Conjuring Universe: Prequels & Series Expand Spooky Franchise

The Conjuring franchise, initiated in 2013, continues to grow with new chapters. The most recent film, The Conjuring: Last Rites, arrived in theaters in 2025, with Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprising their roles as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Further expanding the universe, a prequel film and an HBO series are reportedly in development as of October 2025.

The supernatural horror series draws inspiration from the real-life paranormal investigations of the Warrens and is loosely based on actual occurrences. This foundation has led to a cinematic universe including titles like Annabelle (2014), The Nun (2018), and The Nun II (2023), with The Conjuring: Last Rites being the fourth installment of the main series.

The chronological order of the films begins with The Nun (2018), set in 1952, detailing the origins of the demon Valak. This is followed by Annabelle: Creation (2017), set in 1955, which explains how the possessed doll came to be. The Nun II (2023) is set in 1956, continuing Sister Irene's battle with Valak.

The original The Conjuring (2013) is set in 1971 and chronicles the Warrens' investigation into the Perron family's haunting. Annabelle (2014) delves deeper into the doll's backstory, set in 1967. Annabelle: Creation (2017) shows the doll tormenting a couple and their daughter.

The Conjuring 2 (2016), set in 1977, depicts the Warrens investigating the Enfield Poltergeist in London. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) is set in 1981 and centers on the real-life trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson. The latest film, The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025), is set in 1986 and is based on the case of Janet and Jack Smurl.

In a notable real-world development, comedian Matt Rife and YouTuber Elton Castee purchased the Warrens' paranormal museum in August 2025, becoming the new caretakers of their collection, including the infamous Annabelle doll.