Ranking The Conjuring Series From Worst To Best

Alright, so you’re here because you, like me, have probably stumbled into the dark, creepy world of The Conjuring Universe. Maybe you binged it all in one go, or maybe you’re just dipping your toes in. Either way, we need to talk. Because let’s be honest, not all these ghost-busting movies are created equal, right? Some of them are genuinely terrifying, the kind that make you check your closet for weeks. Others? Well, they’re more like a slightly spooky bedtime story. So, grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s rank this whole spooky saga from the ones that made us want to hide under the blankets to the ones that were… well, let’s just say less impactful.

This isn’t scientific, obviously. It’s just my take, based on how many times I jumped out of my seat, how long the creepy vibes stuck with me, and whether I felt like my time was truly well-spent being scared. So, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving deep into the eerie abyss of the Conjuring Universe!

The Bottom of the Barrel (No Offense, Maybe?)

Okay, so we gotta start somewhere, and that means looking at the ones that… didn’t quite hit the mark. These are the films that felt a little too familiar, or maybe just lacked that special oomph that made the originals so good. They’re not necessarily bad movies, per se. Just… not the best of the bunch. You know?

Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

This one. Oh, this one. I wanted to like it, I really did. We finally get to see the Warrens' museum of haunted artifacts, which sounds amazing, right? Think of all the potential for creepy objects and spooky backstories! But instead, it felt like a teen slasher movie decided to borrow a haunted doll.

The plot centered around the Warrens' daughter, Judy, and her babysitters. And while the young cast did their best, the movie kinda lost its way. It felt more like a showcase for all the haunted stuff in the Warrens' house, rather than a focused, scary story. Remember that rocking chair scene? Yeah, that was trying way too hard. And Annabelle herself, the star of the show, felt… sidelined a lot of the time. For a movie named after her, you’d think she’d be front and center, making us all scream. Instead, we got a bunch of random spirits and a kinda predictable haunted house setup. It’s like they opened a haunted buffet and forgot to make a main course. Bummer.

The scariest part? Probably realizing this was supposed to be a major entry in the Conjuring Universe. It had potential, but it just felt… scattered. And honestly, a little bit meh. It’s the kind of movie you watch, forget about most of it by morning, and then maybe feel a pang of disappointment when you remember you could have been watching something else. Still, the idea of the Warrens' artifact room is still pretty cool. So, points for concept, I guess?

The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

Okay, so this one is technically part of the universe, thanks to a little cameo. But honestly? It feels like it was shoehorned in. The legend of La Llorona, the Weeping Woman, is genuinely terrifying. A mother who drowns her children and then forever searches for them, crying out in sorrow and terror. That’s pure nightmare fuel!

But this movie? It didn’t quite capture that raw horror. We get a single mother and her kids, trying to survive. And there are some jump scares, for sure. But it lacked the weight of the legend. La Llorona herself felt more like a generic ghost with a sad backstory than the ancient, malevolent spirit she’s supposed to be. It had moments, don’t get me wrong. The scene with the fire and the vase? Creepy! But then it just… fizzled.

It felt like a standalone horror movie that they decided to slap a Conjuring label on to boost ticket sales. And while the acting was decent, and there were a few unsettling visuals, it just didn’t have that classic Conjuring feeling. You know, that dread that builds and builds, that sense of palpable evil. This one felt more like a fleeting shadow than a persistent, chilling presence. A bit of a missed opportunity, if you ask me. The legend deserves better!

Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Now, I know this might be a controversial pick for some. A lot of people love this movie, and I get why. It’s got some genuinely unsettling moments, and it does a good job of setting up Annabelle’s origins. The story about the dollmaker and his deceased daughter is sad and creepy. And the young actresses are fantastic! Seriously, their performances are a highlight.

But here’s the thing. While it’s a good horror movie, does it feel like a Conjuring movie? For me, not entirely. It’s a bit too focused on the doll and the immediate scares, rather than the deeper, psychological dread that the main Conjuring films excel at. It’s got a lot of jump scares, which are effective, but sometimes it felt like it was relying on them a little too much.

The pacing was a bit uneven too. There were parts where it really dragged, and then suddenly, bam, a scare. It’s like they were trying to build up the tension, but it didn’t always land. The ending, while setting up the first Annabelle movie, felt a little… anticlimactic. For a movie all about the creation of a terrifying entity, it didn’t quite leave me with that lasting sense of pure terror. It’s a solid prequel, but maybe not the strongest entry in the universe as a whole. Still, better than the other Annabelle outings, that’s for sure!

The Middle of the Road (Decent Scares, But Not Legendary)

Okay, so we’re moving up the ranks! These are the movies that gave us some good chills, maybe a few sleepless nights, but didn’t quite redefine horror for us. They’re the reliable spooky flicks you can count on for a decent scare, even if they don’t stick with you for years to come.

The Nun II (2023)

Honestly, I went into this with very low expectations after the first one. The Nun? Great character design, sure. But the movie itself? A bit of a mess. So, I was pleasantly surprised by this sequel. It’s not a masterpiece, let’s be clear. But it’s a definite improvement.

This time, we get a more focused story, following Sister Irene as she’s called back to face Valak again. There are some genuinely creepy moments, especially the scenes involving the French boarding school. The atmosphere is darker, more oppressive, and the scares feel more earned. The demon nun herself is still a menacing presence, and this time, she gets to do more than just pop out of nowhere.

It still has some of that typical Conjuring Universe over-reliance on jump scares, and the plot can get a little convoluted. But overall, it’s a much more satisfying watch than its predecessor. It delivers on the horror front, even if it doesn't break any new ground. It's a good, spooky watch when you're in the mood for some classic demon-hunting action. Think of it as a solid, slightly unsettling dessert. Not a full meal, but definitely enjoyable!

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

This is the third main Conjuring film, and it definitely feels a little different. It moves away from the classic haunted house setup and dives into a possession case that leads to a murder trial. It’s a bold choice, and it’s interesting to see the Warrens dealing with a different kind of evil.

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are, as always, the heart of the film. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they bring so much gravitas to their roles. The movie itself has some genuinely disturbing moments, and the exploration of free will versus demonic influence is a compelling theme. It’s not as outright terrifying as the first two, but it has a more mature, psychological horror vibe.

However, it also feels a bit… unfocused at times. The plot jumps around, and some of the investigation sequences drag a bit. It’s like they had a lot of great ideas, but they couldn’t quite tie them all together perfectly. And while the idea of a demonic loophole is intriguing, the execution wasn’t always as impactful as it could have been. It’s a good movie, a solid entry, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors. It’s like a really good album with a couple of filler tracks. Still worth a listen, though!

Annabelle: Creation (2017) - Wait, again?

Okay, I know I put this in the bottom tier. But hear me out! When I re-watch it, I do appreciate it more. It’s a genuinely creepy and well-made horror film. The scares are effective, and the atmosphere is thick.

The strength of this movie lies in its atmosphere and the performances of the young actresses. The scares are often more about building dread and unease than just cheap jump scares. And the dollmaker’s backstory adds a layer of tragic horror that’s quite compelling. It’s a masterclass in building tension, and the final act is incredibly effective.

So, why the compromise? Because while it’s a fantastic prequel and a strong horror film in its own right, it doesn’t quite have the overarching narrative weight or the same kind of scares as the true Conjuring gems. It’s more focused on immediate terror than that lingering, soul-crushing dread. But it’s a movie I’ve found myself enjoying more and more with subsequent viewings. It’s a strong contender for the upper-middle! Let’s just call it a solid B+.

The Really Good Stuff (Where the Scares Live!)

Alright, we’re getting into the good stuff now! These are the films that actually made us scream, the ones that burrowed into our brains and made us check under the bed. These are the movies that solidified the Conjuring Universe as a force to be reckoned with!

The Nun (2018)

Okay, okay, I know, I know. This one is often trashed. And the sequel is better, as I mentioned. But the first The Nun? It has some genuinely iconic visuals. That jump scare at the beginning with the nun in the hallway? Pure terror. And the atmosphere in that Romanian monastery? Chef’s kiss of creepiness.

The character of Valak, the demon nun, is such a cool concept. The visual design is terrifying. And while the plot might have been a bit thin, and some of the scares felt a little forced, there were moments of pure, unadulterated horror. The atmosphere was so thick you could cut it with a holy knife.

It’s a movie that’s a bit of a mixed bag, but the sheer strength of the demon nun character and some of the truly effective scares push it into this tier for me. It’s like a really good appetizer that doesn't quite lead to a full, satisfying meal, but you’re still glad you had it. It's memorable, even if its story isn't. Definitely more than just "okay."

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

This movie. Oh, this movie. It took the formula from the first one and just ramped it up. The Enfield Poltergeist case is legendary, and they brought it to life with such terrifying effectiveness. We’ve got the croaking man, the creepy nun (yes, that nun!), and a relentless sense of dread.

The scares are perfectly paced. They build and build until you’re practically vibrating with fear. And the story is more complex, dealing with the doubts and fears of the family being haunted, and even the Warrens themselves. It’s emotionally resonant, which is something that makes the Conjuring films so much more than just jump scares.

The performance of the young girl, Janet Hodgson, is phenomenal. You feel her terror and her struggle. And the demon nun? She’s a force of nature. This movie is a masterclass in atmospheric horror. It’s the kind of film that stays with you, the kind that makes you check your periphery for lurking figures. It’s a truly worthy sequel, and honestly, it could easily be higher on this list for a lot of people. A solid contender for the top spots!

The Undisputed Champions (The Peak of Fear)

And now, we’ve reached the summit! These are the films that are, in my humble opinion, the absolute best the Conjuring Universe has to offer. These are the ones that set the bar, the ones that made us question our sanity, and the ones we’ll be talking about for years to come.

The Conjuring (2013)

Where it all began! And honestly, it’s still one of the best. James Wan is a master of horror, and he truly outdid himself here. This movie is a perfect storm of atmospheric dread, genuinely terrifying moments, and a compelling story about faith and family.

The Perron family’s haunting is so well-realized. The house itself feels like a character, oozing malevolence. And the Warrens, Ed and Lorraine, are just so captivating. Their belief and their commitment to helping others is the heart of the film. You feel for them, and you feel for the family they’re trying to save.

The scares are expertly crafted. That clapping scene? Still gives me chills! And the basement sequences? Pure, unadulterated terror. It’s the kind of horror that gets under your skin and stays there. It’s not just about the jump scares; it’s about the build-up, the atmosphere, and the emotional core. This is the blueprint for what the Conjuring Universe should be. A true horror classic!

Insidious (2010) - Wait, this isn’t Conjuring!

Okay, okay, technically this isn’t The Conjuring series. But James Wan directed it, and it has that same DNA. The scares, the atmosphere, the focus on a family facing an otherworldly threat. It’s so, so good, and it’s hard to talk about the early brilliance of Wan without mentioning it.

If you haven’t seen Insidious, you are missing out! The astral projection stuff, the creepy little demon with the red eyes, the concept of “The Further”… it’s all so innovative and genuinely scary. The film has a fantastic sense of dread from the very beginning. You know something is wrong, and you’re just waiting for it to pounce.

It’s the perfect blend of psychological horror and jump scares. It doesn’t overstay its welcome, and it leaves you with a sense of unease that lasts long after the credits roll. It’s the spiritual predecessor to The Conjuring, and in my personal ranking of Wan’s early horror masterpieces, it often competes for the top spot with The Conjuring. It’s just that good. So, sue me for including it! It’s a vital piece of the puzzle for understanding where the Conjuring magic came from.

So there you have it! My completely unofficial, highly opinionated ranking of the Conjuring Universe. What did you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments! Maybe we can argue about it over another cup of coffee. Stay spooky, my friends!