Ed and Lorraine Warren, the legendary paranormal investigators, have left an indelible mark on the horror genre through their chilling real-life cases. From the haunted Annabelle doll to the terrifying Amityville Horror, their investigations have inspired a cinematic universe that continues to captivate horror fans worldwide. The Conjuring Universe, in particular, has become a cornerstone of modern horror, blending supernatural scares with true-crime intrigue. If you’re eager to dive into the spooky world of Ed and Lorraine Warren films, you’ve come to the right place! This guide provides a chronological list of all Ed and Lorraine Warren-inspired movies by release date, along with details on their real-life case connections. Keep reading for the full Ed and Lorraine Warren movie list and insights into their eerie investigations!
Who Were Ed and Lorraine Warren?
Ed and Lorraine Warren were American paranormal activity investigators renowned for their work on high-profile hauntings. Ed, a self-taught demonologist, and Lorraine, a clairvoyant and light trance medium, founded the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) in 1952, the oldest ghost-hunting group in New England. They claimed to have investigated over 10,000 cases, including the infamous Amityville Horror and the Annabelle doll haunting. Their work, often controversial due to skepticism from investigators like Steven Novella, inspired numerous films, with The Conjuring Universe being the most prominent. Their real-life cases, dramatized for the big screen, blend horror and mystery, making Ed and Lorraine Warren films a must-watch for fans of supernatural storytelling. Learn more about their legacy at NESPR’s official site.
Also Read: Insidious Movies in Order
Complete List of Ed and Lorraine Warren Movies in Order
Below is the definitive list of Edmade-for-TV movies, and The Haunting in Connecticut (2009). Here’s every Ed and Lorraine Warren movie in order of release, complete with plot summaries, case connections, and where to watch them.
1. The Amityville Horror (1979)
- Release Date: July 27, 1979
- Runtime: 117 minutes
- Plot Summary: George and Kathy Lutz move into a Long Island home with a dark history of a mass murder. They soon experience terrifying supernatural phenomena, forcing them to flee after 28 days. The Warrens investigated this case, claiming a demonic presence haunted the house. Starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder, directed by Stuart Rosenberg, this film is a horror classic.
- Warren Case Connection: The Warrens were among the first to investigate the Amityville haunting in 1975, declaring it a site of intense paranormal activity, though skeptics like Benjamin Radford labeled it a hoax.
- Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and HBO Max.
2. The Haunted (1991)
- Release Date: May 6, 1991
- Runtime: 100 minutes
- Plot Summary: The Smurl family moves into a Pennsylvania duplex, only to face disturbing supernatural events like noises, smells, and apparitions. The Warrens intervene, identifying four spirits and a demon. Starring Jeffrey DeMunn and Sally Kirkland, directed by Robert Mandel, this made-for-TV movie is a chilling low-budget gem.
- Warren Case Connection: Based on the Warrens’ investigation of the Smurl family’s haunting, which included alleged demonic assaults.
- Where to Watch: Limited availability; check YouTube or specialty platforms like Shudder.
3. The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)
- Release Date: March 27, 2009
- Runtime: 102 minutes
- Plot Summary: A family moves into a historic Connecticut house for their son’s cancer treatment, only to encounter malevolent spirits tied to its past as a funeral home. The Warrens proclaim the house demon-infested. Starring Virginia Madsen, directed by Peter Cornwell.
- Warren Case Connection: Loosely based on the 1986 Snedeker haunting, though author Ray Garton questioned the family’s conflicting accounts.
- Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max, rent on Amazon Prime Video.
4. The Conjuring (2013)
- Release Date: July 19, 2013
- Runtime: 112 minutes
- Plot Summary: In 1971, Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga) investigate a Rhode Island farmhouse where the Perron family faces a witch’s curse. Directed by James Wan, this film launched The Conjuring Universe with intense scares and stellar performances.
- Warren Case Connection: Based on the Warrens’ 1971 Harrisville case, involving a witch named Bathsheba Sherman. Lorraine Warren served as a consultant.
- Where to Watch: Available on HBO Max, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
5. Annabelle (2014)
- Release Date: October 3, 2014
- Runtime: 99 minutes
- Plot Summary: In 1967, a couple (Annabelle Wallis, Ward Horton) experiences supernatural terror after bringing a vintage doll into their home. Directed by John R. Leonetti, this Conjuring spin-off explores the doll’s malevolent origins.
- Warren Case Connection: Inspired by the Warrens’ 1970 case of a Raggedy Ann doll allegedly possessed by a spirit named Annabelle Higgins.
- Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max, rent on Amazon Prime Video.
6. The Conjuring 2 (2016)
- Release Date: June 10, 2016
- Runtime: 134 minutes
- Plot Summary: In 1977, the Warrens travel to London to help the Hodgson family, tormented by a poltergeist. Directed by James Wan, with Farmiga and Wilson reprising their roles, it introduces Valak, the demonic nun.
- Warren Case Connection: Based on the Enfield Poltergeist case, though critics note the Warrens’ involvement was exaggerated.
- Where to Watch: Available on HBO Max, Netflix, and Sky Go.
7. Annabelle: Creation (2017)
- Release Date: August 11, 2017
- Runtime: 109 minutes
- Plot Summary: In 1958, a dollmaker’s tragic loss leads to a possessed doll terrorizing orphans in his home. Directed by David F. Sandberg, this prequel delves into Annabelle’s origins.
- Warren Case Connection: Loosely tied to the Annabelle doll’s backstory, though the Warrens don’t appear.
- Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max, rent on Apple TV.
8. The Nun (2018)
- Release Date: September 7, 2018
- Runtime: 96 minutes
- Plot Summary: In 1952 Romania, Father Burke and Sister Irene (Demián Bichir, Taissa Farmiga) investigate a nun’s death, confronting the demon Valak. Directed by Corin Hardy, it’s a prequel to The Conjuring 2.
- Warren Case Connection: The Warrens don’t appear, but the film explores Valak, a demon they later encounter. Inspired by their 1970s Borley Church apparition.
- Where to Watch: Available on HBO Max, rent on Amazon Prime Video.
9. Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
- Release Date: June 26, 2019
- Runtime: 106 minutes
- Plot Summary: In 1972, the Warrens’ daughter Judy (McKenna Grace) and her babysitter face chaos when Annabelle unleashes spirits from the artifact room. Directed by Gary Dauberman.
- Warren Case Connection: Directly involves the Warrens and their real-life Occult Museum, where Annabelle was kept.
- Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max, rent on Fandango at Home.
10. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
- Release Date: June 4, 2021
- Runtime: 112 minutes
- Plot Summary: In 1981, the Warrens investigate a murder case tied to Arne Cheyenne Johnson’s demonic possession claim. Directed by Michael Chaves, with Farmiga and Wilson.
- Warren Case Connection: Based on the 1981 “Devil Made Me Do It” trial, where Johnson pleaded demonic possession.
- Where to Watch: Available on HBO Max, rent on Amazon Prime Video.
11. The Nun II (2023)
- Release Date: September 8, 2023
- Runtime: 110 minutes
- Plot Summary: In 1956 France, Sister Irene faces Valak again as evil spreads after a priest’s murder. Directed by Michael Chaves, it ties to The Nun and The Conjuring 2.
- Warren Case Connection: Loosely inspired by the Warrens’ encounters with Valak, with a nod to Saint Lucy’s legend.
- Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max, rent on Apple TV.
12. The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)
- Release Date: September 5, 2025
- Runtime: TBD
- Plot Summary: Set in 1986, this final Conjuring film follows the Warrens on one last case, possibly the Smurl haunting. Directed by Michael Chaves, with Farmiga and Wilson.
- Warren Case Connection: Speculated to be based on the Smurl family haunting, involving alleged demonic assaults.
- Where to Watch: Theatrical release; streaming TBD.
How the Movies Align with Real Warren Cases
The Conjuring Universe timeline differs from the chronological order of the Warrens’ real-life investigations. For example, The Nun (set in 1952) and The Nun II (1956) explore Valak’s origins, predating the Warrens’ 1970s encounter with the demon. Annabelle: Creation (1958) and Annabelle (1970) set up the doll’s story before The Conjuring (1971). Annabelle Comes Home (1972) follows, then The Curse of La Llorona (1973), which loosely connects via Father Perez. The Conjuring 2 (1977) and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (1981) align with the Enfield and Johnson cases, respectively. Outside the Conjuring Universe, The Amityville Horror (1975), The Haunted (Smurl case), and The Haunting in Connecticut (1986) reflect earlier or later investigations. Watching in release order enhances narrative flow, as spin-offs like The Nun and Annabelle build on The Conjuring’s established lore.
Why Watch Ed and Lorraine Warren Movies?
Ed and Lorraine Warren films offer a thrilling mix of horror, true-crime drama, and supernatural suspense, appealing to fans of The Exorcist or Paranormal Activity. Their cultural impact is undeniable, with The Conjuring grossing over $319 million and spawning a $2.2 billion franchise. Critics praise the performances of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, whose chemistry grounds the scares in emotional depth. Whether you’re drawn to the best Ed and Lorraine Warren movies to watch for their chilling atmosphere or their “based on true events” allure, these films deliver. From The Conjuring’s critical acclaim to The Nun’s terrifying visuals, they’re perfect for spooky marathons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ed and Lorraine Warren Movies
What is the first Ed and Lorraine Warren movie?
The first movie inspired by their cases is The Amityville Horror (1979), based on their 1975 investigation. Within The Conjuring Universe, The Conjuring (2013) is the inaugural film.
Are all Conjuring Universe movies based on real Warren cases?
Not directly. The Conjuring, The Conjuring 2, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, and Annabelle Comes Home are based on real cases (Perron, Enfield, Johnson, and Annabelle). Spin-offs like The Nun, The Nun II, and Annabelle: Creation are loosely inspired or fictionalized, with The Curse of La Llorona having minimal Warren ties.
In what order should I watch the Conjuring Universe movies?
For narrative depth, watch in chronological order: The Nun (1952), The Nun II (1956), Annabelle: Creation (1958), Annabelle (1970), The Conjuring (1971), Annabelle Comes Home (1972), The Curse of La Llorona (1973), The Conjuring 2 (1977), The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (1981), and The Conjuring: Last Rites (1986). Release order (The Conjuring, Annabelle, etc.) is ideal for first-time viewers to follow the story’s development.
Are there any new Ed and Lorraine Warren movies coming out?
The Conjuring: Last Rites, set for release on September 5, 2025, is the final Conjuring film, likely based on the Smurl haunting. A Conjuring TV series is also in development for Max.
Conclusion:
From the chilling Amityville Horror to the upcoming The Conjuring: Last Rites, Ed and Lorraine Warren movies in order offer a haunting journey through their real-life paranormal investigations. These films blend true-crime intrigue with supernatural terror, making them a staple for horror fans. Whether you’re watching in release or chronological order, the Conjuring Universe delivers unforgettable scares. Which Ed and Lorraine Warren movie is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! Share this list with fellow horror enthusiasts and check out our guide to the best horror movies of all time for more spooky recommendations!
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