The Long History of The Conjuring Horror, This is a Series of Films in its Universe: From 'ANNABELLE' to 'THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA'

Kapanlagi.com - The Conjuring Universe is an American horror film series that is loved by its audience. The Conjuring Universe often presents interesting stories that continue to develop in each film.

Equally intriguing as other American superhero film series such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the DC Extended Universe, The Conjuring Universe showcases strong horror elements that keep viewers curious about the story. However, the films in the Conjuring universe have also received criticism for their inconsistent storytelling.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the first film in the franchise, THE CONJURING (2013), directed by James Wan, has the highest rating. The film received an 86 percent rating from a total of 228 film critics' reviews.

THE CONJURING (2013) is the first film that became the foundation of The Conjuring Universe. It is based on the true story of the lives of Ed and Lorraine Warren, who work as paranormal investigators and investigate every mystical activity. This is where the demon begins to terrorize the Warren family.

In its latest release, THE NUN 2, which premiered on September 6, 2023, received a higher rating compared to its predecessor, THE NUN (2018), with a score of 45 percent from 96 reviews. Although considered more interesting than the previous release, with scarier scenes, critics believe that the change did not bring much profound impact.

So, let's find out what other films are part of The Conjuring Universe, besides the ones mentioned above, with ratings from critics. This Warner Bros. distribution film was not released based on chronological events.

1. THE CONJURING (2013)

Set in the 70s, this film revolves around the investigation of Ed and Lorraine Warren, who investigate the mystical case of a family haunted by ghosts. The Perron family, who have just moved into an old house in Rhode Island, experience intense and evil paranormal activities.

The unusual activities are disturbances caused by the spirit of a woman named Bathsheba. In this first film, the dollAnnabelle and the ghostValak are introduced for the first time.

2. ANNABELLE (2014)

The second released film tells the story of a young doctor who gives his pregnant wife a doll as a gift. The unusual doll brings disaster to the new family.

After experiencing a number of tragedies, from being attacked by criminals who are also followers of a cult to facing a doll possessed by a powerful evil spirit, they leave the doll and move to another apartment.

ANNABELLE received a low score from Rotten Tomatoes, only getting 28 percent out of 137 reviews. The low score is due to the film's storyline being considered cliché and not having any difference from most horror films.

3. THE CONJURING 2 (2016)

THE CONJURING 2 tells the story of the Warren couple who are curious about a family in England. Apparently, the daughter of the Hodgson family is possessed by an evil demon and does terrifying things after using a Ouija board.

Getting a high rating from film critics, 80 percent out of 254 reviews, THE CONJURING 2 is considered unable to surpass its predecessor even though it introduces Valak for the first time with a terrifying story thanks to numerous jump scares.

4. ANNABELLE CREATION (2017)

Set in 1955, this film tells the story of the first creation of the Annabelle doll. A doll maker named Samuel Mullins and his wife open their home to accommodate orphaned children and a nun after the local orphanage is closed.

With instructions for the children not to enter the room of the deceased family's daughter, a child named Janice enters the room and unleashes the evil trapped in the Annabelle doll.

This film received a much better score than its predecessor, 70 percent out of 194 reviews. Critics believe that this film showcases many improvements in terms of content.

5. THE NUN (2018)

Taking place in 1952, specifically in a monastery in Romania, it tells the story of Sister Irene and Father Burke visiting the monastery after a mysterious event occurs. And apparently, their arrival is not liked by the demon present in the place.

Although it is a spin-off of THE CONJURING (2013) and features the figure of Valak terrorizing the monastery. In the Conjuring universe, THE NUN received the lowest rating, only achieving 24 percent out of a total of 209 reviews. Film critics argue that the storytelling and direction of the scenes have no impact at all, thus wasting the talents of the actors.

6. THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA (2019)

 This film tells the story of an evil spirit that seeks revenge and targets Anna Garcia. The evil spirit even targets Anna's children. In this film, Father Perez, who previously appeared in ANNABELLE, is brought back in THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA.

This film only briefly features scenes of the Warren family. Although it is part of The Conjuring Universe, this film feels like it stands on its own. It is considered to not attempt to develop the adapted folklore story and is not as scary as the sequel ANNABELLE. THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA only received a score of 28 percent from 191 film critics.

7. ANNABELLE COMES HOME (2019)

ANNABELLE COMES HOME tells the story of what happens after the couple obtains the Annabelle doll. They realize the danger of the doll and lock it in an artifact room behind a blessed glass by a pastor. 

However, someone who does not believe in the supernatural opens the closet where the doll is kept and unleashes terror in the family by targeting the Warrens' 10-year-old daughter, Judy.

This film received a score of 64 percent from 211 reviews. What is interesting to critics and fans is that the film still shows the existence of life in the Conjuring universe.

8. THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT (2021)

The Warrens couple returns as the main focus in helping a young man who becomes a suspect in a brutal murder. This film showcases the first murder case in the United States where the killer himself claims to be possessed by a demon and brought to criminal court.

This film received the lowest score among its two predecessors, with 55 percent out of 256 reviews. Although the core story has declined, critics praised the performances of Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson.

9. THE NUN 2 (2023)

The latest film in The Conjuring Universe is THE NUN 2. Set in 1956, four years after the events of Sister Irene's battle against Valak in THE NUN (2018). This time, Sister Irene confronts Valak again after becoming a teacher at a boarding school in rural France.

THE NUN 2 is considered to have a more interesting, terrifying, and enjoyable story than its predecessor. With a score of 45 percent from 96 reviews since its release, the score may still change at any time.

Well, those are the films in The Conjuring Universe, you can also watch them based on the chronological order of events. Enjoy watching!

(kpl/arn)