What are some elements that make the top ten creepiest ghost stories so terrifying?

The element of surprise is also key. Many of these stories have sudden appearances of the ghosts. Take the Headless Horseman. He can come out of nowhere, riding through the forest and scaring those who cross his path. His sudden presence, along with his menacing look, is what makes the story so scary. Also, the setting plays a role. Dark, isolated places like old mansions or cemeteries are common settings in these stories. They add to the overall spooky atmosphere. For instance, in some versions of Bloody Mary, the bathroom becomes a place of dread because it's a small, often - dark and enclosed space where one feels vulnerable.

The violation of personal space is a huge factor. Like an intruder going through your personal belongings, wearing your clothes as in some of these horror stories. It gives a sense of being violated. Also, the feeling of being watched, which is common in these tales. Just the thought that someone could be observing you in your most private moments is terrifying. Another aspect is the unpredictable behavior of the intruder. They might not steal but instead do strange and menacing things.

The unknown element. In many of these stories, like 'The Bell Witch', we don't fully understand the origin or the power of the entity haunting. It creates a sense of unease. Also, the idea of being haunted in familiar places such as a family home like in 'The Amityville Horror' is scary because it's supposed to be a safe space.

There was also a case where a couple came home to find their front door slightly ajar. They were sure they had locked it. As they entered cautiously, they heard a low growl coming from the basement. They didn't have any pets. The husband grabbed a baseball bat while the wife called the police. They waited outside until the police arrived. When the police searched the basement, they found some strange markings on the walls and a small hole in the corner that seemed to lead outside. It was as if something had been living down there, sneaking in and out of their home.

The element of the unknown makes these stories disturbing. For example, in the case of many serial killer stories like Jack the Ripper, the police and the public didn't know who he was or when he would strike next. Another factor is the brutality of the crimes. When you hear about the gruesome details of murders like the ones committed by Jeffrey Dahmer, it's really hard to stomach. Also, the supernatural aspect in some stories, like the hauntings in the Winchester Mystery House, where people believe there are ghosts and unexplained phenomena, adds to the creepiness.

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.

One element is the isolation. Many of the scariest ghost stories, like 'The Shining', take place in isolated locations such as a desolate hotel or a far - away farmhouse. This isolation makes it seem like there's no hope of getting help. Also, the sudden and unexplained events are terrifying. In 'The Conjuring' case, doors slamming and objects moving on their own without any obvious cause really freak people out. The appearance of the ghosts themselves can be very scary. In 'The Woman in Black', her pale and menacing figure is enough to send shivers down your spine.

For the Ouija board story, it's the fear of the supernatural. The idea that a simple board game could connect to some otherworldly force is really spooky. The fact that it got cold and the planchette moved on its own goes against our understanding of how things should work in the normal world. It makes us feel like we've stepped into a realm where the rules don't apply.

The setting also plays a crucial role. A dark, isolated place like an old abandoned house or a lonely forest path can immediately create a sense of dread. It's the kind of place where you feel cut off from the world and help is far away. For instance, in stories set in old asylums, the long, echoing hallways add to the spookiness.

The unknown. When we don't know what the ghost is, what it wants, or how it will act, it scares us. For example, in a story where people just hear strange noises at night but can't figure out the source, it creates fear.