11/04/2025
âAnnabelleâ True Story: 9 Freaky Facts About The Real Doll Haunting Ahead Of Movie Release
The doll from the Warner Bros. supernatural thriller "Annabelle." Warner Bros.
Just like classic films such as "The Amityville Horrorâ and last yearâs âThe Conjuring,â this yearâs surefire Halloween blockbuster, âAnnabelle,â is also based on a true story. If the supernatural film's chilling trailer didnât adequately scare you, here are nine freaky facts about the Annabelle doll and its related 1970 haunting that are sure to rattle you ahead of the filmâs nationwide release on Friday, Oct. 3. The following facts are provided by the hauntingâs lead paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorrain Warrenâs New England Society for Psychic Research website:
1. The Doll Is Real
The real Annabelle does exist. Currently residing in the Warren Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut, the doll is encased in a wooden enclosure, complete with a Holy cross and a sign saying, âWarning: Do Not Touch.â Contradictory to the porcelain Annabelle doll in the film, the real doll was an antique Raggedy Ann.
2. She Was A Birthday Gift
Unlike the film, which depicts a husband and wife owning Annabelle, the original doll reportedly belonged to a nursing student named Donna. The doll, gifted to her by her mother in the 1970s ahead of her 28-year birthday, was purchased at a second-hand Raggedy Ann store. After a few days of owning the doll, Donnaâs roommate, Angie, was the first one to notice the doll was âstrange.â
3. It Could Move On Its Own
Shortly after being gifted the doll, Donna and Angie noticed she would slightly change positions throughout the day, such as crossing her arms and legs. Over time, they claim she started to move to different locations in their home. âSeveral times Donna, placing the doll on the coach before leaving for work, would return home to find the doll back in her room on the bed with the door closed,â said the Warrens.
