32 Spine-Chilling Ghost Stories from the Spirits’ Own Eyes!

Are you finding it monotonous to keep encountering haunted house films with the repetitive trope of scared-witless living characters facing off against spectral beings? Instead, I’d prefer stories where ghosts take center stage, and fortunately, there are numerous ones like that out there. Here is a list of terrifying horror movies, TV shows (and even some not strictly horror but still chilling) that will leave you with a positive outlook on… well, the supernatural.

Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton’s horror-comedy masterpiece, “Beetlejuice“, stands out as one of the earliest ghost tales where spirits aim to expel the living from their home rather than the other way around. In this unique twist, the characters Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis) find themselves in such a predicament that they invoke the troublemaking character named Beetlejuice, portrayed by Michael Keaton. However, their call for help backfires when they unintentionally summon him three times, leading to an unexpected friendship with a young girl named Lydia (Winona Ryder).

Casper (1995)

Initially appearing in an animated short from 1945, one of popular culture’s most beloved and amiable ghosts later found a permanent home in Harvey Comics. Decades later, Casper made his mark as the central character in a live-action film, with Bill Pullman and Christina Ricci portraying a father and daughter who unexpectedly meet Casper (voiced by Malachi Pearson) and his uncles (voiced by Joe Nipote, Brad Garrett, and Joe Alaskey), when they move into the mansion where these friendly spirits reside.

Ghosts (2019-2023)

The TV show “Ghosts,” a British comedy, tells the story of a woman (Charlotte Ritchie) and her husband (Kiell Smith-Bynoe), who move into a grand old house they’ve inherited. After a close brush with death, she gains the unique ability to see the numerous spirits residing within the house. CBS later produced an American remake of this sitcom, where both the living and the dead learn to live together harmoniously, and it too became very popular.

Corpse Bride (2005)

From a theoretical standpoint, it might appear that Tim Burton and Mike Johnson’s gothic stop-motion romance film “Corpse Bride” would primarily follow Victor’s (Johnny Depp) journey as he endeavors to escape his unintended marriage with the reanimated Emily (Helena Bonham Carter). However, surprisingly, the narrative instead showcases Emily’s plight, delving into her efforts to find love before and after her unfortunate, untimely demise.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

In the gripping M. Night Shyamalan film, The Sixth Sense, it isn’t until a surprising revelation that we understand the story is predominantly seen through the perspective of a ghost. Even the child psychologist, Dr. Malcolm Crowe (played by Bruce Willis), doesn’t realize he has passed away until after he assists young Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment) in accepting his ability to see spirits.

American Horror Story: Murder House (2011)

In the initial narrative presented in the popular television series, “American Horror Story,” which later became known as “Murder House” due to its retitling, we follow a family relocating to a home steeped in eerie past events. Throughout this 12-episode season, diverse storylines delve into the ghostly inhabitants of the California mansion, their former lives, and their struggles with existence beyond life.

Ghost Town (2008)

Ricky Gervais features in director David Koepp’s movie, titled “Ghost Town“. In this film, Gervais plays a dentist who isn’t very sociable, but circumstances change when he experiences a brush with death that grants him the unique ability to communicate with the deceased. One persistent ghost (portrayed by Greg Kinnear) requests his help in preventing the ghost’s widow (played by Téa Leoni) from marrying someone unsuitable.

School Spirits (2023-Present)

School Spirits, an untold graphic novel creation by Nate and Megan Trinrud, follows Peyton List as 17-year-old Maddie Nears, who mysteriously finds herself confined within her high school along with other deceased teens. The unique aspect is that only her best friend, Simon (portrayed by Kristian Ventura), can perceive her presence. Together, they delve into the enigma surrounding Maddie’s demise in this critically acclaimed series accessible via a Paramount+ subscription.

We Have A Ghost (2023)

One unexpectedly charming instance of a blend between horror and comedy can be found in director Christopher Landon’s film titled “We Have a Ghost“. This production is inspired by a short story about a benevolent ghost named Ernest, who is the central character. In this movie, David Harbour plays the role of the speechless spirit, who forms a friendship with young Kevin Presley (Jahi Winston). The spirit’s presence transforms Kevin into an internet sensation.

Ghost (1990)

Among the most romantic and chilling thrillers ever made is the film “Ghost,” which might seem out of place coming from the director of “Airplane!”, Jerry Zucker. In this movie, Patrick Swayze portrays Sam, a Wall Street worker who meets an untimely end in Manhattan. To save his girlfriend Molly (Demi Moore) from harm, he seeks assistance from a medium named Oda Mae Brown, played by the award-winning Whoopi Goldberg.

Dead Like Me (2003-2004)

I’m not typically accustomed to a show starting off with the main character meeting an untimely end in the pilot episode, but that’s how it goes for Georgia “George” Lass (Ellen Muth) in creator Bryan Fuller’s Showtime series, Dead Like Me. After being taken by an unexpected meteorite, this disgruntled temp finds herself thrust into her most challenging assignment yet – helping to usher more souls into the afterlife as a grim reaper.

A Ghost Story (2017)

One could find it amusing to imagine a film where a man (portrayed by Casey Affleck) ghostly monitors his spouse (Rooney Mara) from beyond the grave, dressed in a white sheet adorned with eyeholes reminiscent of a simple Halloween costume. However, writer and director David Lowery masterfully creates one of the most profound and poignant horror movies about mourning with A24’s A Ghost Story.

Are You Afraid Of The Dark, “The Tale of the Dream Girl” (1994)

In an interview with ScreenCrush, M. Night Shyamalan denied claims that the idea for his movie The Sixth Sense came from watching an episode of Nickelodeon’s Are You Afraid of the Dark?. Given that “The Tale of the Dream Girl” concludes with the protagonist, Johnny (portrayed by Fab Filippo), discovering he is a ghost, it seems plausible why people might think the director drew inspiration from the Midnight Society.

The Frighteners (1993)

In most ghost tales, a person who studies the supernatural is questioned and accused of fabricating the hauntings they’re hired to examine. This very predicament befalls the character portrayed by Michael J. Fox in director Peter Jackson’s movie, “The Frighteners.” However, these suspicions prove partially accurate because while the hauntings are genuine, they are orchestrated by ghosts that the medium has manipulated to help him carry out his deception in this dark comedy, which is frequently likened to “Beetlejuice.

Ghost Whisperer (2005-2010)

In each installment of “Ghost Whisperer”, unique ghost tales unfold where the deceased get an opportunity to express themselves. The task of conveying their messages to their loved ones is taken up by Melinda Gordon, a character played by Jennifer Love Hewitt, who possesses a special ability to converse with spirits from birth.

The Devil’s Backbone (2001)

One of Guillermo del Toro’s top films, “The Devil’s Backbone,” primarily revolves around 12-year-old Carlos (Fernando Tielve). After the Spanish Civil War claims his father’s life, he is placed in an orphanage. However, this shelter turns out to be haunted, causing Carlos initial fear towards Santi (Junio Valverde), a ghost of a boy who met his tragic end at the orphanage years ago. It isn’t until Carlos uncovers the story behind Santi’s death that they form an alliance.

The Others (2001)

In the late 1990s and 2000s, movies featuring surprising twist endings where the main character (or characters) were deceased throughout the story gained significant popularity, a fact that might surprise you. For instance, just a few years following the release of “The Sixth Sense”, Nicole Kidman took on the role of a mother of two in “The Others”. In this movie, she believed her house was haunted, but eventually discovered that she, her children, and others were actually the spirits haunting it.

I Am A Ghost (2012)

Living in a haunted house isn’t always the thrilling experience portrayed in scary tales; on the contrary, it can be a living nightmare for the ghost. This is vividly illustrated in H.P. Mendoza’s film I Am a Ghost, where the spirit of Emily (Anna Ishida), who was murdered, battles to transcend and flee from her tormented existence. The only help she receives in this journey is from an invisible medium named Sylvia (Jeannie Barroga).

Carnival Of Souls (1962)

In the film “Carnival of Souls”, the main character Mary Henry (played by Candace Hilligoss) is involved in a severe car accident at the start. Later on, she becomes part of a traveling carnival as an organist. However, it’s not until the end that we learn a chilling truth: Mary didn’t actually survive the car crash, making this film one of its kind where the fate of the protagonist is concealed until the very end.

The Lovely Bones (2010)

Following his work on The Frighteners, Peter Jackson ventured into another ghostly tale, but this time with a more sincere approach, titled The Lovely Bones. Adapted from Alice Sebold’s novel, it features Saoirse Ronan as a 1970s Pennsylvania teenager who, after her death, observes her family and her murderer (Oscar-nominated Stanley Tucci) from the spirit world.

Presence (2025)

Have you ever imagined watching a horror movie where the ghostly presence has total control over the camera, allowing you to experience all the action as if you’re seeing it through its eyes? That was the idea director Steven Soderbergh had when he collaborated with screenwriter David Koepp to create Presence. At heart, this film is a family drama, but it offers a unique twist: the story is narrated entirely from the point of view of the spectral entity haunting the family.

Always (1989)

Although not typically ranked among Steven Spielberg’s top films, Always remains a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant movie due to its premise. Essentially a modern take on the 1943 film A Guy Named Joe, this drama revolves around Pete (Richard Dreyfuss), a deceased pilot, who guides Brad Johnson (Ted Baker) from beyond the grave. Notably, Pete’s sorrowing girlfriend, Dorinda (Holly Hunter), develops feelings for Brad as the story unfolds.

The Scream Team (2002)

Year after year, Disney Channel has been airing terrific horror films suitable for younger viewers during October, like “The Scream Team“. The story revolves around two siblings, Ian Carlyle and Kat Dennings, who are still mourning the passing of their grandfather. They encounter a trio of ghostly characters portrayed by Tommy Davidson, Kathy Najimy, and Eric Idle, who aid them in vanquishing a vengeful spirit that is snatching innocent souls.

Heart And Souls (1993)

In “Heart and Souls,” Robert Downey Jr. plays a businessman who gains a fresh opportunity at life when he reconnects with the spirits of four individuals who acted as his protectors during his childhood. These ghostly figures, portrayed by Charles Grodin, Kyra Sedgwick, Alfred Woodard, and Tom Sizemore, seek his assistance in settling their outstanding affairs so they can finally move on to the afterlife.

When Good Ghouls Go Bad (2001)

A delightful yet rarely revisited TV movie suitable for family watchings during Halloween is “When Good Ghouls Go Bad“, originally inspired by famed author R.L. Stine of “Goosebumps” fame. In this production, Christopher Lloyd dons the role of “Uncle Fred” Welker, who meets an untimely demise at the hands of toppling pumpkins, only to resurface and embark on a quest with his grandson (portrayed by Joe Pichler) to expose the source of a perplexing curse tormenting their town.

Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990)

In a heartfelt and whimsical fashion, “Truly, Madly, Deeply” is a romantic comedy-drama penned by Anthony Minghella and directed by him as well. The film features Juliet Stevenson portraying a woman mourning her deceased lover, who is Alan Rickman’s character. Yet, when his spirit reappears to be with her (accompanied by numerous companions he’s made in the afterlife), she starts pondering what her true desires are when she encounters a man among the living.

Blackbeard’s Ghost (1968)

In a fresh and simple rephrasing, here’s how the sentence could be restated: The nearly forgotten Disney film titled Blackbeard’s Ghost features Peter Ustinov as the main character, the spirit of the infamous pirate Blackbeard. He is inadvertently brought back to the present by a high school track coach (portrayed by Dean Jones), who later enlists Blackbeard’s aid to stop a neighborhood gangster from demolishing a local hotel.

The Haunted Hathaways (2013-2015)

As a movie buff, I can’t help but rave about my newfound love for Nickelodeon’s “The Haunted Hathaways.” This captivating tale follows a courageous single mother and her charming daughters as they embark on an extraordinary journey, relocating to a quirky New Orleans abode. Little did they know, this house was no ordinary dwelling; it was home to a lively clan of spirits!

Ghoster (2022)

In “Ghoster,” a young girl encounters the title ghost, who she needs to assist in breaking free from the recently inherited house by her.

R.I.P.D. (2013)

In the afterlife, there exists a unique entity known as the Rest in Peace Department (R.I.P.D.), where fallen law enforcement officers are enlisted to safeguard the living from mischievous spirits. Upon his arrival in this realm, Ryan Reynolds’ character, Nick Walker, is teamed up with the seasoned Roy, a fellow officer in this supernatural police force.

Over Her Dead Body (2008)

In the movie “Over Her Dead Body,” Eva Longoria portrays a woman who is inadvertently killed on her wedding day. After death, her spirit comes back to disrupt her former fiancé, played by Paul Rudd, and his current girlfriend, embodied by Lake Bell.

Ghost Dad (1990)

Under the direction of Sidney Poitier (indeed, that Sidney Poitier), the film “Ghost Dad” offers a humorous blend of supernatural and family elements. Bill Cosby stars as a busy father who rarely spends time with his kids, but experiences a change of heart after a strange car accident turns him into a ghost.

2025-05-28 19:40