Best Ghost-Type Pokémon Ever Ranked

We've had Best Dark Type Pokemon, now it's time for its equally creepy counterpart. In the name of Halloween, these Pokemon designs are definitely unearthly but super creative and genius at the same time. From the creepy music in Lavender Town to the stories of haunted Game Boy cartridges like Pokémon Black, horror and spooks exist aplenty within the Pokémon universe. And who is scarier, Ghost Type Pokemon or Dark Type Pokemon?

20. Dusknoir

A Ghost type Pokémon introduced in Generation 4, it is known as the Gripper Pokémon for its tendency to forcefully trap humans and other Pokémon within itself to “guide them to the Spirit World”, which sounds like the creepiest thing ever. Weirdly it somewhat resembles a cyclops and is robotic in appearance aswell. Its cylindrical head is light gray with a single eye that has a yellow iris and its hands are usually outstretched in a grabbing motion. Nobody knows if it acts of its own free will, or if it’s just channeling orders from the Spirit World. Even though it is a spooky and strange spectre, it can still be caught, trained, and used in Pokémon battles.

19. Palossand

A dual Ghost/Ground type Pokémon from Generation 7, it is known as the Sand Castle Pokémon and is the evolved form of Sandygast. This Pokémon lives on beaches, but it hates water. Palossand can't maintain its castle-like shape if it gets drenched by a heavy rain. Creepily, it continues the tradition of trapping people inside itself like Dusknoir and despite looking like a man-made structure, it’s actually a ghost possessing a pile of sand, appearing in an innocent shape so it can approach its victims and opponents unnoticed. Then it proceeds to bury them in sand and consume them until only the bones remain, which is the scariest thing on toast.

18. Shedinja

A ninja that lives in a shed? This quirky critter does look like it evolved in a shed, as it is a pale, cicada like creature in appearance and first appeared in Generation 3 as a dual Bug and Ghost type Pokemon. You can acquire it only when you evolve a Nincada with an extra space in your roster (and a Poké Ball in your inventory, if playing any of the Generation III games). It is known as the Shed Pokemon and is a little creepy as it can fly without moving its wings, has a hollow shell of a body and does not breathe. Kind of like a ghost insect! It is said that Nincada sheds its exoskeleton, which then can turn into a Pokémon of its own. It's such a cool concept and unique, although scary, critter, although it has a lower BST than Nincada and only 1 HP.

17. Alolan Marowak

A Ground type Pokémon from Generation 1, it is known as the Bone Keeper Pokémon and is the evolved form of Cubone, still wearing its mother’s skull on its head as a symbol of protection. Despite this disturbing and somewhat heart-wrenching backstory, Marowak wasn’t originally a ghost-type at all. The change came in generation VII with this dark shamanic version of the classic critter, carrying bones that are still haunted by its mother’s vengeful spirit. Now this Fire/Ghost update can pack a mean punch in battle. If you’re up against an Alolan Marowak, always make sure to check for the Curse Body ability before using your strongest move. Because there’s a 30% chance of it becoming disabled after using it. Alolan Marowak is a good wallbreaker thanks to its rare offensive typing, decent bulk, and signature item Thick Club giving a major boost to its Attack. It also has two fantastic abilities, Rock Head and Lightning Rod.

16. Polteageist

Perhaps a nod to the English people’s love for a warm cup of tea (iced tea for me), Polteageist combines two of the greatest things in life, ghosts and tea. It also sounds like one of my dad jokes. It has a really odd and creative design, appearing like a cute purple genie ghost hidden inside a teapot and is a Ghost type Pokémon from the Galarian region in Generation 8, known as the Black Tea Pokémon. I really love the concept and the cute design of this Pokemon! It evolves from Sinistea, an even cuter cup of ectoplasm, which is created once a Polteageist finds an abandoned cup of black tea and pours itself into it. Just make sure that what you’re drinking is actually tea and not a sneaky Polteageist. I’m hyped for the Iced Tea version that’s definitely coming in future releases.

15. Trevenant

A dual Ghost/Grass type that definitely looks scary. The Elder Tree Pokémon Trevenant may be notoriously slow, but watch out if it catches up to you as it hits like a wrecking ball thanks to its high Attack stat. Other than that Trevenant is a very resistant fighter that won’t easily be bogged down by status ailments - this is mostly due to its Natural Cure ability which dispels any major status conditions on switching out of battle. It is a Generation 6 Pokemon and evolves from Phantrump when traded. It is also known to eat people which is an incredibly creepy concept! 

14. Mismagius

A Ghost type Pokémon from Generation 4, it is known as the Magical Pokémon! This Pokemon is definitely witchy and pretty in equal measure, its such a spooky and ethereal looking creature. It is a Pokemon you might expect to find in the dark forests of folklore, as you walk among the trees, you see a shadowy figure hovering above. Mismagius has begun to chant dark incantations that torment anyone hearing them with spooky visions. Overall, Mismagius is an excellent Ghost type, but will face trouble against Gengar, and get absolutely blown away once Giratina enters the fray. Live out your witchy vibes and dreams vicariously through this mysterious and pretty Pokemon!

13. Froslass

A dual Ice/Ghost type Pokémon from Generation 4, it is known as the Snow Land Pokémon and appears as like a humanoid Pokémon with a hollow torso that resembles a kimono. It wears a red band around its waist, reminiscent of an Obi and, boasting several abilities related to blizzards, Froslass are the Pokémon counterpart of the Yuki-onna, creatures from Japan’s snowy regions that take the form of beautiful women to prey on wandering men. It really does appear a lot like a cold and serene woman clad in a white kimono. Strategy wise, Froslass holds a notable niche as a lead on hyper offense teams thanks to its useful utility options such as Icy Wind and Destiny Bond in tandem with its blistering base 110 Speed.

12. Banette

A Pokemon you really don't want to find under your bed! Like something from a horror movie, Banette is inspired by a cursed, old abandoned doll with a dark past. Filled with hatred towards whoever threw it away, the Marionette Pokémon comes to life in search of vengeance. The perfect Halloween Pokemon, it was first introduced in Generation 3 and is a pure Ghost Type. It even possesses a Mega Banette form! In combat it makes for a risky Pokemon for Great League due to its squishyness. A severe lack of bulk causes it to lose many matchups due to simply not being able to finish the opponent fast enough. It’s said that after knowing the love of a caring Trainer, its hatred will be purified and it’ll revert back to a common doll.

11. Giratina

A dual Ghost/Dragon type Pokémon from Generation 4, it is known as the Renegade Pokémon and was introduced as Pokémon Platinum’s main legendary. It appears a little like a cockroach to me and a little like a dinosaur. It appears more like a dark type dinosaur Pokemon, but there we are! It also comes with a dark past and backstory, as it used to terrorize other people and Pokémon to the point where it had to be sealed in the Distortion World for its ultraviolent behavior. In a society that’s centered around Pokémon Battles for entertainment and sport, that’s saying a lot. Can you imagine this giant cockroach like creature coming after you? Its design is truly terrifying, with red glowing eyes and shadowy bat-like wings that make this Pokémon look absolutely malevolent. So far I'm thinking Ghost Type Pokemon are a lot scarier than Dark Type Pokemon!

10. Gastly

Here we have the infamous Gastly, which pretty does what it says on the tin! A dual Ghost/Poison type Pokémon from Generation 1, it is known as the Gas Pokémon and always appeared to me like a floating, misty blackcurrant from a Ribena advert. But that sounds less scary. Although it’s impossible to tell if there’s a Gastly around by normal means, you should be fine as long as you stay out of decrepit buildings and other deserted closed spaces as outside it is known to be blown away by the wind. If the move Shadow Ball was a Pokémon, it would be Gastly. It may sound like a weird statement, but that’s exactly what Gastly is! A ball of shadows with an eerie aura… except this one can permeate through your body and poison you through your lungs and skin and stuff. Not full of vitamin C, kind of the opposite of what Ribena does.

9. Haunter

The evolved form of Gastly is Haunter, a creepy looking Pokemon made up of gas, with a gaseous purple body and menacing expression. Its tongue is made of gas. If licked, its victim starts shaking constantly until death eventually comes. If you get the feeling of being watched in darkness when nobody is around, Haunter is there. Just don't let it lick you! In combat, thanks to nice Sp. Attack and Speed along with the levitate ability, this Pokémon will be able to carry you through some mid-game areas effectively until it is able to evolve in to a Gengar when traded.

8. Cofagrigus

A Ghost type Pokémon introduced in Generation 5, it is known as the Coffin Pokémon and appears as like an Egyptian Mummy or sarcophagus at least, with red, menacing eyes and four ebony hands that appear to be shadows. There is a common theme of Ghost Pokemon possessing inanimate objects, which seems to make them all the more scary! Other than catching people and turning them into mummies, Cofragigus are the perfect defense against tomb raiders thanks to their tanky build and deterrent spooky nature. They make be slow with poor speed stat but their Trick Room ability makes this irrelevant by switching everyone’s Speed around. A really clever Pokemon that equally scary and cool in both measures! You just wouldn't want to meet one in real life.

7. Runerigus

A dual Ground/Ghost type Pokémon from Generation 8, also known as the Grudge Pokémon, whose design is inspired by runestones. It is said to be the result of a spirit possessing a ceremonial slab engraved with magic runes, transmitting the horrible memories behind the picture depicted on its stone tablet to whoever touches it. It even has some creepy and magical abilties in combat, like its Wandering Spirit ability. This will let the creature swap abilities with any opponent, which can be a lot of fun if you're on its side as it can easily dismantle many strategies and leave opponents desperately reformulating their plans, which can catch them out! This, alongside stellar defense and decent attack values, makes Runerigus a formidable fighter.

6. Cursola

One thing more scary than ghosts is climate change, which makes the design for this Ghost type Pokemon so genius. It is the ghost of dead coral, based on the dying reefs we are encountering more and more of in real life due to climate change. Climate change in Galar has killed off much of its coral reef, taking all the Corsola with it. In the aftermath, their souls have come together as an interesting new design. First introduced in Generation 8, it is known as the Coral Pokémon and it is said that any contact with this Pokémon can place a deadly curse on its opponent that sentences it to faint in three turns (along with Cursola) if it’s not switched out. It acts as an appropriate metaphor for the climate crisis, if those with power don't do something about it, we’re all going down with it.

5. Mimikyu

Known for its heartrending backstory that wins hearts everywhere. Mimikyu is known as the Disguise Pokemon and wears a disguise to resemble Pikachu because it craves the attention and love that Pikachu receives. It's a little creepy but inside is just a sad and lonely creature wanting to be loved. It’s so desperate for friends that it hides its real identity and pretends to be Pikachu in order to be better liked and to make friends. There are two holes in its costume lower down, which suggests it must be a small creature lying close to the ground. Much like Banette, Mimikyu takes on the form of a raggedy doll. Some say its disguise is meant to attract prey and dissuade potential attackers and that those who catch a glimpse of what hides under the costume will die painfully in their sleep. Nevertheless, it is definitely a fan-favorite ever since it was introduced as a Generation 7 Ghost and Fairy Type Pokemon, starring in lots of fanart and many memes as well.

4. Chandelure

Unova’s Luring Pokémon, this dual Ghost and Fire type first arrived in Generation 5. If that isn't enough to intrigue you, just check out its creepy, spooky, fantastical design that looks straight out of Tim Burton's creations. Although its appearance is probably enough to frighten away opponents on sight, it also possesses a nice variety of projectiles and long ranged attacks and comes attached to a very powerful Ghost/Fire sweeper that’s viable in plenty of teams. It can also have both Flash Fire and Flame Body as its abilities, which make it super competitive. If you’re a tasteful individual in a spooky mood, then Chandelure might very well be the Pokémon for you. In the past, many used this conveniently-shaped creature to light their homes without spending on lamp oil. Little did they know that it is said that Chandelure burns souls instead of oil as fuel for its fire, bringing misfortune and suffering to those living in its company! Another seemingly inanimate object taken over by a spooky Ghost Pokemon, you'll never look at anything the same again. This is why I have trust issues!

3. Aegislash

A dual Steel/Ghost type Pokémon from Generation 6, it is known as the Royal Sword Pokémon and comes with two different forms! They consist of one offensive form and one defensive form, one possessing extremely high Attack and Sp.Attack stat and the other with incredible Defense and Sp.Defense stat. As a result, it is so powerful in battle that it’s banned in most competitive circuits. And we thought these op mc in anime were overpowered! If Aegislash had its own series it would definitely qualify for that list! It thus carries a great amount of resistances and outright immunities that help it in battle. Furthermore its Stance Change ability lets it switch between great offensive capabilities and amazing defenses depending on what kind of move it last used. If you’re playing through the campaign in Pokémon X/Y or if you compete casually with friends, there’s no reason not to include Aegislash in your team. It has a mystical appearance, fused with symbols derrived from mythology and looks straight out of Arthurian legend!

2. Dragapult

Pokémon designs truly shine when Game Freak decides to defy expectations. So when the time came to make a Dragon/Ghost-type Pokémon, they didn’t just go and make an undead dragon like this was Dark Souls or something. Instead they made Dragapult, a mix between a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and a magic lizard. This incredibly cool-looking anti-radar wyrm is known as the Stealth Pokémon for obvious reasons. It also has the Infiltrator ability which lets it pass through barriers unfazed, and it even keeps some dreary living in spaces on its head from where it can launch attacks like missiles.

1. Gengar

Rated as the best Ghost Pokemon on this list, you might have guessed Gengar would come in at number 1! Not only the most famous and easily recognisable Ghost Type Pokemon, the OG shadow Pokémon from the first 151 is also really scary. It's forever been a powerhouse in battle, is known as the Shadow Pokemon, has amazing stats and is one of the strongest Pokemon of all time, as well as one of the scariest Pokemon of all time. This creature haunts your shadows, the darkness in your living room at night, and laughs at fear from the corner of your closet after you’ve had a terrible nightmare.

Are Ghost Type Pokemon scarier than Dark Type Pokemon? Are Dark Pokemon stronger than Ghost Type Pokemon? Let me know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this definitely check out Best Dark Type Pokemon Ranked, Best Nicknames for Gengar, Best Fire Type Pokemon Starters and Best Poison Type Pokemon Nicknames!