The Conjuring (2013, New Line Cinema, dir. James Wan) is a supernatural horror film based on the 1971 Perron family haunting case investigated by real paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga). Rated R. The Conjuring universe has since spawned 8 films including Annabelle, The Nun, and multiple sequels. Content: demonic possession depicted as real, occult activity, intense horror sequences, psychological dread. The Warrens are presented as Catholic Christian investigators. 25/100 Caution — engaging with demonic content seriously rather than fictionally raises specific spiritual formation concerns.
The Conjuring (2013, New Line Cinema) is a supernatural horror film directed by James Wan (Saw, Insidious), based on the real-life case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren — self-described Catholic Christian paranormal investigators who became famous through cases including the Amityville Horror and the Perron family haunting that forms the basis of this film. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga play the Warrens; the film depicts the 1971 haunting of the Perron family farmhouse in Rhode Island. The Conjuring has spawned a cinematic universe of 8 films including Annabelle (2014), The Nun (2018), and multiple sequels, making it one of the most successful horror franchises in cinema history.
Most horror films present supernatural content as fictional — vampires, monsters, and ghosts that exist in the story world but that viewers understand are not real. The Conjuring occupies a different category: it claims to be based on real demonic activity, presents Christian investigators as the solution, and depicts demonic possession and spiritual warfare as actual events that occurred. This claim to reality changes the spiritual formation concern significantly.
If the events are real: Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns against consulting those who seek communication with spirits. The Warrens' methods — EVP recordings, séances, attempting direct contact with spirits — are forms of the activity Scripture prohibits regardless of whether the motivation is Christian research. 1 John 4:1 — "test the spirits to see whether they are from God" — applies to paranormal investigation methodology. Seeking contact with spirits, even to document demonic activity, enters the territory Scripture consistently warns against.
If the events are not real (or embellished): The Conjuring presents demonic possession and spiritual warfare with such realism and claimed authenticity that viewers who accept the framing are engaging with a detailed, realistic depiction of demonic activity designed to produce fear. Philippians 4:8 — "whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — think about these things" — and Proverbs 4:23 (guard your heart) apply to deliberately cultivating sustained engagement with demonic content even in a "documentary horror" format.
The Warrens' Catholic Christian framing: The film presents Ed and Lorraine Warren as devout Catholics and the Catholic framework of exorcism and spiritual warfare as effective against demonic activity. Christians should evaluate this framework against Scripture rather than accepting it uncritically. The Catholic exorcism rite depicted is not the biblical model of deliverance prayer — and many evangelical Christians have concerns about the Warrens' methodology of direct engagement with demons through investigation.
For mature adult viewers: The film is skillfully made and engages genuine spiritual reality — demons are real, possession is documented in Scripture (Mark 5:1-20), and spiritual warfare is a biblical category. Adults who can watch from a grounded biblical perspective and are not vulnerable to fear or occult fascination may engage thoughtfully. The concern is specifically for teenagers and spiritually vulnerable adults.
See our guide on Is Witchcraft a Sin? for the occult biblical framework. See our Christian Movie Reviews hub. Plugged In's full review. GotQuestions on demons.