The Conjuring Universe has become a cornerstone of modern horror cinema, terrifying audiences worldwide with its tales of demonic entities and haunted artifacts. Based on the case files of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the franchise has introduced a roster of unforgettable villains. These entities range from haunted dolls to ancient demons, each with their own unique brand of terror. As the universe expands with new installments like The Conjuring: Last Rites, we rank the 11 scariest demonic entities that have left audiences sleeping with the lights on.
Valak (The Nun)
Valak, also known as The Nun, is arguably the most powerful and terrifying entity in the Conjuring Universe. First introduced in The Conjuring 2, this ancient demon takes the form of a sinister nun to mock religious faith. With its pale skin, piercing yellow eyes, and stoic presence, Valak dominates every scene it appears in. The demon possesses incredible strength, can block Lorraine Warren’s psychic abilities, and controls other spirits to do its bidding. Valak’s influence extends across multiple films, including its own spinoffs, The Nun and The Nun II, where its origins as a servant of Satan are explored. Its ability to instill fear through silence and subtlety makes it the franchise’s ultimate villain.
Annabelle (Malthus)
The Annabelle doll is the iconic face of the Conjuring Universe, serving as a conduit for the demon Malthus. First appearing in The Conjuring, this porcelain doll with a cracked face and vacant stare has spawned multiple films, including Annabelle, Annabelle: Creation, and Annabelle Comes Home. The doll itself is harmless, but the demon within is brutally malevolent, with a horned head, red eyes, and leathery skin. Malthus torments victims by manipulating their surroundings and inciting violence. The Warrens consider it one of the most dangerous entities they have ever encountered, keeping it locked in a glass case blessed with holy water.
Bathsheba Sherman
As the primary antagonist of the first Conjuring film, Bathsheba Sherman set the standard for terror in the franchise. A 19th-century witch who sacrificed her infant to Satan, Bathsheba cursed her land before hanging herself. Her spirit haunts the Perron family, possessing Carolyn Perron and attempting to force her to kill her children. Bathsheba’s appearance—decaying flesh, long grey hair, and demonic expressions—is shocking, and her attacks are relentless. She represents pure evil, using psychological torment and physical violence to drive her victims to despair.
The Crooked Man
The Crooked Man is one of the most visually striking entities in the franchise, introduced in The Conjuring 2. This grotesque, gangly creature wears a purple suit and hat, with unnaturally long limbs and a smile lined with razor-sharp teeth. Emerging from a nursery rhyme toy, it stalks the Hodgson children, moving in jerky, unpredictable ways. While ultimately revealed as another form of Valak, The Crooked Man stands out for its nightmarish design and ability to evoke childhood fears. Its solo movie was planned but later shelved, though its brief appearance left a lasting impact.
The Axe Man
Featured in The Conjuring: Last Rites, The Axe Man is a vengeful spirit lurking in the Smurl family basement. This entity appears as a hulking figure carrying a lantern and an axe, with a ghastly smile that hints at his violent history. During his lifetime, he murdered two women on the property, and his spirit continues to dominate the area. Despite limited screen time, The Axe Man’s menacing presence and brutal backstory make him one of the franchise’s most frightening additions.
The Mirror Demon
Also introduced in The Conjuring: Last Rites, The Mirror Demon is a powerful entity that manipulates reality through reflections. It appears as a pale figure with long fingers and glowing eyes, capable of recreating destroyed objects like cursed mirrors. This demon possesses Judy Warren and uses reflections to attack the Warren family, showcasing abilities beyond previous entities. Its talent for warping reality and controlling multiple spirits simultaneously positions it as a significant threat.
Bill Wilkins
Bill Wilkins is the ghost of an old man who haunted the Hodgson family in The Conjuring 2. Based on the real-life Enfield Poltergeist case, Bill appears as a frail, menacing figure with a rasping voice and decaying flesh. He terrorizes the family by possessing Janet Hodgson and creating chaotic events, such as turning crosses upside down. However, it is later revealed that Bill is a pawn of Valak, forced to mask the demon’s true activities. Despite his tragic nature, Bill’s scenes are among the franchise’s scariest.
La Llorona
La Llorona, or “The Weeping Woman,” is based on Latin American folklore and appears in The Curse of La Llorona. She is the spirit of a woman who drowned her children after her husband’s betrayal and now seeks to replace them by targeting other families. La Llorona is depicted with a tear-stained face, a white gown, and an eerie weeping sound. While her film received mixed reviews, her relentless pursuit of children and culturally rich backstory make her a memorable and chilling villain.
The Ferryman
The Ferryman appears in Annabelle Comes Home as a hooded, corpse-like figure inspired by mythological Charon. This entity demands payment in the form of silver coins placed over the eyes of its victims, whom it ferries to the underworld. In one of the film’s most haunting sequences, Mary Ellen encounters a corridor of coffins filled with the Ferryman’s victims. Though its screen time is limited, the Ferryman’s design and mythological roots add a layer of ancient terror to the franchise.
The Bride
The Bride is a malevolent spirit haunting a wedding dress in Annabelle Comes Home. This entity forces anyone who wears the dress to murder their groom, embodying the corruption of love and purity. The Bride manifests as a blood-soaked figure carrying a butcher knife, adding a classic horror trope to the Conjuring Universe. While not as developed as other entities, its concept and visual design are effectively creepy.
The Samurai
The Samurai is a haunted suit of armor featured in Annabelle Comes Home. When activated, it emits the sounds of women screaming in agony, hinting at its violent past. The armor physically blocks characters from moving through the Warrens’ museum, turning to follow them with its helmet. Though it lacks a deep backstory, the Samurai’s unsettling presence and auditory terror make it a standout secondary entity.
Also Read: The Conjuring: Last Rites: 11 Easter Eggs and References You Probably Missed
