Mia Warner Remember those cute, electronic Furby toys from the 90s that chirped and blinked their way into our hearts? Well, they’ve made a comeback—but not in the way Tiger Electronics intended. The internet has transformed these innocent creatures into something altogether more disturbing. Welcome to the world of cursed Furbies, where nostalgic toys meet modern internet humor to create something wonderfully weird.
As someone who grew up with an original Furby and later discovered this strange subculture, I’ve watched with fascination as people stretch, dissect, and reimagine these fuzzy creatures into art pieces that would make their original designers shudder. Whether you’re curious about this odd corner of internet culture or looking to create your own monstrosity, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the cursed Furby phenomenon.
The Origins of the Cursed Furby Phenomenon
The cursed Furby trend didn’t appear overnight. It evolved gradually as internet culture embraced the uncanny and absurd. Furbies themselves were already somewhat unsettling to begin with—their ability to “learn” language, their unblinking stare, and their tendency to activate randomly after years in storage all contributed to their eerie reputation.
Around 2018, Tumblr user furbyfuzz posted the first “Long Furby”—a regular Furby modified with an elongated, snake-like body. This bizarre creation struck a chord with the internet’s love for the absurd and quickly went viral. The concept spread to other platforms like Reddit, Instagram, and eventually TikTok, where #cursedFurby has accumulated millions of views.
What started as a niche internet joke soon developed into a legitimate art form and hobby. People began competing to create the most unsettling modifications, from adding human teeth to creating hybrid creatures that barely resembled the original toy. The movement represents a perfect storm of 90s nostalgia, internet absurdism, and DIY crafting culture.
“The cursed Furby movement is really about taking something familiar and twisting it just enough to create that delicious feeling of discomfort that internet culture thrives on.”
The cursed Furby community has produced some truly memorable creations that have achieved viral fame. These modifications range from mildly unsettling to genuinely nightmare-inducing, each adding to the bizarre lore of this internet subculture.
Long Furby: The Original Cursed Creation
The Long Furby remains the most iconic cursed modification. These creatures feature a standard Furby face attached to a serpentine body that can range from one to six feet in length. Some creators add multiple sets of legs along the body, while others leave them as fabric tubes. The Instagram account @longfurbyfam has amassed over 30,000 followers showcasing these elongated abominations.
Dentured Furbies: Human Teeth Horrors
Perhaps the most viscerally disturbing trend involves replacing a Furby’s plastic beak with realistic human teeth. These modifications often use dental acrylic to create a grinning mouth that transforms the cute toy into something truly unsettling. The contrast between the innocent eyes and the human smile creates an uncanny valley effect that’s both repulsive and fascinating.
Furbacca: The Official Cursed Furby
Interestingly, even Hasbro got in on the creepy action with their official “Furbacca” release—a Chewbacca-themed Furby that many fans found unintentionally disturbing. With its strange proportions and unsettling growl, Furbacca became known as “the officially licensed cursed Furby” and is now a collector’s item in both Star Wars and cursed toy communities.
Skinned Furbies: The Most Disturbing Trend
For those with stronger stomachs, “skinned” Furbies reveal the mechanical skeleton beneath the fur. Artists like Sophie G. Stark take this concept further with silicone “Skinby” sculptures that reimagine Furbies as biological creatures with exposed muscle tissue. These creations blur the line between toy modification and horror art.
The viral appeal of these creations stems from their perfect balance of nostalgia, humor, and horror. They transform a recognizable childhood icon into something that challenges our comfort zone—exactly the kind of content that thrives in today’s internet culture.
The Psychology Behind Our Fascination with Cursed Furbies
What makes these disturbing toy modifications so appealing? The answer lies in a fascinating mix of psychological principles that explain our attraction to the creepy-cute aesthetic.
The Uncanny Valley Effect
Cursed Furbies occupy a sweet spot in what researchers call the “uncanny valley”—objects that appear almost human but not quite, triggering a sense of unease. Original Furbies already straddled this line with their blinking eyes and seemingly autonomous behavior. Modifications push them further into uncanny territory, creating a delicious discomfort that many find strangely appealing.
Nostalgia With a Twist
For millennials and Gen Z, Furbies represent childhood nostalgia. Modifying them allows people to reclaim and recontextualize these memories through an adult lens. It’s a way of acknowledging childhood while also processing it through more complex emotions and humor.
A 2022 University of Toronto study found that 70% of adults find these toys somewhat creepy, despite 85% recalling them fondly from childhood. This cognitive dissonance creates the perfect foundation for the cursed Furby phenomenon.
Internet Culture and Shared Humor
The cursed Furby trend exemplifies internet humor’s love for the absurd. Creating and sharing these modifications builds community through shared appreciation of the weird and unexpected. It’s a form of digital folk art that allows people to participate in a collective creative experience.
“Cursed Furbies represent the perfect intersection of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and internet absurdism. They let us process our complicated feelings about childhood through humor and art.”
DIY Cursed Furby Culture: Join the Modification Movement
The heart of the cursed Furby phenomenon lies in its DIY spirit. Unlike many internet trends that remain purely digital, this movement encourages hands-on creation and modification. The community values creativity, craftsmanship, and the willingness to transform a mass-produced toy into something uniquely disturbing.
The Modder Community
A vibrant community of Furby modders shares techniques, materials, and inspiration across platforms like Reddit’s r/LongFurbies (with over 15,000 members), Instagram, and Discord servers dedicated to cursed toy creation. These spaces foster collaboration and friendly competition to create increasingly elaborate modifications.
“I started modding Furbies as a joke, but it quickly became a serious creative outlet. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming this iconic toy into something that reflects your own weird aesthetic.”
Popular Modification Techniques
Furby modders employ various techniques to transform their toys, from simple cosmetic changes to complete reconstructions:
“The beauty of Furby modding is that there are no rules. Some people create elaborate, technically complex modifications, while others achieve disturbing results with just a few simple changes. It’s accessible to creators at all skill levels.”
How to Make a Cursed Furby in 5 Steps
Ready to create your own abomination? This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through transforming a standard Furby into something delightfully disturbing. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and take appropriate safety precautions.
Ready to Create Your Own Cursed Furby?
Follow our step-by-step guide to transform an ordinary Furby into something extraordinarily disturbing. Perfect for beginners!
Step 1: Acquire and Disassemble Your Furby
Start with a second-hand Furby—thrift stores, online marketplaces, and garage sales are great sources. Gently remove the battery cover and batteries first. Then, locate the seam at the bottom and carefully cut along it with sharp scissors. Peel back the fur to reveal the plastic shell beneath.
Use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws holding the plastic shell together. Work slowly and document the location of each screw for reassembly. Once open, you’ll see the internal mechanism—take photos to remember how everything fits together.
Important: If you plan to keep the electronics functional, be extremely careful not to damage the circuit boards or wiring. If you’re creating a non-electronic modification, you can remove the mechanisms entirely.
Step 2: Modify the Body Structure
For a Long Furby, you’ll need to create an extended body. Cut a tube of fabric approximately 3-4 times the height of your Furby (or longer for more dramatic effect). Fleece or faux fur that matches your Furby works best. Sew the tube with the fuzzy side facing inward, then turn it right-side out.
Stuff the tube with polyester filling to your desired firmness. For structure, you can insert a flexible wire through the center to allow for posing. Attach the Furby’s face mechanism to one end of the tube using strong fabric glue or by sewing it securely.
Step 3: Customize Facial Features
The face is what makes a cursed Furby truly unsettling. Consider these popular modifications:
- Replace the plastic beak with sculpted teeth using dental acrylic or polymer clay
- Swap the original eyes for larger, more realistic glass eyes from craft stores
- Add extra eyes or features using small craft materials
- Paint new expressions using acrylic paint (works best on plastic parts)
For teeth modifications, sculpt your design first in clay to ensure it fits properly. Once satisfied, create a final version using dental acrylic or strong epoxy. Attach securely with industrial-strength adhesive.
Step 4: Electronic Modifications (Optional)
If you’re technically inclined, you can modify your Furby’s electronics for even more disturbing effects:
- Replace the voice box with a different sound module
- Add LED lights for glowing eyes or other features
- Install a motion sensor for unexpected activation
- Connect to an Arduino for programmable behaviors
Safety Warning: Electronic modifications carry risks including short circuits and battery issues. Never use damaged lithium batteries, as they can cause fires. If using rechargeable batteries, ensure they have proper protection circuits. When soldering, work in a well-ventilated area and never leave modified electronics unattended while powered.
Step 5: Final Assembly and Accessories
Reassemble your creation, securing all components with appropriate adhesives or stitching. Consider adding final touches like:
- Clothing or accessories (tiny hats, jewelry, etc.)
- Additional limbs or appendages
- Custom stands or display bases
- Weathering effects for an aged, creepier appearance
Document your creation with photos and share with the community! Many modders create Instagram accounts or join forums to showcase their work and get feedback for future projects.
Safety Warnings for Furby Modders
Important Safety Guidelines
Modifying electronic toys carries certain risks. Please read these safety warnings carefully before starting your project:
Battery Safety
The most serious safety concern when modifying electronic toys involves battery handling. Original Furbies use alkaline batteries, but many modders upgrade to rechargeable options, which require special care:
Tool and Material Safety
The modification process involves various tools and materials that require proper handling:
Pro Tip: If you’re new to electronics, consider starting with a non-electronic modification first. Once you’re comfortable with the basic process, you can gradually incorporate more complex electronic changes.
The Ethical Debate: Destroying vs. Reimagining Vintage Toys
The cursed Furby movement raises interesting questions about the ethics of modifying vintage toys. As original Furbies become increasingly rare, some collectors argue that modifying them destroys cultural artifacts. Others see modification as giving new life and relevance to otherwise forgotten objects.
The Preservation Perspective
Vintage toy collectors and preservationists often express concern about the modification trend. Original 1998 Furbies in working condition can sell for hundreds of dollars to collectors who value them in their authentic state.
The preservation argument suggests that these toys represent important cultural history and design innovation that should be maintained in its original form for future generations to appreciate.
“These toys represent a significant moment in electronic toy development. Modifying them erases that history and reduces the number of original specimens available to collectors and museums.”
The Creative Transformation View
Modders and artists counter that transformation gives these toys new cultural relevance. They argue that repurposing mass-produced objects into unique art pieces adds rather than subtracts value.
This perspective sees modification as part of a long tradition of folk art that repurposes commercial products into personal expressions. It values the creative process and the new meanings generated through transformation.
“I see my modifications as collaboration with the original designers. I’m taking their creation and extending its cultural life in new directions they never imagined.”
Finding Middle Ground
Many in the community have found ethical compromises:
This debate reflects broader questions about ownership, preservation, and the evolving value of objects in our culture. There are no simple answers, but the conversation itself adds depth to what might otherwise be dismissed as a simple internet joke.
Cursed Furbies in Pop Culture: From Memes to Mainstream
What began as an internet curiosity has steadily infiltrated broader pop culture, appearing in video games, art exhibitions, and even commercial products. The cursed Furby aesthetic has become a recognizable visual shorthand for internet-age horror with a humorous twist.
Gaming and Digital Media
Indie horror games have embraced the cursed Furby aesthetic. Titles like “Tattletail” draw clear inspiration from Furby-like creatures, while games such as “Dread X Collection” feature modified toys as antagonists. The popular horror game “Five Nights at Freddy’s” creator Scott Cawthon has cited Furbies as partial inspiration for his animatronic characters.
Several Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) have incorporated cursed Furbies as plot elements or mysterious artifacts. The “Don’t Feed the Furbies” ARG gained significant following in 2020 with its story of haunted toys communicating through hidden messages.
Art Exhibitions and Installations
The cursed Furby movement has gained legitimacy in art circles. The 2022 “Digital Folklore” exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art featured several cursed Furby creations as examples of internet-native art forms. Artist Sophie G. Stark’s silicone “Skinby” sculptures have been displayed in galleries across North America and Europe.
In 2023, the “Toys Reimagined” traveling exhibition showcased over 50 modified Furbies alongside other transformed toys, drawing connections between internet culture and traditional folk art practices of repurposing commercial objects.
Commercial Adoption
The aesthetic has even influenced commercial products. Fashion brands like Irregular Choice have released Furby-inspired footwear with intentionally unsettling designs. The 2022 horror film “M3GAN” featured a killer doll with design elements that many critics noted seemed influenced by the cursed toy aesthetic.
Hasbro itself has acknowledged the trend, with their 2023 Furby relaunch marketing subtly nodding to the cursed modifications with the tagline “What will yours become?” This corporate recognition demonstrates how internet culture increasingly influences mainstream products and marketing.
Voices from the Void: Interviews with Cursed Furby Creators
To better understand the creative minds behind these disturbing creations, I spoke with three prominent figures in the cursed Furby community. Their insights reveal the passion, creativity, and unexpected depth behind what might seem like a simple internet joke.
Emma Chen, Creator of “Elongated Elegance”
Emma’s six-foot Long Furby “Bartholomew” has become an Instagram sensation with its elaborate Victorian-inspired clothing and articulated spine that allows for complex posing.
“I started making cursed Furbies during the pandemic lockdown as a way to process anxiety. There’s something therapeutic about taking this cute, innocent toy and transforming it into something that embodies the weirdness and discomfort we were all feeling.”
Emma sees her creations as “emotional self-portraits” that allow her to externalize complex feelings through art. She sources vintage Furbies exclusively from yard sales and only modifies units that are already non-functional.
“The most rewarding part is when people have a visceral reaction to my work. Whether they laugh, cringe, or feel uncomfortable—that emotional response means the piece is doing its job.”
Marcus Rivera, Electronic Modification Specialist
Marcus focuses on the technical side of Furby modification, creating units with altered voice boxes, remote control capabilities, and synchronized movement between multiple units.
“I’m an electrical engineer by day, so the technical challenge is what drew me in. These toys were actually pretty sophisticated for their time. I love figuring out how to hack and extend their capabilities while maintaining that uncanny quality that makes them special.”
His most famous creation, “The Chorus,” features five synchronized Furbies that recite passages from classic literature in harmony. The installation has been featured in several digital art exhibitions.
“Safety is my biggest concern. I see a lot of beginners attempting electronic mods without understanding the risks. That’s why I started my YouTube tutorial series—to make sure people modify these toys responsibly, especially when working with batteries and circuits.”
Jordan Taylor, Dental Furby Pioneer
Jordan pioneered the “dental Furby” trend, creating modifications with startlingly realistic human teeth. With a background in dental prosthetics, their work blurs the line between toy modification and professional art.
“I was working as a dental assistant when I made my first modification. I had access to dental acrylics and casting materials, and I thought it would be funny to give a Furby a perfect human smile. I posted it online expecting maybe a few laughs, but it completely blew up.”
Jordan now creates commissioned pieces for collectors and has collaborated with horror filmmakers on custom props. They see their work as part of a tradition of surrealist art that juxtaposes incongruous elements to create emotional impact.
“There’s something deeply unsettling about putting human features on non-human objects. It triggers something primal in our brains. I’m fascinated by that psychological response and how a simple modification can create such powerful feelings.”
Original vs. Modified: The Transformation of Furbies
To understand the dramatic transformation these toys undergo, let’s compare the original Furby design with its cursed counterparts:
| Feature | Original Furby (1998) | Cursed Furby Modifications |
| Body Structure | Oval, compact body (approximately 6 inches tall) | Often elongated, with bodies extending up to 6 feet or more |
| Facial Features | Plastic beak, large eyes with mechanical blinking | Human teeth, multiple eyes, altered expressions, sometimes skinned to reveal mechanisms |
| Movement | Limited to ear wiggling, eye blinking, and mouth movement | Often includes articulated limbs, spine flexibility, sometimes motorized extensions |
| Audio | Pre-programmed “Furbish” language that evolves to English | Modified voice boxes, custom audio, sometimes connected to external sound systems |
| Materials | Standard synthetic fur, plastic components | Wide variety including luxury fabrics, silicone, resin, sometimes organic materials |
| Purpose | Children’s interactive toy | Art piece, internet culture artifact, conversation starter |
| Value | $35 (original retail), $50-200 (current collector value) | $100-1,000+ depending on complexity and creator reputation |
This transformation represents more than just physical changes—it reflects how internet culture recontextualizes commercial products, giving them new meaning and value through creative intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cursed Furbies
Are cursed Furbies dangerous?
Physically, modified Furbies are generally safe if created properly. The main risks come from improper electronic modifications, particularly with batteries. Lithium batteries can pose fire hazards if damaged or improperly installed. Always follow proper safety guidelines when modifying electronics.
Psychologically, some people find these modifications genuinely disturbing, especially children or those with specific phobias. It’s best to keep cursed Furbies away from young children who might find them frightening rather than amusing.
Why do people hate Furbies?
The “hate” is often more complex than simple dislike. Many people have an uncanny valley response to original Furbies—they’re almost lifelike but not quite, which can trigger discomfort. Their autonomous behavior (activating unexpectedly, “learning” language) made some people uneasy even when they were first released.
Others developed negative associations after urban legends spread about Furbies recording conversations (they don’t have this capability) or activating mysteriously after years in storage (which can happen due to capacitors retaining charge). The cursed Furby trend actually embraces and amplifies these uncomfortable qualities as part of its appeal.
Can Furbies really be haunted?
There’s no scientific evidence supporting haunted electronic toys. The behaviors that seem “haunted” (activating without batteries, making strange sounds, moving unexpectedly) have technical explanations:
- Capacitors can store charge even after batteries are removed
- Voice chips degrade over time, distorting sounds
- Humidity can cause short circuits that trigger random behaviors
- Light sensors can activate the toy in response to environmental changes
That said, the cursed Furby community often playfully embraces the “haunted” narrative as part of the fun, creating backstories and personalities for their creations.
How much does it cost to make a cursed Furby?
The cost varies widely depending on the complexity of your modification:
- Base Furby: -50 for a used original Furby
- Basic modifications (Long Furby): Additional -30 for fabric and stuffing
- Intermediate modifications (custom face/features): -75 for specialized materials
- Advanced modifications (electronic upgrades): -200+ for components and tools
Many modders start with simple changes and gradually invest in more specialized tools and materials as they develop their skills.
Where can I find the cursed Furby community?
The community exists across several platforms:
- Reddit: r/LongFurbies and r/FurbyMods
- Instagram: Search hashtags like #CursedFurby, #LongFurby, and #FurbyMod
- Tumblr: Still home to many Furby modification blogs
- Discord: Several servers dedicated to toy modification
- Etsy: Many creators sell their modifications or custom parts
Most community members are welcoming to newcomers and happy to share techniques and advice.
Embracing the Weird: The Enduring Appeal of Cursed Furbies
The cursed Furby phenomenon represents more than just a strange internet trend—it’s a fascinating intersection of nostalgia, creativity, and digital culture. These bizarre creations allow people to engage with childhood memories through an adult lens, transforming mass-produced toys into unique expressions of individuality and humor.
Whether you see them as disturbing abominations or creative art pieces, cursed Furbies have secured their place in internet culture history. They remind us that even the most innocent objects can be reimagined in unexpected ways, and that creativity often thrives in the spaces between comfort and discomfort.
If you’re inspired to create your own cursed Furby, remember to approach the process with respect for both the original toy and the community that has developed around these modifications. Follow safety guidelines, share your creations, and embrace the weird, wonderful world of cursed Furbies.
Ready to Join the Cursed Furby Community?
Share your creations, find inspiration, and connect with fellow modders in the growing world of cursed Furby art.
Quick Navigation
- The Origins of the Cursed Furby Phenomenon
- Most Viral Cursed Furby Examples That Broke the Internet
- The Psychology Behind Our Fascination with Cursed Furbies
- DIY Cursed Furby Culture: Join the Modification Movement
- How to Make a Cursed Furby in 5 Steps
- Safety Warnings for Furby Modders
- The Ethical Debate: Destroying vs. Reimagining Vintage Toys
- Cursed Furbies in Pop Culture: From Memes to Mainstream
- Voices from the Void: Interviews with Cursed Furby Creators
- Original vs. Modified: The Transformation of Furbies
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cursed Furbies
- Embracing the Weird: The Enduring Appeal of Cursed Furbies
