When it comes to horror, the haunted doll Annabelle has certainly earned her reputation. But what if I told you that she’s just the beginning? Haunted objects from across the world have left a terrifying trail of curses, strange occurrences, and ghostly activity that make Annabelle look like child’s play. From cursed paintings to eerie furniture, here are some of the most spine-chilling, real-life haunted items that will give even the bravest horror fans chills.

1. Robert the Doll – Key West, Florida

One of the most notorious haunted dolls, Robert the Doll, resides in the Fort East Martello Museum in Key West. Given to a young boy named Robert Eugene Otto in the early 1900s, this doll supposedly took on a life of its own. Visitors to the museum report feeling uneasy, and some have even claimed the doll's expression changes or that it moves within its glass case. Rumor has it that those who disrespect Robert by mocking him or taking photos without permission face terrible misfortune. He’s often credited as the inspiration behind the Annabelle movie franchise but brings his own brand of eerie, direct interactions with people who cross his path.

Why It’s Creepier Than Annabelle: Robert is said to have directly influenced people’s lives, causing accidents, breakups, and job losses. The “rules” surrounding his display make the lore all the more intense.

Learn more from Ghosts and Gravestones or other haunted object resources.

2. The Dybbuk Box – A Wine Cabinet of Pure Terror

The Dybbuk Box gained infamy as one of the most haunted items of all time after it appeared on eBay, accompanied by a spine-chilling backstory. Said to house a “dybbuk,” an evil spirit from Jewish folklore, this wine cabinet brings horrific nightmares, illness, and bad luck to its owners. Even celebrities, like Post Malone, have reportedly felt its wrath after being near it. The box’s notoriety grew after inspiring the 2012 horror film The Possession, sparking even more interest in the paranormal community.

Why It’s Creepier Than Annabelle: Unlike Annabelle, which seems to haunt her immediate surroundings, the Dybbuk Box’s curse travels with whoever owns it, leading to terrifying repercussions on multiple continents.

Find more about this object’s strange history on LiveAbout.

3. The “Crying Boy” Paintings – A Flame-Resistant Curse

Italian painter Giovanni Bragolin created a series of “Crying Boy” paintings in the 1950s. These paintings, while aesthetically melancholy, carry a much darker reputation. After numerous house fires in the UK where these paintings were found untouched among ashes, rumors of a curse began to spread. Owners of these paintings claim to have experienced a trail of bad luck, and some refuse to hang them inside their homes. The curse became so famous that firefighters in England started advising people to get rid of the painting altogether.

Why It’s Creepier Than Annabelle: This curse seems impossible to escape—whether it’s fireproof paintings or the unexplained accidents that follow them, the Crying Boy has haunted owners for decades.

For an in-depth look at these cursed artworks, check out Haunted Rooms.

4. The Myrtles Plantation Mirror – Reflections of the Past

The Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana, known as one of America’s most haunted locations, features a mirror said to trap the souls of two murdered children and their mother, a former slave named Chloe. Visitors often report seeing handprints appear on the glass, and ghostly figures are occasionally visible in the mirror’s reflection. Legends say Chloe was poisoned by her owner’s wife, leading to the tragic deaths that have left this mirror haunted.

Why It’s Creepier Than Annabelle: This mirror holds a physical, haunted space for spirits, and visitors directly witness paranormal reflections, intensifying the disturbing aura of this cursed object.

Explore more details on the history of this haunted mirror on The Lineup.

5. The Busby Stoop Chair – A Curse on Anyone Who Sits

In 1702, Englishman Thomas Busby was hanged for murder, and his last request was to sit in his favorite chair at the pub before his execution. Since then, the chair is said to bring death to anyone who sits in it. Visitors to the pub (now a museum) who dare to sit on the chair report accidents or even deaths shortly afterward. The museum has since hung it on a wall to prevent any future incidents. This story’s notoriety gained traction with publications like Haunted Britain.

Why It’s Creepier Than Annabelle: This is a “use-at-your-own-risk” object that claims to carry a lethal curse. Its specificity—only affecting those who sit in it—adds a layer of tension that makes it feel tangible and real.

You can probably like this video made by The UnXplained Zone on Youtube:

Final Thoughts

If Annabelle spooked you, these real-life haunted items will take that fear to a whole new level. From cursed paintings to haunted dolls, the world is filled with artifacts that carry dark, lingering energy—often leaving those who encounter them with lasting dread or even tragedy. For horror fans, true-crime enthusiasts, and supernatural thrill-seekers, exploring these haunted objects is a chilling journey that blends fact and legend.

These stories continue to haunt those brave (or curious) enough to get close, proving that truth can indeed be stranger—and far scarier—than fiction. If you’re interested in learning more about haunted artifacts, check out The Haunted Museum by Zak Bagans or even visit some of these cursed items yourself if you dare.