Although the demonic nun (Bonnie Aarons) first appeared in The Conjuring 2 (2016), her origin story unfolds in The Nun, set in Romania in 1952. It’s the first film chronologically in The Conjuring Universe. The plot follows a novice (Taissa Farmiga) and a tormented priest (Demián Bichir) investigating the mysterious suicide of a nun—a mission that becomes a fight for their lives, their souls, and their faith.
It can be said, with some certainty, that The Nun is the weakest film in the Conjuring universe, closely competing with The Curse of La Llorona. In fact, the failure of these two sagas, spin-offs from the Ed and Lorraine Warren storyline, ultimately buried several other productions that were supposed to continue in this horror universe. Therefore, it's not surprising that The Nun II follows the same path as the previous film. Directed now by Michael Chaves (of The Conjuring 3 and The Curse of La Llorona), the feature film once again follows Irene, the young nun played by Taissa Farmiga, who faced Valak in the previous film and now, as if by fate, encounters the demon in the form of a nun once more. While The Nun had a more gothic tone, this new production delves into bloody terror that never tires of exploring different settings; at some point, it seems that Valak is an all-knowing and omnipresent being. It gets tiring. It might be a good option for those who enjoy going to the movies to watch generic horror films and have a good laugh with friends. But, beyond that, it's the lowest chapter in the franchise.
Despite being released after Annabelle (2014), Annabelle: Creation is a prequel to both that film and The Conjuring. Set in 1955, it tells the story of a dollmaker (Anthony LaPaglia) who welcomes a nun (Stephanie Sigman) and orphaned girls into his home, only to face a terrifying evil unleashed through a possessed doll.
Set in 1967, this is the first film of the Annabelle spin-off trilogy. It shows how the doll ends up with a young doctor (Ward Horton) and his pregnant wife Mia (Annabelle Wallis). When a satanic cult invades their home, the doll becomes a conduit for terrifying supernatural events.
The film that started it all is actually the fourth chapter chronologically. Mostly set in 1971, it follows Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) investigating paranormal activity at the Perron family's Rhode Island farmhouse. The movie also references their earlier 1968 case involving Annabelle.