The Definitive Ranking of The Conjuring Universe Movies From Worst to Best!
The Conjuring Universe is A Shining Example Within The Horror Genre
The Conjuring Universe is not only quickly becoming one of the biggest horror movie franchises of all time, but it’s arguably one of the best shared-movie-universes ever created. The whole thing is based on the case files and investigations of real-life paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren (though they take some artistic liberties with a few of the “facts”), and kicked off in 2013 with James Wan’s horror masterpiece, The Conjuring. Since then, it’s been pumping out (roughly) one new movie each year and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down yet. Those entries into The Conjuring Universe have varied wildly from inspiring achievements within the horror genre to just plain “meh”. To tell you which are which, I’ve put together a definitive ranking of The Conjuring Universe movies from worst to best. Prepare yourself for a breakdown of the fastest growing and scariest film franchise of all time.
Fair Warning: there are some minor spoilers below, but I reveal little more than what’s already in the trailers.
8. The Nun
According to the timeline within The Conjuring Universe, The Nun was the first movie to take place. Set in 1952, it reveals more of the back story behind the demonic Valak, who has a thing for dressing like a nun. Set in a poorly lit and creepy Romanian monastery, the tale follows a nun and priest sent to investigate a dark entity that has manifested. Of all the entries in The Conjuring Universe, this one feels the most pointless and disappointing. I remember people shrieking in horror when Valak was first revealed in The Conjuring 2, but the nightmarish character feels wasted here. Don’t get me wrong, Bonnie Aarons is just as unsettling in both movies, but it was more the principle of the thing the second time around. Despite having firm ties to the other films, The Nun feels out of place in The Conjuring Universe.
7. Annabelle
Annabelle is the “adorable” mascot of The Conjuring Universe and the first character to get a spin-off movie in the franchise. Unfortunately, the demonic doll’s big movie debut left a lot to be desired in the same way The Nun did. However, it introduced one of my favorite recurring characters within The Conjuring Universe, Father Perez (Tony Amendola). Set during the late 60s, Annabelle reveals the events that lead to her earning a place in the Warren’s collection of evil artifacts. At first glance, this might seem like an origin story, but anyone who saw The Conjuring (or noticed Annabelle: Creation came out 3 years later) knows that there’s a lot more to the doll than meets the eye, which is saying something considering how absolutely horrifying the damned thing is. Annabelle is another swing-and-a-miss for The Conjuring Universe, but don’t worry because it gets better from here.
6. The Curse of La Llorona
This is where the scales start to sway from bad to good in the rankings. It’s the furthest degree of separation away from the Warrens The Conjuring Universe has ventured yet, with only loose ties back to Father Perez in Annabelle (who apparently collaborated with the Warrens in the past). It’s also pretty revealing just how massive The Conjuring Universe has the potential to be since it’s based on the folklore of La Llorona. Those concerned about cultural appropriation because of a white protagonist can rest assured that director/ writer Michael Chaves did that purely for the sake of exposition (a Latin American one would have known the legend and thus explaining it for the sake of the audience would have been… awkward). The Curse of La Llorona was fun and ominous, making it feel right at home in The Conjuring Universe.