The Conjuring Universe: Ranking Every Film
1. The Conuring
The original Conjuring film is still pretty easily the best in the series.
A huge part of that is almost certainly because of just how revolutionary it was and still is. The horror genre had been moving away from grisly torture porn and into the realm of the supernatural, with films like Paranormal Activity or even Wan's own Insidious films, but The Conjuring was the one that changed everything.
Utilizing classical horror techniques with a simple and horrifying story, Wan and his team were able to craft one of the best horrors of the last decade.
The hide and clap sequence is so simple, and doesn't require any big effect or advanced design, for example. It provides a simple set-up, teasing the audience with the possibility of an appearance by the spectre, creates loads of suspense, and then delivers with a simple yet effective pay-off when the hands clap behind Mrs. Perron.
The film also benefits from being the first. Every subsequent film in this universe has borrowed heavily from this films bag of tricks, but the scares here still feel fresh and effective because they are so well-crafted.
In utilizing classic horror film techniques, keeping the narrative simple, and capitalizing on great set-ups with great pay-offs, the original Conjuring film cements itself as the crown jewel of the franchise.