Horror’s Scariest Cursed Objects: A History

I have been described by some as a haunted object specialist, if such a thing can exist. In truth, I have spent years studying, learning, researching, and even owning items that are said to be haunted or possessed by some kind of energy. My book, A Cursed Collection of Haunted Dolls (published by Llewellyn, 2025), is a non-fiction project which explores haunted or cursed dolls in great detail. In the book, I have chapters on some really famous cases that have influenced characters in horror movies, such as Annabelle or Robert the Doll. I also spoke to Don Mancini of the Child’s Play franchise. Studying these cases whilst writing led me down quite the rabbit hole, and I came across many examples of objects that are haunted – and, just like with classic horror movies that are focused on haunted, killer dolls, I soon realized there is a whole trove of scary flicks that are inspired by the idea of items containing some kind of supernatural energy.

I think the really scary thing about this concept is that any of us can become a victim of a haunted item. There aren’t usually any unwise decisions involved, no conscious choice to invite such a thing into your home; quite the opposite. Picking up a possessed object can, perhaps, happen for any of us at any time – simply from picking up a second-hand piece in a charity store or buying an unusual antique at auction. If material items can somehow be a vessel for paranormal activity, then, literally, any of us could come across such a thing at any time in our lives. It’s pretty easy to see why this theme sits perfectly in the world of horror movies, and there are certainly some fantastic flicks that are worth checking out that use haunted items as a catalyst for terrifying drama.

One of the more recent examples of a horror film using this as a central theme is Oddity, a 2024 supernatural movie written and directed by Damien McCarthy. Starring Carolyn Bracken, the creepy chiller follows the story of the central character, Darcy, who is blind. She owns an antique shop, in which some of the items on her shelves are said to be haunted or cursed. Whilst Oddity deeply explores grief and loss – Darcy’s character lost her twin sister and is seeking revenge – the flick creates deeply unsettling tension as Darcy begins to use her haunted items to uncover the truth and hurt those who were involved in her sister’s death. It is a very atmospheric horror, and a prime example of how haunted objects can be truly terrifying.