14 Toys You Didn’t Know Were Based on Horror Movies
Several toys and collectibles have direct links to famous horror movies, even though they may appear harmless at first.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Toys are usually designed to be fun, but many well-known products are connected to horror films. Some were made for children, while others were created as collectibles for adults. These toys often mirror characters or props from movies that shaped the horror genre.
1. Chucky Doll Influence
Chris Roth on Wikimedia Commons
The Good Guy doll in Child’s Play inspired real toys and replicas. Licensed Chucky dolls were later released as collectibles with details taken directly from the movies. While designed for adult fans, their appearance matched children’s dolls. The connection to a killer character made them unusual compared to standard toys.
2. Gremlins Plush Toys
Bart Everson on Wikimedia Commons
Gizmo plush toys became popular after Gremlins was released in the 1980s. These toys showed the cute side of the character but came from a film where creatures transformed into violent monsters. Children often saw them only as cuddly pets. Their success showed how a horror film could produce a toy line that looked innocent.
3. The Exorcist Figures
Morgan Creek Productions on Wikimedia Commons
Figures of Regan MacNeil from The Exorcist were made for collectors. Some included moving parts such as a spinning head or vomit effects. These toys were produced for adults but used the same action figure format as children’s toys. Their design directly reflected scenes from one of the most famous horror films ever made.
4. Pennywise Clown Toys
Cityswift - Ireland on Wikimedia Commons
The clown from Stephen King’s It has been turned into multiple toys and figures. Versions of Pennywise were based on both the 1990 television miniseries and the later films. Some were stylized for display, while others captured the frightening details of the character. Their link to a story about fear made them controversial as toys.
5. Freddy Krueger Dolls
Thomas Quine on Wikimedia Commons
Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street was released as action figures and dolls. These included his clawed glove and burned face. The toys were marketed toward fans of horror movies. Their design copied his recognizable image from the films.
6. Jason Voorhees Figures
cliff1066™ on Wikimedia Commons
Jason from Friday the 13th became a popular subject for collectible figures. They often featured his hockey mask and machete. Some versions included blood details to match his film appearances. Although they looked like standard action figures, they were connected to a violent horror franchise.
7. Beetlejuice Figures
Tim Burton Productions on Wikimedia Commons
Beetlejuice led to a toy line in the late 1980s. The figures showed the main character in various outfits and scenes. Children collected these toys even if they had not seen the film. While more comedic than violent, the toys still came from a movie rooted in dark themes.
8. The Nun Figures
Warner Bros. Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
The Nun from The Conjuring series was turned into toys and display figures. These products were designed to look exactly like the movie character. Collectors valued them for their detail and likeness. They gave buyers a way to own a version of one of the most memorable modern horror villains.
9. Saw Puppet Toys
Mubarak ALThani on WIkimedia Commons
The puppet Billy from Saw was produced as dolls and figures. Some versions included sound effects and moving features. These toys were not intended for children but often resembled ordinary dolls. Their source material made them connected to a franchise focused on violent traps.
10. The Shining Figures
Dave Christensen on Wikimedia Commons
Jack Torrance from The Shining was made into collectible toy figures. The character was often shown holding an axe and with a distressed face. These toys were aimed at adult fans and horror collectors. Their design preserved the look of a famous scene from the film.
11. Annabelle Dolls
Prisencolinensinainciusol on Wikimedia Commons
The Annabelle doll from The Conjuring series was replicated for sale. The real Annabelle, which inspired the film, is housed in a museum collection. The movie version was designed to look more frightening, and toy replicas followed that style. Many were purchased as horror memorabilia rather than playthings.
12. Ghostface Toys
Paramount Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
The Ghostface mask from Scream was made into toys and plush figures. The toys kept the simple white mask with black robes that became iconic in horror. Some were marketed around Halloween. Their popularity showed how a masked villain could be adapted into merchandise.
13. Alien and Predator Figures
Wdwdbot on Wikimedia Commons
Toy lines based on Alien and Predator were produced in the 1990s. They were packaged like action figures for children. The toys came from movies rated for adults and known for violent content. Parents often did not realize the characters’ origins when buying them.
14. Leatherface Figures
Vortex on Wikimedia Commons
Leatherface from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was made into collectible figures. These toys often included his mask and chainsaw accessory. They were targeted toward horror fans instead of children. Their design kept the violent image of the original movie character.