The Conjuring Continuity Breakdown

The Conjuring (2013) is the first film in The Conjuring franchise. It creates the foundation that the rest of the films in the franchise build on.

This continuity breakdown is going to take a look at the references in The Conjuring to other films in the franchise. We’re looking at what to watch before watching The Conjuring, what to watch after watching The Conjuring, and any references The Conjuring makes to other movies in The Conjuring Universe.

What to watch before The Conjuring?

As mentioned above, The Conjuring is the first film in The Conjuring franchise. Viewers do not need to watch anything before watching this film.

However, if viewers want to watch The Conjuring films in timeline order, there are a few prequels to The Conjuring. The Nun, Annabelle: Creation, and Annabelle were all released after The Conjuring but take place before it. Viewers interested in seeing the movies in this order should see our “The Conjuring Timeline Watching Order“.

What to watch after The Conjuring?

The narrative of The Conjuring franchise goes in several different directions after the first film. This leaves viewers a few options for what to watch next.

The next film released as part of The Conjuring Universe is Annabelle. Annabelle is a prequel that dives into Annabelle’s past. It shows what happened to the doll shortly before the events of The Conjuring. This is a good option for viewers who are interested in seeing more of Annabelle or who want to see the full franchise in release order.

Meanwhile, the next main entry in The Conjuring Universe is The Conjuring 2 (Continuity). This continues the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s investigation into paranormal events. This is a good option for viewers who aren’t interested in Annabelle’s story and simply want to see more of the Warrens.

Finally, if viewers are watching The Conjuring in chronological order, they can watch Annabelle Comes Home next. This film takes place immediately after The Conjuring. Viewers interested in seeing the movies in this order should see our “The Conjuring Timeline Watching Order“.

The Conjuring Continuity References

Warning: This section contains minor spoilers.

Annabelle’s History

The Conjuring starts by showing the Warrens’ involvement in a case involving people who are in possession of the Annabelle doll. How the doll got into their possession is explained in Annabelle. The doll’s origins are explained in Annabelle: Creation.

Lorraine’s bad experience with a séance

Throughout the film, the Warren’s emphasize the danger of séances and reference a bad experience Lorraine had with one. This is explained in The Conjuring 2.

A Case In Long Island

Near the conclusion of The Conjuring, a quick reference is made to a case the Warrens need to address in Long Island. This is a reference to The Amityville Horror. This is a case the real-life Warrens worked. The case was eventually adapted as both a book and a movie, though neither are technically a part of The Conjuring Universe.