Rating 'The Conjuring' Films: A Guide to the Haunted Universe
- Shauna Bushe
- Sep 7, 2025
- 8 min read
By Shauna Bushe - September 7, 2025
The occult has been explored throughout the years and since become a staple subgenre within Horror. Drawing parallels from concepts of demonic possession, exorcisms, the metaphysical, haunted houses etc. One could argue it all ignited from the huge success of The Exorcist in 1973. Considering that, a lineage of movies in the same vein have been produced, like: Poltergeist (1982), The Haunting in Connecticut (2009) and Paranormal Activity (2007). In addition, The Conjuring released in 2013 and offered a fresh new spin on the already well-established genre. Spearheaded by James Wan, the original film was a hit at the box office and spawned a new decade of the supernatural phenomena.
As the final instalment, The Conjuring: Last Rites releases this weekend what better time to revisit the interconnected universe. Here are all 10 instalments of The Conjuring universe ranked.
The Conjuring (2013) dir, James Wan - 5/5
Set in 1971 The Conjuring explores an event based on a true story. We follow Ed and Lorraine Warren, two of the worlds more renowned paranormal investigators as they help a family in Rhode Island vanquish demonic disturbances from their home.
The movie that started it all remains the scariest and most intelligent of the bunch. Its haunted house setting, strong cast and potent evil keeps you on the edge of your seat. It doesn’t heavily rely on jump-scares, but they are doused around enough to never let you have a moments peace. Its old-fashioned style is prominently charming, the sound design is loud and crashes with intensity, its well-crafted and what’s more impressive is the main use of practical effects, delivering a more refreshing experience. Extensively James Wans use of long-winded shots with the camera lays a dense, thick atmosphere that envelops you with the intent to discompose you. Wilson and Farmiga are all consuming, their chemistry is unbreakable and together their powerful duology is central to the films overall influence and Lili Taylor gave a harrowing performance as the victim of the demon’s wrath.
Annabelle (2014) dir, John R. Leonetti - 3/5
John thinks he’s found the perfect gift for his expectant wife Mia: a vintage doll in a beautiful white dress. However, the couples delight doesn’t last long. One fateful night members of a satanic cult invade their home and launch a violent attack against the couple with the intent to use their doll as a conduit for unimaginable evil. This unleashes a string of paranormal attacks in the formers home.
The franchises first spin-off places second overall, having released only one year after the original Conjuring. Exploring the lore behind the infamous Anabelle doll which we see briefly in the 2013 film. Unfortunately, Annabelle failed to turn out anywhere near as scary as its predecessor. Although still frightening in places, maintaining the same bleak tones, it fell short in capturing the true demonic essence of the said doll. The pacing is a lot slower, scares too few, less creative camera angels and essentially leaves this instalment in an awkward state as the other films explore the dolls origins and connection to the Warrens in much more compelling detail.
The Conjuring 2 (2016) dir, James Wan - 5/5
In 1977 Peggy a single mother of four children seeks the help of occult investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren when she and her children become victim to dangerous paranormal events in their house.
The Conjuring 2 deepens its skills and follows the same beat as the original with a stifling atmosphere, ominous cinematography, disorientating camera work, terrorizing viewers with horrific imagery that lingers long after and unforgettable performances from all involved. Tasking itself with further exploring other demonic entities by introducing The Nun and The Crooked Man. Their characters relied heavily on real actors in make-up, and the use of CGI was kept sparingly. Often mixed with wire work, stunt performers and practical effects, this was to ensure the scares were effective. Wilson and Farmiga return with an even stronger on-screen partnership, Farmiga especially holds such power in her female gaze it’s impossible to not be moved whenever she takes the lead. Also, the gifted Madison Wolfe is the major emotional component that transforms this horror story into a tale of a triumphant survivor.
Annabelle Creation (2017) dir, David F Sandberg - 4/5
A doll maker and his wife embed the spirit of their deceased daughter inside a doll. Years later, a Nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage become victims of the possessed doll, Annabelle.
Annabelle Creation adds a much stronger chapter into the ConjurVerse, proving that dolls are indefinitely horrifying. Lulu Wilson (Becky) and Talitha Bateman (Countdown) star as the young orphans terrorized by the demon in their new home. As most of the Conjuring films in turn feature prominent performances from children, Annabelle Creation is the first to use them as the primary leads. Children are vastly considered a symbol of innocence, of light and having them this vulnerable immediately creates a distasteful atmosphere and heightens tension, separating this film from the others exponentially. This sequel is a stellar improvement over the previous Annabelle; it showcases far more consistent scares and explores the distressing origins of the haunted doll.
The Nun (2018) dir, Corin Hardy - 4/5
When a young Nun at a cloistered abbey in Romania takes her own life, a priest with a haunted past and a novitiate on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate. Together, they uncover the orders unholy secret. Risking not only their lives but their faith and their very souls, they confront a malevolent force in the form of a demonic Nun.
The Conjuring movies have always been family orientated, now real-life sisters Taissa and Vera Farmiga lead their own stories within the universe. As Sister Irene (Taissa) takes on the infamous Valek, a demonic Nun first introduced in The Conjuring 2. The Nun received many negative reviews for its repetitive gimmicks, its lacklustre scares. Nonetheless it still managed some redeeming qualities, like within its set pieces which were equally chilling as they are visually awing, the cast who made it easy to connect with; one moment they make you laugh, the next you’re fearing for their soul. Sister Irene and Frenchie held a lot of heart for each other which also helped the film feel familiar and comfortable. The camera work remains as clever as ever, the way a single frame can deceive you from what is truly there and make you fear otherwise, it leaves you frantically analysing every corner so when a scare does happen you are caught off guard. Whilst the spin off didn’t break any new ground it did explore the backdrop of The Nun, carrying the film to a satisfying conclusion.
The Curse of La Llorona (2019) dir, Michael Chavas - 3.5/5
When Patricia is found endangering the lives of her sons Anna puts her behind bars. However, when Annas own children are endangered, she suspects that there is more than human involvement at play.
Set in 1973 LA, Curse of La Llorona explores the Latin American folklore of The Weeping Women. Whilst this film has been insisted as not canon within the franchise it is still a spooky film, full of energetic performances and a creepy vengeful spirit. Rather than tapping into the full source material, it’s heavy on the jump scares and misplaces its potential for the use of generic tropes.
Anabelle Comes Home (2019) dir, Gary Dauberman - 3.5/5
Judy and her babysitter are left alone in her house after her parents leave to investigate a case. However, an unexpected guest sets Annabelle free, unleashing demonic activity in the house.
Annabelle Comes Home is far from an afterthought. Providing continuity, a creepy atmosphere and maintains the same quality as the two original Conjuring films. It’s a worthy addition that doesn’t rely on explicit themes to sell its scares, instead they lay in wait with sweaty palms and laboured breathing. Whilst it suffers from the stereotypical “wrong decision-making” trope it is supported by a strong narrative, characters you actually want to survive and the immersive location of the Warrens Occult Museum.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) dir, Micheal Chaves - 3.5/5
Arne Cheyenne Johnson stabs and murders his landlord, claiming to be under demonic possession while Ed and Lorraine Warren investigate the case and try to prove his innocence.
The third instalment in The Conjuring universe, The Devil Made Me Do It sees a mixture of supernatural events as Ed and Lorraine Warren tackle more than one case at a time. This jumbled story creates a short fall from its predecessors, however, makes up for it with a fascinating murder mystery between its layers. Whilst not necessarily as scary as the others and brought down by awkward looking CGI the mood and atmosphere are a great tension builder, creating a solid foundation for the film to do what it needs in the long run. As the viewer you grow fond of the victimized family as they navigate the unexpected, you’re engaged with Ed and Lorraine whose relationship keeps defying the odds and thoroughly entertained by the films change in style from new director Michael Chaves.
The Nun II (2023) dir, Michael Chaves - 3/5
In 1956 France, a priest is murdered, and it seems an evil is spreading. Sister Irene once again comes face to face with a demonic force.
Valak the Demon has proven to be one of the most popular antagonists in the franchise. Bonnie Aarons who plays the character underneath all the make-up gives a terrifying performance and her striking facial features only enhance the creep factor. Taissa Farmiga returns as Sister Irene, with an unwavering strength, a more internal bravery and is ready to fight against the entity trying to destroy her friend. The Nun is the only spinoff to test gore, opening with what could be considered a rather brutal kill. Its tasteful, not overdone, essentially used for shock factor and it is indeed an intense first act. Then downplays itself into returning to usual disorientating camera work by using its environment to bring its demonic essence to life: specifically, the news-paper scene, I thought that was genius. And that’s the ConjurVerse style, it doesn’t try to be campy, or cheesy, but completely effective with its scares.
The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) dir, Michael Chaves – 4/5
In 1986 paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to Pennsylvania to vanquish a demon from a family's home.
A spinetingling heartfelt farewell to The Warrens pioneer career. What carries Last Rites to its gratifying conclusion is the powerhouse performances from Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Their deep admiration and love for each other is difficult not to gush over. Whats more is the dynamic between them and their daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) who gets to take the lead once again, but this time with a larger understanding of the gift she shares with her parents. As we uncover truths about The Warrens, it brings us face to face with an even fiercer demonic spirit that this time wants their daughter. Last Rites brings back the successful scares by using creepy dolls, cursed toys and eerie mirrors. Feeling similar to the first Conjuring films, the atmosphere is flooded with tension, darkness, making the jump scares all that more effective. The CGI is awkward in places, leaving some scenes lacklustre, but that doesn’t corrupt the film from its initial emotional impact. Michael Chaves showed true care and respect for the work of The Warrens, sharing that with a wholesome tribute to them throughout the credits, along with some returning familiar faces.
'The Conjuring: Last Rites' is now in cinemas everywhere.
