Today marks the 10th anniversary of Annabelle, the spine-chilling film that took the horror world by storm when it was released on October 3, 2014. A spinoff of the highly successful The Conjuring (2013), Annabelle introduced audiences to the terrifying doll at the center of one of the most notorious hauntings in modern paranormal lore. Directed by John R. Leonetti and produced by James Wan, Annabelle became an instant hit, grossing over $257 million worldwide and cementing its place in the pantheon of modern horror classics.
The film is set in the 1960s and follows Mia and John Form, a couple who unknowingly invite a sinister presence into their lives when they acquire a vintage doll. What begins as an innocent decoration for their baby’s nursery quickly turns into a nightmare as the doll, Annabelle, becomes the vessel for a malevolent force. The film’s blend of tension, supernatural horror, and clever use of the infamous doll captivated audiences, leading to multiple sequels and spin-offs in the expanding Conjuring Universe.
On its 10th anniversary, fans continue to celebrate Annabelle for its contribution to the genre and its ability to instill fear with minimal bloodshed, relying instead on atmospheric scares and psychological horror. The iconic image of Annabelle’s eerie, smiling face has become a symbol of horror itself, haunting viewers long after the credits roll.
