The subgenre of killer toys in horror has seen its fair share of films, ranging from cult classics like Stuart Gordon’s Dolls to modern hits like Annabelle and M3GAN, not to mention the iconic Chucky. These films challenge the notion of innocence associated with children’s toys.
In Blumhouse’s latest horror offering, Imaginary, the film delves into the sinister concept of an imaginary friend embodied by the adorable teddy bear, Chauncey. To celebrate Chauncey’s addition to the horror genre, we explore a range of other nefarious toys in horror, from ventriloquist dummies to stuffed animals and beyond.
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Billy – SAW
Director: James Wan
Platform: Prime Video
Two strangers awaken in a room with no recollection of how they got there, and soon discover they’re pawns in a deadly game perpetrated by a notorious serial killer. Billy, the iconic puppet from SAW, has been terrorizing audiences since 2004. With his own dedicated fandom, he serves as Jigsaw’s ominous right-hand man. While he may not be directly responsible for crafting the deadly games, his presence alone signals impending doom for the unfortunate victims.
Zuni Fetish Doll – Trilogy of Terror
Director: Dan Curtis
Platform: Sling
In Trilogy of Terror’s anthology, the story ‘Amelia’ features a woman gifting her anthropologist boyfriend a wooden fetish doll in the form of a misshapen aboriginal warrior who wears a gold chain to keep the spirit of a Zuni hunter named’ He Who Kills’ from escaping. The image of the Zuni doll from Trilogy of Terror has haunted me since childhood. Its impeccably crafted design, enhanced by practical effects, gave it a chillingly lifelike presence, particularly unsettling through the eyes of a child. Even after nearly two decades, its design remains as terrifyingly effective as ever.
Blade, Jester, and Pinhead – Puppet Master
Director: David Schmoeller
Platform: Peacock and Tubi.
Psychics find themselves plotted against by a former colleague, who committed suicide after discovering animated, murderous puppets. When discussing killer toys, puppets like Blade, Jester, and Pinhead from Puppet Master are impossible to overlook. For nearly two decades, these iconic figures have solidified their legacy, having quite the chokehold over horror fans with their eerie presence. However, in recent films, they’ve veered into caricature territory, though their impact on the genre remains undeniable.
Teddy Klaue – Krampus
Director: Michael Dougherty
Platform: TNT
A boy who has a bad Christmas accidentally summons a festive demon to his family home. Krampus isn’t just a terrific Christmas horror flick; it’s also packed with toys that are the stuff of nightmares. Teddy Klaue, for instance, while not as outright terrifying as some others, his ferociously sharp teeth give him a sinister edge, making him a perfect companion for Chauncey.
Benny – Benny Loves You
Director: Karl Holt
Platform: Prime Video and Tubi.
Jack, a man desperate to improve his life throws away his beloved childhood plush, Benny. It’s a move that has disastrous consequences when Benny springs to life with deadly intentions. Like Chauncey, Benny forms a strong bond with his human owner. And let’s face it, who can resist the charm of an adorable, albeit goofy, teddy bear? Sure, he might have murderous intentions, but there’s a strange cuteness to his actions, right? While Benny might not be a household name just yet, he’s certainly left his mark on the indie horror scene.
Brahms – The Boy
Director: William Brent Bell
Platform: USA
An American nanny is shocked that her new English family’s boy is actually a life-sized doll. After she violates a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is really alive. While he might not be as iconic as Chucky, M3GAN, or Annabelle, Brahms still possesses his own chilling qualities. Like Annabelle, he doesn’t rely on overt movements to instill fear. However, there’s a deeper, more sinister backstory lurking behind Brahms, setting him apart from the rest.
All Toys – Small Soldiers
Director: Joe Dante
Platform: MAX
When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously. This movie has always made me uncomfortable. It’s the complete antithesis of something like Toy Story, which exudes innocence and authenticity. Plus, the addition of military-style toys turned killing machines just adds another layer of unease to the mix.
Do you need a killer fix after watching Imaginary? Check out our suggested killer toy takes above and see which one will make you toss your childhood toys into the bin, stat!
