Posted 4 minutes agoSubscribe to Screen Time NewsletterCaret Down"The Conjuring" Films, Ranked From Not-So-Scary To Maniacal I'm still having nightmares about the very first movie.by Michele BirdBuzzFeed ContributorFacebookPinterestLink Horror movies are an absolute staple for me every time October rolls around. One of my favorite franchises of all time - that also happens to be notoriously scary - is The Conjuring universe. And if you're a sucker for jump scares and things that go bump in the night, I've ranked every movie in the spine-chilling series: 9. The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) Giles Keyte / (C) Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection Scare level: 7/10As the final film in The Conjuring franchise, this is a bittersweet farewell. The Smurl haunting in Pennsylvania serves as the main storyline, and it's packed with all the classic jump scares. Audiences get more insight into the Warren family history, some feel-good moments, and plenty of Easter eggs to celebrate all the past movies. The movie is not yet available for streaming on HBO Max. 8. The Nun II (2023) (C) Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection Scare level: 7.5/10Serving as a sequel to The Nun, audiences are taken on a new terrifying ride in France. Sister Irene (played by Taissa Farmiga) reprises her role as she investigates a series of deaths by Valak. The film has more gore and is packed with the jump scares fans know and love. Watch it on HBO Max. 7. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) Ben Rothstein / (C) Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection Scare level: 6/10Based on Arne Cheyenne Johnson's groundbreaking murder trial, it was the first time in history that demonic possession was used as a defense. The film still has some scares, but it is not as scary as its predecessors, despite the fascinating storyline.
Watch it on HBO Max. 6. Annabelle Comes Home (2019) Warner Bros. Pictures Scare level: 5/10Annabelle Comes Home is a slow-burning horror movie. Although it's generally considered spooky, it lacked the same terror as some of the earlier films in the franchise. Moral of the story? Don't let anyone sneak into the Warrens' infamous artifact room.
Watch it on HBO Max. 5. The Nun (2018) Justin Lubin / (C) Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection Scare level: 6/10While The Nun is certainly unsettling, it's not one of the scariest in the franchise. It's set in a Romanian monastery with Taissa Farmiga playing the lead. Fun fact: She's Vera Farmiga's younger sister. While there are still classic jump scares as Valak lurks in dark corners, this film isn't as memorable as the rest.
Watch it on HBO Max. 4. Annabelle: Creation (2017) (C) Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection Scare level: 9/10This prequel was a surprise no one saw coming. It brings all the startling screams as you learn the origin story of Annabelle, and it keeps you on the edge until the very end.
Watch it on HBO Max. 3. The Conjuring 2 (2016) (C) New Line Cinema / Courtesy Everett Collection Scare level: 9.5/10Ed and Lorraine Warren return for yet another frightening case. This time, they're investigating the Enfield poltergeist, and this film is largely considered a franchise favorite. From a demonic nun to the Crooked Man, there's nightmare fuel for days.
Watch it on HBO Max. 2. Annabelle (2014) (C) Warner Bros. Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection Scare level: 7/10Everyone who knows The Conjuring also knows the sinister story of Annabelle. While a porcelain doll is used in place of the real-life Raggedy Ann doll, the distressed details and eerie eyes are SO creepy.
Watch it on HBO Max. 1. The Conjuring (2013) Michael Tackett / (C) Warner Bros. Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection Scare level: 13/10Set in 1970 at a secluded farmhouse in Rhode Island, this is the film that started it all. Based on the chilling case of the Perron family, there are endless jump scares that will haunt you long after the film is over. My favorite one of all? This scene that's pictured above, where phantom hands emerge from the darkness and clap. Watch it on HBO Max. What's your favorite movie from The Conjuring universe? Drop your pick in the comments!