The film is noted for introducing several new monsters and ghosts that expand the franchise's lore:

A spirit who takes coins from the eyes of the dead to guide their souls.

A haunted wedding dress that possesses and corrupts whoever wears it. The Black Shuck: A demonic, werewolf-like hellhound.

The film was a box office hit, grossing approximately $231.3 million worldwide on a modest budget.

The story begins with the Warrens bringing the Annabelle doll to their home and locking it in a sacred glass case in their artifacts room to contain its evil. The narrative follows their ten-year-old daughter, , and her babysitter, Mary Ellen , after the Warrens leave for an overnight trip.