People have often carried a bizarre fascination with dolls, both as a collectible and an object reflecting childhood fears. Consequently, the toy market staple also has a darker side in many peoples memories, with many being able to relate some degree discomfort when among the, occasionally eerie, effigies. This sensation has certainly captured the imagination of horror creators, and stories of evil dolls can be found throughout history across the globe.
As a result, there have been numerous horror films that attempt to bring these toys to life in the most disturbing way possible. Series such as the iconic Child's Play, with its great one liners and premise of a kids toy turning on its owner, brought the killer doll genre into the mainstream.
To maintain diversity, only one entry per franchise will be shared.
Puppet Master (1989) 5.7
The work of esteemed puppeteer Toulon, and his creations' that have a life of their own, lead to the demise of the creator. When a group of psychics begin to research the past of Toulon, his puppets come to life in order to avenge the death of their beloved father.
The Puppet Master franchise has been going strong under the Full Moon Productions banner (producer of many Stuart Gordon's underrated films) and the work of Charles Band. Arguably, a great deal of the companies success can be attributed to the horrific creations found in Puppet Master, from the poster boy in 'Blade' to the revolting methods of the 'Leech Woman', the team of dolls has been systematically terrorizing unsuspecting victims for decades.
The Doll Master (2004) 5.8
5 young people stumble upon a doll museum in the woods, inhabited by a wheel chair bound creator and his peculiar assistant. When the group find a mysterious figure chained in the basement of the museum, a series of events unfolds that give the impression of supernatural occurrences in the proprietors collection of dolls.
The Doll Master, from South Korea, contains a bit of a twist on the killer doll trope, one which is best for the viewer to explore themselves. Otherwise, a nice atmosphere and a knack for story telling makes this revenge tale a welcome addition among the slew of 'slasher' heavy themed horror of the West.
The Pit (1981) 5.8
After discovering a pit in the woods with blood thirsty creatures, a young boy uses the location to exact revenge on those around him. His fascination becomes even more rabid when his teddy bear seems to compel him to keep feeding people into the pit, friend or foe.
Giving a mixed narrative that leaves a lot of questions, (is there even a pit?) this eighties horror movie offers a rather trippy take on the killer doll genre. Highlighted by some good character creation, some unintentional doses of dark humor, and a compelling mystery as to the nature of the evil it showcases. Obscurity of the title does not reflect quality, and this is a deserved inclusion worth checking out.
The Boy (2016) 6.0
An American nanny is shocked to find that her new job for a prominent British family is to take care of a doll. As she spends time with the creepy doll, the nanny begins to expect that there is something inherently evil about the porcelain child.
Creepy atmosphere in abundance, The Boy won over a small following off the moody atmosphere and exponentially unsettling interactions between a nanny and the 'child' she is tasked to take care of. Additionally, the production boasts some nice twists and turns giving some added depth to the killer doll mini genre.
Dead Silence (2007) 6.2
A young man returns to his hometown after the death of his wife. While looking for answers as to what happened to his late partner, he learns that it might have roots in supernatural elements; the ghost of a murdered ventriloquist.
Director James Wan made a name for himself with films such as Saw and The Conjuring. Adversely, Dead Silence exists as one of his least well received films, and is seldom discussed when looking at the work of the director. However, that is not to say that the production is without some of his signature charms, notably, the cinematography works to create a foreboding atmosphere to set up some well timed jump scares.
Dolls (1987) 6.3
A storm drives a group of travelers to an old house to seek refuge, one owned by a couple who make dolls for a living. Soon the malicious intent of the creators and their horrific creations become apparent, when the guests become hunted one by one by an army of evil dolls.
Directed by Stuart Gordon, best known for his Lovecraft adaptations of Re-animator and From Beyond, Dolls predates some of the most popular franchises about killer dolls. Undoubtedly it did not have the same staying power as others, but will always exist as a fun deviation in the career of Gordon. An original work with its fair share of campy glory, makes for a fun entry.
Annabelle Creation (2017) 6.5
A dollmaker and his wife welcome in a nun and a group of girls into their home. However, the girls are soon terrorized by one of the dolls creations, Annabelle. An exploration of the origins of the real life cursed doll, made famous in films like The Conjuring and the first film in the series, simply titled Annabelle.
Annabelle, in many regards, is the current heir to symbolizing creepy dolls in film, even against an adversary in Chucky. Consequently, a film that explored the origins of the infamous cursed object was bound to draw in a crowd of fans.
Trilogy of Terror (1975) 6.6
Originally a made-for-TV anthology movie, Trilogy of Terror collects three different stories of the macabre. While only one fits the bill with the entry Amelia, in which a young woman (played by Karen Black) is terrorized by a 'Zuni fetish doll,' it is by far the most memorable entry. As a result, it is difficult to recall much beyond the final short that had the horror icon face off against a menacing statue.
The segment proved so popular that the Zuni was brought back and used in a story in the sequel, Trilogy of Terror II.
Childs Play (1988) 6.6
The killer doll micro-genre would not even exist if it was not for Child's Play. Furthermore, the title still exists as one of the most beloved franchises to come out of the beloved period of 80s horror.
As much as the series has seen continued (albeit varied) success, the original still holds up as the most beloved in the franchise, with it being the first introduction to the 'good guy' for many. Consequently, Brad Douriff would become a household name along with the film, as his one liners and menacing dialogue haunting the memories of many future horror addicts'.
Magic (1978) 6.8
Once a failed ventriloquist, Corky is given a second chance when he is gifted a dummy named Fats. With fats as his partner the two start to make a name for themselves, allowing corky to approach an old high-school crush with renewed confidence. Unfortunately for him, his business partner has other plans driven by a viscous attitude and malicious desires.
Sir Anthony Hopkins brings a lot of charm into the role of the troubled ventriloquist, who suffers from a split personality. Overlooked on release, this title has gained some notoriety with horror fans for its dark narrative and memorable antagonist in the ever babbling 'Fats'. As the highest rated killer doll film, it is certainly worth fans checking out and giving this forgotten horror movie a spin.