Ranking the Conjuring Universe: From Worst to Best

The Conjuring Universe has become a modern staple of horror, captivating audiences with its chilling tales of demonic possession, haunted houses, and sinister entities. Spanning numerous films, this interconnected world, based loosely on the case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren, offers a rollercoaster of scares and suspense. From the initial shock of The Conjuring to the more recent additions, the franchise has had its share of hits and misses. So, let’s delve into the depths of this cinematic universe and rank each movie from worst to best, exploring what makes some entries truly terrifying and others less effective.

Understanding the Conjuring Universe

Before we dive into the ranking, it’s important to understand the chronological order and key elements that bind these movies together. The Conjuring Universe isn’t just about jump scares; it explores themes of faith, family, and the battle between good and evil.

The Core Elements:

• The Warrens: Ed and Lorraine Warren, demonologists and paranormal investigators, are central figures, appearing in the main Conjuring films and often indirectly influencing the spin-offs.
• Demonic Entities: Each film introduces new and terrifying demonic entities, from Annabelle the doll to Valak the demon nun.
• Based on True Events: While heavily dramatized, the films draw inspiration from real-life cases investigated by the Warrens.

The Ranking: From Least to Most Terrifying

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: ranking the Conjuring Universe movies. This ranking is based on a combination of factors including scariness, plot coherence, acting quality, and overall impact on the horror genre. It’s important to note that horror is subjective, and what scares one person may not scare another.

10. The Nun (2018)

The Nun delves into the origins of Valak, the demonic nun first introduced in The Conjuring 2. While the premise is intriguing, the execution falls short. The film relies heavily on jump scares and lacks the atmospheric dread that characterizes the best Conjuring movies. The plot is somewhat convoluted, and the characters are not as well-developed as in other installments. Ultimately, The Nun feels more like a generic horror film than a true addition to the Conjuring Universe. It does deliver some visually striking scenes, but these are not enough to elevate it above its narrative shortcomings. The backstory of Valak, though interesting on paper, feels underdeveloped and rushed within the film’s framework.

9. Annabelle (2014)

The first spin-off in the Conjuring Universe, Annabelle tells the origin story of the infamous doll. While the idea of a possessed doll is inherently creepy, Annabelle fails to fully capitalize on its potential. The story is predictable, and the scares are often telegraphed. The performances are decent, but the characters lack the depth needed to truly connect with the audience. The film suffers from a lack of originality, borrowing heavily from other possessed doll movies without adding anything new to the genre. It establishes Annabelle as a malevolent force, but the film itself is not particularly memorable. The atmosphere is generally lacking, and the pacing feels uneven.

8. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

Annabelle Comes Home picks up after the Warrens have locked Annabelle away in their artifact room. This film is more of an anthology, featuring multiple spirits unleashed by Annabelle’s presence. While it offers a wider variety of scares than its predecessor, it also feels less focused. The main characters, including the Warrens’ daughter Judy, are well-acted, but the plot feels somewhat contrived. The film relies on jump scares and creature designs that are more silly than scary at times. While entertaining, Annabelle Comes Home doesn’t quite reach the heights of the best Conjuring movies. It’s a fun, albeit lightweight, addition to the universe. The artifact room setting provides ample opportunity for creative scares, but the film doesn’t always deliver on that potential.

7. The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

Although technically part of the Conjuring Universe (through a brief cameo by Tony Amendola reprising his role as Father Perez from Annabelle), The Curse of La Llorona feels somewhat disconnected. The film tells the story of La Llorona, the Weeping Woman, a Mexican folklore legend. While the legend itself is terrifying, the film’s execution is uneven. The scares are often predictable, and the characters are not particularly memorable. The film does offer some genuinely creepy moments, but these are interspersed with clichés and jump scares. While it expands the Conjuring Universe’s reach into different cultural mythologies, it doesn’t quite capture the same magic as the core films. The connection to the Warrens is tenuous at best, making it feel like a standalone horror movie more than a true Conjuring film.

6. The Nun II (2023)

The Nun II attempts to rectify some of the shortcomings of its predecessor by focusing more on atmosphere and character development. Sister Irene, once again played by Taissa Farmiga, returns to confront Valak. While the film improves upon the original The Nun, it still struggles to fully realize its potential. The story is more coherent, and the scares are more effective, but the film still relies too heavily on jump scares. The performances are solid, and the setting is suitably creepy, but the film lacks the emotional depth that makes the best Conjuring movies so effective. It offers a more satisfying conclusion to Valak’s story, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the core Conjuring films. The expanded lore and exploration of Valak’s motivations are welcome additions, but the film ultimately feels like a mid-tier entry in the franchise.

5. Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Annabelle: Creation serves as a prequel to the first Annabelle film, exploring the origins of the doll and the tragedy that led to its possession. This film is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a more compelling story and more effective scares. The performances are strong, particularly from the young actresses playing the orphans who become Annabelle’s targets. The film builds suspense effectively, creating a sense of dread that permeates every scene. It cleverly connects to the wider Conjuring Universe, setting the stage for the events of the other films. Annabelle: Creation is a genuinely creepy and well-crafted horror movie, proving that prequels can sometimes surpass their originals. The farmhouse setting provides a claustrophobic and unsettling atmosphere, enhancing the overall sense of dread.

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

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It takes the franchise in a new direction, focusing on a court case where the defendant claims demonic possession as a defense. While it deviates from the haunted house formula of the previous Conjuring films, it still delivers plenty of scares and suspense. The story is based on a real-life case investigated by the Warrens, adding a layer of authenticity to the proceedings. The performances are excellent, and the film explores the psychological toll that the Warrens’ work takes on them. While some fans missed the traditional haunted house setting, The Devil Made Me Do It offers a fresh and engaging take on the Conjuring Universe. The courtroom drama adds an interesting new dimension to the franchise. It showcases the Warrens’ dedication to their work and their willingness to confront the darkest forces imaginable.

3. The Conjuring 2 (2016)

The Conjuring 2 revisits the Warrens as they investigate the Enfield Poltergeist case in London. This film is a worthy successor to the original, delivering a compelling story, strong performances, and plenty of scares. The introduction of Valak, the demonic nun, is a highlight, adding a new and terrifying villain to the Conjuring Universe. The film effectively builds suspense, creating a sense of dread that permeates every scene. The performances are excellent, particularly from Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as Lorraine and Ed Warren. The Conjuring 2 is a well-crafted and genuinely scary horror movie that expands the world of the Conjuring Universe in exciting ways. The Enfield house setting is effectively creepy and claustrophobic, enhancing the overall sense of dread.

2. The Conjuring (2013)

The film that started it all, The Conjuring, remains one of the best horror movies of the 21st century. Based on the real-life case of the Perron family, who were terrorized by a demonic presence in their Rhode Island farmhouse, The Conjuring is a masterclass in suspense and atmosphere. The performances are excellent, and the story is both terrifying and emotionally resonant. Director James Wan expertly builds tension, creating a sense of dread that permeates every scene. The film’s scares are effective because they are grounded in character and emotion, making the audience truly care about the Perron family and their plight. The Conjuring is a must-see for any horror fan and a benchmark for the genre. It established the Conjuring Universe as a force to be reckoned with. The film’s success spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, solidifying its place in horror history.

1. Lights Out (2016) *Unofficial Mention*

While not officially a part of the Conjuring Universe, Lights Out deserves an honorable mention due to James Wan’s involvement as a producer. This film, based on a short film of the same name, tells the story of a family terrorized by a supernatural entity that only appears when the lights are turned off. Lights Out is a genuinely terrifying and innovative horror movie that utilizes its simple premise to create a constant sense of dread. The performances are strong, and the film’s scares are both effective and creative. While it doesn’t share any direct connections to the Warrens or the other Conjuring films, Lights Out shares the same commitment to suspense, atmosphere, and character-driven horror that defines the best entries in the franchise. It’s a reminder that James Wan’s influence extends beyond the Conjuring Universe, shaping the landscape of modern horror. The film’s brevity and focused narrative contribute to its effectiveness.

The Conjuring Universe, while containing some weaker entries, has undoubtedly left its mark on the horror genre. From the chilling scares of The Conjuring to the spin-off stories that explore the origins of iconic demons, there’s something for every horror fan to enjoy. The franchise’s success lies in its ability to blend suspense, atmosphere, and character-driven storytelling, creating a world that is both terrifying and emotionally engaging. While not every film reaches the same heights, the Conjuring Universe continues to expand and evolve, offering new scares and new stories to captivate audiences. Whether you’re a seasoned horror veteran or a newcomer to the genre, the Conjuring Universe is a world worth exploring. Ultimately, the legacy of the Warrens and the demons they faced will continue to haunt the silver screen for years to come.