One well - known scary ghost legend is the story of the Bell Witch in Tennessee. It's said that a witch haunted the Bell family, causing all sorts of strange phenomena like physical attacks and strange noises. Another is the story of the Headless Horseman. This ghostly figure rides a horse at night, often in areas like Sleepy Hollow. It chases after people, brandishing a sword or a pumpkin head. There's also the story of La Llorona in Hispanic cultures. The weeping woman is said to haunt rivers and lakes, crying for her lost children.
One well - known Mexican ghost story is 'La Llorona'. It's about a woman who drowned her children in a fit of madness and now wanders the earth, weeping and searching for them. Another is 'El Chupacabra', often considered a vampiric - like creature that sucks the blood of livestock, and has been part of many spooky tales in Mexican folklore.
There is also 'Midnight Meat Train'. The girl in it has a rather eerie presence. Her appearance in the dark and dingy subway setting adds to the overall sense of horror. It's a story that combines the element of a spooky little girl with a terrifying environment.
The legend of the Cherokee Witch in Tennessee is notable too. The Cherokee had their own beliefs and superstitions. This witch was said to have special powers and was feared among the tribe. Some stories say she could change her form. Her legend has been passed down through generations in Tennessee, mixing Cherokee folklore with local superstition.
A well - known legend is that of the Nain Rouge. It has become part of Detroit's folklore. It's often associated with misfortune in the city. Regarding ghost stories, the story of the ghost ship on Lake Michigan is popular. Sailors claim to have seen a ship that looks like it's from a different era, sailing through the fog and then disappearing without a trace.
One of the top urban legends is the story of Bloody Mary. Legend has it that if you stand in a dark bathroom, light some candles, and say 'Bloody Mary' three times into the mirror, a spooky apparition will appear. Another is the legend of the Chupacabra, a creature said to attack and drain the blood of livestock in Puerto Rico and other areas. And then there's the Jersey Devil, a winged and hoofed creature that is supposed to haunt the Pine Barrens in New Jersey.
The legend of the Cadejo is quite famous too. There are two types, the white Cadejo which is good and protects travelers at night, and the black Cadejo which is evil and tries to lead people astray. This legend warns people about the dangers that lurk in the darkness, especially when traveling alone at night.
The legend of the Mothman is a popular one in horror stories. It's a large, humanoid creature with wings and glowing red eyes that is said to be a harbinger of doom. The legend of La Llorona, the weeping woman, is also well - known. She is said to roam near bodies of water, mourning the loss of her children while also being a threat to others. And let's not forget about the Chupacabra, a creature that attacks livestock and sucks their blood.
One famous Japanese ghost story is 'Yotsuya Kaidan'. It's about a woman named O - Iwa who was poisoned by her husband. Her vengeful spirit haunts the area. Another is 'The Ring', where a cursed videotape brings death to those who watch it within a week. There's also 'Teke - Teke', about a female spirit who has no lower half and drags herself around, making a 'teke - teke' sound as she moves, often targeting lone individuals at night.
One of the most terrifying real - life murder stories is that of Jack the Ripper. He terrorized the Whitechapel district in London in 1888. His victims were mostly female prostitutes, and he brutally mutilated them. The mystery surrounding his identity has made this case even more chilling over the years. Another is the case of Ted Bundy. Bundy was a charming and intelligent man who used his looks to lure young women. He killed at least 30 women across several states in the US in the 1970s. His crimes were particularly horrifying as he often raped and tortured his victims before killing them.
One well - known scary story based on a true story is the Amityville Horror. It involves a family who moved into a house where a mass murder had occurred. Strange noises, apparitions, and unexplained phenomena were reported by the family during their stay. Another is the Bell Witch Haunting. In this story, the Bell family in Tennessee was tormented by a malevolent spirit that would make noises, pull hair, and generally make their lives miserable. It was so bad that it became a famous case of haunting in American history.