One of the scariest could be 'The Slenderman Saga'. It's got that creepy unknown element and builds tension really well.
For me, 'The No-End House' is terrifying. The concept of endless rooms with escalating horror is spine-chilling. The way it plays with your mind and expectations makes it a top scare.
One of the scariest online stories is about a cursed video. People who watched it reported strange things happening around them, like seeing shadowy figures and hearing unexplained noises. It spread fear as more and more people claimed to have had similar experiences after viewing it.
The unknown is a really scary element. In online creepy stories, when things happen from an unknown source like a faceless sender of strange messages. Another scary part is the feeling of being watched, like in the story where someone heard a voice in an online game that seemed to be watching them specifically. And also, the unexpected glitches or strange things popping up out of nowhere, like the face on the website screen.
These stories are often considered the scariest because they play on common fears. For example, 'The Hook' plays on the fear of being in a vulnerable situation, like being alone in a car at night, and the threat of a violent and unpredictable attacker. It's a simple yet effective way to create fear.
The unknown. In short horror stories, often what you don't see or understand is the scariest. For example, in 'The Red Room', not knowing what is making the noises in the walls creates a sense of dread. Another element is the isolation. When the characters are alone, like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', it amplifies the fear.
They're popular for several reasons. First, they allow us to face our fears in a controlled way. When we read or listen to a scary bedtime story, we can experience the fear and then close the book or turn off the audio and be in the safety of our own room. Also, they often have elements of mystery and the supernatural which are very fascinating. Moreover, sharing these stories can create a sense of bonding among people, as they can talk about how scared they were or their favorite parts.
I'd say 'Parasyte' is up there. The idea of parasites taking over human bodies and the gruesome visuals make it a scary manga. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat with its suspense.
I think 'Courage the Cowardly Dog' is one of the scariest. The creepy monsters and dark settings really give you the chills.
For me, 'Tomie' is super scary. The idea of an immortal and manipulative woman who causes chaos wherever she goes is really spine-chilling. Also, the art style adds to the creepy atmosphere.
I think 'The Walking Dead' is one of the scariest. The zombies and the survival aspect really get to you.