Four Terrifying Stories of Murderous Balloons

Rubber balloons are the hallmark of birthdays and celebrations, bringing a bit of decorative vibrancy into the celebratory day. For many, balloons signify a sense of childhood joy, reminding them of cake and games and other delights.

Growing up, I was always excited to get balloons for my birthday, particularly helium filled balloons. They way they floated up to the ceiling or bobbed on a string felt like magic — and there was the thrill of having to hold on tight or risk the balloon escaping into the sky. Even popping a balloon contained its own delight, the pin pressing into the rubber and then the sudden POP that sent me into giggles, while my heart raced.

It would would never have occurred to me afraid of balloons (though I have learned that this is a real fear for some, called globophobia). A multitude of books and movies present stories in which balloons act as a symbolic representation of a threat (such as the threatening red balloon in It signifying the presence of Pennywise the Clown). The Homespun Haunts podcast also talks about the concept of haunted balloons as objects being maneuvered by otherworldly spirits or entities.

However, I’ve discovered a handful of stories in which the balloon themselves have become the danger. In each unique story, these fragile, rubbery, air-filled objects suddenly gain a…