For centuries, the list of the 10 scariest ghosts in human history has intrigued and haunted many.
Regardless of the era or country, eerie tales of terrifying spirits continue to be passed down through generations. These stories have also inspired filmmakers to create horror films that send shivers down the spine. Here is the Top 10 Scariest Ghosts in human history up to the present day.
1. Jiangshi
Famous in Chinese folklore, the Jiangshi is known as a reanimated corpse that rises from the grave. These corpses are dehydrated, with shriveled flesh; however, their fingernails, toenails, and hair continue to grow.
The Jiangshi is known as a reanimated corpse that rises from the grave.
When the night falls, the Jiangshi rises, leaving its coffin or cave with its arms extended forward and jumps to seek out the living, draining their life force and spreading terror among all.
2. The Bell Witch
The horror story of the Bell Witch has circulated throughout Tennessee and America, originating from the Bell family. After moving to Adams, in northern Robertson County, Tennessee, John Bell and his son went hunting and accidentally spotted a terrifying creature but were unable to shoot it.
The Bell Witch haunting the Bell family.
From that moment on, the Bell family endured days of torment filled with horrifying sounds, whispering voices, and mysterious shadows lurking at the head of the bed or on the walls. The terror escalated when the ghost attacked Betsy, John Bell’s daughter, prompting the family to call a priest for an exorcism. The incident frightened the entire town, even catching the attention of General Andrew Jackson (who later became President of the United States), but all efforts to subdue the spirit failed. It wasn’t until John Bell died from poisoning that the Bell Witch finally ceased its hauntings.
3. Vampires
Unlike the Cullens from the Twilight series, vampires in European folklore are incredibly brutal and malicious. They bite their victims’ necks and mercilessly drain their blood, often being blamed for plagues that killed millions.
Those accused of being vampires faced immediate execution without any evidence needed.
4. Lang Suir
Lang Suir is a notorious female ghost in Indonesian legend.
Lang Suir is a notorious female ghost in Indonesian folklore. This ghost is the distorted, ugly spirit of women who died during or after childbirth. A distinctive feature of Lang Suir is her glowing red eyes and sharp claws. Lang Suir often torments pregnant women until they either die or miscarry. More horrifying, she is known to suck blood from a hole in the back of her own neck.
5. Yuki-Onna
Yuki-Onna from Japan is often described as having a youthful appearance, slightly blue lips, long black hair, and pale white skin.
Among the scariest ghosts in human history, Yuki-Onna from Japan is typically described with a youthful appearance, slightly blue lips, long black hair, and pale skin. She is known to appear during heavy snowfall in a white kimono.
Anyone who encounters Yuki-Onna is certain to die a cold and lonely death.
6. Phi Pop
Known as a powerful female spirit that is difficult to exorcise, Phi Pop from Thailand possesses the living, consuming their internal organs before assuming their identity to seek out another victim.
Phi Pop is a powerful female spirit that is difficult to exorcise.
The only way to eliminate Phi Pop is to perform an exorcism ritual accompanied by a dance.
7. Hungry Ghosts (Preta)
To the Indian community, hungry ghosts are souls who have died of starvation but cannot eat. These beings were incredibly stingy, selfish, and malicious in life, which prevents them from moving on. They are characterized by their large bellies, thin necks, and grotesque, fierce faces.
Hungry ghosts are spirits that have died of starvation but cannot eat.
Hungry ghosts often wreak havoc on the living and can only eat rice on the full moon of the seventh month, which is the day of atonement for spirits.
8. Manananggal
Similar to Western vampires, the Manananggal in the Philippines preys on humans, particularly sleeping women, but has a grotesque appearance: a human-like face, large bat-like wings, and a body that separates in half.
9. Zombies
Zombies, frequently depicted in horror films, are well-known and cause nightmares for many in North America and Europe, with countless victims suffering painful bites and bleeding profusely, ultimately becoming mindless undead themselves.
10. Ma Da
In Vietnam, Ma Da refers to the spirits of those who have drowned. Unable to move on, they often linger in secluded river bends, dragging victims down to their watery graves.
Ma Da can appear in various forms, sometimes as a child, other times resembling a piece of cloth or a patch of algae drifting in the green water.
Ma Da is the spirit of those who have drowned.
Thus, whether real or not, the top 10 scariest ghosts in human history continue to be mentioned, leaving many haunted and unsettled. Don’t be surprised to see these ghosts appear in vivid horror films or captivating and thrilling bedtime stories.
