Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, there’s something intriguing about the things that go bump in the night. Some of the most iconic movies feature paranormal happenings or unexplained abilities. Those interested in the paranormal are fascinated by ghosts, ghouls, demons, aliens and more—the paranormal encompasses anything easily dismissed as incompatible with the rules of known science. Yet the questions remain.
From paranormal kids films like the notable Goosebumps series, Casper the Friendly Ghost, and Beetlejuice to more mature options like The Conjuring, Midsommar, and Paranormal Activity, the paranormal is often explored in a range of horror movies and other media like books, comics, and podcasts.
But the realm of the paranormal is not limited to fiction only. There are entire swaths of paranormal researchers and lifelong searchers. From real-life accounts of hauntings and demon possession to a myriad of documentary-style ghost-hunting tv shows, we are drawn to the paranormal in search of answers. But will we ever find them?
If you’re a paranormal junkie or just curious about what could be out there, here are some intriguing places to start:
And once you’ve finished with these, explore the stories below for a fascinating deep dive into all things paranormal.
Those who venture down this eerie roadway report restless spirits, a haunted lake, and glowing orbs of light.
By Jamie Bogert
Haunting this grand cemetery in Buenos Aires are reports of a spectral watchman and the ghastly legend of a poor soul being buried alive.
By Jamie Bogert
Everyone's got inner demons—but these are the real thing.
By Mia Garcia
Multiple spirits were said to have wandered this eerie Alabama estate, including one spectral figure who may have been caught on camera.
By Orrin Grey
Nothing . . . not even death . . . could keep her from her Hollywood dreams.
The restless spirits of fallen soldiers still linger in the halls of this historic, Pennsylvania inn from the Revolutionary War.
In a quiet Virginia cemetery is a peculiar tomb that has mystified visitors for nearly two hundred years.
By Orrin Grey
Ghost hunter Cathi Weber describes her first encounter with the state's most spirited canine.
By Cathi Weber
This desolate burial ground outside of downtown Chicago is said to be one of the most haunted places in the country.
By Orrin Grey
The buildings may be empty, but the ghosts of the past still linger in the streets ...
By Orrin Grey
On a hill in Ohio stood a stately brick mansion with a sinister reputation.
Sometimes love has a dark side...
The terrifying home was said to be the lair of “200 demons.”
In the shadow of Mount Fuji is a mysterious forest where hundreds of souls have ended their lives.
Soon after moving into their stately Stratford mansion in 1848, the Phelps family realized they were not alone.
From a ghostly carriage to the restless spirit of a slaughtered highwayman, this quiet English village is teeming with paranormal activity.
Looming over the noisy markets and car-crowded streets of Bangkok is an eerily empty tower that’s shrouded in mystery.
Soon after moving into their quaint country home, Lui and Dale Passetto encountered a force of pure evil.
By Jamie Bogert
From the Second Regiment Armory to the site of H.H. Holmes' infamous murder castle, the Windy City is bustling with paranormal activity.