Terrifying history behind real-life Annabelle doll after 'it went missing' sending people into a frenzy

The Conjuring movies brought the iconic Annabell doll to life for millions, but many people don’t know the doll’s real-life story.

Yep, I said real-life story because the creepy doll the Conjuring movies focus on is based on an actual doll, that really exists.

Whether the films accurately depict what the doll has been up to in its spare time... well, who knows.

But regardless, there is a rather interesting history tied to the doll and it will certainly give you the creeps just a tad. And if you are fearful the ‘missing’ doll could be coming after you, well you better... nope, sorry nothing you can do, best to just accept it, I’m afraid.

The real-life doll doesn't look as creepy as The Conjuring's version, but still has an eerie aura about it (David Benito/Getty Images)

What exactly is the Annabelle doll?

Just like in the movies, the real-life Raggedy Ann doll is said to be ‘possessed’ or ‘haunted’ , if you believe in that sort of thing.

The doll has been caged for most of its existence, but people swear the thing has gone walkabout and caused chaos in any home it has been in.

Annabelle has been locked in a wooden cage in a museum for horror fans to look at when it is usually held at NESPR’s Warrens’ Occult Museum, which was founded by paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

The pair first came into contact with the doll way back in 1970 after getting a call from a concerned priest who needed their assistance.

The pair were told that two young nurses believed a human spirit was possessing the doll. During a taped meeting one of the nurses, named Deirdre, said she got the doll as a gift from her mother on her 28th birthday.

She said the doll had ‘moved around the apartment by itself’ and had even left creepy handwritten notes that said ‘help me’.

Deirdre said: “She moves. She acts alive. When we'd come home from work it would never be quite where we left it.”

Rumors have long circulated that the real Annabelle doll - pictured here - has gone walkabouts (Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images))

Did Annabelle go missing?

Rumors have long circulated that the doll has previously gone missing, seemingly of its own accord, which has left some people skeptical and others terrified.

Well, according to NESPR lead investigator Dan Rivera in a TikTok video posted last week, she’s actually safe and sound.

In the video, Rivera said: “I’m here at the museum right now, and I just wanna show you guys that Annabelle is in the Warrens’ Occult Museum. As you can see in the clip, she’s safely inside of her wooden casing.”

NESPR’s Facebook account also decided to satisfy the fears of fans and denounced the rumor themselves.

Writing on a post, they said: “It’s a Rumor... Annabelle has NOT been stolen. The doll is safely in place at the Warren Occult Museum.”

Where is Annabelle now?

No one really knows... just kidding. Due to her popularity, Annabelle is currently on tour (in the comfort of her wooden casing) as part of the travelling US exhibition, Devils on the Run.

The tour started earlier this month and has likely been equally delighting and terrifying those who get an up-close look at the doll.

As part of the tour, Annabelle will be at the 2025 Rock Island Roadhouse Esoteric Expo in Rock Island, Illinois, on October 4.

So, if you think you can muster the courage to go see her, let’s hope you make it back home from the experience... alive.