Since the release of James Wan’s original and terrifying The Conjuring in 2013, the interconnected universe from Warner Bros. has scared up a tremendous $2.1 billion worldwide.
The Conjuring Universe has become a cornerstone of modern horror cinema, delivering spine-tingling scares and supernatural thrills since its inception. From the dark adventures of The Warrens (Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson) to a horrifying Raggedy Ann doll known as Annabelle, the films have carved out their own niche in the horror genre.
With the release of the ninth film, The Nun 2, let’s rank these films from the Scare-riffic to the ho-hum.
1.The Conjuring (2013)
Undoubtedly, the film that launched it all deserves the top spot. Directed by James Wan and based on the real-life investigations of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring set the bar high for the entire franchise.
It blended a gripping storyline, compelling characters, and relentless scares. With its effective use of suspense and tension, it established the template for modern supernatural horror.
2. The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Sequels often struggle to live up to their predecessors, but The Conjuring 2 manages to maintain the high standard set by the first film. Once again directed by James Wan, it continues the Warrens’ adventures, this time in London.
The film offers a fresh array of spine-chilling set pieces and further deepens the characters’ emotional arcs. Wan’s direction and the performances of Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson elevate this sequel to near greatness.
3. Annabelle: Creation (2017)
Annabelle: Creation is a shining example of how to turn a lackluster spin-off into something genuinely horrifying. Director David F. Sandberg (Shazam!, Shazam! Fury of the Gods) successfully revitalized the possessed doll’s story, crafting a tale filled with dread and well-executed scares. The film is a prequel to the first Annabelle and excels in exploring the sinister origins of the cursed toy.
4. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
The latest installment in The Conjuring Universe, The Devil Made Me Do It, takes a slightly different approach by focusing on a real-life murder case defended by the Warrens.
While it may not reach the same heights as its predecessors, it still offers a solid dose of supernatural suspense and benefits from the strong chemistry between Farmiga and Wilson.
5. The Nun 2 (2023)
In this midquel, The Nun 2 takes viewers back into the terrifying domain of Valak, offering a more refined experience with improved pacing and tone. However, as the film benefits from some classic horror techniques to build tension, it struggles with a dilemma of being constrained by established canon, resulting in a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion.
Director Michael Chaves, known for his work in the horror genre, successfully infuses The Nun 2 with a much-needed sense of pacing and tone, setting it apart from its predecessor. One of the key elements that elevates this installment is the effective use of classic horror standbys to build suspense.
6. The Nun (2018)
The Nun ventured into the dark history of the demonic Valak, introduced in The Conjuring 2. Though it had a fair share of jump scares and a foreboding atmosphere, it relied heavily on these elements, occasionally at the expense of a coherent plot. Nevertheless, it contributes to the overarching lore of the franchise and introduces a memorable antagonist.
7. Annabelle (2014)
The first entry in the Annabelle spin-off series had its moments but couldn’t quite capture the same level of fear as its predecessors. The film leaned on conventional horror tropes and jump scares, often missing the subtler and more effective elements found in the main Conjuring films.
8. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
In Annabelle Comes Home, the possessed doll is let out of its box once again. While the film serves as a fun crossover within the Conjuring Universe, it leans heavily on familiar horror clichés, making it feel more like a haunted house amusement park ride than a fully fleshed-out narrative.
9. The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
The Curse of La Llorona is a minor entry in the universe, loosely connected to the main storyline. While it offers a few decent scares, it lacks the depth and originality of its counterparts. It falls short in terms of character development and fails to leave a lasting impact.
REELated:
The Conjuring Universe has provided horror enthusiasts with a slew of spine-tingling moments and an interconnected web of supernatural storytelling. From the groundbreaking first installment to the less-impressive entries, each film has contributed to the overall mythology. While some have excelled in their ability to deliver genuine fear and emotional depth, others have fallen victim to the genre’s clichés.
As the franchise continues to expand, with spin-offs and new stories on the horizon, it’s clear that the universe has secured its place in the pantheon of modern horror cinema. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, The Conjuring Universe has something to offer for anyone brave enough to venture into the darkness.
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The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
