Annabelle

Movie review by Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media
Annabelle Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 17+

Bloody "Conjuring" prequel is scary, if not too original.

R 2014 98 minutes
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 27 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 112 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Annabelle is a prequel to the horror movie The Conjuring, about a possessed doll. There's lots of bloody horror, splattering blood, and scary images, plus some jump-shock moments, shooting, fighting, and dead bodies. A pregnant woman and, later, a small child are in jeopardy. It's all pretty terrifying. But on the upside, other than the scary/gory stuff, there's not too much other iffy content of note -- no sex, strong language, alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs. Though the central couple is married and affectionate, they're very rarely physical onscreen (not much beyond a hug or a kiss). And since the movie is set in the 1960s, not many brand names are shown. Horror fans will probably want to see this, but it's not likely to be as big as The Conjuring was.

Community Reviews

Goodtvmovies
Goodtvmovies Adult
January 7, 2021
age 14+

It’s good for ages 14+

There is some gory parts like a character gets stabbed. There is many frightening moments. But my 12 year old watched this and she was fine after.

This title has:

Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
Cool jerkerama
Cool jerkerama Adult
July 2, 2019
age 11+
People need to know that this movie is not as bad as Common Sense Media says. When it comes to violence there is only like 1 or 2 violent scenes but nothing worst then something you would see in a PG-13 horror movie. When it comes to the sexual content in this film there is actually none not one bit except when he kisses his wife but you see that in everything so it’s not bad at all. When it comes to language there’s really nothing except the word hell or crap. There’s no drugs or alcohol except wine. Overall this movie is not that bad with violence there’s no sexual content and no language. This movie is fine for people 11 or older
1 person found this helpful.
See all 27 parent reviews

What's the Story?

ANNABELLE's story takes place before the events of The Conjuring, following the titular evil doll. In the late 1960s, young couple Mia (Annabelle Wallis) and John (Ward Horton) are expecting their first baby. As a gift, John gives Mia a creepy doll for her collection. With images of the Manson Family murders showing on the television, two murderous creeps break into Mia and John's home; while John fights them off, Mia is stabbed, and Annabelle is caught in the fray. Soon terrifying things begin to happen. The baby is born, and the couple moves to a new apartment, but the disturbances continue, and the ghosts and spooky disturbances give way to images of a demon. With the help of a bookseller (Alfre Woodard), Mia learns that the doll won't stop until it possesses a human soul.

Is It Any Good?

This movie is probably fairly forgettable, though horror fans will get a quick kick out of it. The Conjuring was an excellent horror film that introduced two real-life ghostbusters, the Warrens, who seemed poised to be the subjects of many good sequels. But instead/in the meantime, this quickie spin-off/prequel was devised, directed by the cinematographer of the previous film, John R. Leonetti, without any of the original cast. Annabelle doesn't bring a single new idea to the screen, and most of the scares are of the jump-shock variety.

But some of the old standbys still work, and Annabelle is certainly well-made; it's directed with patience, a sense of space, and incredible period detail. The performances are fine, especially Woodard as a grieving mother who runs a helpful bookshop, and the characters are sympathetic and intelligent. (The husband could take offense to his wife's experiences, but he chooses to support her.)

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Annabelle's violence. How did it affect you? How much is shown, and how much is withheld?

  • Is the movie scary? How does it compare to other horror films you've seen? What makes something scary -- and what's the appeal of scary movies?

  • If The Conjuring was based on a true story, does Annabelle also feel like a true story? Does it make you believe in ghosts?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • The Conjuring Poster Image

    The Conjuring

    Terrifying paranormal horror movie based on a true story.

    age 16+
  • The Possession Poster Image

    The Possession

    Demonically scary movie has low gore, strong characters.

    age 15+
  • Paranormal Activity 3 Poster Image

    Paranormal Activity 3

    Slightly more violent prequel connects the first two movies.

    age 16+

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