Ranking The Conjuring Universe

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Ranking the Conjuring Universe

The Conjuring Universe is actually one of my favorite universes so far. I really like these films for the most part and a couple of them I adore. James Wan spearheaded this franchise at first so well and he’s a master horror storyteller. The movies are creepy, but undeniably better crafted than most other horror contemporaries. I definitely liked some more than others, but the overall story is well connected and ambitious. Here is my ranking of all the entries so far.

5. Annabelle

I really did not care for this movie and it’s the only movie in the universe so far which I didn’t like. Its restrained approach is admirable at first, but later on it becomes frustrating how little action we get. It doesn’t really succeed as a prequel as the ending is so stupid and both the characters and plot are beyond dull and forgettable.

4. The Nun

The Nun is another disappointing movie which disappointed me even more than the above entry as I expected much better things from it. Farmiga is quite good, the sets are great as is the atmosphere and some good scenes, but the movie is simply never scary at all, the plot has too much exposition and the titular nun is way too underused in the actual film.

3. The Conjuring 2

The Conjuring 2 is impressively diverse in its supernatural creatures and phenomena plus it’s just as emotional as its predecessor. Although never as scary plus the first act is not great, the rest of the film is excellent with a very strong, well crafted mystery to it and a couple of very effective sequences. The acting continues to be terrific as does the direction from James Wan.

2. Annabelle: Creation

The staircase scene and the wheelchair sequence just might be among the scariest scenes from this franchise as well as the entire decade. So well done. But Annabelle: Creation also features solid characters, great storytelling, a lot of emotion to it and an undeniably impressive atmosphere and camera work. It’s one of the best sequels to a weak original of all time.

1. The Conjuring

Of course the number one goes to the original that started it all. Highly moving, very sophisticated, superbly directed, acted and paced, The Conjuring also features a high number of immensely scary and unnerving even scenes that still affect me when I think about them. But above all else, it’s both a scary, fun and disturbing film as well as a really emotional, wonderful film about a family for whom you care for. It’s not only the best movie on this list, but also one of the best horrors of all time in my opinion.