The 11 most famous Ghosts in the world answers perhaps one of the most debatable questions: Are ghosts real? But the countless reports and sightings can’t be denied. And, like the 11 Most Famous Abandoned Places in the World, there’s definitely something spooky about ghosts.
Especially ghosts who have haunted family after family for centuries. These ghosts come from all across the world, from London to Switzerland to the United States. Another observation is that the majority of them are female. Guess women really do have enchanting powers.
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To truly discover the most famous ghosts, we went to twelve reputable ghost-listing sites including Live Science and Legends of America. We then ranked the ghosts by how often they were listed on the sites. Each mention warranted one point, though the most points any ghost received was 7. Let’s just say, there’s a wide variety of famous ghosts in the world, but these are at the top.
Some scratch walls, some moan and weep, some scream, some hitchhike, some have glowing eyes, but all terrify. Horror stories have come from residents or visitors to these locations throughout the ages of time. Because after all, how do you kill a ghost?
Prepare to be spooked as you learn about the most famous ghosts in the world. And be sure to watch out for them. One may be peering over your shoulder at this very moment.
11. Tower of London Ghost – 3 points
This is known as one of the most haunted locations in Britain. And it’s no wonder, because all manner of executions, imprisonments and torture have occurred within its stone walls.
10. Ghost of Hampton Court – 3 points
Once the husband of King Henry VIII, Catherine was dragged screaming to her room while under house arrest for committing adultery. That explains why her ghost is also called the “Screaming Lady.”
9. Winchester Mystery House – 3 points
This California landmark was once the residence of the famous Winchesters. Though it now serves as a popular tourist attraction, even the Winchesters long ago reported ghost sightings of anyone killed by a Winchester rifle.
8. White House Ghosts – 3 points
Some say the White House Ghost is Abraham Lincoln (which we’ll discuss later), but he’s not the only former resident who’s appeared here. White House ghosts have included Andrew Jackson, Ronald Reagan, former First Ladies Abigail Adams and Dolley Madison and even David Burns, former owner of the White House land.
7. La Llorona – 4 points
Mostly common among Hispanic culture, this ghost, also known as the “Weeping Woman,” roams near Mexican rivers and streams. Why? She is said to be searching for her drowned children. Parents have been known to tell this story to children to scare them away from running out at night. I would be scared too.
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6. Belchen Tunnel White Woman – 4 points
This Switzerland tunnel houses a ghostly hitchhiker who consistently appears in front of drivers out of nowhere, and sometimes even speaks. Generous drivers who have picked this woman up say she soon vanishes right in their back seat.
5. Abraham Lincoln – 4 points
Though there seems to have been multiple ghost sightings of former presidents at the White House (which we discussed earlier in this list of most famous ghosts in the world), this sighting is the most popular.
4. Amityville Haunting – 5 points
This legend came about through a picture that was released in 1976. It depicts a boy with glasses or a man kneeling on the floor with eyes glowing. Of course, it could also be an ordinary man working in the location that night whose eyes appeared to be glowing from the infrared film. But it’s more fun to believe it was a ghost.
3. Bloody Mary – 6 points
Bloody Mary, the former queen of England (not the alcoholic beverage), is said to appear in a mirror when her name is called three times. So never speak about the alcoholic beverage in front of any mirrors.
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2. The Brown Lady – 6 points
Raynham Hall in Norfolk, England is said to be the home of this creepy creature. In pictures where she’s been spotted, she consistently wears a long brown brocade dress, the cause of her name.
1. The Bell Witch – 7 points
Everyone seems to be frightened of this evil wonder. She even has her own website! The story took place during the early 19th century in Tennessee where a farmer and his family were seemingly attacked by a witch named Kate Batts who caused unusual sounds, spooked animals and scratching. President Andrew Jackson was even said to be spooked by the Bell Witch when he came to investigate.
Scared out of your socks yet? Breathe a sigh of relief- the 11 Most Famous Ghosts in the World is over.
