The Pokemon games are generally family-friendly and aimed largely at children. Yet, some rather spooky things have been brought to light in each generation since the very first games. In a world where Ghost-Type Pokemon run amok and human ghosts haunt mansions and abandoned office buildings, one would need a Silph Scope to see how chilling the Pokemon games can really be at times.
While the in-universe science behind Pokedex entries is dubious at best, it’s the only insight players get into the personalities and feel for their favorite pocket monsters. These are some of the creepiest Pokemon based on their Pokedex entries.
Updated October 31, 2024 by Stephen LaGioia: Despite their largely whimsical motifs, Pokemon and Halloween (and the spooks that come with it) actually have something of a history together — whether it be the urban legends and Creepypastas, or Halloween-themed Pokemon Go events. And of course, being the "monsters" that they are, some Pokemon naturally come with rather creepy visuals and/or lore themselves. Over the decades, many have noticed how scary some of them can be. Even when looking beyond usual suspects of the ominous Ghost, Dark, and Psychic-types, some do convey a certain odd, eerie aura, especially when looking at their Dex entries.
26 Necrozma
Prism Pokemon
This beast of a Pokemon encapsulates some of the most intimidating elemental types when factoring in its alternate forms. Being part Psychic, Ghost, and (in Ultra form), Dragon, the monster comes equipped with several powerful moves that can quickly wipe out opponents.
This parallels Necrozma's tough, humanoid structure, topped off with a "brain prism" that contains eye-like objects on its face. This monster largely represents the darkness and "unknown" with its shadowy form and its ability to sap the light from various beings and places. Necrozma originates from Ultra Space, and can travel through Ultra Wormholes, making it a powerful and mystical creature indeed.
25 Naganadel
Poison Pin
Naganadel is a Dragon-type capable of damaging foes in both the short and long term. Filled with poisonous liquid and large spike-like stingers, the Pokemon resembles a giant deadly wasp more than a simple dragon. Still, it holds the menacing qualities of this winged fantastical beast as well, and can learn various Flying and Fire-type moves.
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The thought of coming into contact with a Naganadel is a frightening one — as it can fly about rather quickly, and effortlessly pierce any target with one of its large, sharp stingers. And even if the initial stab isn't lethal, the ensuing damage over time from the poison is almost sure to be.
24 Claydol
Clay Doll Pokemon
This unsettling doll presents an eerie visual from the outset, with its several eyes positioned in a circular formation; each saddled with beak-like protrusions in-between. This unique design extends further with its floating "limbs" that drift on either side like alien orbs — which are capable of firing potent energy beams.
Claydol can see and sense quite a bit, with its telekinetic powers and ability to float effortlessly. Beyond its seemingly limitless powers, the Pokemon proves quite eerie based on its origins, which are largely shrouded in mystery, spanning back thousands of years to an ancient civilization.
23 Honedge
It's hard to think of a more illusive, impervious combo than Steel and Ghost; and that's precisely what this Gen 6 Pokemon embodies. According to legend, Honedge manifests when a departed spirit inhabits a sword, giving it a deadly vessel to complement its haunting nature.
While its blade is deadly enough, would-be wielders merely holding its hilt will find themselves in trouble. Grabbing the hilt will summon a blue cloth that drains a person's life energy after wrapping itself around the victim's arm. Even the toughest swordsmen will want to look elsewhere for a bladed weapon unless they're looking to have their very essence drunk.
22 Phantump
Stump Pokemon
Phantump takes the form of a seemingly harmless, simple tree stump; though one possessed by a lost and restless spirit. Both a ghostly and biological force of nature, this Pokemon drifts about the vast forests and leaves behind it a bone-chilling cry that resembles a child's scream.
This ghostly growth — and its evolved form Trevenant — makes up the only Pokemon able to learn the move Forest's Curse. While it does sound intimidating, this move merely adds a Grass-type to its target. Still, this can shift the dynamic of the entire battle, and throw opponents off-balance fairly quickly.
21 Skeledirge
The Singer
This crocodilian Pokemon sounds less intimidating than it looks, luring prey to sleep with a gentle tune. Still, it's spooky to think about being put under by a razor-toothed, fire-breathing monster like Skeledirge. The juxtaposition of its sweet lullaby and the creepy, ravenous nature of the monster makes it all the more unsettling.
Its black and yellow eyes complete the sinister getup of this demonic-looking Pokemon, which has no shortage of perilous qualities. Even stranger is the mystery surrounding the fiery bird that sits atop its nose. Legend has it that it's the manifestation of a fireball on Skeledirge's head gaining its own soul.
20 Trevenant
Elder Tree
Resembling something out of the horror film Poltergeist, this ghostly Grass-type towers over many foes, all while staring into their souls with its vibrant red eye that pokes through a dark patch on its top. It possesses a trio of large claw-like wood fingers on each hand, and the roots that make up its bottom allow it to scurry about like a large wooden spider.
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Not only is this plant creature strong in its own right, but it can take control of other trees by using its roots as a sort of wooden nervous system network. It also has the power to curse and trap any who chop down trees, acting not unlike a vengeful Treebeard from Lord of the Rings. Legend has it that the Pokemon has consumed entire people whole.
Basically, defenseless Pokemon or trainers wouldn't want to run into this creature when wandering the forest.
19 Runerigus
Pokemon With A Grudge
This unique Ground/Ghost-Type can be particularly hard to hit, as it boasts the defensive and evasive strengths of both elementals. This large clay slab takes the form of a cement-like serpent, complete with razor-sharp teeth and a long wiggling tail. It possesses a single glowing purple eye, which can be unsettling to stare at on its own.
Its origin is equally eerie, spawning from a potent curse that was woven into an ancient painting and absorbing the spirit of the Ghost Pokemon, Yamask. This Pokemon has the power to inflict frightening memories with a mere touch. Players will want to give this mysterious, defensive Pokemon a wide berth.
18 Brambleghast
Tumbleweed Pokemon
One need only look at the spooky, spiked design of this distinct monster to pick up on its intimidating vibe. This Grass/Ghost-type manages to take the form of something as benign as a tumbleweed and make it look quite unsettling — though this is largely thanks to its vague facial features.
This Pokemon catches unsuspecting prey by engulfing it in its thick, thorny branches, draining every bit of its life energy before letting it go. Mass outbreaks of these monsters have been said to overwhelm and bury entire towns, according to the Violet Dex. Residing somewhere between an amorphic trap and a leech, Brambleghast is not one that players should tangle with unless they're prepared.
17 Chandelure
Luring Pokemon
One would expect a Ghost/Fire-Type combo to make for a pretty daunting Pokemon. Yet Chandelure is particularly spooky and intimidating. This flailing monster can drain the life force right out of its victims, like a soul-sucking demon. It's been described as "burning opponents' spirits rather than bodies"; a rather intense concept to ponder.
The purple flames and haunting, lifeless eyes only add to the chilling nature of this strange anthropomorphic chandelier.