The Conjuring (2013)
Kernel Score: 90% · 12,539 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Horror, Thriller
Released: 2013-07-18
Runtime: 112 minutes
Is The Conjuring worth watching?
Must-watch. A properly scary haunted-house film that earns its scares with patient build-up and sharp direction by James Wan. If you like old-fashioned horror without too much gore, this is among the best of recent years.
Watch it if you
- love haunted-house horror
- enjoy scares built on atmosphere
- want a horror film that works well with a crowd
Skip it if you
- dislike horror of any kind
- want a lot of character depth
Best for: Spooky night with friends
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Conjuring
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most terrifying case of their lives.
The Conjuring parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that The Conjuring is an R-rated horror film involving demonic possession and intense scares.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Contains intense horror and demonic threat sequences, consistent with its R rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Conjuring
If you liked The Conjuring, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Conjuring 2 (2016) — 83%: The sequel with more scares and the same leads.
- Insidious (2011) — 78%: Another haunted-house chiller from the same filmmaker.
- The Exorcist (1973) — 88%: The landmark possession film, harder and more intense.
- The Innocents (1961) — 84%: Classic, subtle haunted-house tale.
- The Black Phone (2022) — 87%: A more modern take on chilling, supernatural dread.
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) — 82%: Third entry in the Warren case files.
Director
Cast
- Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren
- Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren
- Lili Taylor as Carolyn Perron
- Ron Livingston as Roger Perron
- Hayley McFarland as Nancy
- Sterling Jerins as Judy Warren
- Shanley Caswell as Andrea
- Mackenzie Foy as Cindy
- Joey King as Christine
- Kyla Deaver as April
The Conjuring FAQ
Is The Conjuring worth watching?
Must-watch. A properly scary haunted-house film that earns its scares with patient build-up and sharp direction by James Wan. If you like old-fashioned horror without too much gore, this is among the best of recent years.
Where can I watch The Conjuring?
In the US you can stream The Conjuring on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Conjuring OK for kids?
The Conjuring is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that The Conjuring is an R-rated horror film involving demonic possession and intense scares.
What movies are like The Conjuring?
If you liked The Conjuring, try The Conjuring 2, Insidious, The Exorcist and The Innocents.