In the top 10 scariest true stories, the fact that they are real gives an added layer of fear. When we know something actually happened, it hits harder. For instance, the Hinterkaifeck murders. The idea that a real family was brutally killed in such a way is terrifying. Also, the psychological aspect plays a role. In the Enfield Poltergeist case, the fear and confusion of the family living through those strange events make it scarier. And the historical context, like in the case of the cursed Hope Diamond, where there are long - standing tales of misfortune associated with it.
The element of the unknown makes them scary. In many of these stories like the Dyatlov Pass incident, we don't really know what happened. There are no clear explanations for the deaths of those hikers. Also, the presence of the supernatural. In the Amityville Horror story, the apparitions and strange noises seem to suggest a supernatural force at work, which is a very common and scary element.
Well, the unexpected twists play a major role. In many of these short ghost stories, things don't go as expected. For instance, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the family thought the wishes would bring them good, but instead brought tragedy. The idea of something from the beyond interfering with our normal lives is also scary. In 'The Red Room', the presence that the man encounters in the room that was supposed to be just a superstition is a terrifying concept. And the use of vivid descriptions, like in 'The Tell - Tale Heart' with the description of the old man's eye, makes the horror more palpable.
The history of slavery in New Orleans adds a lot to the scariness. The cruel treatment of slaves like in the LaLaurie Mansion case shows the dark side of human nature. It's scary because it really happened and the pain and suffering of those slaves is unimaginable.
In the Flying Dutchman story, the superstition around ships and the sea plays a big role. Sailors are already in a dangerous environment, and the thought of a ghost ship that brings bad luck is really scary. With Bloody Mary, it's the interactive aspect. The fact that you can supposedly summon her by doing a simple action in a place that's usually private and a bit spooky like a bathroom. For the Grey Lady, it's the mystery of who she was in life and why she haunts. The idea of an old building having a long - forgotten spirit wandering around gives a sense of unease. The same goes for the Headless Horseman. The setting of a quiet town like Sleepy Hollow being invaded by this terrifying figure at night is very frightening.
The sense of helplessness. When people are in situations like those in scary real stories, they often feel powerless. Like in cases of supposed demonic possession, the victim seems unable to control their own body or actions, which is terrifying to think about.
The unknown. In many of these stories, like the Amityville Horror, there are unexplained phenomena. Strange noises, things moving on their own, and a sense of an unseen presence create fear. Another element is the threat to life or sanity. For example, in the case of Anneliese Michel, her life was in danger during the supposed possession and exorcism.
One key element is the sense of helplessness. In 'The Exorcist', the girl is completely at the mercy of the demon, and the adults trying to save her are constantly facing setbacks. It makes the audience feel powerless. In 'It', the children are vulnerable to Pennywise, and they have limited resources to fight back. Another aspect is the use of the supernatural. 'Rosemary's Baby' has the satanic cult and the idea of the devil influencing the unborn child. This goes against our normal beliefs and scares us because it seems to come from a realm we can't control. And in 'The Call of Cthulhu', the existence of an otherworldly and all - powerful being that can drive people insane just by being known about is truly terrifying.
The sense of isolation also plays a part. When people are alone, like the girl camping in the woods or the man on the lonely road, they feel more vulnerable. It's easier for fear to take over when there's no one around to help. Also, the unexpected. For example, the sudden appearance of the woman in white on the road or the growling outside the tent. It catches people off guard and amps up the fear.
The fact that they are true. When we hear a fictional horror story, we can sometimes distance ourselves by thinking it's just made up. But with true stories, it could have happened to anyone. It makes us realize that such terrifying things are part of the real world, and that makes it scarier.
The unknown factor is a big one. In true scary stories, like the real - life hauntings, we don't know exactly what is causing the strange events. Is it a ghost? A malevolent spirit? This uncertainty creates fear. For example, in the story of the Bell Witch, the family had no idea what was attacking them, which made it all the more terrifying.
The element of the unknown. In really scary true stories, often there are things that cannot be easily explained. For example, in a haunted house story, when objects move on their own or strange noises are heard, not knowing what is causing it creates fear. It could be a supernatural entity or some force we don't understand.