There's nothing like a good ghost story to get the hairs standing up on the back of your neck, to make you feel chilly and to keep you lying awake at night (it's actually a lot more fun than it sounds, promise). Everyone has a ghost story or two hidden up their sleeve, but, as is common with these urban myths, things can become twisted over time, like Chinese whispers, everyone has their own version, their own twist and their own dramatic take on things. With that in mind and with the release of Paranormal Activity : The Ghost Dimension and its terrifying new plotlines and ghostly ways, we felt all inspired to scare! Here are 9 of the freakiest ghost stories based on true events:
The Amityville Horror
Most of us have heard of or seen the film version of this freaky house and its strange goings on. Obviously the film version exaggerated everything for dramatic effect, but back in the 70's, police found six members of the DeFeo family murdered in their home, setting in place a series of events that would inspire films and a book series based around one of the most haunted houses in history.
The Haunting of the Stanley Hotel
This famous hotel in Colorado is reportedly one of the most haunted buildings in America and was said to have inspired Stephen King's 'The Shining' after he spent some time there. An usually high number of guests and staff have reported strange sightings, ghostly viewings, odd noises and even apparent parties happening in ballrooms, only to have empty rooms awaiting them upon investigation. *Shiver*
The Ghosts of Alcatraz
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Probably one of the most infamous prisons in the world, Alcatraz was the high-security island home to some of the world's most famous criminals, and also, apparently, a haunted spirit or ten. No prisoner has ever made it off the Island on which Alcatraz lies, and prisoners had reported seeing everything from ghosts to monsters, and most famous of all, a ghostly figure haunting Cell 14D, a once isolation cell.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (Anneliese Michel)
The film version of this famous exorcism/possession was depicted in a film released in 2005, but the real life version didn't feature an Emily Rose, instead, her name was Anneliese Michel and her family became convinced of her possession when she began having fits, attacking them, acting strangely in front of religious objects and, wait for it, drinking her own urine. Grim? Most certainly.
The Mothman Prophecies
Again, adapted into a dramatized film version starring Richard Gere, back in 1966, a small town in West Virginia was the subject of much controversy when it became home to the myth that was 'The Mothman'. People reported seeing winged creatures, creatures with glowing eyes that wreaked havoc and fear upon the townspeople and to this day, this is no clear explanation or reasoning behind it all. Creepy stuff indeed.
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The Ghost of Abraham Lincoln
The ghost of the former president has been spotted by numerous visitors and indeed residents of the White House over the years, including Winston Churchill and, more recently, The Obamas. The creepiest thing of all, though? Lincoln apparently saw his own fate before he was assassinated. He spoke of a dream in which he wandered into a funeral at the White House, and when he inquired of one of the mourners who had died, the man responded “The President… he was killed by an assassin.” It's no wonder he still apparently lurks around...
The Ghost of Anne Boleyn
Everyone knows the tragic tale of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and her upsetting end, but many have reported seeing her in a variety of places including The Tower of London, Hever Castle, Blickling Hall, Salle Church and Marwell Hall. Most report seeing her as a stunning, well-dressed lady, but some poor unfortunates see her in her beheaded state, head held under arm. Spooky...
The Haunted Queen Mary
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The Queen Mary is one of the most famous luxury ocean liner ships in History for many reasons, high up on the list? The fact that it is supposedly extremely haunted, so haunted, in fact, that certain parts of the ship are totally off limits to the public eye. The engine room (Room 13), where a crew member once perished, is said to be one of the most 'busy' places with lights, mysterious smoke and noises being reported. All aboard the ghost ship folks....
The Ghosts Of Glasnevin Cemetery
Glasnevin cemetery is home to over one million deceased Dubliners from all walks of life, among them, Eamon DeValera and Michael Collins, and so, with that much history in one place, there's bound to be some freaky stuff happening around the place. From ghostly dogs to the high walls and tower once used to spot grave snatchers, Glasnevin remains to be one of the most haunted places in Ireland. See you there on Oíche Samhain?
Freaked out yet? Was that a no I heard? Well, then I have just the solution for you, my friend! Get yourself down to your nearest cinema and catch some Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension to get yourself super spooked. When a young family move into a house, they discover a video camera that lets them see the house through far more sinister, paranormal eyes. Terrifying? Most certainly! Get your tickets here.
