THE CONJURING UNIVERSE: HOW MUCH IS THAT REAL?

If you're a horror movie fan, chances are you've heard of the most controversial paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren. This husband-and-wife duo isn’t just fictional characters in famous movies like The Conjuring, The Nun, and Annabelle; they were real people with real cases that inspired the entire Conjuring Universe.

What makes these movies even more compelling is the consistency of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga playing Ed and Lorraine Warren. They have portrayed these characters in five out of the eight movies released so far, creating a strong chemistry that enhances the authenticity of the films. But the real question is; how much of it is actually true?

Let’s break down each movie in chronological order, compare the Hollywood adaptation with the real events, and debunk the myths behind The Conjuring Universe.

1. The Nun (2018)

Being the first movie of the universe chronologically, this film was set in 1952 and was not a retelling about the pair, the Warrens. This movie introduces the demonic entity Valak, haunting a Romanian monastery. While the Warrens never investigated this case, the character of Valak is loosely inspired by various historical references and folklore. There is no documented case of a demonic nun terrorizing a convent, making this movie more fiction than a fact.

The Nun (2018). Source: kapanlagi.com

📌Must watch? Maybe not. This movie serves as an origin story for Valak but has no direct connection to the Warrens' cases.

2. Annabelle: Creation (2017)

This movie tells about how the infamous Annabelle doll was created at the very first its making. In reality, Annabelle is a Raggedy Ann doll not the creepy porcelain version as what we see on the screen. This movie is not really linked to the story, but if you ever wondered how the famous doll became the possessed doll, you may watch this movie.

Annabelle: Creation (2017). Source: forbes.com

📌Must watch? Yes. Although fictionalized, it provides background on the infamous Annabelle doll, tying into later films.

3. The Nun II (2023)

Being the sequel of The Nun (2018), this movie expands Valak’s influence in 1956. The story of this movie mostly tells about the sister’s faith after experiencing some horribly and eroding faith events in its prequel. This movie is not really connected to the events or linked to the real story. 

The Nun II (2018). Source: hollywoodreporter.com

📌Must watch? No. It mainly explores Sister Irene’s fictional journey rather than real-life paranormal investigations.

4. Annabelle (2014)

Based on the infamous case from the Warren’s Occult Museum, the real Annabelle doll allegedly caused disturbances for its owners before being locked away by the Warrens. However, the violent attacks, satanic cult involvement, and supernatural murders in the movie are all fabrications. The Warrens claimed that the doll was possessed. However, most of the film’s events are purely fictional and only a Hollywood’s wrap.

Annabelle (2014). Source: nytimes.com

📌Must watch? No. The film dramatizes the Annabelle case far beyond its real-life inspiration.

5. The Conjuring (2013)

This movie is one of the closest adaptations to a real case. The Perron family did experience paranormal activity in the 1970s, and the Warrens investigated their home. However, the exaggerated possession scenes and exorcism were not part of the official case reports.

The Conjuring (2013). Source: nytimes.com

📌Must watch? Yes. It’s one of the most accurate portrayals of a Warren case and a strong entry in the franchise.

6. Annabelle: Comes Home (2019)

Annabelle: Comes Home (2019). Source: screendaily.com

The concept of the Annabelle doll being locked in a glass case in the Warren’s Occult Museum is real. However, the haunted artifacts unleashing terror inside the Warren’s house is pure Hollywood fiction.

📌Must watch? No. The plot is mostly fictional, with little connection to real events.

7. The Conjuring II (2016)

One of the most famous cases investigated by the Warrens, the Enfield poltergeist was a real phenomenon in the UK during the late 1970s. However, the movie dramatizes many events, such as the demonic possession and the Warrens’ direct involvement—when in reality, they only briefly visited the site.

The Conjuring II (2016). Source: rollingstone.com

📌Must watch? Maybe. While exaggerated, it remains one of the most well-known paranormal cases associated with the Warrens.

8. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)

This movie is based on the real-life trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the first person in U.S. history to claim demonic possession as a defense in court. While the Warrens were involved in the case, many details were exaggerated, and the supernatural elements remain highly debatable.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021). Source: klasika.kompas.id 

📌Must watch? No. While intriguing, the movie takes significant creative liberties.

While the Conjuring Universe takes inspiration from real cases, Hollywood definitely adds its own dramatic touch. The core events and people existed, but the exaggerated hauntings, possessions, and demonic battles are mostly fiction. Still, the mix of truth and myth makes these movies even more thrilling to watch.

What do you think? Do you believe in the Warrens’ cases, or are they just clever stories wrapped in Hollywood horror? Let me know in the comments!