From Annabelle to Chucky: Best doll horror movies to watch

There’s something about dolls that’s deeply unsettling — even before they start whispering or swivelling their heads 180 degrees. Maybe it’s their glassy eyes, their blank expressions, or the eerie way childhood playthings have become horror’s most sinister mascots. 

Whether you love psychological dread or classic carnage (cue Chucky and his knife), these films dive into childhood fears, loneliness, our anxieties about artificial intelligence, and humanity’s obsession with control. 

And of course, no list is complete without Annabelle — the silent, unmoving queen of nightmares whose presence alone can ruin your sleep for weeks. Below is a curated list of the best doll horror movies you can watch on OTT platforms.

Also Read: 7 romantic horror movies that blend passion and fear to watch on OTTs

The Boy (Prime Video)

This eerie thriller introduces Greta (Lauren Cohan), an American nanny who takes a job in a remote English mansion. She soon discovers that she’s expected to care for Brahms, a life-sized porcelain doll treated as the couple’s actual child. As she breaks their strict rules, strange events unfold — footsteps in empty hallways, objects moving on their own, and lights flickering at the worst moments. The film builds slow, simmering dread rather than relying on jump scares, culminating in a twist that completely flips the typical “haunted doll” setup.

Dead Silence (Prime Video)

From James Wan, the filmmaker behind Saw and The Conjuring, comes this underrated gem about ventriloquist dummies and a vengeful spirit. After a gruesome murder tied to a ventriloquist doll, a man uncovers the legend of Mary Shaw — a performer whose ghost kills anyone who screams in her presence. With fog-covered streets, creepy puppet collections, and old-school gothic vibes, this film is a must-watch for fans of atmospheric, chilling doll horror.

M3GAN (JioHotstar)

M3GAN offers a modern, tech-driven twist on the doll horror formula. Instead of possession, the threat here is artificial intelligence. Created by robotics engineer Gemma (Allison Williams), M3GAN is designed to be a child’s ultimate companion. But when paired with grieving young Cady, the AI takes her protective programming to lethal extremes. Stylish, satirical, and unsettling, the film is a sharp commentary on our growing dependence on technology — and just how easily it can turn against us.

Annabelle: Creation (Netflix)

One of the strongest entries in The Conjuring universe, Annabelle: Creation reveals how the infamous demonic doll came to be. The story follows dollmaker Samuel Mullins and his wife, who open their home to orphaned girls after a tragedy. What the girls don’t know is that a malevolent force sealed inside a closet is about to break free. Filled with vintage dolls, eerie hallways, whispered voices, and a deep sense of dread, this installment offers some of the franchise’s most chilling moments.

Dolls (1987)

This cult classic blends fairy-tale fantasy with nightmare horror. During a storm, a group of travellers takes shelter in a mansion owned by an elderly couple with an enormous collection of dolls. But these dolls are far from decorative — they’re alive, and they punish anyone who is cruel or disrespectful. With quirky characters, surreal imagery, and charming stop-motion effects, Dolls stands out as a bizarre yet memorable entry in the creepy-doll genre.

May (Prime Video)

May is not a traditional doll horror movie — it’s darker, more psychological, and strangely poetic. The film follows May Dove Canady, a socially awkward woman with a lazy eye and an unhealthy attachment to her childhood doll. When her attempts to form human connections repeatedly fail, she slowly unravels, turning instead to crafting her own “perfect” friend through horrific means. It’s a haunting exploration of loneliness, obsession, and the desire to belong.

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Child’s Play (Prime Video)

The ultimate killer doll movie, Child’s Play introduces Chucky, the foulmouthed, knife-wielding horror icon. When serial killer Charles Lee Ray transfers his soul into a Good Guy doll, young Andy becomes the unwitting owner of a murderous new friend. With its blend of slasher horror and dark humour, Child’s Play redefined the entire subgenre and continues to influence doll horror decades later.