All ‘Conjuring’ movies ranked from worst to best

Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren in "The Conjuring" movie (2013)

(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

For over a decade, the “Conjuring” franchise has chronicled the terrifying cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, delivering some of the most memorable supernatural scares in modern horror. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga took on the roles of the Warrens, and their performances remain the strongest part of every entry.

The saga began with 2013’s “The Conjuring,” quickly establishing the Warrens as the ultimate paranormal investigators. Each movie is inspired by a real-life case they investigated, though events are dramatized and fictionalized to deliver maximum scares.

Here’s the truth about the main “Conjuring” movies: they’re pretty uneven. Some entries are genuinely terrifying, while others falter under predictable scares or weak storytelling. Still, as the highest-grossing horror movie franchise of all time, the series has proven its lasting appeal (and as a longtime fan of these haunted adventures, I’ve always had a soft spot for it).

With the latest installment, “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” now hitting theaters, it feels like the perfect time to revisit the franchise and rank every main movie from worst to best. Here are all the “Conjuring” movies, ranked from the shaky scares of the lesser entries to the iconic frights of the best.

Every 'Conjuring' movie ranked

4. ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’ (2021)

THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT – Official Trailer - YouTube

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Putting this at the bottom of the list doesn’t mean it’s a bad movie, but “The Devil Made Me Do It” certainly feels like the weakest of the saga (and every ranking needs a low point). After re-watching the “Conjuring” movies back-to-back not long ago, I realized how much this third entry strays from what makes the franchise so eerily compelling.

“The Devil Made Me Do It” feels noticeably different from the first two movies, mainly because it was directed by Michael Chaves instead of James Wan. The signature tension and eerie atmosphere that made the originals so frightening are largely missing, replaced by more obvious jump scares. I actually found myself surprisingly unshaken.

Even though it’s my least favorite, I can still appreciate its attempt to do something different, focusing on a true crime case that actually happened rather than just another haunted house story.

In this third installment, the Warrens investigate one of their most sensational cases yet: the trial of Arne Johnson (Ruairi O'Connor), a young man accused of murder who claims he was possessed by a demon at the time of the crime. Racing against time, they must gather evidence to support the extraordinary claim of demonic possession.

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3. ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ (2025)

The Conjuring: Last Rites | Official Trailer - YouTube

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After catching an early screening of “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” I was hoping it would rank higher on this list, given that it’s the final installment and conclusion to the popular horror saga.

Sadly, I wasn’t fully satisfied, as a few ghostly flaws stood out. Still, it delivers an emotional ending that feels like a fitting farewell to the Warrens, and the cinematography helps lift it a few points.

This entry is a definite step up from “The Devil Made Me Do It,” with longtime fans likely to enjoy the various cameos and hidden references sprinkled throughout. One scene in the climax even channels a strong “Evil Dead” energy, and I loved every second of it.

“Last Rites” focuses on the final case the Warrens ever investigated. Set in 1986, the movie explores a haunting involving the Smurl family in Pennsylvania, inspired by the real-life alleged Smurl Haunting. Somehow, the events are connected to the Warrens’ daughter, Judy (Mia Tomlinson), and they must uncover the reason behind it.

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2. ‘The Conjuring 2’ (2016)

The Conjuring 2 - Main Trailer [HD] - YouTube

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Now we’re entering the part of the “Conjuring” franchise where it truly shines. “The Conjuring 2” stands out for several reasons: it’s set in London, focuses on the Enfield haunting (a case that has always fascinated me) and includes a few genuinely chilling scenes that only intensified my fear of the dark.

That said, it isn’t perfect. Its somewhat sluggish runtime means it takes a long time before the Warrens even arrive to begin their investigation, and by then some of the suspense has already dissipated. Still, James Wan has a rare talent that many modern horror directors lack: an intuitive understanding of the audience. He knows exactly how to pace a scene, build tension, and craft moments that make you hold your breath without even realizing it.

“The Conjuring 2” is set in Enfield, London, where Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to help the Hodgson family, who are being terrorized by a violent poltergeist. The activity centers on 11-year-old Janet Hodgson (Madison Wolfe), who becomes the target of terrifying supernatural attacks.

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1. ‘The Conjuring’ (2013)

The Conjuring - Official Main Trailer [HD] - YouTube

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Now we reach the winner, and I think most people would agree that the first “Conjuring” movie simply can’t be beaten. Not only is it the best in the franchise, but it’s also one of the finest horror movies ever made. I have no complaints here because its success as a masterful, genuinely terrifying movie is undeniable.

What sets “The Conjuring” apart is Wan’s mastery over every aspect of its world. He turns the house into a cinematic rollercoaster, delivering scares and shocks with perfect timing that keep the audience on edge throughout. Not to mention the chilling background score, which I can hear in my head just writing this.

“The Conjuring” follows the Perron family — Carolyn (Lili Taylor), Roger (Ron Livingston), and their five daughters — who move into a secluded farmhouse in Harrisville, Rhode Island. Soon after settling in, the family experiences disturbing events: clocks stopping, doors slamming shut, and their dog refusing to enter the house.

As the hauntings intensify, Carolyn seeks the help of the Warrens, renowned demonologists. From there, it’s a wild ride, and you might want to watch this one with the lights on…

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Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote.

Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry.

She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.

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