All 9 The Conjuring Universe Movies, Ranked By Scare Factor

Since its debut in 2013, The Conjuring Universe has emerged as a formidable force in horror cinema. This franchise blends supernatural elements, real-life haunting stories, and ancient curses, creating edge-of-your-seat experiences. Each installment has contributed to defining modern horror and delivering intense scares.

It's essential to acknowledge that every film within this universe offers a unique scare factor. While all are frightening, some excel in creating dive-in psychological tension, whereas others rely heavily on jump scares. Installments that break from traditional tropes often build a more lasting sense of psychological dread.

9. Annabelle (2014)

The first Annabelle film is frequently viewed as one of the franchise's weaker links. It lacks the narrative strength and genuine scares of its siblings. This spin-off tracks the doll’s possession by a satanic demon, resulting in torment for a young couple. Though it presents an interesting concept, it doesn't evoke the same horror as other films do.

Annabelle typically relies on jump scares and familiar horror tropes. This approach leads to a less remarkable impact, particularly as it released shortly after The Conjuring, a film that transformed modern horror. A notable moment in the film is the basement scene, where Mia faces relentless pursuit from the demonic force linked to the doll.

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

The third chapter in the main Conjuring saga, The Devil Made Me Do It, offers a compelling unique narrative. The film explores the impacts of claiming that demonic possession exempts one from criminal accountability. While this perspective is intriguing, it means sacrificing some spine-chilling elements vital to the franchise's appeal.

Focusing on Arne Johnson’s (Ruairi O'Connor) murder trial, the film shifts in tone, moving away from tension-hiking scares. Although based on a real defamation case in US history, the film doesn’t consistently harness effective horror. However, the opening scene, featuring a harrowing exorcism of a young boy, stands out as one of the franchise’s most grotesque moments and elevates its chilling quality.

7. The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

The Curse of La Llorona deviates from the franchise’s primary narrative. Drawing on Mexican lore, the story presents La Llorona, a vengeful spirit targeting children. While the premise is intriguing, the film ultimately struggles to deliver consistently genuine scares.

While sporadic moments shine, the film resorts to jump scares that detract from the overall sense of fright. A particularly unsettling incident occurs when Anna (Linda Cardellini) is attacked by La Llorona, attempting to rescue her daughter amidst disturbing carnage.

6. The Nun II (2023)

As the newest entry, The Nun II continues Valak's narrative from the original film, set in 1950s France. Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) investigates unexplained deaths connected to the sinister force. Although this installment enhances its predecessor’s narrative depth, it struggles to meet audience expectations of sustained tension.

While the film features some fleeting frights, they lack the contextual dread viewers anticipate from this universe. Though it builds upon its groundwork, it still doesn't evoke the heightened fear typical in other series offerings.

5. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

Annabelle Comes Home offers one of the franchise's most compelling premises. This third chapter reunites the Warrens and the infamous doll. After its return to their artifact room, Annabelle unleashes the trapped spirits. This chaotic twist injects a palpable sense of tension.

However, the occasional lighter tone and comedic relief hinder the film's potential to frighten. Nonetheless, the Warrens' home provides an effective atmosphere for scares to emerge throughout, though not to the same chilling degree as other films in the franchise.

4. The Nun (2018)

Despite mixed reviews, The Nun has established its terrifying reputation. Centering on Valak's chilling story, the film introduces Sister Irene, who investigates a convent mystery steeped in demonic presence. Its gothic atmosphere, intertwined with creepy symbolism, amplifies the scare factor.

The iconic opening scene depicts a terrified nun choosing death over possession, which remains one of the franchise's most powerful scenes. Nevertheless, the film's narrative limitations have diminished the overall impact of its frights, leading some scares to feel misaligned with the story arc.

3. Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Annabelle: Creation is heralded as one of the best offerings in the franchise. It delves into Annabelle's terrifying origins and features a group drawn into its dark world. For character-focused narratives blended with horror, Creation excels in building tension to deliver meaningful scares.

The sheer malevolence surrounding the doll generates palpable fear, notably with Janice (Talitha Bateman) facing peril. One of the notable scenes shows the demon targeting her aggressively, adding overwhelming intensity.

2. The Conjuring (2013)

As an inaugural installment, The Conjuring remains a triumph of modern horror. The story introduces the famous demonologists Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) tackling the Perron's family haunting. Uniting dread and tension, this film achieves a remarkable sense of unbearable terror.

Rather than depending on jump scares, the film cultivates an unsettling ambience through quiet moments and haunting sounds. Every scene harbors the underlying demon threat, culminating in a chilling exorcism. The "hide and clap" scene exemplifies brilliant horror, as Carolyn struggles against shadowy forces below.

1. The Conjuring 2 (2016)

The Conjuring 2 definitively ranks as the scariest film in the series. Set in London’s 1977 Enfield case, the Warrens confront genuine supernatural terror. Its sinister aura, coupled with spooky sounds and visual imagery, crafts overwhelming dread.

Iconic moments occur when Ed cautiously examines a zoetrope, only to face the materializing Crooked Man. This terrifying narrative interwoven with superb performances cements The Conjuring 2 as a masterclass in evoking fear through effective storytelling.

Earlier, SSP told about the 5 best body horror movies.