Introduced in the first generation of Pokémon games, ghost types have always been fascinating and unsettling members of the Pokémon world. Pranksters, reanimated dolls, human souls unable to let go, and the very devil of this universe comprise this special type of Pokémon.
Fans have been drawn to these dark and mysterious creatures over the years. This obsession has led to some fascinating fanart that is both wonderful, creepy, and impressive, much like the creatures they represent.
10 Banette
Banette is a deeply disturbing Pokémon, once a child’s doll that was abandoned and obtained life. This cursed creature holds a grudge on the one that threw it away. Sticking itself with pins it can generate a dark energy to lay a curse on enemies that stands between it and obtaining revenge on the child that left it behind.
Alexis Parker’s depiction of these dark creatures is spot on. A figure twisted and mutilated by the dark energies that give it life, this thing is the stuff of nightmares. You may not want one on your team but remember that each one you fail to catch is continuing its hunt for that careless child that gave it life.
9 Yamask
Yamask is perhaps one of the most tragic souls on this list of ghosts. Each one was once a human that rose from the grave. They retain all of their old memories and carry around a mask that is a cast of their face, it serves as a reminder of the life they once had and causes them to cry when they look at it.
Nitefise created this artwork of Hannibal studying the death mask of a Yamask. Does he see something of himself in that cold mask? Is the Yamask visiting him someone he once knew? Is it someone he ate? No matter how you slice it this picture has some terrifying implications.
8 Cofagrigus
At some point the Yamask loses its sadness and becomes one of these twisted entities. A living coffin, a mimic meant to ensnare grave robbers and other curious souls. It no longer retains the memories of its former life, which is less depressing, but now it’s a being of cruel intentions seeking to ensnare victims inside of itself.
Fure produced this artwork that shows a Cofagrigus lurking in the shadows. It’s impossible to imagine how horrific this moment must be. Thinking you’re a lucky son of a gun for stumbling across a golden coffin in some abandoned tomb only for oily arms to slide out and the coffin to rise up.
7 Mismagius
This creature can be a boon or curse depending on the mood it’s in. Some who’ve encountered it have said its mutterings have brought them happiness or helped them fall in love, others warn that it has cursed them with terrible visions and hallucinations.
This artwork by fydraws is a great depiction of this interesting creature. It looms above the campfire in the moments before a chant. It could either be a blessing that brings love and happiness, or dark misery, and there’s no knowing which will happen until it begins.
6 Shuppet
Shuppet isn’t nearly this terrifying in the games, but Mano Torres decided to give it a much more sinister and evil appearance that looks spectacular. Shuppets are said to feed on the emotions of people feeling jealousy, vindictiveness, and vengeance. The stronger these emotions or the more they’re experienced, the stronger Shuppet gets.
It’s not exactly clear what would be more terrifying, seeing this insidious figure lurking in the eaves of a house at night or wondering what kind of person lives inside experiencing the kind of emotions that can feed this Pokémon.
5 Gengar
This is a Pokémon that was scary enough when it appeared in Pokémon Red & Blue, but steadily became more and more terrifying with each new entry. This Pokémon can be a prankster at best or a sinister ghost that stalks people at night, whose body chills the very air, and seeks to kill those lost in the mountains.
This picture by agnyarts can be a creepy type of cute if you don’t know much about Gengar or you never got past the first generation of games. But if you’ve been tracking this Pokémon over the franchise, then it’s just downright terrifying.
4 Haunter
Oddly the lesser evolved form of Gengar, Haunter is much more terrifying than it’s stronger more developed form. It’s said to haunt areas comprised of total darkness, waiting to take the life of anyone who gets too close. When it licks someone one of two things will happen, it’ll steal their life force and that person dies or they’re afflicted with horrible shakes that wont stop until the person dies.
Norman Suarno depicts a Haunter appearing in someone’s room at night. What’s eerie about this image is that you have to imagine this has happened at least a few times to people in the Pokémon world.
3 Phantump
Phantump’s are another Pokémon on this list with a tragic story, but a terrifying motivation. They are said to be children who got lost in the woods, perished, and then their souls inhabited a tree stump. Rather than be depressed at this new life they imitate the cries of lost children hoping to lure others into the forest to suffer a similar fate.
Rubén G. Correa does a great job illustrating this creepy ghost Pokémon. Looking at this depiction you find yourself wanting to feel sorry for that poor child that lost it’s way, but also resent it as you’re likely in danger if you got this close to one in the forest.
2 Duskull
Duskull is a ghost Pokémon that will tirelessly chase down bad children and steal them away to suffer an unknown fate. The only way to escape is to evade it until daybreak when it’ll wander off, though this is hard given it can phase through walls.
Jordi Rapture created this piece to show how Duskull would look if it was depicted in realistic fashion and not as a cartoon, kid friendly character and honestly it’s terrifying.
1 Giratina
Giratina is a Ghost/Dragon that many consider the devil of the Pokémon world. Where Arceus represents creation and life, Giratina represents destruction and chaos. It was banished to another dimension where it silently watches the world, waiting.
Konveekou did a great job depicting Giratina in battle against a number of foes both Pokémon and human. Whether this is an illustration of Giratina’s banishment or return is unknown, but it certainly looks great.
NEXT: Pokémon Sword And Shield: The 15 Strongest Pokémon, Ranked
