explored, leaving the story feeling somewhat superficial. The visual effects, while decent, don't quite reach the level of polish seen in other entries in the series, which further detracts from the overall impact. Ultimately, The Curse of La Llorona is a missed opportunity. It had the potential to add a unique cultural flavor to the Conjuring Universe, but it doesn't quite hit the mark. It's not a terrible movie by any means, but when compared to the other films in the franchise, it simply doesn't measure up in terms of scares, story, or overall quality. If you're a die-hard Conjuring fan, it might be worth a watch to complete your collection, but for casual viewers, there are far better options within the universe to choose from.

9. Annabelle (2014)

Coming in at number nine, we have the first spin-off centered around the creepy doll, Annabelle. This movie serves as an origin story for the demonic doll, but it doesn't quite capture the magic of the main Conjuring films. The film is set before the events of The Conjuring and tells the story of a young couple, John and Mia Form, who are terrorized by the doll after a home invasion. The initial premise has promise, tapping into the inherent creepiness of dolls and the vulnerability of new parents. Annabelle, with her unsettling gaze and eerie presence, is undoubtedly a memorable figure in the horror genre. However, the movie struggles to build a consistent sense of dread. The scares are often isolated incidents rather than a creeping, pervasive sense of unease, which is a hallmark of the better Conjuring films. The narrative, while straightforward, feels somewhat predictable, and the characters, while likable, lack the depth and complexity that would make their plight truly resonate. There are moments of genuine tension, particularly in the first half of the film, but these are often undercut by clichés and formulaic horror tropes.

The connection to the broader Conjuring Universe feels somewhat forced, and the film doesn't quite manage to establish a strong identity of its own. It relies heavily on jump scares, which, while effective in the short term, don't contribute to a lasting sense of fear. The visual effects are decent, but they don't elevate the film to the level of other entries in the series. Annabelle is not a bad movie, but it's a somewhat forgettable one. It has its moments, but it doesn't quite capture the atmosphere and suspense that define the best films in the Conjuring Universe. If you're looking for a solid scare, there are better options within the franchise, but if you're interested in the lore of Annabelle herself, it's worth a watch. Just don't expect it to keep you up all night.

8. Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Moving up the ranks, we have Annabelle: Creation. This prequel to Annabelle fares better, offering a more coherent and chilling story. This movie goes back to the origins of the Annabelle doll, showing how it became possessed in the first place. Set in the 1950s, it tells the story of a dollmaker and his wife who, grieving the loss of their daughter, open their home to a group of orphaned girls. Of course, things quickly go south when the demonic presence attached to the Annabelle doll starts to terrorize them. What Annabelle: Creation does well is building suspense. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the movie takes its time to ratchet up the tension before unleashing its scares. The setting, a large, isolated house, is classic horror fare, but it's used effectively to create a sense of claustrophobia and vulnerability. The characters, particularly the orphaned girls, are well-drawn, and their fear feels palpable. We genuinely care about their safety, which makes the scares all the more effective.

The film also benefits from strong performances and a more cohesive narrative than its predecessor. The backstory of the doll is compelling, and the movie does a good job of weaving it into the larger Conjuring Universe. There are some genuinely creepy moments, and the scares feel earned rather than just thrown in for shock value. However, Annabelle: Creation still isn't perfect. It relies on some familiar horror tropes, and the climax, while exciting, feels a bit rushed. The connection to the broader universe, while stronger than in the first Annabelle film, still feels somewhat tangential. Overall, Annabelle: Creation is a solid horror movie and a significant improvement over the original Annabelle. It's not one of the top-tier Conjuring films, but it's a worthwhile entry in the franchise that delivers a good dose of scares and suspense. If you're an Annabelle fan, this one is definitely worth checking out.

7. The Nun (2018)

At number seven, we have The Nun, which delves into the origins of the demonic nun Valak. This movie takes us to Romania, where a priest and a novice nun are sent to investigate the mysterious death of a young nun. The setting, a creepy Romanian monastery, is undeniably atmospheric, and the film does a good job of creating a sense of gothic horror. Valak, the demonic nun, is one of the most visually striking villains in the Conjuring Universe, and her presence is genuinely unsettling. The movie has some strong moments, particularly in its visuals and atmosphere. The decaying monastery, the fog-shrouded landscapes, and the eerie lighting all contribute to a sense of dread. The action sequences, while not always groundbreaking, are well-executed and keep the tension high. The characters, while not as fully developed as in some other Conjuring films, are likable enough, and their plight is easy to sympathize with.

However, The Nun suffers from a somewhat convoluted plot and a reliance on jump scares over sustained suspense. The mythology of Valak is interesting, but the movie doesn't quite manage to flesh it out in a satisfying way. The scares, while initially effective, become somewhat repetitive, and the film loses some of its momentum in the second half. The connection to the broader Conjuring Universe feels a bit forced, and the movie doesn't quite manage to integrate itself seamlessly into the established lore. Ultimately, The Nun is a decent horror movie, but it doesn't quite live up to its potential. It has some great visuals and a memorable villain, but its plot and pacing issues hold it back. It's worth a watch for fans of the Conjuring Universe, but don't expect it to be one of the scariest entries in the franchise.

6. The Nun II (2023)

Coming in at sixth place is The Nun II, the latest installment in the Conjuring Universe. Serving as a direct sequel to The Nun, this film attempts to expand on the mythology of Valak and deliver more scares. Set in 1956, the story follows Sister Irene as she once again faces off against the demonic nun, this time in a boarding school in France. The premise is solid, and the film has some strong elements, including its atmospheric setting and the return of familiar characters. The Nun II tries to improve upon its predecessor by offering a more coherent narrative and a greater emphasis on character development. Sister Irene's journey is compelling, and the film does a good job of exploring her faith and her determination to fight evil. The supporting characters are also well-drawn, and their interactions add depth to the story. The scares are a mixed bag. Some are genuinely effective, relying on suspense and atmosphere to create a sense of dread, while others feel more predictable and rely on jump scares. The visual effects are generally well-done, and Valak remains a formidable and visually striking villain.

However, The Nun II still suffers from some of the same issues as its predecessor. The plot, while more streamlined, can still feel convoluted at times, and the mythology of Valak remains somewhat murky. The pacing is uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed and others dragging on for too long. The connection to the broader Conjuring Universe feels somewhat tenuous, and the film doesn't quite manage to integrate itself seamlessly into the established lore. Overall, The Nun II is a decent horror movie and a slight improvement over The Nun. It's not one of the top-tier Conjuring films, but it offers a reasonable dose of scares and suspense. If you enjoyed the first Nun movie, you'll likely find something to appreciate in this sequel, but don't expect it to be a game-changer for the franchise.

5. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

Breaking into the top five, we have Annabelle Comes Home. This film brings the focus back to the Warrens and their haunted artifact room, making it a fun and creepy ride. This movie is set after the Warrens have taken Annabelle into their home and locked her away in their artifact room. However, things go awry when the doll's presence awakens the other evil spirits in the room, and the Warrens' young daughter and her babysitters must fight to survive the night. What Annabelle Comes Home does exceptionally well is creating a sense of claustrophobia and dread. The artifact room, filled with all sorts of creepy objects, is a perfect setting for a horror movie, and the film makes the most of it. The scares are varied and well-executed, ranging from subtle chills to outright terrifying encounters. The characters are likable, and their reactions to the paranormal events feel genuine. We're invested in their safety, which makes the scares all the more effective.

The movie also benefits from a strong sense of atmosphere and a tight, focused plot. It doesn't try to do too much, instead opting to deliver a solid, scare-filled experience. The connections to the broader Conjuring Universe are seamless, and the film feels like a natural extension of the main series. However, Annabelle Comes Home isn't without its flaws. Some of the scares can feel a bit predictable, and the climax, while exciting, doesn't quite reach the heights of the best Conjuring films. The movie also relies on some familiar horror tropes, but it does so effectively enough that it doesn't detract too much from the overall experience. Overall, Annabelle Comes Home is a fun and scary movie that's a worthy addition to the Conjuring Universe. It's not the scariest entry in the franchise, but it delivers a solid dose of thrills and chills. If you're a fan of the Annabelle doll or the Warrens, this one is definitely worth watching.

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

Just missing the top three is The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. This installment takes the franchise in a slightly different direction, focusing on a court case where demonic possession is used as a legal defense. This movie is based on a true story and tells the tale of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who claimed he was possessed by a demon when he committed a murder. The Warrens investigate the case, uncovering a sinister conspiracy and facing off against a powerful demonic force. What The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It does well is its blending of horror and true crime elements. The court case aspect adds a unique dimension to the story, and the movie does a good job of building suspense and mystery. The Warrens are, as always, compelling characters, and their relationship is at the heart of the film. The scares are well-executed, and the movie has some genuinely creepy moments. The visual effects are also top-notch, and the demonic entities are suitably terrifying.

However, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It isn't quite as scary as some of the other entries in the series. The focus on the legal aspects of the case sometimes detracts from the horror elements, and the movie can feel a bit uneven in its pacing. The connection to the broader Conjuring Universe is strong, but the movie doesn't quite reach the heights of the original Conjuring films. Overall, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is a solid horror movie and a worthwhile addition to the franchise. It's not the scariest entry, but it offers a unique story and some compelling characters. If you're a fan of true crime and horror, this one is definitely worth checking out.

3. The Conjuring 2 (2016)

Cracking the top three, we have The Conjuring 2, which brings back Ed and Lorraine Warren to investigate another terrifying case, this time in England. This film is set in 1977 and tells the story of the Enfield Poltergeist, a case involving a family in England who are terrorized by a demonic entity. The Warrens travel to England to investigate, facing off against a powerful and malevolent spirit. What The Conjuring 2 does well is building suspense and creating a sense of dread. The setting, a modest house in Enfield, becomes a terrifying space as the demonic activity intensifies. The characters are well-developed, and the family's fear feels palpable. We're invested in their safety, which makes the scares all the more effective. The movie also introduces Valak, the demonic nun, who has since become one of the most iconic villains in the Conjuring Universe.

The scares are varied and well-executed, ranging from subtle chills to outright terrifying encounters. The visual effects are top-notch, and the demonic entities are suitably creepy. The film also benefits from strong performances and a tight, focused plot. The Warrens' relationship is at the heart of the story, and their dedication to helping others is inspiring. However, The Conjuring 2 isn't without its flaws. Some of the scares can feel a bit predictable, and the movie can be a bit long at times. The connection to the broader Conjuring Universe is strong, but the movie doesn't quite reach the heights of the original Conjuring. Overall, The Conjuring 2 is a fantastic horror movie and a worthy sequel to the original. It's not quite as groundbreaking, but it delivers a solid dose of scares and suspense. If you're a fan of the Conjuring Universe, this one is a must-watch.

2. Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Securing the second spot is Annabelle: Creation, a prequel that many fans consider one of the scariest in the series. This film delves into the origins of the Annabelle doll, showing how it became possessed in the first place. Set in the 1950s, it tells the story of a dollmaker and his wife who, grieving the loss of their daughter, open their home to a group of orphaned girls. Of course, things quickly go south when the demonic presence attached to the Annabelle doll starts to terrorize them. What Annabelle: Creation does exceptionally well is building suspense. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the movie takes its time to ratchet up the tension before unleashing its scares. The setting, a large, isolated house, is classic horror fare, but it's used effectively to create a sense of claustrophobia and vulnerability. The characters, particularly the orphaned girls, are well-drawn, and their fear feels palpable. We genuinely care about their safety, which makes the scares all the more effective.

1. The Conjuring (2013)

And finally, at the top of our list, we have the movie that started it all: The Conjuring. This film is a masterclass in horror, and it remains the gold standard for the franchise. Based on a true story, The Conjuring tells the tale of the Perron family, who are terrorized by a dark presence in their Rhode Island farmhouse. Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators, are called in to help, and they soon find themselves facing off against a powerful demonic force. What The Conjuring does exceptionally well is building tension and creating a sense of dread. The atmosphere is thick with unease from the very beginning, and the movie expertly ratchets up the suspense until it reaches a fever pitch. The scares are varied and well-executed, ranging from subtle chills to outright terrifying encounters. The characters are well-developed, and the Perron family's fear feels palpable. We're invested in their safety, which makes the scares all the more effective.

The film also benefits from strong performances from Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the Warrens, as well as the entire Perron family cast. The story is compelling, and the movie does a good job of balancing the horror elements with the human drama. The Conjuring is a masterclass in how to build suspense and deliver scares without relying on cheap jump scares. The cinematography, sound design, and editing all work together to create a truly terrifying experience. The connections to the broader Conjuring Universe are seamless, and the movie feels like a complete and satisfying story on its own. Overall, The Conjuring is a landmark horror film and the best entry in the Conjuring Universe. It's a must-watch for any horror fan, and it's a testament to the power of effective storytelling and atmospheric horror. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out on one of the scariest movies of the 21st century.

So, there you have it, guys! Our ranking of all 10 movies in the Conjuring Universe. What do you think? Do you agree with our list, or would you rank them differently? Let us know in the comments below. And remember, sleep tight!