10 Creepiest Special Effects Ever Used In Movies

As far as unsettling titular characters go, they don't come much creepier than the artificially intelligent menace known as M3GAN.

During her 2022 debut, directed by Gerard Johnstone, the increasingly self aware doll and fiercely protective pal of young Cady goes to some pretty extreme lengths to ensure her safety.

And it's during those moments when some of the feature's undeniably impressive and often freaky special effects work takes centre stage as M3GAN slowly peels an ear off a bully's head and dances her way down a hall whilst hunting down her next victim.

When it came to the unsettling star of the show specifically, though, a combination of VFX, animatronics, puppeteering and a real actor were used to bring M3GAN to life on-screen.

For moments like that aforementioned viral dance/murder sequence, child actor Amie Donald donned a convincing mask that would then be animated with lip or eyes movements if needed. 

The folks behind the picture also decided early on that medium shots of the doll would be "done with a puppet." (via Variety) And there was ultimately around six or seven of said puppets that were used for performing specific movements.

So, now you know what goes into creating a routinely shocking horror doll icon.