With “M3GAN 2.0” just around the corner, it’s clear that Hollywood’s obsession with creepy dolls is far from over. The highly anticipated sequel sees M3GAN rebuilt to stop a rogue humanoid military robot created using her own AI technology. Produced by genre titans Jason Blum and James Wan, the film premieres today in New York and arrives in U.S. theaters on June 27.
To mark the occasion, we’re looking back at the dolls that crawled, creaked, and cursed their way into horror history. These 10 unforgettable movie dolls prove that some of the scariest villains come in pint-sized, porcelain-faced forms.
Annabelle – The Conjuring Universe
Source: IMDb
Inspired by a real-life Raggedy Ann, this cursed doll is now a horror icon in her own right. First appearing in “The Conjuring,” Annabelle went on to headline her own terrifying spin-offs.
Chucky – Child’s Play Series
Source: IMDb
Possessed by a serial killer and fueled by dark voodoo, Chucky turned the innocent Good Guy doll into one of horror’s most twisted characters. His crude humor and violent streak made him unforgettable.
Brahms – The Boy (2016)
Source: IMDb
At first glance, Brahms seems like just a creepy porcelain doll. But the sinister secrets hidden in the walls of his English manor reveal a chilling truth.
Billy – Dead Silence (2007)
Source: Netflix
Created by James Wan, this pale-faced ventriloquist dummy is linked to a ghostly curse. His lifeless stare and silent presence are enough to send chills down any spine.
Fats – Magic (1978)
Source: IMDb
Fats is a ventriloquist dummy who begins to take control of his master’s mind. Anthony Hopkins delivers a disturbing performance in this psychological slow-burn.
The Clown Doll – Poltergeist (1982)
Source: IMDb
It only has one major scene, but it’s one nobody forgets. That grinning clown doll hiding under the bed helped define childhood trauma for an entire generation.
Hugo – Devil Doll (1964)
Source: IMDb
In this British cult classic, a hypnotist controls his ventriloquist dummy during disturbing performances. Hugo’s dead eyes and cruel voice make him deeply unsettling.
Suzie – May (2002)
Source: IMDb
May’s homemade doll, stitched together from spare parts, becomes a stand-in for her loneliness and mental unraveling. It’s a tragic and haunting addition to the doll horror genre.
Clown Doll – Dolls (1987)
Source: IMDb
This lesser-known cult film features a house full of murderous dolls. Among the numerous unsettling figures is a Mr. Punch doll, a jester-like character who, like the other animated dolls, comes to sinister life when the blood starts flowing.
Pin – Pin (1988)
Source: IMDb
The disturbing Canadian psychological thriller centers on a medical anatomy doll named Pin, who seems to take on a life of his own. As the main character’s mental state unravels, so does the line between reality and delusion.
