One classic is the story of the New Year's Eve Phantom. Legend has it that on the stroke of midnight, a figure in a tattered white gown appears in the town square. It's said to be the spirit of a person who died on New Year's Day many years ago, unable to move on. Another is about a haunted mansion where every New Year, strange noises come from the attic as if the ghosts are having their own New Year's celebration.
One classic is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's a very eerie story about a governess who believes the children she's taking care of are being haunted by the ghosts of their former servants. Another is 'The Monkey's Paw' by W.W. Jacobs. A family comes into possession of a magical monkey's paw that can grant wishes, but with terrifying consequences. And 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, which features the iconic vampire Count Dracula who is often associated with the undead and ghost - like qualities.
One popular Asian ghost story is the 'Yuki - onna' from Japanese folklore. She is a snow spirit often depicted as a beautiful woman in a white kimono. Another is the 'Pontianak' from Malay and Indonesian folklore. It is a female vampire - like ghost. And the 'Korean Ghost Bride' story is also quite well - known, where a dead bride returns to haunt the living.
One of the top scary ghost stories could be 'The Bell Witch'. It's a well - known American ghost story. The Bell Witch was said to haunt the Bell family, causing all sorts of strange phenomena like objects moving on their own and strange noises at night.
The 'Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy' also has its share of ghost - related scary stories. It often involves Grim, the Grim Reaper, who is a supernatural being. There are various tales where they encounter otherworldly ghosts and deal with the consequences in a rather dark - humored way. In one story, they enter a haunted house filled with angry spirits.
There's the story of 'The Girl in the Red Dress'. In this story, a girl in a red dress is seen in an old, abandoned house. She is said to be a ghost of a child who died there long ago. Also, 'The Gray Lady' is often told. She is a ghostly figure that haunts old castles or mansions, and her appearance is often accompanied by a cold chill. These stories are spooky and have been passed down among kids for generations.
Well, 'The Monkey's Paw' is a very well - known scary fictional ghost story. It shows how a simple paw can bring misfortune and horror as the wishes made upon it come true in the most unexpected and dreadful ways. Also, Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Fall of the House of Usher' has elements of a ghostly presence. The decay of the house and the strange happenings seem to be related to some kind of otherworldly force.
One well - known scary British ghost story is 'The Woman in Black'. It's set in an old, spooky house in a desolate area. The apparition of the woman in black is often associated with the death of children. Another is 'The Monkey's Paw'. Although not strictly a traditional British ghost story in the sense of a spectral figure, it has a very eerie and supernatural feel. The paw has the power to grant wishes but always with a terrible and unforeseen consequence.
One classic scary werewolf short story is 'The Wolf-Man' by Curt Siodmak. It's a great read with its chilling description of the transformation into a werewolf. The main character Larry Talbot's struggle against his inner beast is really engaging.
One classic scary sleep over story is 'The Hook'. It's about a couple parked in a lover's lane. They hear on the radio about an escaped convict with a hook for a hand. Then they hear strange noises outside the car. Later, when the boy drives away in a panic, they find a hook dangling from the car door handle. It's really spooky.
They are popular during New Years because it's a time of new beginnings. The contrast between the hope and celebration of the new year and the spooky elements in the stories makes them more interesting. Also, when families and friends gather during New Years, sharing these stories adds an extra element of entertainment.