Pokémon's reputation for child-friendliness is undeniable, with its core games consistently receiving an "E for Everyone" rating. However, beneath the surface of Pikachu and Eevee's cheerful demeanor lies a surprisingly dark undercurrent. Some Pokédex entries hint at unsettling stories of abduction and even murder, adding a layer of unsettling intrigue to the franchise.
IGN has compiled a list of five particularly creepy Pokédex entries (though many more exist). Notable omissions include Mimikyu, a Pokémon whose terrifying appearance compels it to disguise itself as Pikachu; Haunter, known for its chilling habit of stalking victims before delivering a fatal lick; and Hypno, whose hypnotic abilities and penchant for child abduction have been depicted even in the children's cartoon.
AnswerSee ResultsDrifloonA young girl, excited for a weekend of flower picking, encounters a seemingly innocent purple balloon. However, this Drifloon, a Balloon Pokémon, is far from harmless. Its playful tug becomes a sinister abduction, echoing the terrifying imagery of IT. While some Pokédex entries portray it as a spirit, others detail its chilling habit of luring children away, its body expanding with each captured soul. Its appearance in the games, limited to Fridays at the Valley Windworks, adds to its mysterious and unsettling nature.
Banette
This Marionette Pokémon's backstory is reminiscent of a vengeful toy, similar to Annabelle or Chucky. A discarded doll, fueled by resentment, seeks retribution against the child who abandoned it. Pokédex entries describe its haunting presence in dark alleys and its method of inflicting harm – self-inflicted pin pricks mirroring the pain it inflicts on its target. Only by mending its "smile" or showing it affection can its negative energy be appeased.
Sandygast
The seemingly harmless sandcastle-themed Pokémon, Sandygast, belies a terrifying reality. Pokédex entries warn against leaving unattended sandcastles, as they can become possessed. Sandygast's predatory nature is revealed as it ensnares its victims, absorbing their bodies and souls to increase its size. Its evolution, Palossand, further solidifies its monstrous nature, earning the moniker "Beach Nightmare."
Frillish
The Floating Pokémon, Frillish, uses its seemingly helpful nature to lure victims. Its thin, veil-like arms, armed with thousands of poisonous stingers, paralyze its prey before dragging them to their watery graves five miles beneath the surface. The victims remain conscious during this descent, experiencing a terrifying and prolonged demise.
Froslass
Drawing inspiration from Yuki-onna and Medusa, Froslass is a chilling spectacle. The spirit of a woman lost in a blizzard, it preys on men it deems handsome, luring them to its icy lair. Pokédex entries describe its habit of freezing its victims and using their bodies as decorations, creating a horrifying tableau of its past victims.