The unique art style. Anime has the ability to create really strange and otherworldly looking ghosts through its distinct art. For example, in 'Another', the distorted and pale faces of the characters in the spooky scenes are very effective in creating a sense of dread.
The mystery. We don't really know if ghosts exist, and that uncertainty makes these stories fascinating. It's like peeking into the unknown.
They play on our primal fears. Everyone is a little afraid of the unknown, and ghosts represent that. For example, a story about a haunted mirror where you see a face that's not your own briefly. It gives you chills because it's something that could potentially happen to anyone, yet it's so strange and unexplainable.
The mystery in them is appealing. We don't know if ghosts truly exist, and these stories play on that uncertainty.
The unknown. In ghost stories, there are things that can't be easily explained. It gives people a thrill.
The brevity. Since they are short, they can quickly deliver a spooky punch. You don't have to invest a lot of time, and yet you can get a satisfying horror experience.
The cultural aspect. Many anime with ghost stories draw on Japanese folklore. This gives a rich backdrop to the stories. In 'Natsume's Book of Friends', the yokai are based on traditional Japanese spirits. Viewers get to learn about different cultural beliefs and superstitions while enjoying the anime. Also, the art and animation in these anime can create a really spooky and immersive atmosphere. The use of lighting, sound effects, and character designs all contribute to making the ghost stories more appealing.
The short format. It allows for a quick and intense dose of spookiness. You can get the full experience of a ghost story without having to invest a lot of time.
The humor in them makes it appealing. When you combine the spooky elements of ghosts with funny situations or characters' reactions, it creates a unique contrast. For example, in 'Ghost Stories', the ghosts' attempts to be scary are often thwarted by the characters' nonchalant or comical responses.
The mystery in horror creepy stories is appealing. We like to be scared in a safe way. It's like a thrill ride where we can experience the fear without real danger.
Short creepy stories are appealing because they can play on our deepest fears. They often involve things like the unknown, the supernatural, or things that seem wrong in a normal world. Take a story where a person finds a door in their house that wasn't there before. It makes us wonder what could be behind it and scares us at the same time. Also, they are short enough to give us a quick scare without a long - drawn - out build - up, which is perfect for those who want a bit of horror in a short time.